NightCal
07-02-2009, 07:35 AM
My wife has asked me whether I want to have a DSLR for my 50th birthday present. The answer is probably yes. But before I commit to a particular camera I have a number of questions going around in my mind for which I don't seem to be able to pin down some definitive answers. So I'm after some advice.
What I want the camera to do?
Astrohotography of deep sky objects using both my Orion 80ED, my 8" LX200 and standard camera lenses.
Occassional widefield shots of the Moon and Sun on occasions such as eclipses.
(Both of the above both from my observatory and, on occasions, at star parties.)
Bird photography.
At the moment I've narrowed the choice down to the following options.
Unmodified Canon 350D = sensitive pixels (therefore shorter exposures possible > less accurate tracking needed)
Modified 350D (replacement Baader ACF filter)= better H alpha response, but greater expense and possible problems with colour balance for non-astro shots.
As both above but with a 400D. This would give me better resolution, but at greater expense and at the expense of sensitivity > longer exposures > need for better tracking.
1000D. Same resolution /sensitvity/tracking issues as 400D, but with Liveview focussing. New - so not available secondhand
I have a limited budget so a new modified 400D or 1000D are not options. A new unmodified 400D seems pointless as I can get liveview with a 1000D for about the same price.
I obviously have the option of buying any of this secondhand, but I do worry about buying expensive electronic equipment secondhand, especially if it's not from a shop.
What are people's thought about:
350D v 400D v 1000D
modified v unmodified (bear in mind the proposed non-astro uses)
new v secondhand
What addition equipment/software I should get (remember my limited budget)
Any thoughts gratefully received.
What I want the camera to do?
Astrohotography of deep sky objects using both my Orion 80ED, my 8" LX200 and standard camera lenses.
Occassional widefield shots of the Moon and Sun on occasions such as eclipses.
(Both of the above both from my observatory and, on occasions, at star parties.)
Bird photography.
At the moment I've narrowed the choice down to the following options.
Unmodified Canon 350D = sensitive pixels (therefore shorter exposures possible > less accurate tracking needed)
Modified 350D (replacement Baader ACF filter)= better H alpha response, but greater expense and possible problems with colour balance for non-astro shots.
As both above but with a 400D. This would give me better resolution, but at greater expense and at the expense of sensitivity > longer exposures > need for better tracking.
1000D. Same resolution /sensitvity/tracking issues as 400D, but with Liveview focussing. New - so not available secondhand
I have a limited budget so a new modified 400D or 1000D are not options. A new unmodified 400D seems pointless as I can get liveview with a 1000D for about the same price.
I obviously have the option of buying any of this secondhand, but I do worry about buying expensive electronic equipment secondhand, especially if it's not from a shop.
What are people's thought about:
350D v 400D v 1000D
modified v unmodified (bear in mind the proposed non-astro uses)
new v secondhand
What addition equipment/software I should get (remember my limited budget)
Any thoughts gratefully received.