Specs

[Monstar]

Hi all,

For crimbo I'll be getting a new DSLR camera just for normal every day stuff as the only camera I have at the moment is on my iPhone. Many years ago I had the old Olympus OM10 35mm and although not a top end camera the photos and performance was stunning.

I said for normal stuff but I know at sometime I'm going to see what it does with space. It probably won't be anything too exciting just planetary and a few bright DSOs.

Can anybody tell me what sort of specs or special functions I should look for (obviously un-modded) and any suggestions for a camera kit, ie not just the body, for around $900-$1200.

Cheers,

[hobbit]

For unmodded, you're looking for low noise and preferably one with a bulb setting.

[LightningNZ]

Canon 1100D and Nikon D5100 are pretty good choices for mid-range cameras - the Nikon is a little trickier to use through a computer as you'll need a DSUSB cable such as those sold by Shoestring astronomy in order to have live-view.

For the money you have you could get one of these "off-the-shelf" modified for astronomy (replacing the filter than normally blocks the near-IR light from nebulae).

Or if you plan to do a lot of daylight photography with it too, then maybe a Canon 600D would be a decent choice.

Hope this helps,
Cam