Long exposures

Liz · #1 21-04-2008, 12:59 PM

Hi all
Just want to confirm - am going to but either a EOS 350D or 400D as prices seem to have come down a lot, and realise I will need a T mount and adapter for scope, but for the long exposures (>30sec) I still need a cable release?? I cant control from my laptop for long exposures??

Ian Robinson · #2 21-04-2008, 01:08 PM

A remote is a very good idea for any astrophotography (STANDARD KIT YOU CAN NOT DO WITHOUT) - you simply do not want to physically touch the camera or telescope during the exposure (apart from the RA + Dec drive correctors (if guiding manually) as YOU WILL cause vibrations which the sensor will pick up as wobbling stars or objects.

There is a remote control that Canon has for their DSLRs and it is worth getting.

If you can lock up the mirror on the SLR (I am not sure if you can on a 350D or 400D) , I know you can on a 40D , then that is even better , once you are happy with your focusing.
The mirror swinging up and down can cause objectionable vibrations too.

If you can't get a remote cable release or a remote - Delayed Timer is handy.

Hope that helps.

Dennis · #3 21-04-2008, 01:17 PM

Hi Liz

If the 350D and 400D come with some remote capture utility, then it “may” be possible to take exposures longer than 30 secs. I say MAY, because I don’t have a 350D or 400D.

However, I have a Pentax *ist DS and the 40D and both allow you to take exposures in Bulb (B) Mode for over 30 seconds.

The 40D remote capture utility, EOS Utility, allows you to program, as an example, 10 exposures of 120 sec duration at intervals of 5 minutes, with the 40D connected to the computer via the supplied USB cable.

Like I say, I just don’t know about the 350D or 400D remote software capability – maybe someone who has one can respond?

Cheers

Dennis

Bloodbean (Troy) · #4 22-04-2008, 11:55 AM

I have a 400D and yes it can take exposures in Bulb mode so you can take a shot longer than 30 seconds. Also it came with the EOS Utility which lets you control the camera from a laptop or PC that works well for helping with focusing as you can see the result once you've taken the shot as it saves it to the PC. Also the 400D does have a mirror lockup function under the Custom Function menu. Hope this helps!

Troy

Ian Robinson · #5 22-04-2008, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis

Hi Liz

If the 350D and 400D come with some remote capture utility, then it “may” be possible to take exposures longer than 30 secs. I say MAY, because I don’t have a 350D or 400D.

However, I have a Pentax *ist DS and the 40D and both allow you to take exposures in Bulb (B) Mode for over 30 seconds.

The 40D remote capture utility, EOS Utility, allows you to program, as an example, 10 exposures of 120 sec duration at intervals of 5 minutes, with the 40D connected to the computer via the supplied USB cable.

Like I say, I just don’t know about the 350D or 400D remote software capability – maybe someone who has one can respond?

Cheers

Dennis

I didn't know I could do that with a 40D , I'm getting one shortly . That will be a very useful feature and once I figure out how to drive the beast I'll make use of that .

BTW : I use B on my trusty old Minolta XD5 for long exposures and have a lockable cable release for the purpose , ie I open the shutter , tighten the little thumb screw to keep the shutter open , and release it to close the shutter at the end of the exposure.

Terry B · #6 22-04-2008, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Robinson

I didn't know I could do that with a 40D , I'm getting one shortly . That will be a very useful feature and once I figure out how to drive the beast I'll make use of that .

BTW : I use B on my trusty old Minolta XD5 for long exposures and have a lockable cable release for the purpose , ie I open the shutter , tighten the little thumb screw to keep the shutter open , and release it to close the shutter at the end of the exposure.

Have a look at this post for instructions.

Liz · #7 22-04-2008, 02:10 PM

Thanks guys
Was hoping that EOS Utility would let me take long exp without having to purchase a cable release, but not with the 400D by the looks, no worries. Are people happy with the 400D or should I look at another brand/model. Price range still < $1000 though.

Dennis · #8 22-04-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry B

Have a look at this post for instructions.

Hi Terry

Great instructions via the link to your screen captures.

I assume that you had In Camera Noise Reduction turned off as your intervals are 5 mins 10 secs with exposures of 5 mins?

If ICNR was turned on, I’d expect the interval to be 10 mins 15 secs to allow for the 5 min Light + 5 min Dark + 15 secs processing and download.

