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Hi Ken. I have been involved in Astronomy for 41 years (50 now) and I can say you had some pretty modern gear in 80's. You must have spent some money, because stuff was so expensive back then. We made most things and I can still remember my drive corrector that I helped solder up with the help of an electronics expert in our society. Amazingly it worked. Film was the rage way back then, hypered or not. I sometimes take a look at the good images I produced then (out of the many garbage ones I produced). The transition to digital can be a bit daunting but learning is good.
Yes things have changed dramatically. You will marvel at what can be achieved. There are many people that can help here and quite a few to inspire you with imaging.
If you are going to buy a CCD, just take a bit of time to make the decision of what you want long term before laying out the cash. Pixel size and sensor size really determine what can be achieved, not to mention how much has to be spent. Also keep in mind you will need a guide camera too and an off axis guider or guide scope. You Can hand guide, but one little slip and your stars will suffer. CCD is not like film that was more forgiving of guide error.
Best of luck and feel free to ask more questions.
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