Orion StarShoot Solar System Color Imaging Camera IV

Orion StarShoot Solar System Color Imaging Camera IV Review

See more picture

Orion StarShoot Solar System Color Imaging Camera IV Feature

• 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

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 StarShoot Solar System Color Imager IV is equipped with features that make it easy to take your own images of objects in our solar system. Its 1/3-inch format CMOS imaging sensor with a 1280 x 1024 pixel layout can take sharply detailed planetary and lunar images. Each pixel is a mere 3.6µm x 3.6µm in size for exceptional image resolution in 24-bit RGB color. Since the 8-bit output StarShoot Solar System Color Imager IV is progressive scan, all pixels will be used for each and every exposure. At full 1280 x 1024 resolution, you can capture up to 15 frames per second. By stacking multiple exposures to create a single picture, you can increase image detail significantly.

Check price now

Rerate Products

• 1.25" Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter
• Celestron Accessory Kit
• TRENDnet USB to Serial Converter TU-S9 (Blue)
• Celestron 18778 AC Adapter for Computerized Telescopes
• NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

Customer Review

Dec 31, 2011 23:36:38

Celestron NexImage Solar System Imager

Celestron NexImage Solar System Imager Review

See more picture

Celestron NexImage Solar System Imager Feature

• Complete CCD solar system imager produces high-quality planetary images
• View and capture live video on your computer screen
• Software automatically filters out fuzzy frames for sharper image
• Easy to install and use
• Manually control gain, contrast, exposure time, and much more from your PC

Amazon.com Review Celestron's NexImage combines a sensitive CCD imaging device with powerful image processing software in one affordable package. Now anyone with a telescope can take pictures that are simply amazing.

An image of Jupiter taken with the Celestron NexImage Solar System Imager

Amateur astronomers have been taking great pictures of the moon and planets by using modified Webcams. The favored Webcams for astro-imaging have been the hard-to-find Philips ToUCam and Vesta models because of their high-performance CCD chips. Now Celestron's Neximage puts the same CCD technology in a package that's ready to use with any telescope that accepts 1.25-inch eyepieces. The NexImage includes an anodized metal nosepiece that fits in a 1.25-inch eyepiece holder. When I installed the Windows based software, I also updated my Windows Media Player files. Then I simply plugged the NexImage into my computers' USB port, and I was ready to start taking pictures.

The NexImage CCD is sensitive enough that I can take "snapshots" of the Moon or Sunspots (always use a safe Solar filter, of course!) even without a motor-driven telescope. The real power of the NexImage package, however, comes from its included Registax software which automatically aligns and stacks hundreds of individual AVI video frames into one sharp, highly detailed picture.

I used my 8-inch Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (similar to the Nexstar 8 GPS ) and my 2x Ultima Barlow lens to capture some beautiful pictures of Jupiter and Saturn. The sensitive Sony CCD chip in the NexImage easily shows color and detail on Jupiter that just doesn't show up when I use CMOS-based Webcams.

The fine performance of the NexImage package is limited somewhat by its included video capture software. The AmCap software doesn't give me the precise control of exposure times I'd like; I wasn't able to photograph the moon Callisto next to Jupiter, for instance, without overexposing the planet. Celestron doesn't mention the other little drawback in its ads. You'll have so much fun that your hard drive will start filling up with pictures and AVIs! --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Sensitive CCD chip
• Fits any telescope that takes 1.25-inch eyepieces
• Powerful image processing software

Cons:

• Takes practice to get the exposure time just right
• Software is Windows only
• You'll fill up your hard drive with pictures

The Celestron® NexImage astronomy is a complete CCD solar system imager capable of producing high quality planetary images with greater light sensitivity and color fidelity. The software automatically filters out video frames most affected by poor atmospheric "seeing" leaving only the sharpest, clearest frames to be stacked and aligned into one high-quality image.

Check price now

Rerate Products

• Celestron 94178 NexImage Reducer Lens
• Celestron Accessory Kit
• Celestron 18778 AC Adapter for Computerized Telescopes
• Celestron Vibration Suppression Pads
• Celestron 93625 Universal 1.25-inch Camera T-Adapter

Customer Review

Oct 27, 2011 06:45:05

GSI Super Quality 5-In-1 Lens Cleaning System Kit, Includes Blower Brush, Fluid, Cotton Pad, Cleaning Tissue And Cloth, For Cameras, Camcorders, Binoculars, Monoculars, Telescopes and All Optical Products

GSI Super Quality 5-In-1 Lens Cleaning System Kit, Includes Blower Brush, Fluid, Cotton Pad, Cleaning Tissue And Cloth, For Cameras, Camcorders, Binoculars, Monoculars, Telescopes and All Optical Products Review

See more picture

GSI Super Quality 5-In-1 Lens Cleaning System Kit, Includes Blower Brush, Fluid, Cotton Pad, Cleaning Tissue And Cloth, For Cameras, Camcorders, Binoculars, Monoculars, Telescopes and All Optical Products Feature

• New Cleaning Kit For Your Favorite Lens, Remove All Dirt, Dust And Fingerprints
• Cleaning And Maintaining Valuable Lenses Improves Greatly Picture Quality
• Convenient Tear-Off Tissue Booklet Contains 25 Tissues For Surface Cleaning
• Blower Brush With Detachable Head Increases Air Flow, Reaches Far Corners
• Complete with Cleaning Fluid, Cotton Pad Of 5 and Soft Wipe Cloth

The New GSI Cleaning Kit Includes All You Need To Maintain Your Favorite Lens And Keep It Clean. Easy, User Friendly And Affordable, It Is A Great Alternative To Other pricier Models Out There.

Check price now

Rerate Products

• Zeikos ZE-LPF Professional LCD / Lens Cleaner (Black )
• Zeikos ZE-CL5 5 Piece Deluxe cleaning kit for digital cameras, video cameras, Gps, binoculars
• Fotodiox Dedicated (Bayonet) Lens Hood, for Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 USM, II, II USM, III & III USM Lenses, Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS Lens as Canon ET-60
• Zeikos ZE-UV52 52mm Multi-Coated UV Filter
• AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories (Black)

Customer Review

Jul 07, 2011 23:39:07