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Old 27-12-2011, 08:54 PM
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ballaratdragons (Ken)
The 'DRAGON MAN'

ballaratdragons is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: In the Dark at Snake Valley, Victoria
Posts: 14,412
Quote:
Originally Posted by Octane View Post
Ken (ballaratdragons) does this on Night Skies Network.

H
Yep, here I am to answer any questions about Video Astronomy

Quote:
Originally Posted by Astroman View Post
Yep speak to Ken or goto http://www.nightskiesnetwork.com/ you can log in and start asking questions, the guys on there are very helpful.
Yep, ask me or any other broadcaster any questions either in NightSkiesNetwork or in here

Quote:
Originally Posted by Star Hunter View Post
Is anyone doing the above and if so, with what?
What does one need to image the SS or Deep Sky objects?
Is there a camera that can image in real time (like video) of nebulae and galaxies?

What is the lowest LUX (0.000001) cameras like?
Are they expensive and if so, who makes them?
Whoah!!! slow down

One question at a time

Q: Is anyone doing the above and if so, with what?
A: Yes, and the cameras I use are a ToUcam, a modified Samsung SCC-A2333 (also called an SCB-4000) and a Mallincam Xtreme

Q: What does one need to image the SS or Deep Sky objects?
A: Many cameras and scopes give great results, but too many to list here.
As with any Astrophotography, it depends on what you want to look at. SS or DSO's.

Q: Is there a camera that can image in real time (like video) of nebulae and galaxies?
A: Real Time (like video) is practically impossible. The closest we can come is 'near real-time' which is anywhere from about 2 seconds delay from 'live' right up to minutes delay. But yes, viewing of Nebulae and Galaxies is now common place.

Q: What is the lowest LUX (0.000001) cameras like?
A: Here is a great tip: Ignore LUX ratings, as there is no standard. Manufacturers can advertise any Lux rating they want.
Often the same camera from different sources will quote different Lux ratings.

Q: Are they expensive and if so, who makes them?
A: Anywhere from around $180 to $1500. Manufacturers range from Phillips ToUcams thru to Samsung CCTV cameras, to Mintrons, to Gstar-Ex's, to SX Lodestars, to Mallincams.
Plus another half a dozen or so in between.

Many people comment on how Astro Video cameras aren't very good for imaging.
Well, they aren't made for imaging. They are made for 'Observing' in near real-time (and often in colour).
Video Astronomy is fantastic on Public viewing nights, or for anyone who is having trouble with poor eyesight or light pollution.

Here is my 'You Tube' video showing a sample of what can be achieved doing 'Live' (near real-time) Video Astronomy with a mid-priced modified Samsung camera. HERE (The results from the Mallincam is far superior to this)

Here is a recording of 'Night Skies Network' showing a sample of a Mallincam in use at the 'Foymount Video Astronomy Camp' in Canada (yes, Video Astronomy is soooo huge overseas that there are several Astronomy Camps devoted purely to video) HERE

Last edited by ballaratdragons; 27-12-2011 at 09:11 PM.
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