SLR camera or CCD???

Hi


I am hoping to try my hand at astrophotography in the near future and was wondering which type of imager would be the best compromise. My budget is about 800 euro.
A lot of people seem to be using SLRs like the Canon Eos with success. I am interested in general photography also.Would the camera need to be modified to be used for astrophotograpy and if so could it still be used for gereral picture taking.
The meade DSI looks interesting but is a dedicated camera. Has anyone compared the ccd chips in these with the Canon Eos?

John

John - you need to decide what your goals are.

If you want to do astrophotography but also want to do general stuff, go for a DSLR or similar.

If you want to do astrophotography only, your choice will be based on the telescope you have and what type of images you want to take (pretty pictures or science images).

Its a minefield

If you want to do astrophotography only, your choice will be based on the telescope you have and what type of images you want to take (pretty pictures or science images).

Its a minefield[/quote]

Thanks Dave
As regards taking pretty pictures or scientific images, I am quite happy to take pretty pictures (as science is the day job and I do need a break from it at times). Seems like a DSLR is the way to go. I am interested to compare cameras around the 800 euro price range. (Anyone had any experience in comparing them?)

john

Ih you want a camera that you can use away from the telescope, go for the DSLR (or similar digital camera). Other folks here will step in I'm sure - I've no expertise in the DSLR area.

By the way, you mentioned the DSI - a fine starter CCD imager (note that there are diffrences between CCD's and CMOS sensors) and other entry level imagers have also entered the market in recent months.

The best of luck with your choice.

Dave