Software to adjust exposure? webcam, astrophotography

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding software to adjust exposure settings for webcams in astrophotography. Users recommend ManyCam and SplitCam, noting that while they are not specifically designed for this purpose, ManyCam offers features to adjust contrast and lighting. A participant discovered that their webcam's proprietary software allows for brightness adjustments, which can function similarly to exposure settings. Additionally, the OpenCV API is suggested for custom camera control, particularly for those interested in developing their own astrophotography software.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of webcam functionality and settings
  • Familiarity with ManyCam and SplitCam software
  • Basic knowledge of OpenCV API for camera programming
  • Concept of brightness versus exposure in imaging
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to use ManyCam for webcam adjustments
  • Explore the capabilities of SplitCam for live video streaming
  • Learn how to implement the OpenCV API for camera control
  • Investigate the differences between brightness and exposure in photography
USEFUL FOR

Astrophotographers, webcam users, software developers interested in camera programming, and anyone looking to enhance live video streaming capabilities.

kolleamm
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I'd like to use a webcam and take images of the planets directly from my computer but I can't seem to find a software though that let's me adjust the exposure for the live video while it's streaming.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance
 
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You could try ManyCam or SplitCam. Neither are made for what you're wanting to do, but ManyCam will allow you to adjust contrast, lighting, and a few other items. It might help, but may not. Good luck!
 
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Thanks for the advice! Turns out my cam does have it's own software that allows you to adjust brightness, which apparently means exposure. I tested it out on my lamp and it worked. Not sure why it's called brightness and not exposure.
 
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You may want to look harder for other settings. Brightness may not be exposure.
 
Your avatar is a circuit board... can you program?

You can use the OpenCV API to talk to your camera and tell it to do whatever you want. I'm planning on building a telescope with a camera soon, I've always planned on writing my own software for it.
 

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