Test images (Moon, Venus and Jupiter) using APT and Canon 450D

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I was experimenting with my canon 450D as a replacement for CCD webcams or as a next step in AP, the result were very interesting.

Seeing was appauling, I think the High Pressure system over Perth created massive turbulence so the images I created were very difficult to obtain. I will try and put some animation of the seeing condition later.

Venus - I managed a quick try before it went behind the fence so I couldn't really capture many frames.
Jupiter - This was surprising the images I finally processed based on the images captured which looked quite horrible.
Moon Images - Again the seeing was causing the images to jump all over the place so it was really difficult to capture.

Venus, Jupiter and closeup moon captured using my Canon 450D with APT software in live view record mode. The interesting part is that in live view the series of images captured were 848 x 560 pixel. in x 1 the 10.2MP (wider moon images) are conveted to 848 x 560 but the close up where done using a 3 x Barlow and setting APT on X5 live view. So what was viewed for live recording was 2MP converted to 848 x 560. This is equivilent to a HD webcam or even better. This is not as good as some of the other specialise CCD but since using it I believe it is a good alternative to a webcam.

Running it in x5 dosen't loose all the quality. Running x 10 was imposible for me as I need to get the EQ platform running smoother before doing this.

Anyway the results for such poor condition was reasonable quality processed. Some images were well over processed but no other way around it on the seeing.

I couldn't load the Venus and jupiter images image through the normal methods, maybe too small - Will figure it out later and post them shortly.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Not sure why but managed to upload the other 2 images.

I hope to have more time processing in the future to get better results.

[midnight (Darrin)]

Malcolm,

I would be very happy with that Jupiter image! Is this also done via the liveview/video mode of the 450D?

I have been considering this as an interim option in that you have a decent cmos sensor capable of taking video (not exactly like the 5xx models but you probably know what I mean

I have a 40D and played with video for a short time and I am seriously considering giving this a go - certainly to try a different angle

With your Jupiter image, if you did use the liveview video, how many frames and which program did you stack with? I have Registax so I might give this a go!

I think the live view "video" mode is worthy of a thread on its own to see if us non ccders can push our existing systems until some more $timulu$ comes along from the boss (both work and the missus!)

Cheers,
Darrin...

[madwayne (Wayne)]

What a great set of images from a DSLR Malcolm - well done. You even managed to capture a moon in your Jupiter image.

Making the most of your equipment, what this or any other hobby is all about.

Again well done.

Wayne

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by midnight

Malcolm,

I would be very happy with that Jupiter image! Is this also done via the liveview/video mode of the 450D?

Yep, actually it is about the only way to capture Jupiter images. Full moon and straight barlwo imaging can be done with shutter but using AVStack to process bad atmsopherics is the best way.

Originally Posted by midnight

I have been considering this as an interim option in that you have a decent cmos sensor capable of taking video (not exactly like the 5xx models but you probably know what I mean

I have a 40D and played with video for a short time and I am seriously considering giving this a go - certainly to try a different angle

I now really think this is a viable option for planetary imaging if you already have a DSLR with Live View. Live view cannot work on its own with the camera, The software APT take the image from the computer and converts it to mulitple JPG's.

Originally Posted by midnight

With your Jupiter image, if you did use the liveview video, how many frames and which program did you stack with? I have Registax so I might give this a go!

I think the live view "video" mode is worthy of a thread on its own to see if us non ccders can push our existing systems until some more $timulu$ comes along from the boss (both work and the missus!)

Cheers,
Darrin...

The Live View is extrapolated using thrid party software not from the camera itself. I used APT (Astrophotgraphy Tool) to view, guide(manually) and record the Live View images. Without it there is no way I would have got these images. The free version should give you an idea how it works. As it was such a great tool I paid for it, worth every penny.

Originally Posted by madwayne

What a great set of images from a DSLR Malcolm - well done. You even managed to capture a moon in your Jupiter image.

Making the most of your equipment, what this or any other hobby is all about.

Again well done.

Wayne

Thanks Wayne, exactly right, making the most of what I have. I have the patience too but fortunately some skillls which really helps.

Note: Only one concern I have with Live View recording is the high battery consumption. I used a double Canon battery with my set-up but am working to resolve this.

[renormalised (Carl)]

You want to invest in a GStar or a DBK camera, Malcolm

Keep the Canon for single sub shots.

Mind you, your shots are a good effort, though

[sly (John)]

nice first pics!

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

To get an idea of seeing condition I posted a small 2.5MB movie of one of the shots.

http://www.astrelect.com.au/astroima...n/Moonx5_1.wmv