basics imaging

[sam mayo]

what would be the very basics for imaging and do you need a goto

have been looking at the megrez wich has seemed to get great reviews but what would you need with it,

im not looking any time soon but i like to have an idea to what i wil need.

thanks

[Pete Presland]

depends what sort of imaging you want to do, you certainly do not need a goto to do any imaging though.

a webcam would get you started on the planets, assuming that rather large dob in your avatar is yours? if you have dslr and tripod you can start with some simple widefield shots any time.

[sam mayo]

it is mine yea thank for the replys on both threads appreciate it ,what camera would you recommend for my first

[Pete Presland]

Philips spc900n webcam would do nicely or an older toucam pro, either would get you started.

[RikM]

Imaging planets is very different from imaging deep sky objects. You often need different equipment, software and techniques.

For deep sky imaging, the best way to get started would be to buy the book 'Making every photon count' by Steve Richards (Steppenwolf here on SGL) http://www.firstligh...e-richards.html as this sets out what you need, why you need it, and how to use it to get the best results.

For a nice quick intro take a read through Martin's primer in the imaging section: http://stargazerslou...ng-on-a-budget/

On a local level, at Cotswold AS, we are planning a couple of workshops over the autumn on imaging and image processing that may be of interest.