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I don't think there is any doubt the Mono CCDs in cameras designed specifically for astrophotography have the potential to deliver better images than DSLRs over the full range of targets.
That said great results can be achieved using DSLRs within a certain range of targets.
This not an inexpensive hobby so for someone starting out saving some dollars by using a decent DSLR that they might already possess to begin imaging and building their skills in my view is a very viable option.
DSLRs are easier to operate. You don't even need a computer to drive them (though it is better to use one). They have their own power source and they obviously can be used for other forms of photgraphy as well. They are well suited to using lenses for wide field photography. They also generally offer more megapixels than CCDs, sometimes a significant amount more.
Where the CCDs have the real advantage in my view is their sensitivity to certain wavelengths of light such as Ha. For some targets this makes no difference and others it appears to make a huge difference.
The other major advantage is the ability to image in narrow band, allowing one to image from light polluted areas.
I don't have noise issues with my DSLR. I do use darks in my processing. No doubt it is noiser than a top of the line supercooled CCD camera but the noise it does generate does not seem to be materially effecting the quality of my images. Perhaps this will become more of an issue when I move onto imaging fainter targets but at this stage it hasn't been an issue for me.
While not specialised for astrophotography subjects the sensors in DSLRs have probably had 10 times the research dollars put into them than most fo the CCD sensors going around, many of which seem pretty long in the tooth to me.
So I guess I am saying don't write off DLSRs as "why would you bother"
They are a viable alternative for many targets and do have certain advantages.
For people starting off they can be a good value for money way to get into astrophotography.
For myself I use a Nikon D4 DSLR which I owned before I took up AP as a hobby so for me it was worth using it and building my skills generally. One day I will probably move to a CCD camera for the advantages I mentioned above but for now it is doing the job fine and I am pleased with the images I am creating as a newbie.
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