Any one know if the Nikon D90 is ok for DSLR astrophotography?
The 3 month old camera is my wifes - a slight complication. I remember reading somewhere that some previous Nikon's were not suitable due to "star eating" pixel correction or something similar.
I used SHMBO's Nikon D50 for a while when I started out. The "star eating" story is way over blown by the so called "2 minute experts" who frequent astronomy forums who own a Canon and never in fact used a Nikon for Astro work.
I'm not sure about the features of the D90, but the D50 did have some serious limitations:
1. Lots of "amp glow" / "Dark current" at the top left for exposures over about 4 minutes. Not sure what the correct term for it is, but it was annoying.
2. No way to take exposures over 30 seconds controlled from your laptop. Need to use a infrared remote - what a pain.
3. No live view.
4. Difficult to find a really high quality/robust/tight T-Ring adaptor
5. Ongoing complaints from SHMBO that I left the camera in RAW or MANUAL mode.
Now I have my own Canon 500D and it's perfect for Astro work and reasonably priced. The software that comes with it is really well designed and put together.
I've always owned Nikons in the past and this is my first Canon. For daytime use they are both great. For astro work Canons have the best 'package' and support.
By all means have a play with the Nikon to get started, but after a while you will need to move on to a Canon or CCD.
yes the Nikon is OK just brought one four weeks ago will up load some photos when get home tonight for you .am still waiting for a t ring from china but looks like it might be a scam.you can control your camera buy computer using Nikon driver pro $250 or aputure remote timer cord you can buy on ebay $40. but I'm no expert on cameras.