Canon 1000D advice

[adamsp123]

Canon 1000D

I am a complete newbie regarding Astro imaging, but I want at some time to get into it, so I would like to ask some questions about this camera.

The price seems very good at the moment so I am tempted to get one very soon if it will "do the biz".

Q1 - If I get it modified ie change the IR filter can I use it sensibly for normal photography? ie do I need the lens?

Q2 - RAW data, which I believe is the format one uses for AP, seeing a review it states "Continuous shooting ability in RAW very limited" is this a real problem for AP usage?

Q3 - is there anything missing in this camera which would cause real headaches for AP use?

Q4- are there any similarly priced cameras that would do a better job ie around £300 ish ?

Your advice, as always, gratefully received :salute:

Pete

[Psychobilly]

I use a modded 350D and have just added a 1000D to my kit.

A1. Yes the 1000D cvan be moded and its possible to use a modded camera for astro and normal use.

A2. The Raw Data limit... not a problem for Astro work where frame rates are low so there are no "buffer" limitations at the moment mines happily taking extended sequences of darks...... I havent read AP for a while what have they said?

A3. Nope...

A4. Noise levels are very good it's a Canon and as such will soon have good support in the astro software world...

The EOS Utils that coem eith it allow for Intervalometer Operation with long exposures asd BULB is supported over USB.. Livefocus over USB2 works a treat as does simultaneous recording to the card in the camrea and the PC's HDD...

Billy....(Really another Peter)

[adamsp123]

I have one other question - although the 1000D, judging by the amount of chat going on, seems a great buy I notice it uses CMOS detector not a CCD. In terms of AP does this make any difference? :scratch:

cheers Pete

[Psychobilly]

It'sa ll about bang for the bucks... the canon CMOS sensors have always had relativley good noise performance compared to other DSLR's . Cooled astro CCD's were better...

But for under £300 you get a 10MP APS-c sized sensor capable of taking some absolutely stunning images.

I haven't First Lighted mine on Astro Targets yet but have Firts Darked it and the performance is extremely good for the money and the battery life isnt too shabby either...

Billy...

[adamsp123]

Thanks Billy think I will get me one! :salute:

(Looks like it will have to be before the quoted price rises, although I wonder if that is to get us to buy now? What about the January sales or are they on right now? )

No doubt that is when the fun begins!!! I will need to start understanding the jargon and how that translates into practical reality = a few curses??

I suppose then I need a laptop, guidescope, lots if interconnects, software etc and a dropping bank balance.

Hope santa is good to me cash wise! :santa:

[Psychobilly]

The letters form the manufacturersd are posted on the wall in my regular shop... been shopping there for 20 years plus so i trust them... I have never seen three guys with such gloomy faces they are wondering how they are going to survive... I was going to wait and I am sure one of the big online storee might be able to hold prices but the samller shops are having reduced stock and shorter credit lines as well

I'm one of those peopel who doesnt think price is everything... of course i check prices online.. and find that loyalty over the years has paid off.. i usually get good deals and things like filters thrown in when i buy lenses...

AS you can see from my sig I have quite a collection of DSLR's and I am very happy with the performance of the 1000D...

If you want to see soem stunning images taken with one (ok with some very nice L series lenses) then sign up for UKAI and have a look at Dciobota work ... (UKAI is a closed forum - need to sign up to see most stuff - Mods have already commented on posting links to this other forum as a lot of us are members on there as well)

http://ukastroimaging.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=42297.0

Billy...

[adamsp123]

Billy

I do know how hard it can be for retailers and I hope your camera guys and all good retailers get through this crunch.

I am not sure how wise it is for the manufacturers to increase the price so much and give the little guys a hard time. I do believe the prices will rise once current stock is gone but who will buy?

I don't have any local outlets so I have to rely on the internet but I don't mind paying a little extra for good personal service.

pete

[Psychobilly]

Billy

I do know how hard it can be for retailers and I hope your camera guys and all good retailers get through this crunch.

I am not sure how wise it is for the manufacturers to increase the price so much and give the little guys a hard time. I do believe the prices will rise once current stock is gone but who will buy?

I don't have any local outlets so I have to rely on the internet but I don't mind paying a little extra for good personal service.

pete

Hi Adam....

DIdnt want it to appear that I was givign anyone a hard tiem.. just wanted to show that the info on future price rises came form what I regard as a reliable source...

A good friend is the manager of a local specialist AV dealer - high end stuff.... the number of people who come in for advice on how to use equipment bought on the net beggers belief...

Billy...

[adamsp123]

Hi Billy,

Gorn and bought one, may even get it on Tuesday.

I will be posting again on a new topic for all the other bank balance breaking stuff, hope mum gives we a good wad of dosh for xmas!

Pete

ps when I had a shop I used to get the same thing but not the internet but H*lf*rds, I sold bikes, then after purchasing at H they would say we actually did the better deals...too late