Camera for astrophotography

[Fathead]

Hi I have been thinking to upgrade my old (very) old Olympus OM-10 camera to a more modern DSLR having film takes so long nowadays to develop. I was considering a Canon EOS 400D which can be bought for around £50 second hand, this version has live view unlike the versions before. I know its an old camera compared to todays standard but has any body used one of these either on a piggy back mount or through the telescope?

Any help will be grateful

[SkyBound]

Hi,

not sure the 400D has live view, but the 450D and newer does...?? But I may be wrong

you can pick up Astro modded 450, 1000, and 1100D cameras on ABS for around £120... There has been a few on there in the last couple of months...

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I have both a modded and a non-modded 450. Very cheap second hand, and they work really well

[Alien 13]

I too would look at the 450D another issue you can have with older cameras is the lack of drivers for newer software/pc.

Alan

[Fathead]

thank you

looks like ill be looking at the 450d then

better to ask before buying

[Alien 13]

MPB photographic or Wex are a good source for used cameras, they list the shutter count and offer good guarantees.

Alan

[Fathead]

Thanks I bought a lens from Wex quick delivery too

[mak90fan]

You could consider a respectable webcam? My older, MS Lifecam is full hd & so far on limited use, has produced some great images. There are new branded webcams coming to market regularly so an up to date one should be a safe buy.

[Fathead]

I did think of a webcam but I don't have a laptop and I didn't want to take the pc out into the garden (in case it rains)

[SkyBound]

Well to be honest, if it is clear enough to take your kit out in the garden, then it ain't gonna rain as there will be no clouds...!!

so just put your laptop under a plastic bag and all will be good

[Fathead]

that is true but a pc with a 32" screen is a bit hard to move around especially into the garden and a huge plastic bag lol  as I said I don't have a laptop

[Dark Lawton]

On ‎02‎/‎09‎/‎2016 at 17:58, mak90fan said:

You could consider a respectable webcam? My older, MS Lifecam is full hd & so far on limited use, has produced some great images. There are new branded webcams coming to market regularly so an up to date one should be a safe buy.

 

On ‎02‎/‎09‎/‎2016 at 17:58, mak90fan said:

You could consider a respectable webcam? My older, MS Lifecam is full hd & so far on limited use, has produced some great images. There are new branded webcams coming to market regularly so an up to date one should be a safe buy

I been thinking about getting one of these as am new to imaging Altair Astro GPCAM v2 Colour IMX224 Guide Imaging Camera and was wondering if it also works like a webcam got video and imaging

[ejp1684]

I've had a 400D for quite a few years, and it doesn't have live view. As others have advised, the 450D does.

Eric.

[John78]

I just picked up a 1000D with the kit lens in mint condition with < 2k on the shutter for £92 might be the cheapest thing going in astrophotography ??

 

I've got a ms lifecam hd modified for Astro also, I've just put an IR filter back in it so hoping for a decent non pink planet shot soon as cloudfest finishes.

[bottletopburly]

2 hours ago, John78 said:

I just picked up a 1000D with the kit lens in mint condition with < 2k on the shutter for £92 might be the cheapest thing going in astrophotography ??

 

I've got a ms lifecam hd modified for Astro also, I've just put an IR filter back in it so hoping for a decent non pink planet shot soon as cloudfest finishes.

good price i use the 1000d its ok though haven`t modded mine ....yet:)

[John78]

3 hours ago, bottletopburly said:

good price i use the 1000d its ok though haven`t modded mine ....yet:)

I need astrotortilla in my life and I can't afford a CCD so it had to be a Canon - I think I'm ready now for guided, plate solved EQ5 imaging - just need the clouds to do one and I'll give M31 an evenings love.

[ollypenrice]

Webcams have tiny chips. They don't do the same job as DSLRs, which have large chips. They are great for small targets, not large DSOs.

Olly

[mak90fan]

With my MS Lifecam, I think I will run it over the winter and post some results on here for feedback & advice. Going back to a 'live' DSLR could be an option thereafter.

One question, which is more favourable, 640 x 420 or higher? Not found any advice on this matter? 

Thanks John