I am just a astrophotography "NooB"

[apaulo]

Hi everyone,

I am, like most people starting out in astrophotography. This is making my bank manager rather happy, not to mention my credit rating :lol: !
I have just purchased a " 8" f/4 newt astrograph " with a paracorr coma corrector and a EQ6 pro with goto. I am happy with the scope setup but before I spend the big dollars I need to research the camera side of things. Thats where you people can help :D.
Firstly DSLR or CCD. I reckon this depends on what I want to photograph, well I am interested in deep space objects like the Sombrero galaxy, nebula's etc etc. To be honest I want to do the scope justice. Understanding the scope's limitations I want to be realistic. I have see some fantastic photos using the same scope with a Pentax K-X but the CCD seems to be designed for astrophotography where DSLR aren't.

Anyway your guidance and advice will be surely welcomed. ;)
Best regards Paul (tyro astrophotographer)...

[bmitchell82]

hey mate, first of all can you shoot some specifications on your telescope.

Look up some of my posts about my 10" newt. if you are serious about astrophotography there are some steps that i suggest you take.

let us know and we can move you in the right direction and save you pain, heartache and $$$

[apaulo]

Hi Brendan

Yes its a 200mm (8") newt astrograph I reckon the Focal length is about .9 to 1 meter using a 10:1 crawford focus. The paracorr is a televue PVL-2008.
I hope that helps

[mswhin63]

[QUOTE=apaulo;579397]
Firstly DSLR or CCD. I reckon this depends on what I want to photograph, well I am interested in deep space objects like the Sombrero galaxy, nebula's etc etc. To be honest I want to do the scope justice. Understanding the scope's limitations I want to be realistic. I have see some fantastic photos using the same scope with a Pentax K-X but the CCD seems to be designed for astrophotography where DSLR aren't.
QUOTE]

I have tried both webcam and DSLR and feel the CCD if you get long exposure capability it is the way to go (which I don't have). I am sure that if you are going to spend big bucks which I can't ATM that is the way I would go.

For me without a great deal of money and only a beginner I am using webcam and DSLR for imaging. The webcam I have found excellent for planetary while DSLR great for long exposure but a pig to manage noise. Noise would be another issue to deal with so I believe the more pricy CCD's have better cooling capability where as the DSLR require a lot of DIY or aftermarket cooling.

My 2 cents worth.

[dugnsuz]

If you're starting out in Astro-imaging I think a modded DSLR would be a user friendly starting point.
There are a few for sale in the classifieds right now. Pick of the bunch IMO is Octanes modded 40D...
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=59392
It's modded (better Ha response), has a 14bit processor (older DSLRs are usually 12bit and CCDs are 16bit) - nice mid point, it has LiveView which is great for easy hassle free focusing and it's easy to control via PC.
I use one - have a look at my gallery below...all images taken with my modded 40D, and check out Octane's pics - they're awesome!!!

DSLR v's CCD - I don't believe that a CCD is a beginner's tool. Many here have progressed from DSLR to CCD after years of using the former.
It's the 'don't run before you can walk' argument.
All the best with your choice
Doug

[OzRob]

Is that really the case if you are comparing a DSLR with a OSC CCD? I have tried the DSLR that I have and basically it is not suitable for the job. I could get a Canon body and give that a shot but I think a OSC is the way to go. The cooling, no need for mods, better sensitivity and potential for automated multiple image capture (using dithering) with dedicated software seals the deal for me.

[dugnsuz]

Disagree, in that the learning curve is much steeper with CCD (OSC included) for a "Noob". Focusing and framing with the focal length of scope that Paul is using may pose more immediate problems with a CCD camera.
No argument re the benefits for imaging of having a CCD over a DSLR - but I still think that the CCD's steep learning curve is not the best route for the beginner and may be off-putting for those unfamiliar with all the associated software needed to run these cameras.

Re your DSLR experience - I started off with a Pentax DSLR, which was no match for my Canon. Noise reduction and colour correction are far superior on the Canon DSLRs for astro work. Have a look at the photo links in Octane's ad I linked to in my post above - they speak for themselves as to the potential of the DSLR.

Doug

ps...I would love a CCD too!;) Until then I have to champion the cause of the DSLR!!

[OzRob]

lol...mine is a Pentax too.

I have been processing LRGB data from remote telescopes for the past year or so. Hopefully that will cut a lot of the learning curve of the OSC...;)

[apaulo]

Thank you for the quick reply guys ;)

It maybe prudent to mention that I have three well versed astrophotographers as members of my astro club :thumbsup:, so assistance with issues maybe be quickely resolved. The answer I am looking for, regardsless of learning curve, Will CCD be a better pathway to go down compared to using a DLSR.

I have seen some fantastic photos from both CCD and DSLR cameras, even from the people who have replied to me. I cant wait to learn more.
Best Regards Paul.

[bmitchell82]

100% it is a better pathway. I will dissagree with you Doug, if your going to have to learn a camera your going to have to learn a camera no if's or buts about it be it DSLR or CCD.

the difference between a DSLR is its actually harder, figuring out exposure times, ISO ratings ect ect ect. once you have adjusted the offset and gain which is a easy task, your only thing to think about is the time you want to spend taking each photo

If you where going directly to LRGB mono camera, then things change. but a OSC for a CCD will nail it, and will stop frustrations!

The focal length is not hard to guide at, i use my finderscope to guide at 1200mm... easy with <.2 of a pixel errors.

[dugnsuz]

No disagreements from me! CCDs are the desired goal of many imagers (who usually start out with DSLRs) as they're purpose-built for the job.
Whether or not you start off with one is up to you Paul.
All the best
Doug

[apaulo]

Thank you, everyone for their help and guidance

Regards Paul.

[dugnsuz]

This thread and the other DSLR v's CCD one really have got me thinking too!!
Thanks for giving food for thought.
Doug

[binofied]

Just another thing to consider. The SBIG camera like the ST2000 has two great things going for it. Enough pixels to make good big images for viewing on a computer or printing at 1600x1200. Also they have a built in autoguider chip which means you don't need to have a seperate guide scope, pickoff adaptor or a second guide camera. You can pick up second hand at more modest prices. Then the only choice is XM vs XCM (color) I use the mono one but for a beginner a cooled color CCD chip has a lot going for it. Also the software, use MaximDL it excels at almost every part of the image making process. There are several packages that are good at one or two parts of the process but then you will have to learn multiple software packages.

[mswhin63]

One thing, my opinion is the DSLR option is a good starter, as I also have a camera providing good general photographs which i know will last longer than my final decision which will be the higher end CCD. I think my choice to get a DSLR was the best for me with a few good successful startrails recently.

I feel the learning curve on operating DSLR ISO and F stop was great to learn more about the optical value of imaging, but i am a learner and love to study things as i go. DSLR may not give the ultimate pix but for me the ultimate pleasure.

[Jen]

:) good luck with it all Paul :thumbsup:
Are you all confused yet :lol::lol::lol: there is so many different options and ways to go i think it comes down to dollars in the end :thumbsup:
Go to an astro night and suss out a few to get a few ideas on which way to go :thumbsup: Looking forward to seeing some pics from you in the future ;)

[apaulo]

Yes Jen a little confused but I have a great resource of people within the astro club I am with. I have a good idea how I am going to approach this, and money is an issue.
Regards Paul.