Which DSLR

[matt]

Hi all.

Well...inevitably it leads to this - deep sky imaging!!!:lol:

Or at least, the contemplation of said pursit.

Up until now I have restricted my imaging to the local celestial neighbourhood ie planets, but I'm getting the urge to go deeper.

To that end, I'm wondering what recommendations the learned and wise folk here at IIS might have with regard to a camera???

My budget is flexible, within reason. I know 'within reason' is a subjective term...but take it as given that I'm not prepared to spend many thousands of dollars at this stage on a pursuit which I'm not certain I'll enjoy or stick with.:)

Having said that, I'm also aware there's a danger of going 'cheap', only to be hamstrung and frustrated by deficient gear which will ultimately see me giving the caper away.

So, what do you recommend? Thanks in advance for your suggestions and feedback.

[davewaldo]

I'm no expert, most people recommend the Canon cameras which have been the best for high ISO quality. However the new Nikon cameras look to be MUCH better (D3, D700). So I'd look into those too.

[matt]

Hi Dave. Thanks for the reply.

WRT the Canon cams...any particular model you recommend?

I'll certainly take a look at those Nikon models you've mentioned. Although the D3 is showing up in the $4-8K range. That's perhaps more than I'm willing to spend.

I'd say $2500 is at the very upper limit of my budget...and even that's flying a little high!

[acropolite]

Canon IMO, I'd be waiting to see how expensive the 5D replacement model is. If you don't want full frame, then I expect the 50D won't disappoint. If money's tight then the 40D is a good buy and could drop further when the 50D becomes available. If you want it just for Astro use, Eric (ezystyles) has been selling modded Canons from 20D upwards at very good prices. I think the 40D is the first in the 20/30/40/50D range with Live focus, from what others have said it's a definite plus.

[matt]

Thanks, Phil.

What about the 350D and 450D???

[AlexN]

so many people are getting ripper results with 350,400,450D's that they are hard to go past..

I bought my 350D 2nd hand 5 months ago for $300 with 2 batteries and an 18-55 lens. so you can see if 2500 is your budget, you could buy a 350D, get Ezystyles to mod it for you, bit a few other things that you'll need like a side by side bar, guide scope etc. and still come out with spare change...

Then, I suppose a modded 20D is the next camera step up. they perform great at high ISO speeds, noticeably better than a 350D..

Do you intend to image through the C9.25? if yes, I recommend a 6.3F/R, or (although I've not tried it, and dont know if anyone here has) but the bintel 2" screw in .5 reducer could be very useful... Im considering buying one for the c11 just to try it out.


More information on your proposed setup will allow more indepth answers :)

[matt]

It's for my existing set-up...which is listed in my signature.

There' no 'proposed' set-up, otherwise I would have included that information.

Just recommendations of a good entry level DSLR for astro (DSO) use will be good, thanks:)

[RB]

Then a cheap 2nd hand 350D will do.

[matt]

Thanks for your input, Andrew.

I can probably afford to spend a little more for something new...but a second-hand cheap and cheerful is certainly an option:thumbsup:

[davewaldo]

Does it have to be a dSLR? The QHY8 cameras seem to be VERY good! Better than any dslr, but you can only use it for astro imaging... I think they cost about $1700

[RB]

Matt in my opinion the 350D is a very good performer, I prefer the 350D over the 400D.

The new 450D has the big advantage of live view to assist with focus.
So if you buy new look at the 450D.

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/canon450d.htm

[matt]

Thanks again, Andrew.

Dave...I understand where you're coming from, but I think I'd like the camera to be able to do double duty. Astro and terrestrial. However, I'll give the QHY8 a close look.

[AlexN]

mmm live view on the 450D is a great help, and worth investigating.

As Davewaldo said, The QHY8 is another option, but it is astro only.. They are 1900 plus shipping at the moment.

However you want to be sure that deep space imaging is for you before you outlay that kind of cash for something that can not be used for anything else..

