Camera advice

[crabbiT Scot]

Hi everyone,

Just looking for a bit of advice. Is this camera any good to start off with imaging DSO's

CANON EOS 1000D Digital SLR Camera with Canon 18-55 mm EF-S Zoom Lens - 10.1 mp | Dixons |

Would i need to buy any other camera accessories?

Thanks

Scott

[swag72]

Hi Scott, I am new to all of this astro stuff as well, your post begs a couple of questions for me. You say that you want to take pictures of DSO's, but just using the 1000D with the kit lens is not enough magnification. I use a 300mm lens for some DSO images, when I am using just the camera. That leads me to the other question, are you wanting to image using your scope? In which case you will be in a good position to get DSO's, but do you have the adapters tp connect the camera to scope?

I am sure that much more knowledgeable people will come along, but that's just my newbie thoughts.

[themos]

The 1000D is a great way to start in astrophotography, many users here. The answer to the 2nd question is yes, but it depends on what you want to do!

[RikM]

To image through the scope you will need at least the RA motor for your mount. Then you want either a T-ring to attach the camera to the 1.25" eyepiece adaptor on your scope or even better get a 2" MaxDSLR adaptor which will allow you to use 2" filters in the future. A remote timer is a big help, but not essential to get you started.

Rik

[crabbiT Scot]

Thanks for the info everyone!

I would be trying to use the camera through the scope, so I realise I'll have to buy a few other bits and bobs, i.e. t-piece, RA motor, remote shutter etc.

But from the general concensus, it sounds like this camera will be a good 1st DSLR camera to get me going

I'll probably buy the camera before all the other bits and pieces 1st, so I can learn how to operate it properly!!! I heard you can take some nice pictures of the sky, even without a scope to start with?

Cheers,

Scott

[themos]

I heard you can take some nice pictures of the sky, even without a scope to start with?

Oh yes!

[ollypenrice]

Astrophotography is complicated so before doing anything else I would read Steve (Steppenwolf's) book Making Every Pixel Count. It is available from FLO at the top of the forum page.

The most important thing is the mount. You have to have a mount which can accurately track the sky. As soon as you get at all serious you will want an autoguider to correct it as it is running.

But the 1000D is a good camera to use. I have one but not for astronomy, so others will advise on the details of its use. Camera lenses are great, too. I love to use them with our CCD cameras. They are often very fast which makes exposures shorter and tracking easier.

Have fun,

Olly

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