|
Hi Adrian,
As mentioned, it would be very difficult to get good photos of Nebula etc with your scope/camera because you really need tracking for that. Perhaps try to start with the Orion neb using as wide field as you can with short subs. You will soon see how challenging that will be.
Planets are a little easier but still challenging. The good part is you take video rather than stills, and with video, if you move the image around a bit whilst 'filming', the software for post processing will align the frames, so to speak.
Again, start with wide field first, (no barlow), that way the planet will not be moving as fast in your FOV, as you are 'zomed out'. The image will be smaller however without the barlow, but easier to keep on target in the FOV. If all goes well, add the barlow and try that. I'm guessing that you already have viewed the planets through your scope with an eyepiece and know how to find them.
Use video capture software to aquire images and then the files can be opened with free software Registax or similar for processing.
But you have a 350D and how does it fit in here. Normally for planets, you would use a CCD webcam or better video camera that you can see 'live/capture' in your software so you can easily frame etc. Or a later DSLR that has live view will also do the trick. But your 350D does not have live view so that is an issue! You won't be able to see the planet in your video capture software.
Now there is something you can try, I noticed that the 350D has a video out jack on it, you could connect this up to a 'video monitor' that accepts the RCA yellow video plug. I have not used this but worth investigating as you will then have a live view, (assuming that's what it does). The other thing, is your 350D does not support video so you will not be able to do video. I have a 450D and even though this has live view, it does not have video. I use some software called Backyard EOS which is fantastic. Somehow, it can get planet imaging with our type of cameras, and it takes lots of stills and turns them into an AVI video!
One other gotcha for the 350D is that that when you are using software to get you image you need to make up a special cable to go from a serial port to the camera but it is not RS232, its like a switch. With the later model Canons, you only need the USB cable. In your camera the USB is only for downloading the images. Not a deal breaker though as you can use other methods for triggering.
I would say that the combination you have is not the best to do anything easily and if you upgraded to at least a DSLR that had both live view and video then you solve most of the issues. The only other catch you may have is back focus for you 350D and the DOB. I have read articles here on IIS thay may be worth searching for that talk about that.
So when I had my 10" DOB, I found that a Philips Toucam was the best thing for getting images of the moon, planets, (still a bit difficult), the moon and the moon. I also have a 350D, and know its limitations for imaging the universe. If you had a Meade ETX 125 or greater, (my first planet imaging scope), LXxxx or similar other scope that had tracking, then you would be able to use your camera for some DSO's.
Happy to clarify anything.
Be great to hear how you progress.
Cheers,
Damien.
|