Re: New to message board. Question: What camera(s) to use for Planetary and Deep space astrophotography
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Gary,
I am unsure if your goal is to be into dedicated AP or if something on the video astronomy side would suit your needs. I've been very pleased with the color CMOS MallinCam DS10cTEC in terms of sensitivity, color rendering, and both live & processed views. These are about $1400, but are quite versatile. They are quite sensitive, and with no binning, have a reasonably small pixel size for detailed?deep sky views.? The image I posted of Orion's sword in response to Brian's recent image request came from my DS10cTEC in a RASA 8.? The other side of the coin is that lunar views come out with fine detail, and using the ROI, planets reveal detail as well.
Again, I'm talking about a video camera system instead of AP. But, it's something to think about in terms of versatility.
Good luck! Matt
On Thu, Dec 31, 2020 at 4:22 PM Gary Martin < gmartin@...> wrote: Hello.?
I have been into telescopes and astrophotography since 1980. I want to get into digital capture of the planets and some deep space objects. I'm now retired and have time and a few bucks to use for this.?
Two years ago I bought a Losmangy G11 mount, and then a Celestron 11 HD Edge. It is housed in my little observatory (with slide off roof) in central Oregon, nice dark skys here. This is my first computer controlled scope, and once it is aligned it works great. I love it ! I have lots of accessories such as several TeleVue eyepieces, 2X powermate, .7 focal reducer, Baader Diamond Track focuser, and a Canon 6D SLR (non modified). I can get some good photos with the Canon, such as piggy back with lenses, have not had much luck with photos through the C11. I did get a few of Neowise Comet though. But with Planets, all I get are fuzzy blobs. Even using Live View and zoom hooked to a monitor I find it very difficult to focus on the planets. And focus through the viewfinder, forget it. I have not tried a video and then stacking with the Canon.?
So while I now have a decent scope with tracking, I need recommendations on CCD or CMOS astro cameras. Yesterday I exchanged a couple of emails with Brian Valente at Losmandy, and he used a ZWO ASI462mc on the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction.
I have been reading and watching videos on CCD and CMOS cameras. It sounds like both have their advantages.?
- CCD's:? ?been around a long time, more complex to make, uses more power, better light capture, less noise, better shutter and frame rate, expensive.?
- CMOS:? smaller pixels, uses less power, rolling shutter, more noise, less expensive
It sounds like I'm probably going to need one camera for Planets (small sensor), and another for deep space objects (larger sensor or just use my Canon SLR).?
So any recommendations on a Planetary camera in the $200 to $500 range, especially what works well with a C11 f10 scope. Or C11 at f20 using the 2X Powermate. Also one that has the ST4 port to connect to the G11 mount for autoguiding. I still need to learn about software as well.?
Sorry for rambling on a bit.?
Gary Martin
La Pine, Or
C11 HD Edge with G11 mount
Meade 8" f6 Newtonian (bought new in 1980 and still have it)
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