Orion StarShoot Solar System Color Imaging Camera IV
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- Now compatible with Apple computers and laptops! Included software is now Mac OS X compatible, as well as Windows 7, Vista (32 bit & 64 bit), and XP operating systems
- Our fourth generation planetary imaging camera provides an affordable way to acquire stunning astrophotos of our neighbors in the solar system
- Features a 1/3″ format color CMOS imaging chip with a very small 3.6microns x 3.6microns pixel size for exceptional resolution
- Camera sensor features a 1280 x 1024 pixel layout with 1.3 megapixel resolution, progressive scan imaging uses all pixels for each exposure
- Features a 1.25″ nosepiece threaded for 1.25″ filters so you can enhance your astrophotos easily
telescope accessories
Astro-imaging is an immensely rewarding hobby, but the challenges involved can seem difficult to beginners. Some of the best objects to start on are the planets of our own solar system and the Moon. Big, bright targets like Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and the Moon make wonderful models as they strut their way around the Sun on their celestial catwalk. The planets are relatively easy to locate and identify in the night sky, so solar system objects prime imaging targets for all astro-imagers. The Orion
Orion StarShoot Solar System Color Imaging Camera IV
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Joshua Wormley
/ February 13, 2012StarShoot IV, great lunar imager,
I have mixed feelings about this camera. First, the good: Orion has done a great job with creating an affordable lunar/planetary imager with this camera. It’s very easy to install and operate. The focus comes out pretty clean on lunar features. And, it is very lightweight and fits quickly into and out of the eyepiece slot and sits at about the same focal point as [my] 15mm eyepiece when focused. This is the good stuff about the camera. Here’s the second, or frustrating stuff: I have calibrated and adjusted my finder scope to perfection. I have attached the camera straight to the visual back, to the diagonal, to a 2x barlow, to a focal reducer (just for fun) to change the focal lengths. I have also adjusted the software settings to all extremes. The results are that I cannot get the camera to gather enough light to capture either Jupiter or Saturn. I am using a Nexstar 6SE. I don’t want to sound unfair to Orion because I love their products and purchased the Nexstar from them, plus I have a Monochrome Imager from them that is awesome. But, I am not sure this imager can operate at the lower light levels required for planetary imaging. This is a great lunar imager, and probably not a great planetary imager – if that is your goal.
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|RES
/ February 13, 2012Entry level astrophotography,
This was the first astrophotography camera I purchased. I chose it for the price because I wanted an inexpensive camera to try solar astrophotography. At $99 I think it is a good value. I use it with a Lunt 60mm H-Alpha solar scope, mounted on an Orion AstroView EQ mount. It is easy to use and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Patience is required, and the instructions keep things simplified. The camera software and image processing can get complicated, and the system can do a lot more (image enhancements) than is covered in the instructions. But the simplified instructions were good for a beginner like me. I’m posting this review after the first day’s use. I did not contact Orion for technical support, but they have always been helpful in the past, and I would not hesitate to contact them if I wanted their help. I like tinkering first.
When using for solar imagining, ambient light leaked into the camera from the rear LED window. I used some foil and tape to block this out, but I bought it for solar imagining, so I deducted a star for this! For night imaging it probably would not be a problem.
Learning to use Registax is essential, and I recommend looking for tutorials on YouTube. Without using Registax you will be disappointed in the images. Registax (or other stacking software) is the key to using a modified webcam for astroimagining. The instructions do not cover stacking, but tell you were to go for help.
The instructions suggest learning the system in a lighted environment for the first session. I think this is essential. It would be a nightmare learning everything in the dark. Also, the instructions stress that focusing is the hardest part to learn. Patience and trial/error is a must. Also, a laptop works great in room lighting, but using it outdoors in the sun, or in the dark, both present challenges for focusing. Be patient!
Software might have a few minor bugs when running on XP. I’m not certain it is the Orion software; it could be my PCs. But I tried on two PCs (with XP on both) and had some quirks. First, AmCap crashed (not responding) on startup about 50% of the time. After a few uses, I uninstalled and reinstalled. This seemed to resolve most issues. Also, on both PCs, I found that it was best to plug in the camera and let the PC recognize it before launching AmCap. If I launched AmCap and then plugged in the camera, it seemed to cause problems. Note: the camera LED does not come on until the camera is running with AmCap. When idle on USB power (and AmCap closed) the LED is out.
If you buy the StarShoot, please post a review here, too, so we can all learn and share. Thanks.
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|Tim
/ February 13, 2012Pretty Good,
I got this for my birthday to use with my Meade ETX-80. It turned out to be just a hair off from focusing, making me have to get an adapter for using a straight tube, instead of the angled mirror. And I am ultimately OK with that, as it is the preferred method of viewing with the camera. I haven’t had any problems with it. I already have familiarity with Registax and similar programs since I have a bachelor’s degree in astronomy. But if you do not have any understanding of these programs, I would recommend getting familiar with them before you buy this, or any, camera.
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