DSLR Exposure time question

[prova]

just purchased a Nikon D40 and have all the necessary adapters for prime-focus photography as well as a wireless remote for open/close of the shutter.

when you guys post pics of any astrophoto you've taken you say it was taken (for eg. 5 x 3mins exposures), so my question is how to do I set the length of the exposure?

is it a setting within my DSLR? do you sit there with a stopwatch or something else?

wanna try my first shot of M42 tonight, so any help is appreciated !!!!

[skwinty]

Hi Prova
I have a Canon 40DH and I use the camera control software on the laptop.
You can set your intervals from there provided you dont use mirror lock up.
I also use the tc80 n remote control which plugs into the camera.You can set delay, interval between shots, exposure time and number of exposures. You can also use mirror lock up with this control. Of course using the tc80 means you must outside with your camera.
Hope this sheds some light.
Regards
Steve:)

[prova]

ahh, so setting exposure times can only be done through a laptop and if so, what software am I looking to use?

[prova]

anyone able to help? because I'd like to give it a shot tonight ..

[mark3d]

you could definitely set the exposure time on the camera.. you would need to read the manual for the specific instructions though.

[leon]

THe TC-80N3 can be set for all that is required, for example, you can set 15 exposures at 3minutes each with a gap of 1 minute. or any desired time exposure and gap you like, and go to bed if you want, it will look after the lot, you dont need a lappy to do any of it.

I use the TC-80n3 all the time.


Leon

[[1ponders]]

Not having a Nikon I can't be of much use about associated programs for the laptop, but Leon's idea is a good one especially for freedom from the laptop. Otherwise go with your idea of using a watch, but you need to keep on the ball or you will end up with images running over your alloted time. If you do want to try using a laptop you can probably use DSLR Shutter from Stark Labs (http://www.stark-labs.com/DSLR_Shutter.html). I dont know what you could use for focusing except possibly DSLR Focus, but you may need to manually set some of the initial settings.

[RB]

Prova's using the Nikon D40.
I don't think the connectors are the same as the Canon timer.
You'll need to find the equivalent timer to suit your camera if you want to use this method.