Mallincam vs. The Imaging Source Cameras

rbazinet (Rob) · #1 16-10-2011, 03:21 PM

Hello,

This is probably a question with an obvious answer but..

I am considering purchasing a camera to start playing with astrophotography and the Mallincams produce some really nice images, but their availability and price seem high for getting started compared to the cameras from Imaging Source (The Imaging Source USB Astronomy Cameras).

The images from some of The Imaging Source also look really good. So, what are the things to consider when comparing the two? The price is pretty significant so I figure there has to be some details I am not aware of.

I want to do some moon, planetary and deep space objects so maybe I should not be considering either of these. Would something else be better? I don't really have a budget in mind, just want something to get started and get some decent results and learn the whole process.

Thank you in advance.

-Rob Bazinet

Poita (Peter) · #2 16-10-2011, 03:42 PM

I believe the mallincam is mainly for live viewing, but I could be wrong on that one.

You really need two cameras if you want to do planetary and DSO work, I'd decide what you want to do more of, and pursue one for a while.

If you have a DSLR then you can do DSO work with that, and the faster DMK or DBK cameras can handle planetary work.

What telescope and mount do you have?

tonybarry (Tony) · #3 16-10-2011, 06:53 PM

The Mallincam is a PAL or NTSC video camera with a thermoelectric cooler and a long integration time up to 56 seconds. They are available in monochrome (greyscale) as well as Bayer mask colour. Advantages include very low noise images due to the cooling, and the ability to timestamp the output to millisecond accuracy (with extra video equipment). Disadvantages are those associated with video - 8 bit imaging, two A/D conversions - and small frame size (720 x 575 for PAL). They are used in both high speed (planetary, occultation) work and in deep sky imaging, where they are able to detect objects of tenth magnitude with ease.

The Imaging Source camera is an uncooled Firewire or USB connected camera. It also uses 8 - bit imaging, but has only one A/D conversion. Their use appears mainly in planetary imaging.

If I was to choose and had funding, I would spring for the Mallincam every time. The CCDs are binned (i.e. hand-chosen from a batch for minimum hot pixels) and the cooling will provide much better imaging for deep sky work.

Note - I don't have a Mallincam, but have used a GStar which is similar but uncooled and with a much higher hot pixel count.

Regards,
Tony Barry

rbazinet (Rob) · #4 17-10-2011, 01:53 AM

Peter,

2 cameras is what seemed like the answer I was getting from other threads too. I may get something just moon and planetary for now, to get started.

I have an iOptron iEQ45 mount and an Explore Scientific ED127 refractor.

Thank you,
Rob

rbazinet (Rob) · #5 17-10-2011, 02:07 AM

Tony,

Thanks for the great detail. It sounds like some pretty big differences between the two brands. I have seen some output of the Mallincam and the are pretty nice but I didn't understand the differences between the two brands. If I go the video route the Mallincam sounds like the best bet.

Thanks,
Rob

riklaunim · #6 17-10-2011, 02:28 AM

I would say that TIS DMK cameras are much better than TV/Video cams like Mallincam. On most of Mallincam DS images the stars look ugly due to some poor frame grabber or limited resolution. Price of such camera + price of very good frame grabber = much more than TIS cams.
As for imaging both cams for DS imaging use quite short exposures and gathering a lot of frames.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #7 17-10-2011, 02:50 AM

Rob,

if you want to do Imaging, forget the Mallincam.

It is not, nor is it designed to be, an Imaging Camera. Pure and simple.

Mallincam Cameras are designed and hand built by Rock Mallin (they are not rebadged Mintrons as some believe) to be the best ASTROVIDEO cameras available, and they are.
Yes they are expensive, but for 'Live' video work and 'Live' broadcasting they are absolutely worth every cent.

I have the top of the line latest model Mallincam Xtreme for doing my online 'Live' broadcasts, but for Imaging I use a DSLR.

Poita (Peter) · #8 17-10-2011, 08:26 PM

In that case one of the TIS cameras would be your best bet. One Shot Colour if you don't want to have the expense and added difficulty of filters and wheels etc. or mono if you want slightly better images and resolution etc. for planetary.

For DSOs a second hand QHY8 is a great buy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbazinet

Peter,

2 cameras is what seemed like the answer I was getting from other threads too. I may get something just moon and planetary for now, to get started.

I have an iOptron iEQ45 mount and an Explore Scientific ED127 refractor.

Thank you,
Rob

rbazinet (Rob) · #9 18-10-2011, 01:53 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think to get started I am going to go the DSLR route and see where it takes me. Seems to be a nice economical solution.

-Rob

Derek Klepp · #10 20-10-2011, 07:38 PM

Rob check out the Solar system section and the results achieved by Von Tom using a DSLR with Video function its food for thought. I use GSTAREX cameras and am happy with what they offer although I am sure that as time goes buy I will try others. I primarily live view the night sky and image he Sun. Good luck