DSLR help

[TJD]

hi all i was thinking of getting into photography i have a nextinmage but i fing the resulution isnt to good so i would like to get a digital slr i have a very tight budget it has to be able to mount on to a 1.25" eyepiece adapter im not just going to use it for astrophotography but also terresrial

will a sony handycam do the job or does it need to be a still image camera?

any replies will be appreciated

[dpastern]

How tight a budget? A 2nd hand 300D or 350D will do nicely.

Dave

[TJD]

around $500

[Bassnut]

A DSLR on a 1.25" adaptor?.... no.

[alfi]

hi
there are 1,25" adaptors for dslr`s.
http://firstlightoptics.com/proddetail.php?prod=ae1.25inchadapt er
only need that and a T-ring.

alfi

[Geoff45]

I think Fred's point was that with a 1.25 adaptor you are going to have vignetting problems.

[alfi]

ahh, ok, didnt think about that.

alfi

[White Rabbit]

What about this,

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=50834

This is a good camera, although I think, it doesnt have live view so focusing can be a bit more of a challenge. It might be a bit our of your budget range but keep an eye out in the Ice Trades on this forum some good deals come up every once in a while.

[TJD]

im not allowed to buy off the internet but my price range will go up to
$500-$850

[Gallifreyboy]

This price range gives you quite a few options, you can get a new 1000D body at lower price range and at the higher price range may get dual lens kit (I got mine last year at JB hifi in Perth for $780 with dual lens kit local warranty etc.) I have been very happy with the 1000D with live focus a really helpful feature for astro photos. I have since modded the camera and posted some recent shots in deep space section, here are a couple of those shots

[TJD]

what does it mean when you modified the camera is it hard is it expencive will it give a better resale price:help:

[Gallifreyboy]

Modding a DSLR camera for astrophotography involves removing the standard filter (which blocks too much of the red spectrum which is an important part of emission nebula) in front of the imaging sensor and replaces it with an astro friendly filter to allow those red spectrum wavelengths through. It is a step not to be taken lightly as it will invalidate your warranty and make daytime shots not so great unless you purchase a removable filter to allow for both purposes. Cost varies due to filter and labour costs but will likely add a few hundred to the cost. I don't know anyone in Perth who does it, I had mine done while visiting Hong Kong. Resale of a modded camera on IIS would be good, not so good most other places. Hope that helps.:)

[TJD]

thanks for the info every one after looking at some cameras and prices i think i'll settle on a sony a230 or a canon d1000 i'll wait till i have the $ and by then the dollar might be better nobodys ansered my second question yet about the video cam i wont modifie it till the warrenty is over and i have more $ i also need to use this camera for terrestrial viewing:thanx: everyone:thumbsup:

[TJD]

does the sony have live view

[mithrandir]

Not according to the review I looked at. The a330 does but more $.

[TJD]

if the a330 price drops about $150 which it might if we get it in america
and the dollar gets to $1.10 it will be mine if not the d1000 would be great :thanx: