What can be accomplished with a DSLR

strongmanmike (Michael) · #1 06-01-2012, 11:37 PM

Many people believe they absolutely need to upgrade from a DSLR to a dedicated CCD in order to produce world class deep sky images but if you take a look at this work by Ivan Eder I think you will agree they are some of the finest deep sky images taken by an amateur, and he uses modified Canon EOS's and his recent work is with a 5DmkII

His most recent work from Namibia is really breathtaking (the super seeing and perfect black skies probably helped too)

The Beauty of the Sky

tornado33 · #2 06-01-2012, 11:43 PM

Gee amazing, thanks for letting us know about his images Mike. His camera is not cooled but I note ambient temps in this stunning image are -7 to -9. Sounds like his scope is of a similar configuaration to yours. A very fast Newtonian with a big corrector.
I also note his exposure times are not that long, hes getting very good value for time too!
Scott

strongmanmike (Michael) · #3 07-01-2012, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tornado33

Gee amazing, thanks for letting us know about his images Mike. His camera is not cooled but I note ambient temps in this stunning image are -7 to -9. Sounds like his scope is of a similar configuaration to yours. A very fast Newtonian with a big corrector.
I also note his exposure times are not that long, hes getting very good value for time too!
Scott

Some of the exposures are not that long true but some are very long and from what I read in the image credits many of the shots were done at +10 to +20C

The seeing and perfect dark skies helps a lot but clearly his processing is down pat and he gets the most out of the equipment - very talented

Yes very similar scope to mine...hmmmm, I do need to get to darker skies and better seeing....

Mike

naskies (Dave) · #4 07-01-2012, 12:41 AM

Amazing images!

Most of his images seem to be taken between 0 and 10 deg C... When I was waiting for Lovejoy during my comet chasing in inland QLD, I noticed that dark skies and cool nights can do absolute wonders for SLR imaging.

Craig_L · #5 07-01-2012, 12:46 AM

Thanks for posting Mike. Great images and not cooled. More food for thought.

Craig

Poita (Peter) · #6 07-01-2012, 12:52 AM

Not cooled, but modified for H-Alpha response, and his ambient temps are much lower than we get here typically. He also has incredibly dark skies and good seeing.

The cost of a 5D MKII with modifications can buy you a good cooled dedicated CCD.

They are beautiful shots, but a lower noise cooled CCD should produce a better result.

But, boy are some of those photos lovely. Thanks for the link.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #7 07-01-2012, 01:15 AM

Stunning work!!
Thanks for the link Mike.

renormalised (Carl) · #8 07-01-2012, 02:16 AM

A Hutech Canon 5D MkII will set you back $3750, modified and with all the usual Canon accessories.

Stunning piccies!!!

Paul Haese · #9 07-01-2012, 09:29 AM

Yes wonderful images Mike, but to be fair these are the best images I have seen taken with a DSLR. Anything else is well below this standard with the odd exceptions here and there of limited work. Even using a cooled DSLR in dark skies with good seeing and filter modified I never once came close to this. His star colours are superb and would suggest shorter sub exposures as DSLR's saturate star colour quickly. Bert's HDR method helped to control this in his images. A couple of Phil's images in wide field are of this quality, but no one I know has a body of work this extensive and this quality taken with a DSLR. No offence to anyone intended, just my observation.

On the whole exceptional work and certainly stand alone. Yes you can achieve amazing results with a DSLR, but it is easier with CCD's in our environments.

renormalised (Carl) · #10 07-01-2012, 09:44 AM

I'd agree, Paul. You also have to look where quite a few of them were taken. Namibia...mostly bone dry and it was at altitude, so the temps aren't going to be as high than they are at sea level. So, a combination of clear, dry, cool air at altitude and you can expect to have gone part of the way to getting good shots. The rest is upto the skills of the person taking the shots.

g__day (Matthew) · #11 07-01-2012, 11:22 AM

Stunningly good shots!

tilbrook@rbe.ne (Justin Tilbrook) · #12 07-01-2012, 12:13 PM

Hi,

This is interesting stuff!
As I'm new to DSLR imaging, it hepls to see what has been achieved.
One thing I'm quickly realising is, I need to work progessively and slowly through all aspects and to work within the limitations of ny equipement.

Cheers,

Justin.

acropolite (Phil) · #13 08-01-2012, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poita

The cost of a 5D MKII with modifications can buy you a good cooled dedicated CCD

Don't forget the 5DII sensor is 21 mp, anyone have the price of a cooled CCD of that size?

I'd love to see what could be done with a cooled 5DII sensor.

Lester · #14 08-01-2012, 04:33 AM

Thanks for the link Mike. Excellent images.

gregbradley · #15 08-01-2012, 08:57 AM

Those are super images. 21.1 megapixels and good sensitivity would be nice.

I borrowed a 5D Mk2 and shot the comet with it last week. A very nice camera and a considerable and noticeable upgrade from my nice 40D.

Greg.

TrevorW · #16 08-01-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acropolite

Don't forget the 5DII sensor is 21 mp, anyone have the price of a cooled CCD of that size?

I'd love to see what could be done with a cooled 5DII sensor.

Actually from what I've read resolution of this size is somewhat irrelevant unless you are blowing up your final image