advice re. entry level colour CCD

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Whilst waiting for clouds to go I wondered if any one would recommend a good entry level colour CCD camera for me. I have been using an unmodified DSLR and in the future would be looking to get a 'proper' astro camera' but can't see myself fiddling with mono + filters just yet. I have a mono atik which I purchased in a fit of passion last year.
It's the idea of mono and refocusing after every filter change that puts me off as I am trying to get my rig so I can operate it from under cover I.E 20 yards from scope.
I don't know whether the cheap end of the market (Orion etc) are really a step up from my 450D albiet a cooled one.
addit. just read through the lengthy and often corruscating views of SBIG vs QH cameras. My word what a lot of posts!
QH9 to me looks attractive. I already have an ATIK filter wheel (USB) but like mentioned in the other older threads, the small chip size in the 314L+ is frustrating, hence my preference of the wide open spaces of a DSLR up till now. Maybe I should just modify my 1000D?
Also having already got a filter wheel makes me less likely to want a camera that doesn't fit the 1.25" size.
Any nuggets of advice folks?
Graham

[cventer]

Graham,

whats your budget ?

2nd hand QHY8 Pro color would be a decent option. Lots of peopl ehere with great results from one of those.

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Budget depends on whether I commit to the whole hog thing- If I do I would probably flog my Atik 314L+ and filter wheel, my Gstar Ex mono and look at around 2 K at most. Have read some good stuff about the QH cameras. Might even flog my spare 1000D if I had to.
Would have to work well with 80mm refractor and 8-10" Newts f4-f6.
Have Maxim DL so ascom control is also a bonus.
Ummm, I hear my wife going "you are thinking ...what?!!!"
No one round here has one so I can't have a crafty look and try.
Will keep an eye on the second hands just for interest sakes anyway.
Graham

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Forget the below for now, have bit the bullet and self modded by 450D. awaiting more parts to build a cooler for it now too. Much cheaper.
Graham

[byronpaul (Paul)]

I'm interested in this thread still going as I'm similarly looking for a "reasonable" CCD camera, with cooling.

Any recommendations of brands to consider, avoid .... verses cameras to consider, avoid.

As a budget, something around the $1000 ~ $1500 I'm guessing

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by byronpaul

I'm interested in this thread still going as I'm similarly looking for a "reasonable" CCD camera, with cooling.

Any recommendations of brands to consider, avoid .... verses cameras to consider, avoid.

As a budget, something around the $1000 ~ $1500 I'm guessing

How about the Atik 314E ($1199) or 320E ($1399) at Andrew's? The 314L+ is a bit beyond your $1500 limit.