QuickCam Astrophotography: Tips for Stunning Night Sky Photos

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around tips and experiences related to astrophotography using a QuickCam and a 60mm refractor telescope. Participants share their initial results, hardware upgrades, and future targets for photography, focusing on practical advice and personal experiences in capturing images of celestial objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience using a QuickCam with a 60mm refractor, mentioning the processing of a 15-second video clip into a photo using RegiStax.
  • Another participant recommends the QuickCam for budget astrophotography and provides a link to a resource for additional information.
  • There is a mention of disappointment with raw images of Saturn, but processing improved the results.
  • A participant highlights an impressive Saturn image from a different source, suggesting a digitizing program that may be beneficial.
  • One participant expresses a desire to upgrade their telescope after their initial attempts, indicating a shift towards a 114mm Newtonian reflector with go-to capability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share enthusiasm for astrophotography and the use of QuickCam, but there are varying opinions on the quality of raw images and the effectiveness of different processing techniques. No consensus is reached on the best approach or equipment.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of satisfaction with their equipment and results, indicating that personal preferences and experiences may influence their recommendations. Specific technical details about processing methods and hardware capabilities are discussed but not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astrophotographers, and individuals interested in low-cost astrophotography solutions may find this discussion beneficial.

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Inspired by http://www.usno.navy.mil/pao/QuickCamAstro.shtml , I've started using my 60mm refractor and a quickcam for astrophotography. Attached is one of my first pics (downsampled from 640x480 - I'll have to put up a website). I used a 15 second video clip combined into one photo and processed with RegiStax.

I have some new hardware coming for my scope, and my next targets will be the sun, Saturn, and the Orion Nebula.
 

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For anyone wishing to try their hand at astrophotography on the cheap, quickcam is the bomb. Here is a very nice source for nuts and bolts information.
http://www.ghgcorp.com/cshaw/quickcam.htm
 
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Next up...Saturn! I was a little disappointed with the raw images, but the processing helped a lot.
 

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Russ, did you see the Saturn image on ghgcorp? It was fantastic for a mere 8" Celestron. They have a link to a great digitizing program I think you would like.
 
Chronos said:
Russ, did you see the Saturn image on ghgcorp? It was fantastic for a mere 8" Celestron. They have a link to a great digitizing program I think you would like.
No, I don't see it. I'm going to need to spend some time surfing that site and the links - it looks great.

Anyway - it only took 46 hours from when I took those first pictures of Saturn that I realized I just had to have a new telescope. It really is a disease... So I ordered one of THESE: A 114mm Newtonian reflector with full go-to capability for $380. Not bad at all. I may need to pull an all-nighter this weekend to see Jupiter...
 

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