Cameras

I'm curious about the cameras that people are using for astrophotography. I've noticed a Canon 300/350 and a Minolta 5D mentioned in the posts. What cameras are you using and why? What camera would you like to use and why? Do you find the 30 sec exposure limit a problem on cameras without a bulb setting? Is film not feasible in Ireland, as I haven't seen mention of it here?

I'm not asking for a lot really :roll: , am I?

Declan,

I use an ATIK 16HR mono CCD and sometimes a modified Canon 300D too. The sensitivity of a cooled CCD camera and the low noise make it a winner.

The 30 second limit on DSLR's is not a problem if you use a cable release, in which case you can expose for ever.

As for film, well even the most basic DSLR beats film hands down for sensitivity, ease of use and the ability to take lots of images and stack them together. For astro work, only a very few people still use film and even that number is dwindling.

I haven't done much astrophotography with it yet but I use a Nikon D40. I'm in the process of kitting it out for Astrophotography now. I've picked myself up a very fast lens (f 1.4) and a remote so I can use the bulb setting. Now I just need a tripod and I'm off.

I have managed to so some astro photography of sorts hand-held: www.bartbusschots.ie/gallery/index.php?/category/57

And recently took me new f.14 lens out for a go at night. These pics were again taken hand-held: www.bartbusschots.ie/gallery/index.php?/category/137

As for the 30second limit, it doesn't exist with the D40! Just set the think to complete manual, dial the exposure down to --, set the shooting mode to "instant with remote" and you're good to go for up to 30 minutes. The reason for this is that the remote works different to a cable release. It opens the shutter when you click it once and closes it again when you click it a second time or when 30 minutes have elapsed.

As for why this camera for Astrophotography, well, it's the only one I've got

Bart.

I dont do much photographing of the skies but it is something i would like to get to know moreabout and do more of. For now i just have my little compact Nikon Coolpix L5 (7.2 MP),5X optical zoom. I dont even have an attachment to hook it upto my scope yet..........so for now i just point the camera down the eyepiece of the scope and hope for the best.

These are all i have done so far.

entertainment.webshots.com/album/561626892SSEYSU

The main type of cameras used for Astrophotography are
DSLR's & CCD's

The Canon & Nikon range of DSLR's are the mainstay for astrophotographers.
Digital is definatly more popular than film as you, as a learner, can see results
instantly and therefore the learning curve is faster and less expensive.
The other advantage of DSLR is that you have the ability to 'process' the shot(s) using art programmes such as Photoshop.

A Canon 300 / 350D is an excellent camera to get started with astrophotography.

As for CCD's
The very basic one is a simple Philips (SPC900) webcam that has the
lens taken off.
This camera has an excellent sensivitity chip (for use in low light levels)
and suits astrophotographers as it's much cheaper than the CCD cameras
designed specifically for Astrophotography.


Dave Grennan above uses those kind.
There are a few different brands and to be honest, I only know
about the Philips Webcam,.


Well thats the tip of the iceberg.
Have fun!

I'm a Canon 350D dude at the moment, primarily because it was given to me as a present, and doubles up for superb daytime use too. Still on a learning curve with it too, so don't ask me for any advice yet!