Logitech Fusion Webcam
IC Capture Software
Lunar & H-Alpha Test Results
Test images were taken using the Logitech Fusion Webcam of the Sun and Moon using IC Capture software instead of the original software provided by Logitech. The advantage of IV Capture is that is allows AVI capture imaging at the full 1.3 Megapixel imaging chip resolution of 1280 X 960 pixels over a USB 2.0 connection.
Moon - 12/17/05 - 96% illumination:
Sky conditions were high thin clouds with poor seeing and the temperature was 16 degrees Fahrenheit. An Orion ED80 refractor on an LXD55 mount roughly aligned was used at prime focus. A 20 second AVI was taken using IC Capture at a resolution of 1280 X 960 pixels and a frame rate of 5 fps. 78 uncompressed BMP frames were obtained in the 20 second AVI for a true capture rate of 4 frames per second. I'll have to check the true frame rate of a full one-minute AVI at this resolution next time out. Since the mount was not polar aligned, the Moon image moved slowly across the field during the 20 seconds but this allowed removal of dust motes helped by the stacking process.
Processing notes for above: The 26 best of 78 frames were median combined and Adaptive Richardson-Lucy and unsharp mask applied and reduced to 800X600 size.
Processing notes for above: The 11 best of 72 frames were median combined and Adaptive Richardson-Lucy and unsharp mask applied and reduced to 800X600 size.
Another image was taken but using a Celestron f/6.3 focal reducer:
Processing notes for above: The 46 best of 73 frames were median combined and Adaptive Richardson-Lucy and unsharp mask applied and reduced to 800X600 size.
UPDATE - 04/06/06:
CLICK HERE for Image of Rupes Recta (Straight Wall) with Fusion and 2X Barlow with 20 inch Starmaster Dobsonian.
SUN in H-Alpha - 12/17/05:
An Orion ED80 refractor on an LXD55 mount was used with a 60mm Coronado H-Alpha filter. Sky conditions were high thin passing clouds. A short exposure time was used for prominence and a longer exposure time was used for surface detail. 30 second AVIs were taken for each. 4 uncompressed BMPs were combined for the surface image and one uncompressed BMP was used for the prominence.
Comparison of 640 X 480 versus 1290 X 960 capture resolutions:
Here is a side by side comparison of single uncompressed BMP files from 30 second AVIs taken with IC Capture in both resolutions:
640X480 on left; 1280X960 on right. No processing, just cropped and 1280X960 reduced to half size. You can click on right image for full size version.
Comments:
Use of IC Capture in the higher 1280X960 resolution mode provides a noticeable improvement in image quality. The computer display for IC Capture is easy to use and its TOOLBAR MANAGER function allows display of all needed exposure adjustment sliders for tweaking the image quality during image capture. The ZOOM feature makes live focusing an easy task.
Part 2 - Fusion and Toucam Compared - Saturn, Mars and Moon test images CLICK HERE.
For test image results using IC Capture Software that provides higher resolution video imaging CLICK HERE.
Part 1 - Logitech Fusion and Philips Toucam compared CLICK HERE.
Conversion instructions for Fusion Webcam CLICK HERE.
Hi Resolution Capture to Hard Drive - Speed Performance CLICK HERE.
Animation & Images of Sun in H-Alpha CLICK HERE.
Jupiter & Saturn with Fusion settings and processing notes CLICK HERE.
3 hour Jupiter animation and images with Fusion settings and processing notes CLICK HERE.
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