[glend (Glen)]

Before I pull the trigger on the purchase of a QHY12 camera I need to get some feedback from the 'been there - done that' brigade.

I worried by the 'maybe' low return on investment (or the value proposition) of a CCD compared to a DSLR mod, and the processing complexity learning curve and time required factors. It's a major $ investment for a retiree, time I have.

I have this Canon 450D (un-modded) sitting here that I have been using for the last couple of years. Target objects are mainly DSOs, on my 10" imaging newt (f5, guided). The alternatives I see to the QHY12 are:

1. Getting the 450D modded for astro (or trying to DIY it), cost maybe $150;
2. Buy a Canon 60Da (astro model) which can apparently still be bought in the US for around $1500 - a big savings compared to the QHY12.

Questions:

1. Would the Canon 60Da really give me any more capability than a modded 450D ( I am not convinced)?

2.. Is this a classic case of diminishing returns on investment? Where the incremental improvements in image quality come at an ever increasing cost, and the goal posts are moving as the technology improves; and we get caught up in pursuing an imaging nirvana.

I would love to wander around the imaging ground at IISCA to look at what people are doing (and using) but can't get there.

Input appreciated.

thanks
Glen