first go at Saturn this season with the C9.25. Conditions were good, but seeing was a below average 4/10... Saturn still only 30deg above horizon.
I've included the separate colour channels on this one as they show the vastly different quality presumably from seeing effects. In the red channel the CD can be followed almost all the way round. Probably just a bit of noise, but I notice a lighter pixel or two on the upper right of the globe.
I'm seriously considering a new cam/filter wheel set-up.
Looking at the Luminera range, but also looking at plenty of others also.
Thanks Matt, the Lumenera SkyNx would be my choice if had the cash... failing that though have you considered the DMK, not sure if you saw my recent thread that these have come down now to $390US.
That is a beautiful image of Saturn - well done and kudos for being out there and grabbing it.
I thought I had it all figured out and was going to buy the DMK but now you throw Lumenera into the works! I know these are far more expensive - what advantages are there?
That is a beautiful image of Saturn - well done and kudos for being out there and grabbing it.
I thought I had it all figured out and was going to buy the DMK but now you throw Lumenera into the works! I know these are far more expensive - what advantages are there?
Cheers
Dennis
Several pluses I think Dennis. USB2 operation so shouldn't need a separate power supply for the camera. Even lower noise. 12bit as opposed to 8 bit so more info per pixel. It has a larger pixel size too which would be an advantage for lunar shots, but perhaps not for planetary. It's also designed specifically for Planetary work, not as an industrial camera adapted to the purpose ... and Damien Peach uses 'em so they must be good
That's right Matt, I was talking below about the advantages of the Lumenera over the DMK. If you're considering the Lumenera you should really get the Lumenera SkyNx as this is what Damien has upgraded to, it has lower noise and overcomes some problems with the LUo75M and only costs a little more.
Thought you just bought a new camera or some camera accessories???
No, not yet Matt - still in the requirements analysis and budgeting phase.....it’s proving tricky.....but at least I am lucky in that I can even contemplate purchasing these fine toys.
Several pluses I think Dennis. USB2 operation so shouldn't need a separate power supply for the camera. Even lower noise. 12bit as opposed to 8 bit so more info per pixel. It has a larger pixel size too which would be an advantage for lunar shots, but perhaps not for planetary. It's also designed specifically for Planetary work, not as an industrial camera adapted to the purpose ... and Damien Peach uses 'em so they must be good
cheers,
Hi Robert
Thanks for that useful summary. However, I’m a RobertT and Iceman groupie, not a DP follower – so maybe I should get the DMK.
Don't you already have a nice little SBIG and recently acquired adaptive optics add-on?
Hi Matt
It’s difficult to keep up with changes on the forum eh. I've had the (2nd hand) SBIG ST7E for approx 4 years and the AO7 / CFW8 seller was undecided about their upgrade path at the time, so decided to hang on to that equipment. I then had a look at the same combo just down the Gold Coast (2nd hand gear is like waiting for a bus - none for 30 mins then 3 or 4 turn up at the same time!) but that too fell though as the owner wanted to keep the filter wheel as a back up for his CFW10.
So, I had a rethink and decided to get a filter wheel that would serve the ST7E as well as a future webcam, be it a DMK, SKYnix or Paolo's R&D device from Italy.
I think the original AO7 and CFW8 may be still available if you are interested in going down the SBIG path - it is good gear.
failing that though have you considered the DMK, not sure if you saw my recent thread that these have come down now to $390US.
... and Damien Peach uses 'em so they must be good
