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[-=CROMAN=-]

Hey all...

I cannibalized a perfectly good Lifecam VX-7000 in hopes of capturing some decent images on Jupiter with the C8. Unfortunately, as you can see from my video, there is absolutely no definition/detail on Jupiter. It's merely a white orb with some specs of moons crossing the screen. I am using the Sharpcap capture software for these videos.

I tried capturing with the stock camera in the following ways.

1) Prime focus on a 20mm ep
2) The camera with its lens removed at prime focus on 20mm
3) Camera with lens in place without EP
4) Camera with lens removed without EP

What do you think the issue is when you look at the Jupiter video?




My finished product





Iskywatch Link with pictures
elenin.paranomalo.us/2011/12/lifecam-vx-700-webcam-moon-test/

Jupiter capture




Moon Capture

[Paulie pchris00]

Let's start with the Moon vid. Other than some bad seeing and vibrations from moving the Dob around, the Moon looks good. The webcam worked as intended in that instance. If you used the same configuration for the Jupiter vid, my best guess is that there isn't enough contrast on Jupiter's disk for the camera to pick up. I've tried all the same methods you described above with a webcam, and couldn't even get a good image of the Moon. Maybe try to filter Jupiter with a neutral density Moon filter if you're doing prime focus.

[patrickm]

My experience w/photography is that for the moon, you use basic daytime settings. For Jupiter, that will also get you in the ballpark for surface features. To grab the moons, you need more light, which will blow out any surface detail to a flaming orb.

This is with SLR. With webcam, I dunno.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Rich,

You don't explain in what configuration the set-up was in capturing those vids.

In my limited webcam experiments, I found that the program one uses makes or breaks a capture. I have used several free webcam programs, but like "SharpCap".

sites.google.com/site/rwgastro/sharpcap

It's primarily for astro imaging and allows controls to tweak the signal in real time while imaging. With it, you can manipulate the gamma, contrast, exposure etc...and bring out the details on Jupiter and such.

What are you using now?

[-=CROMAN=-]

Joe... I am also using the SharpCap software. I adjusted the gain, contrast, exposure, etc... What settings are you using on yours?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Heh.,...

You expect me to remember such things...?

I thought I had a Webcam capture of Jupiter, but all I could find now was that of the Moon with a Cheapo Chinese Lipstick cam....



Using the Sharpcam software...came out pretty decent.