Orion using a handheld camera

[Ultrapenguin]

HI all, inspired by what i saw here I tried using my compact camera handheld against a 30mm ep on my SW150pl iso was 3200 and exposure time was 1 second to avoid trails.

[ilove1995]

I'm impressed. Didn't realise a camera would pick up on the nebula after only 1 second of exposure. I'll give this a go tonight (assuming weather forecast of clear skies again is correct).

[sologuitarist61]

That is surprising good being hand held

[Ultrapenguin]

Thanks all, I think it has more to give too I just need to refine my technique. I am going to try 15 seconds at lower iso with the tracking on, not sure the EQ3-2 tracking is up to it but nothing ventured nothing gained, I am also going to go looking for other deepsky objects I maight be able to image I just love astronomy...

[Ryan-y]

Another awesome handheld, who needs thousands of pounds worth of ccd's!

[ilove1995]

Thanks all, I think it has more to give too I just need to refine my technique. I am going to try 15 seconds at lower iso with the tracking on, not sure the EQ3-2 tracking is up to it but nothing ventured nothing gained, I am also going to go looking for other deepsky objects I maight be able to image I just love astronomy...

Did you get a chance to take more pictures? Would be interested to see them.

Al

[Ultrapenguin]

Hi all, Yes you are so right expensive equipment is not nessesary for this hobby. It does depend on what you want to achieve, for exaample I will never get the kind of images this way that appear in books but I do get some satisfaction knowing I did it all with second hand cheap equipment from ebay. Anyway I bought a new camera (£36 delievered from ebay) and took a shot of orion again and this time in the top left hand corner I just caught a part of the flame nebulae (my next target) I have also inclueded an earlier shot of plaidies taken with the older camera. Reason for new camera is "it was cheap" also it has 18 x optical zoom and will go to iso 6400 which i have found works great with short 1-4 second exposures, the below pics were all sub 1.5 seconds exposure no stacking

[sammy1075]

good skills

[ilove1995]

Looking good.