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  #21  
Old 01-12-2007, 11:34 AM
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Matty P (Matt)
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I've definately made my decision that the D*K cameras (USB version) is the best way to go. Now which one?

The DMK is a monochrome camera, It produces the best quality images but is not suited for a beginner. With the DMK I could start out with B & W then eventually step up to colour using filters.

The DBK is a colour camera with no IR cut filter, Compared to the DMK I don't think it produces the same quality images but is more suited to a beginner.

Also, which resolution 640x480 or 1024x768? Is the C/CS Mount threaded if I wanted to add filters? How is the camera software?

Sorry about asking so many questions
Matt

Last edited by Matty P; 01-12-2007 at 03:47 PM.
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  #22  
Old 01-12-2007, 08:26 PM
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Also, Does the USB version of the camera need and external power source or does the USB cable suply the camera with the power?
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  #23  
Old 02-12-2007, 10:27 AM
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Where is the best place to purchase the D*K cameras? Online or at a store?
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  #24  
Old 02-12-2007, 07:47 PM
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Matt, 640x 480 affords nice fast imaging, but the larger format is good if you get into imaging the moon. The larger format is slower in frame rate, so it is a choice you will have to make. You will more than likely be happy with the 640 x 480 format.

The C mount is threaded for filter use and the camera software is very nice to use.


You will not need an external power source with the USB version. Although you might want to check that you have USB2 for the fps.

Bintel supply the camera at their site. You could also try Matthew Lovell at Telescopes and Astronomy. I also believe that York Optical now have them too as seen by the Ad on this site.
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  #25  
Old 02-12-2007, 08:30 PM
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In the next year I'm most likely to get a new planetary/guide camera and am throwing around different Ideas.

My thought it that you can get the B/W (640x480) DMK camera plus filter wheel for $814 (from Bintel site) then just buy which ever filters you'll need, I don't know much about which filters are best.

The next DMK camera up is at $939 (1024 x 768), so that gives you $125 to spend on filters.

But later on you can upgrade the camera and still keep the filter wheel and filters so this is most likely what I'll be doing.
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  #26  
Old 02-12-2007, 08:44 PM
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If you are prepared to pay the bickies then go for Astronomik filters.

Another supplier of the D*K cameras is Steve from Myastroshop.
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  #27  
Old 02-12-2007, 10:57 PM
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Decisions decisions

I have just asked mrs claus (Her in doors) for a new camera and i have just read this thread. so many to choose from.

I think i have read this thread about 8 times and every 4 replies i think right thats the one then i see something else.

Gees it not easy.
She said YES

Ian
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  #28  
Old 03-12-2007, 03:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian Law View Post
Gees it not easy.
I second that!

What type of camera were you thinking of getting?

Also, can't I just buy the camera directly from the Imaging Source website? It is much cheaper than everywhere else?

Best regards
Matt
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  #29  
Old 03-12-2007, 03:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matty P View Post
Also, can't I just buy the camera directly from the Imaging Source website? It is much cheaper than everywhere else?
Telescopes-astronomy.com.au sold me mine (DMK 21AF04) for $395 AU + $10 shipping. Not bad at all. You'll still need a C adapter at that price, though, as you would if you purchased directly.

Eric
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  #30  
Old 03-12-2007, 03:54 PM
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Hi Eric,

The stats for the DBK 21AU04.AS (USB 2.0)

Color USB camera without IR cut filter
1/4" CCD, progressive scan
Resolution 640 x 480
Max. 60 fps
Max exposure time 60 min
C/CS Mount
Software included

Does that mean the C mount is included with the camera?

Best regards
Matt
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  #31  
Old 03-12-2007, 04:01 PM
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Quote:
Does that mean the C mount is included with the camera?
No unfortunately, it just means that the thread on the face of the camera ia a C/CS mount size thread. C and CS are identical thread and pitch but one is longer in depth. The camera comes with a threaded insert that can be removed or added to use either a C threaded lens or a CS threaded lens
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  #32  
Old 03-12-2007, 04:33 PM
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Originally you mentioned that you also want to image faint DSO's as well as planets.

Faint DSO's is a specialised area that D*K's won't do, nor will the Toucam unless you get the Modified Version.

For DSO's I'd recommend a DSLR (unless you have a few spare grand for a SBIG etc). For planetary/lunar imaging Id recommend the Toucam for cost and ease of use.

After 6 months to a year you will know more about how to use these cameras and which direction to take. Then you can step up to a more serious camera.

Cameras will also need to be matched to your telescope. Then for DSO's you will also need a guidescope and a guiding camera.

. . . . and on it goes.

Imaging questions are not easily answered, but it's always good to start at the bottom and discover what you want in a camera.

