Camera / Imaging Question

Hi,

We are new to astronomy and just purchased a Meade 8" LX-90 LNT-UHTC. Can anyone give me some advice regarding an imaging device? There are such a variety of units out there. From 1.2 meg-pixel web cams, to adpaters for regular digital SLR cameras to astrophotography specific units like the Orion StarShoot Deep Space CCD, to the various Meade imaging devices. Beyond those are much much more expensive units.

Question: Why are the astrophotography units relatively low resolution, .5 to 1 meg pixel as compared to regular use cameras? Do regular digital cameras with adapters work just as well? Why do so many people use the Phillips web cam? What do you recommend?

Hello Paul, and welcome aboard! 8)

I'll give you a quick answer, as I'm sure others will elaborate more on this topic...

- Philips Webcams, like the Toucam Pro or the Vestas, are great for planetary imaging, but not for DSO imaging unless heavily modified.

- DSLRs are wonderful, and VERY WIDE FIELD due to their enormous chip. But they are NOT as sensitive as dedicated CCD cameras, unless modified. (Hutech does this modification, and also the Canon 20Da was modified with Astronomy in mind)

- Dedicated CCD cameras are great, but as you already noticed, their price range goes from $250 to $12000 or more... 8O
Remember that the objects that you are imaging are very far, and very small, in comparison to "NORMAL LIFE" stuff, so that's why you can get by with a CCD that is so small... (of course, if you want wide fields, and your wallet can handle it, WHY would you settle for that?) 8)
In order to take advantage of the wonderful "imaging scopes" out there, and the wide fields that some provide, you "should" get a camera that handle it, and that's why you'll see those MEGABUCKS cameras out there (besides other things, like extra sensitivity, low noise, water cooling, etc, etc)


Clear skies! 8)

Paul,
Welcome. I, too, have a LX90 and have been imaging with it for several years. I started with a Philips Toucam webcam for planets and the moon, and it is very easy to get started with, not to mention about as inexpensive as you can get by with. Lots of free or inexpensive downloadable software such as K3CCDTools and Registax for image acquisition and processing which are very easy to learn. You can also do this kind of photography very well in alt/az mode without having to add a wedge to your telescope. You will also soon learn if imaging is for you versus visual observing (it's quite addictive if the bug bites!). Plus, planet season is upon us, and getting those first images of Saturn and Jupiter to show friends and family is sure to amaze!
For DSO's, the least expensive entry in would either be the Meade or Celestron cameras, or an adapter for an existing digital SLR you might already have. You could still do brighter objecs in alt/az and get some very good results. Again, get a taste if this is for you. Once you realize it is, the expense adds up and researching what to get is half the fun.
Finally, keep asking questions here--the group is never shy about giving answers and advice!
Have fun,
Larry

Paul,
Just noticed that Joe Bruessow has posted a Stalight Xpress MX7C one-shot camera in the classifieds for $395. A great camera to start with for DSO (I am very, very happy with my monochrome version). You might want to check it out.
Larry

Paul,
I recommend that you go to the Anacortes site (click the upper left corner of this screen) and go to the gallery and choose the "what can I see with" option. You can then look at images taken with a variety of scopes and cameras. I think it will become obvious why people pay extra money, if they have it, for dedicated CCD astro cameras. The low noise and great sensitivity make them ideal for astro work. I think you will see that there are many larger arrays on CCD cameras, but the price tag goes WAY up. Take a look around and I think you will learn a lot. You can click on the equipment that people used to see what it costs at Anacortes. It is a nice feature.
Good Luck!
Tyler