CCD Imaging

Brad · Guest

Hello,

I am interested in doing some imaging with my LX90 8" GPS and have thought about purchasing the DSI II. I was wondering if when you have the camera mounted are you able to view live images thru the telescope onto your laptop? Or do you have to start imaging and taking exposures before the image is available to view?

Brad

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

Not going to get real time images with any CCD imager. Have to download pics to the computer, first. About the only way to get real time images of any quality is to mount a high definition surveillance camera (very expensive) over the eyepiece, though some folks are selling some small cams designed for this purpose.
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Guest · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:11 am Post subject:

Hi

Browsing through the forum and wanted to clarify the imaging that one can take using a scope.

In reference to your answer above, but doesn't the Meade Deep Sky Imager II or III take snapshots continuosly?
Isn't that real time imaging (or very close)?
Can't you just leave the camera mounted on the scope and watch the images on your laptop?

Thanks in advance

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

Not real time, no. It takes "snapshots", but not in the sense of snapshots on a digital camera. It takes time for the "snapshots" to download to the computer and even more time for enough of them to accumulate and stack to get a useable image.
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Guest · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:47 am Post subject:

Hi

Thanks for your prompt reply.

Excuse my ignorance, but wouldn't it be better to use some sort of webcam or maybe the NexImage CCD Imager by NexStar which claims to produce live streaming from the scope.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5171

Hi

That's certainly an option, yes. To get real time images, I know some users that have mounted HD surveillance cameras over the eyepiece and viewed, remotely. This, however, is not cheap. There have also been some smaller handycams appearing on the market, specifically for use with telescopes. We don't carry these, but seems like the best option for most folks.
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