What camera to buy

[I.C.D]

G'Day All,
If you had a spare $500/$1000 what camera and brand would you buy and why .Colour or Mono, able to guide if needed ,to do Deep space Luna and planetary And what accessories would you buy to go with it
Ian C ;)

[asimov]

I wouldn't buy another camera just yet as I have a DMK. I want to buy the filter wheel plus filters for it however.

[jase]

If I'm hearing you correctly, you want a camera that will do both planetary and deep sky work. Tall order. You're best off determining what is your main area of interest and getting something specialised in that field.

[I.C.D]

Thanks :thanx: Jase what would you suggest
Ian C

[jjjnettie]

The new Gstar-Ex Colour is on my wish list.
Planets and DSO's.
Real time viewing on your monitor in Colour.

[jase]

JJJ has undoubtedly nailed it. There is however no such camera that excels at both, hence my original statement that you need to consider what your primary interests are.

Have you searched the forums? Your question (and similar dilemmas have been answered before). Here are a couple of threads for your consideration, but would suggest you search yourself.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=51762
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=51148
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=48849
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=48945
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=49972

[wasyoungonce]

Get a Philips SPC900NC Web Cam (with nose piece adaptor & 1.25" Baader UV/IR block filter) for around $950Hk (around $130 Aust) + postage from Peter Tan in HK (http://www.tan14.com/gears.htm).

This make a very good starter planetary camera.

Now try to source a cheaper 2nd hand DSLR for DSO photography. The DSLR won't be as good as a dedicated astro camera like the Qhy 6 etc but it will be a good starter camera.

Try to get a DSLR that has "live view" so you can use it to focus more easily..aka a 1000D or such like (I don't know what other cameras that have live view but I'm sure there are many).

A 2nd hand DSLR may..may be had for around $800.

The above both are good cheaper starter cameras and as you gain knowledge you can then decide on what your needs are!

Anyway ...that my 2c's worth.

Edit:
There is modified 450D for sale in the Camera section it has the front UV/IR filter replaced to allow more astro friendly wave lengths of light to pass.

There is also a 300D for $350 that doesn't have live view but that's a good price!