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EddieDog
14-04-2011, 07:45 PM
Hi all, me again re astro-imaging. After my previous post I have been doing some research and thinking – ooh my brain hurts! I now understand how you get colour pics from a b/w cam, I managed to duplicate the concept using filters and my digicam set to b/w and the re-coloured using Photoshop filters and layers etc. Crude but it worked. However, here is my dilemma. I also know that B/W CCD’s are more sensitive and better for DSO’s. But, yep, always a but, apart from cost of camera, one needs quality LRGB filters which cost a bomb, and at least a manual filter wheel. This can skyrocket the DBK 31 to almost a grand all up. Also, just how much light loss – sensitivity – does one suffer using filters?

The alternative is a colour cam, the DBK 31 and 41 are both the same price at $629. Bintel sell the Meade DSI II at $509 (less resolution than the DBK 31) but B&H sell for $299 and with shipping is still much cheaper. I have read mixed reviews of the Meade. Is there anyone here who has used this and has some pics, both DSO’s and Luner/Planetary, or can offer a good review or comparison.

Initially I don’t want to spend too much, nor over-capitalise for my OTA, which is a Celestron 6SE, with a goto alt-Az mount, but neither do I want to be disappointed with the results. I do understand that even with a high-end DBK I am not likely to get the super luner pics I have seen from others whom have 10” and 12” newts and certainly not of Saturn etc.
Advise would be deeply appreciated.
Ta
Eddie