Choosing a Camera

[Shnoz]

Hi, I was thinking of getting into astrophotography after just observing for a few years. But I don't know too much about cameras.
I've heard that DSLR's and CCD's are good for astrophotography, but are there any specific cameras anyone would recommend?

[dpastern]

Sophie, why not start with something like a lower end DSLR?

Say, maybe a Canon 1000D? Or, maybe a 2nd hand 350D. You can shoot with them as is, or pay a few hundred dollars to get them modded - which will make them far more sensitive to Red areas of the spectrum.

Dedicated CCD cameras maybe down the track, I'd really recommend from everything I've read and seen to start off with a DSLR first before investing too heavily.

Dave

[rogerg]

What is your budget?

The easiest is really to start with a DSLR like Canon 350D, 400D, 450D, 100D. (pick your budget)

Start with wide field shots using a standard camera lens.

Depending on your budget you may have other options available like dedicated astronomy CCD cameras.

Roger.

[toryglen-boy]

excellent post.

I had this choice last week, and bought a Canon 1000D twin lens kit and havent looked back, mine was $870 from Dick Smiths, in truth its not as good as the 450D, and it feels a little cheaper, and its lighter because of it (450g) but its an excellent place to start off

Duncan

[dpastern]

Light is probably good Duncan - less stress on the focuser and less flexure.

Dave

[Shnoz]

Thanks for you recommendations!
I was thinking about a Canon 1000D, it seems the best balance I can so far find between quality and money. I'm still looking around, but now I have somewhere to go from!:)

[toryglen-boy]

Dick Smiths do the twin lens kit, for $870 ish

cant go wrong !!

:P

[dpastern]

That's a pretty good price for what you get.

Dave

[pirate of skies]

I saw online at
http://www.aoe.com.au/ccdphotography.html

A bottom end CCD (CMOS) usb camera with shot button.
I dont understand why it says CCD, then says cmos. I though these were two diff animals...

specs,

CCD USB Camera with shot button
Sensor: Ultra-sensitive 1/3"CMOS
Video Format: 24-bit
Shutter: Electronic controlled
Resolution: 640x480 Pixels: 300,000
Frame Rate: 30fps(CIF), 15fgs (VGA)
Minimum Illumination: 3 lux
S/N Ratio: Equals to 48dB or above
Aperture: 1.25" Power: USB (5V)
Operating Environment: 0-40ºC


I am new to this game, so maybe something I am missing.

:thumbsup:

[Geoff45]

You're correct: CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and CCD (Charge-coupled devices) are not the same.
Geoff

[dpastern]

Typically CMOS consumes less power and has a better S/N ratio than CCD technology.

Dave

[Geoff45]

I don't agree about the better S/N ratio. Have a look at these sites
http://gadgetophilia.com/a-guide-to-ccd-and-cmos-sensor-technology/

http://www.dalsa.com/corp/markets/CCD_vs_CMOS.aspx

http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious/main/cmos-sensor-vs-cd-sensor-which-one-is-better-for-digital-cameras/

Certainly the gap is closing and you'll know that CMOS has overtaken CCD when SBIG puts out a camera with a CMOS chip

[NeilW]

What would be the best option if I wanted to use a device just to "look" through a scope via a computer, rather than capture images? My eyesight isn't what it used to be, and I was wondering if I could use a CCD or similar rather than looking through an eyepiece.

[dpastern]

I was talking from a DSLR point of view - Canon has used CMOS technology for many years now and it has kicked all of the competitors butts quite badly that stuck with CCD. Ambient temperatures. Having used both (original EOS1D was CCD), I can say CMOS is far better in every area.

Dave

[Octane]

Sophie,

Would you also use the camera for terrestrial daytime photography?

If it is purely for astrophotography, I would heavily recommend a modified Canon EOS-350D or, if you can stretch the budget, a modified EOS-40D.

The 350D is tried and tested and produces magnificent results. The 40D has the added advantage of LiveView, which will allow you to focus very quickly and easily by chimping on the LCD preview screen. It also has a 14-bit sensor which captures more dynamic range, and is also built a lot sturdier than the older 350D.

If you're intending to use the camera for both terrestrial and astrophotographic purposes, and, if you're an absolute beginner, then, you might want to try the new Canon EOS-500D.

Having said that, you can still use a modified camera (modification involves removing the stock infra-red/ultraviolet block filter and replacing it with a third party filter which allows the hydrogen alpha wavelength of light to pass through to the sensor -- this is the portion of the spectrum that contains all that beautiful red diffuse/emission nebulosity) -- you just need to set your white balance either through a custom setting in the camera (instructions are in the manual) or manually when you post-process your images by using the white balance tool in your chosen software, and clicking on a portion of the image which you think should be white.

I hope this helps. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

Regards,
Humayun