Afocal Jupiter photo - advice sought

[niko]

Hi,

Here's a photo taken afocally through an 8" dob using a Canon Ixus70. I don't seem to be getting any definition on the planet itself - either when viewing or photographing and wonder whether it might just be a collimating problem.

It's frustrating knowing that now is the time to be viewing Jupiter is all it's glory and seeing the amazing results you guys have been getting.

I'm sure part of the problem is that the exposure settings available on the camera just don't give me the scope for much manipulation but can that be the whole problem?

On a lighter note, here's a long exposure from my trusty Minolta SLR which I was rapt with!

cheers,

Niko

[matt]

Hi niko.

Since you asked;)

Yes, you might want to manually adjust your shutter speed and aperture settings on your digicam.

Also, a webcam (such as a ToUcam) will produce much better planetary results than a single shot digital camera due to the ability to stack multiple (hundreds) frames and average out the quality.

I'm not sure whether you have a tracking platform with your dob, but a barlow (2x, 2.5x or 3x) will increase your image scale and give you more planet to work with.

Thanks for sharing your pics with us BTW:thumbsup:

[ving]

nice star trails niko :)

you jupiter shot is way over exposed, hence no detail. you need to take a much shorter exposure :)

[niko]

Jeez this is a great website - virtually instant response!

I've adjusted the ASA/ISO rating (up to a max of 1600) which appears to be the only way to effect the shutter speed - no manual adjustment of that possible.

I've also tried taking movie footage which produced slightly better results but nothing to write home about and Registax didn't pull up anything to write to anywhere about!

Have purchased a CCD webcam (an Agent model) which I plan to pull apart and have a go with.

Using a dob mount so an extra pair of arms grafted on would also assist!:lol:

[matt]

You might find that rating produces too much grain. Worth a try, though.

Sounds like you're limited very much by the camera. I'm not familiar with this model so can't offer much more other than keep at it and keep posting:)

What are the tech specs of that webcam? Got a link to a webpage?

Most webcams are not really suited to astrophotography.

[ving]

drop your iso to 100-200 max and see what happens. you might not get the moons but you mightr get bands on teh planet :)

[Rob_K]

Can be done Niko. Assuming the camera is an auto digital, you should have an exposure adjustment +2 to -2. Set to -2. Also, leave flash on, so that it goes off when you take the pic. I've attached one I took with a Kodak CX3370 with the above settings. It's not great by any means, but some detail is present. The two moons were very dim, but I brightened them separately. Good luck!

Cheers -

[niko]

Thanks guys.

Ving - did try various ISO seetings without much success/

Rob - I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I have the exposure +2/-2 ability and will have a go leaving the flash on.

Again, many thanks to all for the feedback and advice.

Now, bring on the dark, cloudless skies!

[WadeH]

Some good advice there Rob. All these years of landscape photography and I have forgoten something as basic as the exp. adjustment.:screwy:

Anyhow, hi Niko. I had a web look at your camera and it seems much like mine (Olympus 410). You actually do have some shutter control, which is the settings wheel, which I assume yours has. (Program Auto, Night Scene c-3sec. and Beach & Snow, fast speeds, being my most used, with flash as Rob suggested.) I have included two shots taken hand held with these methods just to show what is possible. And practice a still hand!!

Above all take lots of pics(the beauty of digital) and have fun. :D

[Outbackmanyep]

I just cover the flash with my finger or thumb, that'll stop you from being temporarily blinded!:thumbsup: