Imaging with a modified DSLR Camera

[mareman48]

Hi all, noobie question.

i just purchased a modified DSLR camera to ( Canon 450D) start Astro imaging..

My question is, to those in the know, do you get a preview on the LCD, as all I get is a pinkish hue.

 If that’s normal, how do I know I have what I’m aiming for.

 

thanks in advance.

[Paul779]

Hi, that doest right at all how long is your exposure and at what iso?

[Paul779]

some good info on setup here :

Also i used APT with mine on my laptop far easier than looking at the LCD screen.

 

Edited November 22, 2021 by Paul779

[mareman48]

9 minutes ago, Paul779 said:

some good info on setup here :

 

 

Did you say that that's not right?

 

These are the settings I use.

 

 

1.   Exposure level increments - doesn't matter

2.   Flash sync - doesn't matter

3.   Long exposure noise reduction – off

4.   High ISO speed noise reduction – off

5.   Auto lighting optimiser – disable

6.   AF assist beam firing – off

7.   AF during live view shooting – off

8.   Mirror lock up – disable

9.   shutter/AE lock button - AF/AE lock

10.   SET button when shooting - LCD monitor on off

11.     LCD display when power on – Display

12.     Add original decision data - off
 
Also:

·      Set mode to 'M' and exposure length to 'BULB'

·    ISO is  800

 

·      Menu 1:Quality RAW (when shooting RAW things like exposure compensation, white balance etc. have no effect whatever)

·      Red eye off

·      Beep off

·      Shoot w/o card - personal preference

·      Review time  -- your choice, I go for 4 sec

·      Menu 2 - none of these matter, but don't set just delete data, you use flats for this.

 

 

 

 

[Paul779]

Heres what i get from a Canon 450d at 150 seconds iso 800 guided.... M31 (see attachment)

 

L_0052_ISO800_150s__15C.CR2

[mareman48]

Do you get anything on the actual LCD also ?

 

This is what I get when the camera is on does not display anything that's in front of the camera.

Edited November 22, 2021 by mareman48

[Paul779]

I honestly have never checked an image on the LCD display as i have only ever used it with APT on the laptop. Are you able to check the memory card for an image via your PC or Laptop?

[mareman48]

Yes, images are just plain white, or black depending on what I aim at.

[Paul779]

Hmmmm what are you attaching the camera to? And while attached to the telescope or lense can you make out any bright stars via the live view on the camera?

Edited November 22, 2021 by Paul779

[alacant]

45 minutes ago, mareman48 said:

does not display anything that's in front of the camera

To see what's in front of the camera in real time -like on your 'phone- you must set live view. On a 450, that's the video camera icon.

To see anything recognisable which is in front of the camera, you must also fit and focus a lens. Or telescope.

Cheers and HTH

[mareman48]

Attached to a Meade LX90 ASF , Meade  Series 4000 F6.3 Focal Reducer/ Flattener  with the camera adapter.

 

Live view only gives a blank screen, pic I uploaded earlier. 

[alacant]

Fit the correct adapter/extension tube, then focus on a distant terrestrial object by looking through the viewfinder. That should get you close enough focus to record stars in a few seconds or so. You may even be able to see bright stars on the camera's LCD but much easier using an app on your 'phone/computer. Fine tune the focus on a brightish star.

 

Edited November 22, 2021 by alacant

[mareman48]

Thanks, will give that a go 👍

[malc-c]

I have a modified D400, so no live view, but any camera that has its IR cut filter removed will give very red / pink images