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Hi Mark. I have about 10 security cameras and I tried them all for astro imagining. Most of them are useless for imagining of anything but Moon.The exposure time is too short (1/50 seconds) and S/N ratio (45dB) too low. Exceptions are frame-integrating cameras as some Mintron models (sold here as GStar) and Watec. Those cameras produce good images and can be used to show live views on computer or TV monitor. Unfortunately, they cost way over your budget.
Recently I have noticed cheaper frame integrating cameras appearing on eBay. It may be worth to try one.
Things to look for
Mono camera will have better sensitivity and less noise then colour one.
CCD chip size – 1/3” is OK but ½” is better. Bigger chip= large field of view.
S/N (Signal to noise ratio) should be over 52db. Bigger number = less noise.
Horizontal resolution 600 pixels or better.
PAL format – 795X596. 720X576 is OK as most of Video grabbers will not display anything higher
Frame integration - To calculate exposure time in seconds, divide frame integration number by 2(for interlaced cameras) and then divide result by 25. For example if maximum frame integration =32 then maximum exposure = (32/2)/25=0.64 seconds.
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