Spending spree

[Simon E]

Thought I would go on a bit of a spending spree, so I could start tracking on the scope.

Bought at Meade Lunar Planetary Imager (LPI) w/AutoStar Suite, which doubles up as a tracking camera, with the software.




As I am using a Nexstar 8se LCT I also go one of these. Meade Off-Axis Guider


Next up is one of these as my first ccd camera!



Ok it is not mega pixel, but I think it's a good way to start.

spec

Video formats @ Frame rate 1024x768 UYVY @ 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps
1024x768 BY8 @ 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps

Sensitivity 0.15 lx
Dynamic range ADC: 10 bit, output: 8 bit
SNR ADC: 9 bit at 25°C, gain 0 dB

IR cut filter yes
Sensor specification  ICX204AK
Type progressive scan
Format 1/3 "
Resolution H: 1024, V: 768
Pixel size H: 4.65 µm, V: 4.65 µm
Lens mount C/CS

Also looking at either making a wooden wedge or buying the Celestron version.

Then maybe I can get some better deep sky stuff,   heres to hoping.

si

[Simon E]

In two minds about this, should i get the dmk ccd above or a better slr off ebay. My main interest is deep sky stuff, what do u lot reckon. i have a spare £350 lying about and want to spend it wisely.

si

[JohnP]

Are you looking for 1-shot colour....? I think the DMK is a video type camera meant more for lunar & planetary imaging not deep sky stuff. Also 0.15LUX is not very sensitive....!!! I personally think a digital slr like a 350D off ebay would be better - you can get them for around £150 & if you modify it for better Ha response then it is one hell of a camera in the right hands. Just look at all of Mark's stunning images. Failing that I would go for something like an entry level B&W astronomical CCD camera - you wouldn't go far wrong with something like an Atik 16ic....

John

[MarkS]

Sorry, my previous comment (now deleted) wasn't very helpful.

For your budget I would recommend a second-hand EOS350D.  This will give you multi-mega pixel one shot colour imaging.

Get a T-adapter and Canon T-ring
Get a CLS clip-in filter for it (but be aware that a clip-in filter cannot be used with all lenses)
Get a remote control interval timer and/or a lead to your PC so you can do long exposures.
Get some software (such as Nebulosity) to help you focus.

I consider the CCD inside the EOS350D to be the bargain of the decade for astro-imaging in colour.

Mark

[Mike]

Mark have you joined the ranks of the Forum Police?  (or pirate parrots, whatever the heck they've transformed into)

[Simon E]

Just had a quick look at ebay.

Is this model as good as the 350d, Cause this has the live view option.
Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital Camera 2 Lens Bundle 450D wide angle lens and a 18-55mm lens

Coming in at £350

I currently use a Nikon d40, which is only 6 mega pixels, will getting the 450d or a 350d make much of an improvement.

si

[MarkS]

Not sure about the 40D - I'll have to look it up.

The 450D has definite advantages over the 350D:

It has 14bit depth (vs 12bit for the 350D)
It has Liveview
It does not suffer from long exposure ampglow on the CCD (which the 350D suffers from)

Mark

[Mac]

Just had a quick look at ebay.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Sorry i go all juddery when the words 350d and ebay are mentioned in the same text.

Long story, and its still going on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 18months now.

[Mike]

Do tell !

[Mac]

Do tell !

Cant, Its my court case!

[Carole]

Simon,

The Canon 450D is what I bought on Ebay, refurbished by canon for £380 inc postage.  It's got live view and software that (like yours) so you can control the camera from the laptop and live view on the laptop.  If you're interested I can let you know the place I bought it - comes with a 3 month guarantee which I thought was safer than risking a private sale.

I bought a 450D on Mark's recommendation because of the Live view option. 

Carole

[MarkS]

Not sure about the 40D - I'll have to look it up.

Couldn't find any useful info on the Nikon D40 from an astrophotography point of view, I'm afraid.  That said, I use a Nikon D70 for "terrestrial" photography but I would always use the Canon 350D for astro because the D70 CCD is too noisy.  I much prefer the feel of the Nikon however, for everyday terrestrial use.

However, the whole Nikon range (even the most recent top of the range models) suffers from an inability to retrieve true raw frames from the camera.  The Nikon "raw" frames have already been processed internally to remove hot pixels.  This might be fine if you're taking a picture of Aunt Maude or your girlfriend but unfortunately it also has the effect of applying a non-linear smear to faint stars (which the algorithm judges to be hot pixels).  It's not clear to me just how just big a problem this actually is, but the astrophotography community steers well clear of Nikons now - whether rightly or wrongly.

As a result, Canons have enormous support in terms of astro software and upgrades (e.g. replacement filters for H-alpha) that Nikons simply don't have.

But since you already have a Nikon then use it.  You can always buy another camera later, once you have a better idea of your needs.

Mark

[Simon E]

Been looking at the 1000d which saves me £100, so only £349 brand new with warrenty. Ok it is only 10.1million pixels, but still has the Live view. So is it worth the extra £100 to get the extra pixels. ie: 450d has 12.1million, with a slightly larger screen. But don't care about the screen size.

Si

[MarkS]

The other difference is the bit depth 14bits on the 450D vs 12 bits on the 1000D.

The real answer depends on factors such as gain, read noise, dark current and pixel sensitivity and I haven't seen relevant figures for either camera.  It's actually possible to deduce the figures with a few experiments which only take one hour in total.

Some further info here: http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-discussion/78361-canon-450d-1000d.html   but no real conclusion.

The other thing to consider is that you may wish to have the camera H-alpha modified at some time in the future.  I've checked - Baader do a replacement filter for either camera so this is not a deciding factor either.

Mark

[Simon E]

Just been having another look around and found this camera that gets a better review than the 450d and the 1000d.

Anyone used one? Olympus E-510.

si