DeepSkyCamera 2.1.4

This app is designed for astrophotography using your smartphone. It allows you to capture long exposure images, similar to traditional astrophotography with a DSLR or CCD/CMOS camera.

DeepSkyCamera enables you to capture stunning images of stars and celestial bodies in RAW format. For Android users, the app supports the DNG format, which can be processed using popular stacking software.

It is important to note that astrophotography requires knowledge and familiarity with astronomy and the various techniques involved. This app is specifically designed for astronomers who understand concepts such as RAW files, stacking software, and post-processing techniques. It is not a simple "point-and-shoot" solution for creating beautiful images without any effort. Instead, the app serves as a valuable tool for experienced astronomers and astrophotographers in capturing their images. Some images may also require the use of a telescope.

Before using the app, please ensure that your phone supports RAW mode and manual settings. The app will check for this compatibility during startup. Please note that cheaper phones, such as Samsung A and J models or Huawei P10 lite, may not support RAW mode or manual settings. On the other hand, high-end phones like Samsung S series, Huawei P9, P10, P20, and LG G4 to G7 support RAW format.

You can take various types of frames with the app, including light frames, flats, bias, and dark frames. The process is similar to capturing images with a traditional DSLR or CCD/CMOS camera. After capturing these frames, you can further process them using other stacking and image processing software.

The app offers different focusing options such as automatic focusing to infinity, hyperfocal distance, and manual focus control.

The maximum ISO value allowed by the camera sensor depends on the specific device. Most sensors limit the ISO value to 800, although you can manually enter a higher value. However, the sensor will automatically set it to the maximum ISO level. For example, LG G supports ISO up to 6400, and Google Pixel supports up to 12800.

Similarly, the maximum exposure time is typically limited by the camera sensor to 30 seconds. Again, you can manually input a higher value, but the sensor will set it to the highest possible value. For instance, LG G and Huawei P models support exposure times up to 30 seconds.

It's important to note that DeepSkyCamera focuses solely on capturing images and does not offer post-processing capabilities.

The sample pictures provided showcase the app's capabilities. The first picture displays the Ursa Major constellation using an LG G4 camera, with a total exposure time of nearly 2 hours achieved through 256 light frames of 30 seconds each. Additionally, 170 dark frames and 100 flat frames were used and processed with external software. The second and third pictures feature the Cygnus constellation captured with an LG G4 and LG G6 camera respectively. The final image showcases M31 captured with an LG G6 camera, with M33 visible at the bottom, the double star cluster, and Cassiopeia in the upper left.

If you're looking for a portable mount for travel purposes, options like iOptron SkyTracker, AstroTrac, or StarAdventurer are recommended. Simply attach a ballhead to the top of the mount and use a clip from a small phone tripod. The app includes a preview function that automatically appears upon startup, allowing you to adjust the ballhead based on the brightest stars visible.

Please refer to this manual for more detailed instructions on how to use DeepSkyCamera.