Webcam Imaging

The information below describes what equipment is needed for webcam imaging.

After learning about webcam imaging equipment, continue on to the webcam imaging tutorials to learn about capturing images.

Camera

It is assumed you already have a telescope and mount. One of the great things about webcam imaging is that it can be used with virtually any telescope. It will help to have some sort of tracking capability on your mount, otherwise the object will drift off the small imaging area of the webcam pretty quickly.

A great low cost camera for webcam imaging is the Philips SPC 9000NC. This camera is very reasonably price and does a great job. You can Google for places to purchase the camera, or check your local discount stores such as Wal-Mart. If budget is not a limitation, there are also higher end webcams available, such as the ones offered by The Imaging Source.

If you already have a webcam and want to know if this can be used for imaging, look at the QCUIAG website and the comparison matrix they have created.

You will also need an adapter, like the one shown below, to attach the webcam to the eyepiece holder. These adapters are sold by various astronomy shops such as Adirondack.

webcamadapter

Computer

One reason a webcam is inexpensive is that it needs, but does not include, a computer in order to operate. For most people this will require a laptop, unless you have a permanent setup or are close to home. There are no special requirements for the computer, other than it have a USB port for connecting the camera and be of a vintage that supports the software and drivers for the camera. None of the equipment or software on this page require heavy processing power, thus a wide range of laptops, both new and old, will work just fine.

Software

There are various software packages for webcam imaging available on the internet. Below is the required software and some of the most popular ones.

Drivers: You will the need to install the drivers for your camera. These should have come with the camera, or can be downloaded from the manufacture’s website. This is the only software that is required.

Registax: This program is absolutely amazing and really makes the webcam imaging processing viable. It is completely free and loaded with all kinds of great features for processing the output of a webcam. You can download it at the RegiStax website.

FireCapture: This is a free software program that excels at webcam imaging. You can download it at The FireCapture Home Page.

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