[matt]

Hence the 'double duty' consideration:P

[madwayne]

Hi Matt

Having recently fried my modded 20D (blown main board) I went out and bought an Orion Star Shoot Pro (single shot color) from Bintel and am completely happy with it. It was $1699 and is basically the same chip as the QHY8.

I add this to your post as an alternative to a modded DSLR that will not have any manufacturer's warranty once it is modified.

Good luck and hopefully some clear skies for you once you take the plunge.

Regards

[Matty P]

Hi Matt,

I would highly recommend the Canon 450D for DSO work as I've been using one for a couple of months. It is a great performer and works extremely well for an unmodded camera. The one real advantage it has over the previous DSLR's is the Live View function. I honestly don't know what I would do without it. It takes all the hassle out of focusing so that is a really big plus for when considering a new camera.

Another option is the Canon 40D or maybe even the new 50D that will be arriving very soon. These will be a step up from the 450D but also a step up in price as well.

If you are interested have a look at my website for some images I have taken with a Canon 450D and a similar setup to yours (C8 on EQ6 Pro).

http://AstroMatt7.googlepages.com/ (http://astromatt7.googlepages.com/)

Hope this helps and welcome to the dark side. :thumbsup: ;)

[g__day]

I would also suggest 14 bit rather than 12 bit A/D converters would be nice to have - so Canon 40D over a 400D, and yes Liveview for focusing - a great plus, and Digic 3 or 4 (the 50D) will give faster USB2 downloads - saves a few seconds each shot.

[spearo]

Find a second hand Canon 20Da, you wont regret it.
I say second hand because, of course, it was a very limited production line,
and no, you can't have mine...
frank

[allan gould]

I purchased a second hand, almost mint, modded 20D from Eric Styles. To be honest its the best thing Ive done in a long while. Its been so good that it has stopped me from shelling out more on a serious CCD astrocamera.
Great price and camera - completely wrapped and with minimal amp glow (far less than the 350D) and low noise to be seriously considered.

[Bassnut]

Ahh Matt, serious about Deep sky?, at least look at this http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=35748

[AlexN]

:D Nice plug fred :) something tells me Matt wont go for that


Great price though!

[matt]

Well...for starters...I don't need the filter wheel:D

[Bassnut]

bugger :P

[vash]

I have my modded 450D but it's still waiting for it's first light, If it's clear enough thursday I might give it a test run even with the moon up. I'll get back to you with the results.

[matt]

Thanks for the comments, guys.

At this stage I'm leaning toward the 450D/40D option. I'm keen to see what the 50D has to offer, though.

If anyone else has any suggestions, please chime in.

[sejanus]

Well the 50D is a much newer sensor, and so presumably will have significantly better high iso quality - to me, a 50D would be a no brainer.

If it can do iso 12800 out of the box then I imagine it's 1600/3200 iso are very good.

[RB]

If you are considering spending in the range of a 40D then I'd highly recommend the 40D over the 450D (currently around $200 extra, body only).
Better build, feels nicer to handle (IMO), and extra fps - 6.5 compared to 3.5 for continuous shooting.
Also the 40D is a 10.1mp camera, the 450D is 12.2mp. Personally I don't chase extra mp but rather have better signal to noise performance since the sensor is less crammed with pixels.

If I were in this position I would wait till October when the 50D will be available.
See what price point it comes in at and weigh up the extra features.

As Sejanus mentioned it is said to be a v.good performer.
A new Digic IV processor capable of handling the new 15mp APS-C sensor which, coupled with new micro-lenses, is said to outperform to older models even though it has a higher pixel density.
Better/higher ISO performance and HDMI output, with 6.3 fps and a magnesium alloy body.

I suspect the price of the 40D will come down slightly once the 50D is released so wait and see, then choose your model.

Currently the new Nikon bodies, the D300 & D700 are outperforming the Canons but their price is well above the 450D/40D/5D.

[matt]

Will do:thumbsup:

Thanks for the additional info, Andrew.

[RB]

My pleasure.

:thumbsup: