Nikon Coolpix 4300?

[gazza63]

Hi all

I would like to know if a Nikon coolpix 4300 4.0mp ccd Digital camera with T-thread be suitable for astrophotography?

• 4-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 2272x1704 pixels
  
• Nikkor 3x optical zoom (38-114mm in 35mm equivalent)
  
• Macro focus with AF down to 1.6 inches
  
• 1.5-inch TFT color monitor
  
• EN-EL1 rechargeable battery and charger included
  
• Programmed AE and 12 Scene exposure modes
  
• Single, Continuous, UHS Continuous, 16-Shot Multi and QuickTime Movie modes
  
• Shutter speeds from 1/1000 sec. to 8 sec's
  
• Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction
  
• Control of image sharpness and saturation
  
• 5-area multi-focus system and Spot-AF
  
• 256-segment Matrix Metering, Center-weighted or Spot
  
• Noise Reduction for long exposures
  
• ISO sensitivity Auto or 100, 200, 400 (in manual)
  
• Matrix Auto White Balance, 5 presets and custom
  
• AE Bracketing with white balance as well as exposure value
  
• Exif 2.2 and Epson PRINT Image Matching Technology compatible
  
• CompactFlash Type I card slot, 16MB card included
  
• Plug-n-Play USB 1.1 connectivity, mass storage compliant
  
• One-Touch upload for easy image transfers
  
• Can use Coolpix wide, tele and fisheye lenses (with adapter)
  
• 
  

Any experience, thoughts or feedback on this, would be very appreciated.

Thanks

Gary

[Digz]

It might be good for lunar and solar shots. Depending on any video capabilities you might try planetary. However, IMHO your limiting factor is the 8s max exposure for a start for any DSO work.

I don't know how much this camera is but you might be better off looking at a DSLR if its main use will be AP.

Is it intended for mostly AP or 'normal' photography? Also what mount and how will it be used?

[gazza63]

It would be used for lunar and planetary. It also has a t-thread adapter included. Not sure how that would work? ( as lens does not detach from body). Better suited to afocal imaging I should imagine?

Thanks for the reply

Gary

[gkec]

If you already have the camera you have nothing to lose by having a go. Otherwise the weapon of choice is usually an SLR (Canon EOS) or a webcam.

As Digz says you can probably photograph the moon and planets.

[Digz]

Gary, apologies, I wasn't sure whether you were looking to buy or already had the camera. As gkec, above, says - if you already have it then give it a punt. It will produce results and allow you to learn of the intricacies of AP.

I'm guessing it will attach like this eBay add shows: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-COOLPIX-4300-4-0MP-Digital-Camera-T-Adapter-Telescope-etc-NR-/380637052770?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item589fbc7f62

[gazza63]

Hi Lee

I do not own the camera but have the option to buy one. Also, yes, the picture you attached is the way i had in mind of using the camera (directly screwed to focuser). Not sure if it would give better results than the webcam i use at the moment?

Thanks

Gary

[Digz]

Better results than a webcam - its hard to say. My gut feel is for planetary the webcam will win due to sensor size and the apparent crop you get. For lunar I might lean towards the coolpix as you can shoot one shot. Having said that stacking an avi from a webcam allows any variation in seeing and atmospheric distortions to be discounted.

Personally I would persevere with the webcam and save for a DSLR or CCD - are you content with lunar and planetary or do you want to do DSO work?

[gazza63]

Better results than a webcam - its hard to say. My gut feel is for planetary the webcam will win due to sensor size and the apparent crop you get. For lunar I might lean towards the coolpix as you can shoot one shot. Having said that stacking an avi from a webcam allows any variation in seeing and atmospheric distortions to be discounted.

Personally I would persevere with the webcam and save for a DSLR or CCD - are you content with lunar and planetary or do you want to do DSO work?

At the moment i'm happy at just lunar and planets as you say, I would like to start looking into DSO imaging, in which a webcam would be no use for that as i have a long focal length scope. Again that brings the question of would a DSLR work with an f8 1200 focal length? ( I do own a 0.5x focal reducer, if that would help)? or would i need a faster say f5 . One scope for planetary and the other for DSO'S.

Regards

Gary

[Digz]

Now we're getting into the detail and out of my knowledge depth. I've managed to image with a DSLR on my 250pds which has a focal length of 1200 but a faster f ratio, see my gallery. Generally for imaging the faster the f ratio the better for light gathering. Using a DSLR at long focal lengths is challenging, so you may want to consider a different scope unless you like a challenge.

I think your comment about one scope for planetary and one for DSO is very true.

[gazza63]

Now we're getting into the detail and out of my knowledge depth. I've managed to image with a DSLR on my 250pds which has a focal length of 1200 but a faster f ratio, see my gallery. Generally for imaging the faster the f ratio the better for light gathering. Using a DSLR at long focal lengths is challenging, so you may want to consider a different scope unless you like a challenge.

I think your comment about one scope for planetary and one for DSO is very true.

Yes, I do like a challenge.....this whole hobby seems a challenge in itself ..

Thanks for you're help Lee, I'll keep you updated of any success i may have?

Regards

Gary

[Digz]

You're welcome. I look forward to keeping an eye out for your updates.