Attempting to use Compact Camera for Widefield Shots

[Killie]

I have been trying to take some constellation shots etc. with my compact camera.

Tonight it was clear for about 30 minutes so I took some widefield shots and got the  4 shots below that came out okay. I think they look pretty good after my playing in Photoshop but I am probably being limited quite badly by the noise levels. However is there anything here obvious that looks like it could be improved and if so how? :-)

I do hope to get a DSLR in the future but I am quite enjoying trying to learn things with the compact at the money before shelling out cash for a better camera.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice that may be forthcoming!

[Leveye]

What camera do you have here?

[Killie]

Canon Ixus 75 which I bought about 6 years ago

[baggywrinkle]

You might want to play with the ISO settings and if you can set them at 800 or 1600 and use 20 secs exposure. You migtht get some more stars to come through.

[davefrance]

I am assuming you have a tripod? Looking at the spec of your camera you have a manual and a "night snapshot mode". One of those should give you a maximum of 15 seconds exposure. My thoughts would be 

1) set camera at wide angle and point to your chosen object.

2) Choose whichever mode that can give you up to 15 seconds.

3) Set camera ISO to 1600

4) Take shot and check exposure

5) If over exposed reduce shutter speed and or ISO

6) Retake and modify settings until satisfied exposure correct.

7) Take 20 exposures quickly but without creating movement of camera or tripod.

8) Fit lens cap or cover lens and take 20 dark frames.

9) Stack in DSS (Stars) or Registax (Moon)  

10) Crop, reduce noise, adjust brightmess/contrast etc. in your chosen photo editing program and let us see the results.

[Killie]

Dave,

Thanks for that I do have a tripod that I borrowed and will give your suggestions a go but last time I went near ISO 1600 it was a noisy mess that defeated my abilities to remove. The moment I get some clear sky I will try again however.

As I note I have actually got a firmware mod on the camera that lets me have a bit more control so shouldn't have an issue (I have even been taking my shots in RAW)

[Leveye]

If you can shoot in RAW and at for at least 15 seconds you should be all set. Look into CHDK for a hack for it. I can go 30 minutes with my Canon PnS now.

[davefrance]

Dave,

Thanks for that I do have a tripod that I borrowed and will give your suggestions a go but last time I went near ISO 1600 it was a noisy mess that defeated my abilities to remove. The moment I get some clear sky I will try again however.

As I note I have actually got a firmware mod on the camera that lets me have a bit more control so shouldn't have an issue (I have even been taking my shots in RAW)

RAW even better. If noise is a problem then try ISO800 and 15 secs. They may be a little underexposed but by stacking them and then post processing you should be able to improve. Two photos attached. First is single frame taken tonight, somewhat underexposed (quickly as clouds coming over fast) Second is stacked - 10 frames and tweeked/cropped. 

[Leveye]

Try using it afocal thru the eyepiece of the scope.

[davefrance]

Try using it afocal thru the eyepiece of the scope.

Wouldn't be very wide field through scope but certainly a good suggestion for planets an DSO's

[Killie]

I got myself a modified Xbox webcam for planetary but I was thinking about  giving some afocal photography a go as well.

[jgs001]

This is a good way to start, and any practice is a good thing.

Have a look at http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/36308-basic-widefield-with-a-camera-and-tripod/, whilst it's targeted for dSLR's, the principles are the same for any camera. As you're limited to 15 second exposures, try and get 20 or 30 of them for stacking.

[Langy]

Afocal isn't easy. I've a couple of images in my gallery.

You need a camera where you can control the settings for sure as it will try and focus and expose totally wrong.

Using a mount to hold the recording device on the scope is much better but not essential.

I took the moon hand held with my Canon S45 but had to sit the Canon on a tripod for Jupiter.