OSC camera for 8" SCT?

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi

I am interested in getting a OSC such as QHY 268C or ZWO 2600 for some colour photography, but, the pixels are small, and I think that binning is not really an option with OSC cameras.

Is someone using a combination similar to this? Care to make make some comments?

Pixel size is 3.76um, 8" SCT focal length 2000mm.

I may have to bite the bullet and go mono. At least then I can bin for larger pixels.

Philip

[sunslayr (David)]

I don't really see what the problem is, you are dithering aren't you? I would think that would let you do all sorts of pixel math to get the look you're going for when you process the image.

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi

In most respects, ignorance is stopping me from just buying one. At this stage I don't really know about the processing side of things.

I may just try with a a DSLR and get a handle on the processing, but, I would like to get better single frames as well.

Philip

[muletopia (Chris)]

With my 8 inch Takahashi Mewlon with a .8 focal reducer I have a focal length of 1960 mm.
I use a QHY8l OSC camera. it has a pixel size of 7.8 microns. This produces nice images.


Chris

[sunslayr (David)]

Ah, well in that case don't stress pixel scale. If you are under sampled, dithering will help get some resolution back and if you are over sampled, you can downscale the final image if you don't like the look of the stars. The only other advantage of binning, reducing noise is not really an issue with modern cmos cameras like the 2600 when the read noise is already far below background noise. You'd need some seriously dark skies to see any advantage there. So really the only thing you need to consider I how much effort and cash you want to put into your photos. OSC is quicker and easier and cheaper than mono but restrictive especially in a light polluted area. Either way though I'd still recommend a dedicated and cooled astro cam over a dslr if you have the cash for it.

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi

Chris, very nice shot. The pixel size is much greater than the cameras I was looking at, which is an advantage. I will look into one of these, as Opticals Central appear to have stock.

Sunslayr - your comments give me hope that even, if I decide the more expensive camera, I won't be wasting my money, thank you.

[muletopia (Chris)]

Phillip,
A very different subject, sorry no darks used so coloured dots but you get the general idea.
Chris

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi Chris


Personally, I'd be thrilled to get something that good, which is why I will check reviews etc, and very likely get the same camera.


One problem I have had, is trying to easily identify cameras that should be considered. Hard to arrange and maintain, but a comparison list of specs for cameras, of at least the major brands, would be useful to have somewhere.


Philip

[muletopia (Chris)]

Hello Philip,
With luck these pictures load.


The image was captured at home from my ob, dark sky bortle 1
The guiding with PHD2 was good, similar to the guiding picture attached.
Image acquisition with Nebulosity


Processing
debayer with Nebulosity

stack with Siril, a good program for stacking, from memory it used a hundred or so stars


White balance and first round of processing with Startools
Second round of processing with Nebulosity


This might be useful to you.
Chris

[mldee (Mike)]

I'll second the comments on the QHY8 series. My first CCD, bought new in, iirc, 2009 was a QHY8, for use with my 8" newt. It was a fine camera, and gave good results. I then on sold it to buy a QHY8Pro, as I wanted to get into Hyperstar with my new (used) C8. It also was a fine little camera, good cooling, and I even purchased a QHY9 Mono some time later.
Just to maybe save you the Google, here are some comments on Stargazers lounge: https://tinyl.io/5RXs. Cloudy nights also has some articles.

To cut a long story short, I was out of astro for some years due to house build etc, and the QHY8 Pro was in various plastic storage containers for over six years. I pulled it out about a month ago, and it still works perfectly. I was going to sell it and stick with my ASI183MC for wideband/Hyperstar, but the larger sensor size and thinner package has persuaded me to keep the QHY8 Pro.
If you can find a QHY8L or Pro, and the price is right, strongly recommended. It should be far cheaper than a new CMOS unit, and for starting out is a good choice. The only minor nit pick is the dedicated power box that it uses.
Pic is from my Hyperstar, July 2011

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi All


I have just bought the QHY 8L, picking it up tomorrow. My poor wallet



Now I just have to put all the bits-n-bobs together to do what I want to do!


Thanks for your comments.


Have fun folks



Philip

[muletopia (Chris)]

Phillip
If you are running Widows 10 make sure that you install the ASCOM drivers for the camera. Your supplier should provide you with a link to get them.
Chris

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi Chris



Thanks for the hint. I have Win11, but, I expect it the same kind of setup.



Philip

[muletopia (Chris)]

Phillip,
Peter in general chat gave the link


https://www.qhyccd.com/download/


All the QHY8 camera ASCOM drivers are in the "classic" cameras section of the page.


Chris

[iborg (Philip)]

Thanks Chris

I think I would have downloaded the 'All-in-one', then been wondering why it wasn't working!

I hope to work on it later this week.

Philip