Imager / Camera advice

[Ponch]

Hi all

I am having a little trouble deciding to sell my 10'LX50 or just buy a suitable camera/imager and try and see if I can take any useful of the moon/planets deep sky objects.

Any advice on what I could purchase.... Orion Starshoot Deep Space Video Camera, Meade DSI II etc....the list is endless and I would like to buy something that will give me a decent picture.

Any suggestion and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Ponch

[Alchemy (Clive)]

Surprised no one has given you any advice. The video cameras are good for the moon and planets. Spend whatever the budget will allow.
Modded webcam cheapest, then one of the more dedicated color cameras, if your budget extends then a mono camera will be great, .... Note the moon is for most purposes monochromatic so you won't need color filters, plus it doesn't rotate so you can bang away all night .

Deep sky imaging is another world, one that will require much money, much frustration and the never ending quest for better equipment.

As you have a largish scope I'd do the planetary thing first.

[gbeal]

Like Clive, I too am surprised no real suggestions have burst forth.
You already have a large scope, try that. I'd have to admit that a fork mounted SCT is probably THE most difficult outfit to cut your teeth on though, certainly as far as DSO imaging is concerned.
Do you own or have access to a DSLR? If so try that on the likes of the moon, it would be a good place to start. Also a webcam, like the ToUcam.
Ask for advice and meet with others who are already imaging, they have all made the same mistakes you will soon be making.
Gary.