Cheers

Dennis

Dennis · #9 22-04-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloodbean

I have a 400D and yes it can take exposures in Bulb mode so you can take a shot longer than 30 seconds. Also it came with the EOS Utility which lets you control the camera from a laptop or PC that works well for helping with focusing as you can see the result once you've taken the shot as it saves it to the PC. Also the 400D does have a mirror lockup function under the Custom Function menu. Hope this helps!

Troy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liz

Thanks guys
Was hoping that EOS Utility would let me take long exp without having to purchase a cable release, but not with the 400D by the looks, no worries. Are people happy with the 400D or should I look at another brand/model. Price range still < $1000 though.

Hi Liz

I understood that Troy was saying you can use the Bulb setting using EOS Utility on the 400D? Is that not how you read it?

This would mean that you do not require a remote release?

Cheers

Dennis

Liz · #10 22-04-2008, 02:48 PM

Hmmm, Ebay Canon EOS 450D $1120 (incl postage) ......

Dennis · #11 22-04-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liz

Hmmm, Ebay Canon EOS 450D $1120 (incl postage) ......

and you get Live View! Go on, you know you want to!

Cheers

Dennis

Jazza (Jay) · #12 22-04-2008, 03:33 PM

Just came across...
http://youshop247.com.au/store/produ...4afacdac2d696d

Aster · #13 22-04-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis

Hi Liz

I understood that Troy was saying you can use the Bulb setting using EOS Utility on the 400D? Is that not how you read it?

This would mean that you do not require a remote release?

Cheers

Dennis

You DO need a remote release to use Bulb for the 400D, Unless you press the shutter manually and keep your finger on it for the length of exposure required.

Would not like to stand/sit next to the scope with my finger on the shutter for, say 5 minutes, and keep the vibration of my hand.....

Just been through the whole lot myself, after getting a 400D last week, first DSLR for me. Waiting for shoestringastronomy to deliver items required to do long exposures via laptop.

Liz · #14 22-04-2008, 04:58 PM

Yes Aster, looks like I do need a remote release for 400D, hope yours works out great. I am still trying to make my mind up

Jazza, very good price, thank you.

Dennis, yes, i am very tempted after reading the various threads about it. I will think on it for a day or so ......

Ian Robinson · #15 22-04-2008, 05:41 PM

I'll be getting a TC 80NS remote controller with the 40D, can I do long exposures without needing to lump my laptop outside and exposing it to dew and using the 80NS only ?

skwinty (Steve) · #16 22-04-2008, 05:47 PM

Yes Ian,
You will have more functionality with the tc80 than with the laptop.(as far as camera control)

Ian Robinson · #17 22-04-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skwinty

Yes Ian,
You will have more functionality with the tc80 than with the laptop.(as far as camera control)

Excellent , I hoped so too.

Thanks.

Worth investing in camera body armor ? The 40D is a very solid all alloy and SS unit, unlike the 400D and 450D , but it does have a screen and lots of entry points for moisture , and it's full of electronics ....

skwinty (Steve) · #18 22-04-2008, 06:04 PM

Hi Ian
The 40D features weather proofing on all compartment doors so I doubt whether dew will be an issue. Check out the reviews at dpreview.com

Alchemy (Clive) · #19 22-04-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Robinson

Excellent , I hoped so too.

Thanks.

Worth investing in camera body armor ? The 40D is a very solid all alloy and SS unit, unlike the 400D and 450D , but it does have a screen and lots of entry points for moisture , and it's full of electronics ....

Although i dont own a 40d i know those who do and they say the waterproofing / protection is superb. Everything can be dripping wet and no problems.

Terry B · #20 22-04-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis

Hi Terry

Great instructions via the link to your screen captures.

I assume that you had In Camera Noise Reduction turned off as your intervals are 5 mins 10 secs with exposures of 5 mins?

If ICNR was turned on, I’d expect the interval to be 10 mins 15 secs to allow for the 5 min Light + 5 min Dark + 15 secs processing and download.

Cheers

Dennis

This is correct. I don't use ICNR but take darks when I've finished taking lights. This takes up less of the time I have for taking lights as I often get fog coming in later in the evening stopping any imaging. You have to make the most of the available time and ICNR is not an efficient way of doing that.