You should prepare equipments below.
Video Camera | Hi-sensitivity video camera is necessary.
Monochrome camera which has 0.001 lux @ F1.4 or less minimum illumination is recommended for general purpose. Cameras which has gamma off (=1.0) setting is recommended, because it shows good contrast in night sky. Cameras which has gain control is highly recommended, because it can avoid noises which are caused by too high gain. Noises will decrease the sensitivity of detection and should be kept invisible. Cameras which has image intensifier , slow shutter, or frame stacking is not recommended because slow frame rate may cause miss detection of movement. Color camera is not recommended. But there are some cases that color camera which has 0.1 lux or less minimum illumination can be used with long focal lens for close up detection. Any video format (NTSC,PAL,SECAM..) can be used as long as it is supported by your video capture equipment. Recommended Products
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Lens | Hi-speed lens which is F1.0 or less Fno is highly recommended.
Focal length is depend on your purpose of observing. Wide lens such as 60degree of FOV is recommended for general purpose. For close up observation, 15degree of FOV can be used but it will be difficult to adjust the direction. Lens should be match to your camera, the compatibility is very complicated (mount type, iris type, iris pin connection, room inside of the mount which allows using attached compensation lens) Ask someone who knows very well. Recommended Products for CS-mount camera
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Camera mount, housing | Appropriate camera mount is necessary.
Tripods can be used, but more rigid setting method is recommended. Housing of camera which prevents rain drops may be useful for continuous observation. Lens hood is recommended to avoid flares of moon or ground lights. |
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Cables | Video and power cable is necessary.
You can extend video cable up to 20m using coaxial cable. Water proof power cable and socket is necessary for all weather observation. |
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Portable video monitor | Portable video monitor is necessary in the setting of camera and lens.
You must tune focus in night using fixed stars, because the focal point differs by the condition of iris and the type of light source. |
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Personal computer
(Hardware) |
Latest personal computer using Windows2000 or WindowsXp is required.
Necessary and Recommended hardware spec is as follows.
* : IEEE1394(DV) or USB2.0 may need 20% or more power. requirements will change depend on setting, |
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Video capture equipment | Windows DirectX compatible capture device is required.
Device that can be used as a input device of Windows Movie Maker2 or Windows Media Encoder can be used as the input device of UFOCapture. Most devices that use software encoder can be used as the input device of UFOCapture, but most devices that uses hardware encoder cannot be used There are 5 types of equipments.
There is no USB camera(web cam) which can be used for night sky observation, because their sensitivity is not enough. |
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Software | Software below is required.
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