Which camera is better for AP

[Uriabraham]

Hello all,

I am looking to purchase my first DSLR and currently reviewing 2 Canon cameras; 60da and 650d. The 60da is designed for AP with a low Pass infrared cut filter allowing the greater capture of hydrogen-alpha and spec also say 'very low noise' ISO is 6400. The 650d is the newest camera which has a faster processor and ISO to 12800 and most of the other features are same. Price difference is very big 60da price is about $1500 and 650d is about $800

I have no experience with AP and was wondering whether higher ISO of the 650d will enable shorter exposure time comparing to the 60da and what are the benefits of the low pass filter other than the ability to get better pics of emission nebule.

I prefer to purchase a camera for general deep sky objects photography and advice re the above would be appreciated

Thanks
Uri

[leon]

Hi Uri, don't let the extra ISO sway you at all when choosing for AP, myself and many more wouldn't image much higher than 400-500 iso anyway.

A series of longer exposures at a lower ISO will give you better results than heaps of short exposures at a high ISO.

That is my humble opinion.

leon

[jjjnettie]

I'll second what Leon said.
ISO 400 will give you silky smooth images if you have the patience to capture enough data.
ISO 800 and ISO 1600 will give more instant gratification, but at a price.
Higher ISO like 12800 is very useful when you are using Live View for framing and focus. :)

[alistairsam]

I agree with jjj and leon, but won't the lower noise feature of the two new models mean higher iso is now viable? by higher I mean within 1600?
I'm guessing there are noise comparisons of the newer low noise cameras at iso 800 or 1600 with the older ones, and 1600 iso at 5 minutes may still be acceptable.
I'd suggest comparing noise at 1600 iso between the two for 60sec or higher exposures and then deciding.
a few members here have the 60da and might be able to post some test results.

[Astro_Bot]

How is the lower noise achieved? Is it an inherently better sensor? Or is it manipulation of dynamic range (edit: which is pretty useless for astrophotography, IMHO)? I'm guessing it's the latter, based on what I've read and been told by (knowledgeable) sales reps.

[jjjnettie]

My 550D was sold as a "low noise" camera, which couldn't be further from the truth. If the temp is above 10C I don't bother imaging deep sky with it.
Proof is in the pudding. I'd see noise comparisons taken at different temps before purchasing.

[loki78]

If you search through the forums there are a few good examples from people who 60Da's and they seem quite happy with them.

The 650d being pretty new, I don't know many people have them yet.