* Astronomy

Microsoft's LifeCam Cinema, offers 720p HD video at 30fps and can be cconverted (with a bit of difficulty) to be a reasonable astro-webcam for large telescopes.

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$34.99

The Microsoft Lifecam Cinema HD Webcam has some specifications and features that may provide improvements for planetary, lunar and solar imaging. Most notable is its ability to capture video in 1280x720 high definition resolution at 30 frames per second via USB 2.0. The Lifecam HD has been getting very good user reviews since its introduction in September 2009. Users report that it has very good low light performance in video mode. Microsoft includes what it calls "ClearFrame Technology" and advertises that this technology offers " faster and smoother image processing".
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Sensor: 1/4" CMOS; Colour
Sensitivity: 3.3V/(lux-sec)
Pixel size: 3 x 3 (micrometers)
Frame size: 1280 x 800
Interface: USB 2.0
LifeCam Cinema, HD-5000 and HD-6000: 720p
LifeCam Studio: 1080p.

Ed ~ Note the Microsoft Lifecam Cinema HD uses a OV9712 HD CMOS chip by OmniVision. Disappointingly the advantages of high definition resolution is somewhat muted by the comparative lack of sensitivity of the CMOS chip (a value of 1, or less, is what i would want).
Also the DIY modifying of the webcam is not a simple task.

The plus side is that once it is converted and plugged into a big scope it can produce good results. (Smaller scopes will be restricted to brighter targets)

Video of the full moon with lifecam cinema


Moon Tour Using Modified Microsoft Lifecam Cinema HD & 20 Inch Starmaster Telescope


Moon Video - Lifecam Cinema HD