First Light From Modded 20D

[leon]

Hi Folks,

Yep, it was I that bought Eric's (EasyStyles) unused modded 20D, :whistle: and what a beauty it is, as new condition, and only 170 images on the clock, gee he hates me saying that. :lol:

Anyway enough of that, I have never used a modded camera before, and my first impressions are, NICE. ;)

Last night I uncoupled the 5D, and fitted the 20D to the Tak, for a trial run on the Sea Gull Nebula, and took 17 exposures at 4 minutes each, a bit short I suspect, but i was not sure of the times and ISO settings, so this will give me a point of reference.

The image is a full wide field, ICNR and master flat, 17 exposures @ 4 min's (68 minute exp) through the Tak 106 and Canon 20D (modded) aligned and combined in Image plus, and some levels in PS2.

It is a little off center, and a bit under exposed, but i will remedy that next time, with some longer exposures as well, probably about 5 to 7 mins.

Please feel free to offer any advice, comments, either way, as I need plenty of help. :lol:

Leon :thumbsup:


PS I have added an other processed version of the same image as a comparison to what Mike suggested, is the second better or worse than the first.

[iceman]

Looks nice Leon, perhaps a tad black clipped in processing.

I'd like to see a comparison against your favourite Eta ;) or the Tarantula to compare how much extra nebulosity is captured.

You'll miss the full frame of the 5D though!

[leon]

Thanks Mike I see what you are saying, so have a look at the added image in the first post and see what you think.

And about the 5D yep, you are probably right there too, we'll see, the only draw back of the 20D is the fact that the images is cropped due to the smaller sensor, and dosen't give the wide field effect as dose the 5D

Leon

[iceman]

Much better! :thumbsup:

[leon]

Really :whistle: well I'll be buggered, I thought it was a bit to light looking, to be honest, thanks for the advice Mike.

leon :thumbsup:

[Matty P]

Lovely images Leon!

I really the the colour in the images, nice and suttle. I agree with you, go for around 6-7 minute exposure to really bring out the detail.

Well done. :thumbsup:

[Hagar]

Looks good Leon, I wondered where the 20 had gone. All hush hush.
Nice image. A few more subs and a play at difering ISO settings and your away. I have a QHY8 arriving this week,so that shouldbe interesting. Well done

[Garyh]

Thats a excellent result Leon! :)
Looks like you shall have heaps of fun with the 20D
cheers Gary

[glasseyes]

Nice work Leon, the 2nd image looks very nice. :thumbsup:
Eric will be thinking to himself, "Hmm, have I done the right thing"??? :lol:

[Tamtarn]

Wonderful first light with the 20D Leon. The second image is a ripper you've brought out much more nebulosity in the reprocessing :thumbsup:

Can't wait to see more!

[acropolite]

Great first results Leon, looks like some of Eric's "ezystyle" came in the packaging.:thumbsup:

[Phil]

Nice one Leon i have my rig cooling as i write this. Hopefully the clouds stay away tonight.
Phil

[leon]

Many thanks for all your encouraging comments, it makes it all worth the effort. ;)

Leon :thumbsup:

[skwinty]

Hi Leon
I think the second image is better.
That is not to say that the first is not good.
Both images are crisp and clear but the second shows more nebulosity.
How I wish I could produce images of this quality.
Not having guiding facilities and light polluted skies only makes things much harder.
:thumbsup:

[leon]

Thanks Steve, yep. i know what you mean, I have not been guiding for very long, it is just magic.

Leon

[EzyStyles]

Leon, i'm so glad that you are happy with the camera and will be having heaps of fun with it. yes i did regret selling it and hesitated whether to selll it or not. But since i've sold it to you, someone who strives for success, im honored and glad :)

What i can say regarding the first light, not being bias here, it is an excellent seagull. This clearly shows after afew more attempts and getting use to the modded 20D, your images willl get better and better!. keep at it Leon, once again, im happy for you :)

"ahemm damnnn nice 20d camera, damn damnn damnnn!! 170 shots only... pulling hairs out" hehe j/k ;)

[Ric]

Hi Leon, a great start with your new camera. They are top looking images.

Well done and looking forward to more in the future.

Cheers

[leon]

Thanks Ric and Eric, for your comments, hopefully there will be many more images to come. ;)

Eric, I think the camera will serve me well, However I do feel a bit sad for you, and I will strive to do it justice, I'm positive you will up an running in no time with the Modded 40D, and once again we will see those fantastic images that you produce. :thumbsup:

Leon :)

[Zuts]

Great shot Leon,

It just goes to show what fantastic results you can get from a modded DSLR. Budding astro photographers should take note, For a first camera if it's a choice between the latest and greatest Canon on the block and a second hand cheaper modded DSLR then go the modded camera.

Paul

[leon]

Yes Paul, if it is only astro work you want to do, than a good second hand modded camera will do it for you.
Thank you for your comments by the way, as I get some more experience with this camera, I hope my images will improve.

Leon

[dugnsuz]

That 2nd image is a beauty leon - I would love to see an Eta or M42 with your 20D using long subs...drool!!!

Well done
Doug

[tornado33]

The 2nd shot is very nice, lovely sharp stars
Scott

[leon]

Doug, thanks mate, but if i image Eta again I would drawn and quartered, I reckon. :lol:

Leon :thumbsup:

[dugnsuz]

Just like William Wallace - be brave laddy!!!
Oops he WAS hung, drawn and quartered!!!!
Naahhh, another Eta would be good to see what your 20D can do.
Can it see through cloud and rain though!?
Look forward to whatever you decide to image
Doug:thumbsup:

[leon]

Ok Doug, I will take up your challenge, ;) next clear night I will overload that 20d sensor and just see what this camera can really do, :whistle: but only this once. :lol:

Leon :thumbsup:

[dugnsuz]

Eta's perfectly situated for a good session too.
This should be good!!!:)
Doug:thumbsup: