DSLR

[MarkH]

Ok can I have some opinions here please I've just purchased an eqitorial wedge from Duncan, thank you Duncan. My old Olympus e500 is just not up to the job. To save me trawling endless reveivs etc. can members give me their opinions on the most suitable dslr for imaging and each's pro's and con's. Thank you

[MarkS]

This:
http://www.jtwastronomy.com/products/ultimate.html

A bit expensive but probably the best astro-DSLR out there at the present time.
Pros:
It's a Canon and therefore very compatible with all kinds of astro-software
It's modified for H-alpha sensitivity
It's cooled (quite a lot!)
1100D is a good compromise between pixel size and megapixels

Cons:
Expensive
Bulky heatsink
Not easy to use for family portraits and landscape pictures

Otherwise get a H-alpha modded 1100D without cooling.  Has the advantage of liveview to help focusing.
This guy is often selling them (but I haven't had experience of buying from him)
http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=72642

[JohnP]

wasn't Fay thinking of selling her Ha modded DSLR?

[RobertM]

Depends on what your budget is but I think Mark has already mentioned the best options.  Also budget for a decent Light Pollution filter  IDAS-LPS P2 or Baader Luminance Booster/Astronomik UHC depending in your sky.

Robert

[Fay]

i am keeping it now John, will use different software, to what I use with 600D as no live view

[MarkS]

Live view is very useful for framing and focusing if you're not driving it off the PC.  If you're using it with a PC then liveview is not required (in my opinion).

Mark

[Fay]

some of the capture progs i use only work with live view, so I rotate as necessary

[The Thing]

Hi MarkS,

Live view is very useful for framing and focusing if you're not driving it off the PC.  If you're using it with a PC then liveview is not required (in my opinion).

Mark

I think that is only the case if you have a fast scope. Mark has an f10 LX90 8" like mine, I only see the brightest stars with Live View on my 1000D and that's with it reduced to f6.3.

[The Thing]

Hi MarkH

If you want a camera to get you started I have a Canon 350D with filter removed sitting in a camera bag. MarkS makes amazing pictures with his! Oh and also a Meade f6.3 focal reducer and an Orion Skyglow light pollution filter for SCT It's amazing how you accumulate kit in this hobby.

[MarkS]

I have a Canon 350D with filter removed sitting in a camera bag.

I hadn't noticed you move over to the Canon 1000D.  When was that?

Mark

[MarkH]

Hi MarkH

If you want a camera to get you started I have a Canon 350D with filter removed sitting in a camera bag. MarkS makes amazing pictures with his! Oh and also a Meade f6.3 focal reducer and an Orion Skyglow light pollution filter for SCT It's amazing how you accumulate kit in this hobby.

Hi Duncan, thanks for your set up advice the other night, sorry if I seemed a little impatient but I had another prior engagement. I may well be interested n your 350 depends on the outcome of the thread. I'm not sure about weighing up image size/as opposed to processing speed on the computer as I am also considering a 450 any advice?

[MarkS]

If you have a choice between a modded 350D and a modded 450D then go for the 450D.
If it's a modded 350D vs an unmodded 450D then go for 350D unless you want the hassle and expense of modding.
I would prefer a modded 1100D to both the above.

If you've got light polluted skies then you might be better to buy a monochrome astro CCD and (at least) a good H-alpha filter.  Or else, make sure you frequently attend Deep Sky Camp.

[The Thing]

Hi MarkS,

I've been using the 1000D for a year and half I think. MarkH is in Otford, so fairly dark compared to Beckenham or Orpington, hopefully he's outside with his scope trying out the wedge since it's clear here.

[MarkH]

The sky wasn't clear here but we don't have much light pollution, I didn't even consider that I needed a filter

[MarkS]

The sky wasn't clear here but we don't have much light pollution, I didn't even consider that I needed a filter

I think my sky is darker than yours and but I generally use a filter.

Mark