Beginner's CCD Camera

[JT179]

I am a new member and new to Astrophotography as well.

I have just bought a second hand WO FLT 110 refractor on a Losmandy GM8 mount (with Gemini GOTO system).

Can the more experienced members recommend a suitable CCD camera for a complete beginner, a friend said a Meade DSI II or III would be a good start, but said he thinks they are no longer sold.

Any ideas much appreciated?

Jonathan:thanx:

[[1ponders]]

Now that's going to open a can of worms Jonathan. Asking around here for someone to recommend something :lol: :) Lets start it. Do you want CCD or would you be happy to start with a digital SLR? What's price range? Do you have a lot of sky glow where you are in Brisbane? Built in guidechip or do you already have a autoguider setup?

[JT179]

Thanks for the reply and the fact that I now know I have a lot to learn.

Well I don't want to spend too much, say a few hundred dollars to begin. I would prefer a CCD rather than a DSLR. Being linked up to a computer and the processing I know is involved with a CCD doesn't work me.

But having a second guide chip sounds a bit too pricey for a beginner. So some other cheaper method for guiding would help.

The sky glow is not too bad where I am in the suburbs, but is still there.

Thanks

Jonathan:thanx:

[Poita]

The base level to me is a 2nd hand QHY8 for $800-$1000.

Cheaper than that, it will be a small chip probably with a smaller FOV.

Were you looking at a OSC (one Shot Colour) or a mono camera and filters?

There isn't much available under $500, even 2nd hand.

[[1ponders]]

I'm not sure I'm following you here. :shrug: You want a CCD but you dont want to be tied to a computer? Is that right.

Simplest autoguider setup would be something like this package (http://www.bintel.com.au/Astrophotography/Autoguiders/Orion-Mini-Autoguider-Package/403/productview.aspx) I have a GM8 as well and if its well tuned you should be able to autoguide with the 110 as your imaging scope. Peters suggestion of a OSC camera would likely come out cheapest and you may be able to think about pollution filters for where you are.

[ZeroID]

Methinks Jonathan might be referring to a WebCam setup. But in that case he will just have to get familiar with a computer, that's how it works.

[rally]

Maybe he miskeyed - instead of 'worry' he typed 'work' ?

[brian nordstrom]

I reciently got an Atik 318L from Andrews and at $1000 it takes great pictures , ( I am still learning , but its quite easy to set up and use ) .
But yes you need a laptop computer .
Brian.