Astrokev Posted February 16, 2020 Share Posted February 16, 2020 Hi All I currently use a Nikon D300. I've been thinking of getting a dedicated astrocam at some point, but have just been offered a Canon 550D for £150. How does this rate for astro? Main use would be prime focus imaging on my Esprit 100 refractor. As I see it, this may be better than my Nikon, in that the sensor has more MP (18 compared to 12), I can more easily get it astro-modded and use clip-in filters, and it's easier to control with astro-software. What do folks think? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taman Posted February 16, 2020 Share Posted February 16, 2020 I think compared to a dedicated astro camera costing well over £1,000 this is a bargain. I have been using an unmodified 550D for well over a year with my SCT. It's a nice camera, takes a fair bit of abuse, being left outside in freezing damp conditions and is easily controlled using APT. All of the pictures in my telescopius album were taken with this camera. Hope this helps! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted February 16, 2020 Share Posted February 16, 2020 Looks a fair price comparing to MPB, plus has video crop mode helps on planets/moon. Do you know the shutter count? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrokev Posted February 16, 2020 Author Share Posted February 16, 2020 6 minutes ago, happy-kat said: Looks a fair price comparing to MPB, plus has video crop mode helps on planets/moon. Do you know the shutter count? Not yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 (edited) I had great result using a modded 500D so I'm sure the 550D would do a decent Job. It doesn't have the sort after flip out screen like the 650D onwards, but you only really miss this feature if you're used to having it. Edited February 19, 2020 by Lockie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 Hi it's the 600d and onwards for flip screen 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whistlin Bob Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 I'd say go for it. These were taken with a 550d with DIY cooling added and a range of filters. It's a good camera. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alien 13 Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 The 550D along with the 60D are the only Canon cameras that have a true 1:1 video crop mode as far as I know for fast frame capture for Planets etc, the rest of the specs are similar to the 600D. Alan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank the Troll Posted February 20, 2020 Share Posted February 20, 2020 Check out Camera Jungle, often a few bargins to be had 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.h.f.wilkinson Posted February 20, 2020 Share Posted February 20, 2020 I love my astro-modded Canon 550D. It is a great little camera, and for that money you cannot really go wrong. Some results: 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrokev Posted February 23, 2020 Author Share Posted February 23, 2020 Update - Sadly the 550D turned out to be a 350D 😣 , so I won't be going for it after all. Never mind, maybe next time! I may look on some websites though and see what's about. Thanks to everyone for chipping-in their thoughts - much appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alien 13 Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 5 minutes ago, Astrokev said: Update - Sadly the 550D turned out to be a 350D 😣 , so I won't be going for it after all. Never mind, maybe next time! I may look on some websites though and see what's about. Thanks to everyone for chipping-in their thoughts - much appreciated Try MPB photographic and Wex for used cameras or lenses... Alan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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