Newbie Imaging - camera and filter questions

[ChrisV]

I currently use OSC colour cameras (Canon 550D IR-modded, ZWO ASI224MC) for live imaging.

If I was to consider AP, should I just go with my DSLR.
Or should I go for a mono sensor such as the ASI1600-MM-cooled. I'd be using an 80mm APO to start with and eventually an 8" F5 Newt (and have set up guiding).

If so, what sort of filters should I consider - just LRGB to start with, or also Ha/S/O filters.
And with these, are the ZWO filters OK. Or should I considers Baaders or something else, as discussed in this thread
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=151506

Sorry so many questions, Chris

[cometcatcher]

Your 550D modded, you say IR, do you mean full spectrum?

The cooled mono is obviously a very capable camera. The filters are not cheap... especially the narrow band ones. I think one of those is worth more than my whole DSLR.

If you have the money and want to be thrown in the deep end first, go with the ASI1600. Especially if you live in an area of heavy light pollution.

If you want to start more gently and not spend much at this time, the DSLR will get you into deep sky imaging. Kind of depends on how you want to do it.

[ChrisV]

Removed the IR filter from the DSLR - so now full spectrum.
An ASI1600 with zwo filters and filter wheel is within my current budget (yeh!).

I suppose I'm wondering whether starting my DSLR might be an easier entree to AP, or a hinderance.

[traveller]

I say start off on DLSR and learn the ropes first.
I am still learning with my DLSR, esp as you can play with ISO and exposure times just like normal photography.
I have done DSLR for a few years now and still enjoy it.
My aim is also getting the 1600mm-c kit, but that's not for a few months yet.
Bo

[RickS]

I say if you're really keen and think you'll stick it out, get a cooled mono camera and filters (LRGB, at least) straight away. If you're just dabbling and making up your mind then a DSLR is just fine.

My DSLR phase lasted about one night. Nothing wrong with astro imaging with a DSLR but if you're really serious you'll end up with a mono camera before long, especially if you want to try narrow band imaging. If your home skies aren't great then NB may be the only way you'll get any decent images from a convenient and easily accessible location.

Cheers,
Rick.

[rmuhlack]

Chris, You can do quite a bit with a DSLR although dark skies obviously help.

These are images of mine using a modded/cooled Canon 450D (click here (http://www.astrobin.com/users/rmuhlack/?public=&sub=gear&active=9534)) and these are images using a modded/cooled Canon 1000D (click here (http://www.astrobin.com/users/rmuhlack/?active=10119&public=&sub=gear))

So persevering for a while with your current camera might be a way to "learn the ropes" without significant additional spend...?

[glend]

Chris, as indicated below, starting with a dslr is a good way to learn the basics, and how to control a camera, whether starting with just an interval meter to time your exposures, or using a program like Backyard EOS, you will learn alot. I started with a basic dslr and interval meter, internal battery; then went to BYEOS control, external power supply, and then to a full modified cold finger cooled Canon (which i still have). I experiemented with debayering the Canon sensor and shooting mono and nartowband with the dslr but when you get to that point a camera like the ASI1600MM-C is the logical next step. The 1600mm has ultra low noise, cooling delta T of -45C, and would perform very well on the 8" newt. The packages ASI offer, bundling the camera, filter wheel, and filter sets, are very cost effective. I prefer the 36mm filters just so that i have the option of going to a larger sensor in the future and not having to worry about spacing to the sensor now.
Have fun.

[ChrisV]

Thanks all. Looks like I'm going to start with the dslr ! Mono later down the path.

But i might get some filters (reason below). Which would be good ones to get ? Are the zwo filters okay ? Or should i consider baaders etc. There was a recent thread about these and astronomik filters that talks about quality and being parfocal.

My reason for getting a filter is that i want an Halpha filtering for live imaging with a small mono sensor (asi290mm).

[cometcatcher]

You will have lots of fun with your DSLR Chris. Filters can be used also to enhance nebula, like the Astonomik CLS or similar. Comets are well suited to DSLR cameras also.