My first 20DA image

[Striker (Tony)]

I failed miserably Monday night as I didn't have a clue how to operate a digital SLR...I have been reading up a little bit and have worked out some of the functions....I started on the easiest target Omega Cent NGC 5139

I know we a probably sick of omega but have to start some where.

This image is just 1 x 30 second exposure at ISO 800 unguided on C11 SCT prime focus at F10 fl 2800mm...been resized and tidied up in PhotoDeluxe.

Comments appreciated.

[iceman (Mike)]

I know I'd be happy with that, for my first shot! Awesome stuff Tony.

[davidpretorius]

i like it, what do you mean unguided, do you have tracking?

[acropolite (Phil)]

Nice effort Tony, the full size image must be awesome...

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

Tony

that is very nice indeed..

congratulations

[beren]

For 30 seconds thats great Tony, well done .

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Hey hey You're up and running Tony Nice detail for just a 30 sec shot

[Striker (Tony)]

Thanks Guys,

I realise now how careful you have to be just by pushing the shutter...I will have to experiment with longer exposure and different ISO's settings.....had lots of fun....I also had some shockers where everything was trailing all over the place...that was my fault...my fingers were to heavy on the shutter.

Yes Davo my mount is motorised which will track the target but this is not good enough for long exposures so you need guiding so everything stay's precisely centered on the target...I may be working on adjusting the guiding settings over the weekend....but at the moment I have enough to learn to keep me happy.

Tony.

[beren]

Cant you control the shutter through the PC via a serial cable/canon program?

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Tony try to find the mirror lockup function and set it for 5 or 6 sec. Or use the self timer. That will help control your heavy fingers. Or better yet get one of Robby's StarMates to fully remote your mount and exposure control.

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Great first shot Tony
Nice contrasting colours

[h0ughy (David)]

Oh well since you can' work it Tony when is it up for sale.;-)

Nice first photo!! well done, was the instruction book in english?

[westsky]

Nice shot Tony , we will work on doing a drift alignment for your mount on Saturday, this will allow you to get much longer than 30 secs without the drift.

David.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Tony, if you haven't got one the Remote is a good idea; but be prepared, the cheapest I have seen them is around $85 on Ebay, I payed $105 for mine from the local dealer and it's not even the timer model, although I notice that there are some clone type remotes for the 20D appearing on ebay for under $20 (but from OS). The remote isn't the same one that is used on the 300/350D.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I Like it!!!!

Lot's of new-born stars in there! I can only find 2 red stars. Well done Tony

[cventer]

Very Nice work for your first image!

Its a steep learning curve using DSLR correctly but a fun one and very rewarding.

I look forward to seeing more images soon.

Best Regards
Chris Venter

[Striker (Tony)]

Yes the camera comes with English manuals...I got it from the states not Japan...lol

It comes in the identical box as the 20D...the only difference is a 1 page brochure explaining the 20DA differences...and how to use them.

I'm sure I can control all the functions from my PC...I have the camera connected via USB at the moment so I can view the pictures as I take them but havn't looked into all their software yet.

I will look forward trying some harder targets in the future.

Paul I will try that but I will also look at what the software can control.

[Robby]

Nice one Tony...! Most of us learn how to use the camera's in the day time... But no not you.. Straight in to it in the dark!! Stunning effort
Paul, unfortunately the remote switch input on 20D won't work with the star-mate I need to work on that. Fancy Canon doing that and not telling me!!
Cheers

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

If its anything like the 300D, I think you'll be able to take up to 30 sec using the usb connection but to take bulb exposures even using software you will still need either a serial or parallel port to camera bulb port connection. The 300D uses a 2.5mm stereo plug but I'd imagine the 20Da uses a Canon N3 female connector like the 10D.

[silvinator]

Tony, I think you have made a great effort. It's a shot I'd be glad to get first time around. Well done mate!