Astrophotography is an effort to take pictures of space
objects, either with a regular camera or Hubble telescope. The process is not
as simple as the description, there are several aspects that must be met by the
camera, but when the Astrophotography is getting popular among photographers,
this trend encourages manufacturers to produce affordable camera that can be
used for Astrophotography.
The medium to support astrophotography is quite diverse;
photographers can utilize the DSLR cameras or the digital bridge cameras. Or
maybe, the enthusiasts can choose the products that are specially used for
taking pictures of space objects. But if you are still looking for an easy and
affordable alternative, TinyMOS startup has an interesting answer through a
camera called Tiny1.
Introduced for first time in the TechCrunch Disrupt 2015,
the developer claims that the Tiny1 is the first portable camera that's made
specifically for the astrophotography purposes. It's able to present quality
pictures in dimly conditions, bundled in the simple design, compact and solid.
The vision of TinyMOS is to develop the Tiny1 as the GoPro of space
photography.
TinyMOS hasn't released detailed information about the
dimension, specification, connectivity, or the interface section. However, if
seen from several photos of prototype version, the Tiny1 is using brushed
aluminum material, with a rectangular body shape. From the front, there's a
lens module on the right side, and the shutter button is placed on the upper
side of the left. This prototype hasn't equipped with a battery unit, so
there's possibility that TinyMOS will revise the design.
Tiny1 works in a similar performance level with the
mirrorless camera. It is equipped with a sensitive sensor that's capable of
detecting objects that can't be seen by human eyes thanks to the 30 seconds
exposure. The camera provides automatic features for amateur users, but also
offers the complete configuration options for veterans. There are Milky Way
photo preset and also Northern Lights (to take Aurora Borealis).
Another unique feature is the Point-To-The-Stars feature
that will display a live preview, and also stars map to facilitate the
photographers in finding the space objects. The users can also create a time
lapse video at a resolution of 2.5k. Is Tiny1 only useful at night? Not really,
just like mentioned before, its performance is similar to other mirrorless
cameras, including interchangeable lens system.
In the working process, TinyMOS has managed to collect $
300,000 fund from investors. According to the plan, this startup will also
launch a crowdfunding campaign via Indie Gogo in next November.