QuickCam Astrophotography: Tips for Stunning Night Sky Photos

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  • Thread starter Thread starter russ_watters
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on using a QuickCam for astrophotography with a 60mm refractor telescope, highlighting the successful processing of a 15-second video clip into a single photo using RegiStax. The user plans to target celestial bodies such as the sun, Saturn, and the Orion Nebula, emphasizing the affordability and effectiveness of the QuickCam for beginners. A new 114mm Newtonian reflector telescope with go-to capability has been ordered for enhanced imaging, demonstrating the user's commitment to improving their astrophotography skills.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of astrophotography techniques
  • Familiarity with RegiStax software for image processing
  • Knowledge of telescope types, specifically refractors and reflectors
  • Basic skills in video capture and editing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced techniques in astrophotography using QuickCam
  • Learn how to effectively use RegiStax for image stacking
  • Explore the capabilities of 114mm Newtonian reflectors
  • Investigate additional astrophotography tools and software for digitizing images
USEFUL FOR

Astrophotography enthusiasts, amateur astronomers, and anyone interested in capturing stunning night sky photos using budget-friendly equipment.

russ_watters
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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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