For cost and ease, I'd recommend the SPC900NC or Toucam 840k Pro II.
Then go from there.
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  #33  
Old 03-12-2007, 04:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ballaratdragons View Post
Faint DSO's is a specialised area that D*K's won't do, nor will the Toucam unless you get the Modified Version.
Well...based on a few of the images I've seen, DMK's are capable of producing long-exposure DSO images. Not 'out of this world' DSO images, but then neither are modded ToUcam DSO images. IMHO.

BTW...That's not intended as a put-down of the modded ToUcam. It's just an opinion. I'm not looking to get into a debate over the relative merits of the modded ToUcam or the images it's capable of producing.

I was very happy imaging planets with a ToUcam for many months and I think they are a great little cam for what they are.

It all depends on what you are looking to achieve, Matt.

Have a look around, see the sort of images different folk are producing. Decide what images you find pleasing and take note of what gear they are using to produce those images.

That will give you a basic guide to what's achievable with what cameras/scopes etc.

Of course, it then comes down to individual capability to getting the best results out of the equipment.

Last edited by matt; 03-12-2007 at 05:10 PM.
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  #34  
Old 03-12-2007, 05:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ballaratdragons View Post
Cameras will also need to be matched to your telescope.

What do you mean?

Quote:
Originally Posted by matt View Post
Well...based on a few of the images I've seen, DMK's are capable of producing long-exposure DSO images. Not 'out of this world' DSO images, but then neither are modded ToUcam DSO images. IMHO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt View Post
It all depends on what you are looking to achieve.
What I meant was is there a camera that can successfully take both Planetary and DSO images not including the quality of the image. If you know what I mean!

Also concerning the issue about the D*K cameras not suiting a beginner. Deciding on what is my best option for a CCD camera is very very very challenging! After doing my Math, I found that the 900nc with all accessories comes pretty close to the D*K 21 camera. So getting the D*K is not such a big difference. I realise what you are saying that the 900nc is the best for a beginner for the ease of use and low cost but if you're like me, you would know what I am trying to say!

Don't worry if it doesn't make sense to you, it's just me talking to myself.

Regards
Matt
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  #35  
Old 03-12-2007, 05:38 PM
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I see you have a Celestron 8SE. Do you have a wedge to go with that to mount it in equatorial mode? Without being mounted in equatorial mode you are limited in the DSO imagery you can undertake. You will get field rotation after a very short period of time. Meade DSIs get around it by using drizzle technology, but I'm not sure if that is available for other cameras. Also do you have an off axis guider for guiding your DSO imager or are you thinking of getting a guidescope? That option might be a bit much for the single arm 8SE.
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  #36  
Old 03-12-2007, 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Matty P View Post
What I meant was is there a camera that can successfully take both Planetary and DSO images not including the quality of the image. If you know what I mean!
Yeah. I think I understand what you mean.

I think the advice you've already received in this thread is very good and the guys here know their stuff.

If you go the path of the colour Imaging Source camera, I'm sure you'll pick it all up very quickly.

You can always post your questions here if you get stuck.

The traditional path tends to be simple webcam (ToUcam/NexImage) before 'graduating' to something more involved/expensive.

But follow your own path.
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  #37  
Old 03-12-2007, 05:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by [1ponders] View Post
I see you have a Celestron 8SE. Do you have a wedge to go with that to mount it in equatorial mode? Without being mounted in equatorial mode you are limited in the DSO imagery you can undertake. You will get field rotation after a very short period of time. Meade DSIs get around it by using drizzle technology, but I'm not sure if that is available for other cameras. Also do you have an off axis guider for guiding your DSO imager or are you thinking of getting a guidescope? That option might be a bit much for the single arm 8SE.
No, I don't have a wede just yet. I really want to start out imaging planets before I proceed to the more challenging DSO's. If I was going to get a wedge for my 8SE, I'd rather just buy a new EQ mount to put my OTA on.

Now going back to the DBK. How is the DBK with the Moon?

Matt
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  #38  
Old 03-12-2007, 05:48 PM
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I would like to add, Thankyou for the advice all you guys have given and it has made this transition that much easier.

Thanks!
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  #39  
Old 03-12-2007, 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Matty P View Post
Now going back to the DBK. How is the DBK with the Moon?
Who knows?

Why would you buy a colour camera to shoot what is largely a mono target? If the moon's a big thing for you, the DMK is your 'toy'.

The (mono) DMK performs beautifully on this target, but as you know you'll need filters/filter wheel to move on to colour images of the planets.

I've not seen any moon images with a DBK ...yet.

As indicated in prior posts, there really is no one size fits all imaging camera. Decide what your imaging 'goal' is ... and choose a camera from there.
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  #40  
Old 03-12-2007, 05:52 PM
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I think Dennis might have done some moonage with his DBK.
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