Neximage Camera or Digial SLR

Just looking for some advice. I'm relatively new to Astronomy but interested in doing some astrophotography. Nebulae's, galaxies etc. What would be the better investment? The neximage camera or the more expensive digital slr with the various accessories?

All advice very welcome.

Regards,

JP

With Neximage you will only going to be able to image the planets and the moon...its not for dso.if you wanna go for dso you will need a dslr camera or a dedicated ccd camera and usually they cost a small fortune...

If you're specifically aiming to image DSOs then a dSLR seems to be the best way to 'get into it'. A dedicated CCD will be cooled (low image noise), will pass more light - stock dSLR's have an IR filter - and, as a result, can be very expensive. Whilst I'm not by any means an expert in astrophotography I've read a fair amount on the topic*; the general consensus is that it's a bit crazy buying a CCD unless you know you have the skills to get the best from it.

Imaging planets on the other hand can be very inexpensive. I think I paid perhaps £55 in total for a Phillips SPC900 and a 1.25 inch adapter on ebay. Registax and wxastrocapture are both free bits of software that will allow you to get the best of your camera and images.

If you're set on DSO's can I be a bit naughty and suggest that I have a pristine Canon eos400D dSLR for sale at a decent price? Check the appropriate sub-forum here for details. If you find you don't enjoy imaging you will at least have an excellent camera.



* What else can one do on those cloudy nights?

Hi Martinus. Thanks for the advice, which is much appreciated. I would probably be more interested in DSO's than planets etc. So I think getting a DSLR is the way to go for sure.

I'll take a look at your camera shortly.

The benefits of getting a DSLR is of course I also have a good camera. My missus is interested in photography anyway so maybe I'll kill two birds with the one stone this christmas!

Again, thanks.

JP

No worries JP. I would advise you that my 400D is just a camera body so you'd need to factor a lens into the overall price if you're thinking of going that route. I picked up a 70 - 300mm lens on AB&S for £65 so if you're lucky you might pick up a bargain there otherwise check amazon and stay away from the L series lenses lest your wallet cry out in terror.

I would opt for the DSLR myself, only for the ability to use it in other fields, general photography, weddings, etc. Also it can be piggybacked onto the scope for some great wide field images of the skies.

Paul