Using a DSLR for Autoguiding

[dugnsuz]

Hi all,
Having recently bought the Canon 40D, I put my trusty Pentax ist-D up for sale on ebay to generate cash for new lens etc etc. If it doesn't sell I will probably keep it for family stuff.
Question is, could the Pentax be used as a camera for autoguiding. I have an EQ5 + SynScan so all the guts are there and ready to go!
Do any of the free guiding software programs available support DSLRs?

Cheers
Doug:thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

umm no?

[dugnsuz]

hope it sells then!!

[[1ponders]]

Umm, no.

[dugnsuz]

I get it!!:doh:

[dugnsuz]

Mods - close this one down, and Nurse pass me my medicine!!!!

[[1ponders]]

It's not that it wouldn't be possible, I just don't think it has been done as there are much cheaper and simpler options. One problems would be the slow download speed of each frame to your computer, even if using small normal settings. It would be good if you could have a ROI to select, that would speed up the downloads. I don't think there are any autoguiding programs that would work using a DSLR, though K3 can control the camera it wouldn't autoguide off it.

And that is just off the top of my non-techi head.

[h0ughy]

Must be the onion - I seem to be repeating:whistle:
:lol:

[dugnsuz]

Thanks Paul,
After houghy's comment I realised it was a bit of a daft question for the same reasons you have quoted. A webcam's used because of frame rate speed.
Wishful thinking! It's not everyday I have a spare DSLR lying around!:lol:
Cheers
Doug:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

btw aren't u2 supposed to be at work ;)



and before you comment; yes I am and yes I am. :lol:

[dugnsuz]

Busted!!!:P

[h0ughy]

yep I am at krow

[DJDD]

not free but Cyanogen's products seem to suggest they can autoguide with a DSLR?

http://www.cyanogen.com
http://www.cyanogen.com/help/maximdl/DSLR_Autoguiding_Tutorial.htm