Smart Astro-Camerascope Delivers a Clear View of the Cosmos

Stargazing can be both complex and costly, but Beaverlab aims to simplify and reduce the expense with the Finder TW2, a user-friendly telescope that claims to be the world’s first AI-powered planetary camera.

Beaverlab, known for its crowdfunding successes, is launching its third Indiegogo campaign with this smart telescope. The company previously introduced the Darwin M2 microscope and the Davcarve L1 laser engraver, both of which also debuted on Kickstarter alongside the Excope DT1 hybrid camera system.

Telescope Specifications and Features

The Finder TW2 telescope offers a 500-mm optical focal length, F6.1 aperture, and an optical resolution of 1.7 arc seconds. It features 29x optical magnification and 4x digital zoom. On the opposite end of the main lens, there’s an imaging unit with a 5-inch tilting touchscreen display at 1,280 x 720 pixels.

However, the DS1 unit excels in astrophotography with up to 48 megapixels and 4K video recording. It captures planets, galaxies, and nebulae at night, and also handles wildlife and nature during the day. Powered by a 1/1.8-inch starlight CMOS image sensor from SmartSens Tech, it offers superior performance compared to the 1/2.8-inch Sony sensor used in the TW1.

This larger sensor “captures more light, enhancing performance in low-light conditions and providing better image quality with less noise and more detail, even in challenging lighting conditions.”

Advanced AI-Powered Image Processing

Beaverlab has integrated AI-powered image processing into the Finder TW2 to help users capture clear and sharp photos and videos. This technology utilizes a color correction matrix for improved color accuracy, corrects chromatic aberration, and includes features like motion compensation, wide dynamic range, noise reduction, and dehazing. A near-infrared denoising algorithm is also part of the package.

The smart telescope offers various image capture modes, with pre-set parameters for landscapes, moon shots, cloudy skies, and more. Users can adjust settings in real-time and edit content directly on the device, while a Bluetooth remote allows for capturing images without touching the screen.

The Beaver Point mobile app enhances control and provides access to cosmic information. Users manually locate celestial objects with the help of the included sky map, unlike the automated systems found in the Celestron Origin and Vaonis Vespera II models. This manual approach contributes to the Finder TW2’s relatively affordable suggested retail price of $499, with even lower prices available through Indiegogo perks.

Enhanced Stability and Portability

The Finder TW2 features a 6-axis gyro and electronic image stabilization, 32 GB of internal storage, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 6,000-mAh battery that provides up to 6 hours of use per charge via USB-C. It can also be powered by a power bank for extended field use. Weighing 3.8 kg (8 lb), it is easily portable with the included bag and comes with a tripod.

The DS1 imaging unit is compatible with nearly any telescope that has a 1.25-inch eyepiece, allowing users to use it with different scopes, even if they are not Beaverlab products.

“Exploring the cosmos should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy or tech-savvy,” said Simon Fang, the company’s founder. “Our advanced optical telescope combines high precision with affordability, making it a lightweight and user-friendly tool for both seasoned astronomers and beginners. This new model overcomes traditional barriers of cost and complexity, opening up the night sky to all.”

To conclude, indiegogo pledges currently start at $329 for the telescope and imaging unit together, or $229 for just the DS1 unit. While there are typical crowdfunding risks, if the campaign proceeds as planned, shipping could begin as early as next month. More details can be found in the video below.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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