Confused on which camera to use

[04Stefan07]

Hello all!

I have made a promise to myself that I need to get out with the telescope more this year! Didn't get out too much last year as I have had other priorities on my list.

Current cameras:
- NexImage 5 (planetary)
- QHY5L-II Mono (solar)
- Canon 1200D (not used for astronomy but maybe can?)

Currently have the NexImage 5 for sale and contemplating if I should sell the QHY.

I have been eyeing off the ZWO for planetary and solar but that would require me buying two cameras (one colour and one monochrome). Also now that I will be going to dark sites more often to image should I get into deep sky imaging?

The last thing I want is to end up with 4 different cameras for different purposes.

Maximum two cameras would be sufficient.

Some advice and help in the right direction would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Stefan.

[glend]

The Canon is fine for dark site imaging and a good way to start as you don't need filters and it is managed well by Backyard EOS software. That camera can be modded to improve Ha light gathering via an internal filter removal if you wish. Plenty of us using Canons for DSO imaging.

[04Stefan07]

Haven't seen much done with the 1200D, maybe because it is a newer camera.

Since I already have it I will start using that deep sky stuff :).

[rustigsmed]

how about you buy a filter wheel and use the QHY5L-II for RGB planetary as well as mono solar?

you can use the canon for deep sky (or even colour planetary) the main problem is that you need to modify it as Glen said (for more Ha sensitivity) and they are noisy as in summer.
People undertake cooling mods but if you're not hands on you may be better off getting a QHY8 or the like to get the cooling.

[traveller]

My suggestion is to modify the 1200D and use it with Backyard EOS for DSO and keep the QHY5II-L mono as a guide cam and planetary work.

[barx1963]

Stefan
When you come up to SV in March, we will be having one or 2 workshops. One issue I hope to get covered is using DSLR with basic setups. Will hopefully have some details in the next couple of days.

Cheers

Malcolm

[04Stefan07]

That would be fantastic. Please let me know.

Stefan.

[Camelopardalis]

The 1200D has essentially the same 18MP sensor as a number of Canon's previous models... 550D, 600D, 650D, 60D... it should do just fine at astro :D

You will want a guide cam, but that could double as your planetary/solar ;)

[ZeroID]

I'm using the 1200D (when the weather permits) unmodified ( so far ).
Works extremely well with BYE. More than happy with it's performance, resolution, low noise, battery life, etc. Very lightweight as well.

[lazjen]

BTW, APT (http://www.ideiki.com/astro/Default.aspx) can support both your Canon and the QHY CCD (and others). Just mentioning it as alternative to BYEOS (which I also like).