Imaging...

[summerstars]

So, I have decided to invest in a camera for my telescope. I'm in no rush at the moment, so really just looking for advice on the best one for my telescope that doesn't cost a lot of money.

Thank you. x

[cassiewoofer]

You want one of these!  ;-)

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/starlight-xpress-cameras/starlight-xpress-sxvr-h35-sxvf-h36-mono.html

[summerstars]

Haha wish I had the money! x

[nmoushon]

Well to answer your question your phone will be able to take pictures through your scope but most tend to start with a DSLR or a modded web cam. BUT if you are wanting to take pictures of DSOs and do long exposures, unfortunately, you mount will not let you do that. You will need an equitorial mount that can track for you to be able to take long exposure without getting star trails. You might however be able to get some picture of the moon and planets, which is best done with a modded web cam.

[nucleardwarf]

So, I have decided to invest in a camera for my telescope. I'm in no rush at the moment, so really just looking for advice on the best one for my telescope that doesn't cost a lot of money.

Thank you. x

Hi Vickki,

I recently purchased the Phil Dyer colour camera and it is superb for the money!, costs £99 for the camera or the full kit - £179.  Kit includes lens, cables, some software for video grabbing and usb connector for P.C.  There as some threads on this site showing its use and if you visit Phildyerastrophoto site, there are some pics too.

Mark.

[summerstars]

Hi Vickki,

I recently purchased the Phil Dyer colour camera and it is superb for the money!, costs £99 for the camera or the full kit - £179.  Kit includes lens, cables, some software for video grabbing and usb connector for P.C.  There as some threads on this site showing its use and if you visit Phildyerastrophoto site, there are some pics too.

Mark.

Thank you, I will have a look for one of those. Just shopping around at the moment, not wanting to rush in to anything.

Not wanting to do DSO yet, I will definitely be buying a new mount for that. :-) 

x

[cassiewoofer]

I'm wanting to start imaging but it seems As soon as you think of imaging, the whole astronomy thing becomes a new monster!

The cheapest way is to mod a webcam, but capturing good images with one is a challenge and a half.

I've recently been thinking of one of these.....

http://www.modernastronomy.com/camerasGuider.html#QHY5-II

sometime in the new year.... maybe.

 But want to find out exactly what they can do first.

[Astrosurf]

+1 for the Webcam with your scope. You can buy them cheaply and mod them for astro work. See here: http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/131246-xbox-livecam-mod-cliff/

It's not the best webcam but a good start. The Phillips SPN900NC (or 880 flashed to 900) is very good but no longer made. They come up from time to time but are often quite pricey. Ask here about mods to other brands.

Alexxx

[nytecam]

Hi Vikki -

1] pick up a freebie Nat Geo Mag camera [with a subscription!]  you can image the moon for nothing ! 

2] cheap webcams from Asda and Tesco do well too with minor mod to pop onto scope EP holder.

3] regular phone cam or digital cam on bracket support behind EP

4] deepsky stuff is very faint - need longish guided exposures but can be done with small scope + relatively expensive/ sensitive camera. 

Some of my YT clips in same order..please ignore my BIG scope - cams work on any scope !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EryGbP6EZSE = moon via Nat Geo Mag freebie cam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L9HMEVEbu4 = lunar terminator via £2 asdacam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNIU7BsgoAM = etx-70 venus + moon static scope via regular digicam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ohoG06-iU  = piggybacked etx-70 + sx lodestar-c cam