DSLR or ATIK for first time astrophotographer?

[batema]

Hi,

I am after advice for a fellow teacher who we have convinced of the benefits of astronomy in her senior physics program. She has purchased an ED 80 on a HEQ5Pro and I told her I thought a Canon 1000d or similar would be a great way to start shooting DSO as more or less you get instant results. She has about $800. She was told by an astronomy shop to go for something like an Atik 16IC ($500 approx) or Atik 16ICs ($900 approx). Any ideas please.

Mark

[[1ponders]]

The 16IC is a great little camera (wish I'd kept mine but what do I need another camera for lol) but the chip is only a fraction of the size of a DSLR chip. The only real advantages would be cooling and the ability to image in FITS.

For the price I'd go for a DSLR. A 30D or 40D and a guide camera

[allan gould]

Agree with the above 100%. good sound advice.

[Tandum]

ICX415AL • Number of effective pixels: 782 (H) × 582 (V) approx. 460K pixels

Twill be a nightmare getting a target onto that sensor.

[DavidTrap]

Go with a second hand DSLR and buy a guide camera as well.

DT

[mithrandir]

It depends on the focal length. It's hard on my C8. It's fairly easy on my ST80 where I use it as a guide camera.

I have webcams with more pixels, but no cooling.

[adman]

Get them to cut their teeth on a DSLR - there is plenty to learn (mount, balance, alignment, guiding etc etc) before buying a dedicated astro CCD. If they then feel that astrophotography is not for them, they have a decent DSLR as a consolation prize....

Its also possible that they will also quickly outgrow the entry level astro CCD.

Adam