CCD camera

[EddieDog]

Hi all, what ccd camera would you recommend for a beginner, of maderate price, say up to approx $400.
Ta
Eddie

[midnight]

Eddie,

Many on this site have commended the performance of the Imaging Source brand cameras such as the DBK41 or if you are pushed for the budget, then the DBK21 (I think they were around US$375). As a beginner myself in this field I personally have ordered a DBK41 as I wanted to do more imaging of the planets and my 40D whilst capable, appears to have hit its limits. I feel comfortable with the decision given my budget.

I managed to get a DBK41 for US$490 at an exchange rate of 1.012 through Mastercard (+2% foreign currency change fee). Delivery AU$46 and because it is under the AU$1000 limit, no customs or GST is applicable. It depends what specials are going at the time and it may even be possible to buy one in Australia for nearly the same total price but you get the Aus warranty and delivery much quicker and cheaper.

Monochrome versions are available as well as version with the IR filter in place too.

I'm sure others will post their recommendations so have a look at these too especially if they have experience with their recommended camera as I have no experience yet with the DBK. I'm sure you'll find something that suits you.

Good luck!

Cheers,
Darrin...

[tlgerdes]

Ask yourself, what do I want to image? The imaging source cameras are ideal for planetary, but DSLRs are great for entry level DSO and widefield DSO

[asimov]

I'd have to recommend the Imaging source DBK21 as the true 'entry level' planet cam these days.

[EddieDog]

Thanks Darrin, I'll take a look
Eddie

[EddieDog]

Fair question Trevor, but not sure myself, so, which for planetary and which for DSO
Cheers
Eddie

[EddieDog]

Thanks John, similar to Darrin.

Eddie

[[1ponders]]

If you want to dabble your toes into DSO's then a DSLR is a great way to go, but you might also want to keep your eye out for any second hand Meade DSI colour that maybe up for sale.

[EddieDog]

Paul, do you mean the Deep Sky Imager II? B&H have one for $299.

Eddie

[[1ponders]]

It could be a good way to start because it has a Track and Stack function where you don't need a guidescope, and once you are ready to move up to autoguiding it will make a good guidecamera. Mind you I did hear of a Canon 30D (great imaging camera) going somewhere the other day for around $200, but then you would also have to look at guiding.

[EddieDog]

OK, Paul, might be worth a go. The DBKxx series seem popular but have lower resolution that the Meade, both use Sony CCD sensors. Yes, I know I will have to get an EQ mount for any serious work. Luner is fine with the 6SE as exposure time is short. Have tried Saturn but with Prime focus on my Olympus E500, the image is too small and extremely difficult to focus, even more so if I use projection techniques for which ony narrow diameter eyepieces will fit. Part problem is no live view and the viewfinder, although TLR, is small (4/3 sys) and even though I have a 1.5x mag attachement for the viewfinder, it is still too small an image to properly focus. The E500 has a f4.5 150mm lens which is comparable to a 35mm 300. I have seen Canon and Nikon300mm shots that are fabulous. I doubt the Olympus can hold up owing to smaller sensor and greater noise. But without an EQ motorised mount, I can't even begin to think of DSO with it.
Lastly, Paul, re CCD cams. I note that in solar photos that the mag is very high, eg saturn etc. How is this achieved if through prime focus, can it be varied with length of extension tubes etc. and, do these cams come with filter threads? I note that the new Meade III (too expensive) has a filter holder.
Sorry to be such a pain, but need to learn.
Regards
Eddie

[ZeroID]

What pain ? I'm reading and learning here as well so this is all good stuff. Heading for the photographic side myself and it all gets considered and added. Keep them questions and answers coming I say. :thumbsup:

(And I reckon it's well deserved recognition of the experts on here that so freely give advice and help. Thanks guys, much appreciated. I'd be spending FAR less money if it wasn't for you ... :rolleyes: )