*** My First Flame Nebula ***

[EzyStyles]

Took this a few days ago with the Meade DSI without any filters. The DSI is too limited me thinks. The flame was very dim. Had to use PS CS to reduce noise levels dramatically. 1 minute exposure with 5 frames autostacked when taking it. I don't think i can get a shot at the horsehead at all.

A very bad pic but hey, its my first :) Need to invest in another camera very soon such as a Canon. Where are the rest of DSI users on here?

[h0ughy]

welcome to the world of never ending needs! Remember the image required is proportional to the investment required where image = ((cost of scope + mount) * camera)/ investment required. Nice try mate

[RB]

Ezy, in my opinion you've done very well indeed.
It's very easy to get caught up in all the excitement of this hobby and spend a lot of money.
Whatever you decide to buy make sure it's what you can afford and what you're going to use for a long while and get your money's worth out of.

Having said that, investing in a DSLR like the Canons or Nikons will give a greater amount of detail, but along with that comes more spending requirements :( .

The Flame and Horsehead are dim objects to image and you've done very well in this shot.

Great start mate.

[davidpretorius]

another great one ezy, i can sometimes just make this out with 10".

well done!

[Hitchhiker]

Yes, the DSI is limited - but every imager you are likely to use will have some limitations. You have done a great job with the DSI in a very short time.

Just out of interest, here is an image of the Horsehead taken with a DSI with very complete details on capture and processing I found with a quick Google:
http://neurohack.com/astrotourist/HorseheadNebula.html

I read in an article somewhere that astrophotography is about solving problems - I think that is very true. What is it that you don't like about the images you are getting? Is there anything you can do about that? For instance, maybe you are getting star trails - the fix might be to spend more time getting polar alignment right. Maybe the stars are bloated - perhaps the focal length you are using is too long, you could use a Focal Reducer to reduce the image size. Maybe your focus is out - more practice will fix that. Objects are too dim - you need to expose longer but you need to have got everything else right to do that. Ultimately, if you haven't mastered all the intricate details of mount, scope, and imager with the DSI, when you get that DSLR or exotic camera you will be no better off - you still have to learn it all!

One thing that I think will help is if you can reduce your image scale - I don't know what focal length you are operating at but a shorter focal length would be more forgiving. I don't know if you can use a Focal Reducer with a Newtonian - there will be experts around here who can tell you. Imaging through an ED80 or similar refractor would be easier but I don't want to spend your money!

Lastly, your efforts have been an inspiration to me (and I'm sure to many others) to get out and use the equipment that I have. Even if you are a little disappointed with your images, don't underestimate the impact they have on others!:) :thumbsup:

[ving]

its a faintish one Ezy :)
congrats :)

I saw the flame once at a dark site and also once on a particualrly dark night at home :)

[robin]

Keep at it Ezy.Keep trying..it'll happen & when it does you'll say....'that DSI really isnt a bad piece of hardware once everything comes together'.

[EzyStyles]

thanks guys. you guys inspired me. Thanks for the very informed post Adam. So a focal reducer can help me get a wider field of view?
very much considering getting the 350d. so basically i just screw the camera into a t-thread and into the focuser thats it? i find the DSI quite easy because i can see the objects on my laptop screen. What happens with a digital SLR? since it is over the focuser how am i suppose to see what im pointing at? lamen's term guys. still new still newww :)

thanks for your help/comments so far guys.

[Hitchhiker]

On an SCT a Focal Reducer will reduce the focal length (of course!) and flatten the field (SCTs have very strong field curvature). Don't know if a focal reducer is an option on a newtonian, though - someone will know.

[tornado33]

Good image there, the Flame is nicely framed in the image.
Scott