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Took this a few days ago with the Meade DSI without any filters. The DSI is too limited me thinks. The flame was very dim.
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Yes, the DSI is limited - but every imager you are likely to use will have some limitations. You have done a great job with the DSI in a very short time.
Just out of interest, here is an image of the Horsehead taken with a DSI with very complete details on capture and processing I found with a quick Google:
http://neurohack.com/astrotourist/HorseheadNebula.html
I read in an article somewhere that astrophotography is about solving problems - I think that is very true. What is it that you don't like about the images you are getting? Is there anything you can do about that? For instance, maybe you are getting star trails - the fix might be to spend more time getting polar alignment right. Maybe the stars are bloated - perhaps the focal length you are using is too long, you could use a Focal Reducer to reduce the image size. Maybe your focus is out - more practice will fix that. Objects are too dim - you need to expose longer but you need to have got everything else right to do that. Ultimately, if you haven't mastered all the intricate details of mount, scope, and imager with the DSI, when you get that DSLR or exotic camera you will be no better off - you still have to learn it all!
One thing that I think will help is if you can reduce your image scale - I don't know what focal length you are operating at but a shorter focal length would be more forgiving. I don't know if you can use a Focal Reducer with a Newtonian - there will be experts around here who can tell you. Imaging through an ED80 or similar refractor would be easier but I don't want to spend your money!
Lastly, your efforts have been an inspiration to me (and I'm sure to many others) to get out and use the equipment that I have. Even if you are a little disappointed with your images, don't underestimate the impact they have on others!
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