Sony Digital Camera

Sony has introduced a new camera, available this fall that may prove to be very adaptable to astrophotography. The Sony F828 is an 8 megapixel camera that will retail for about $1200. It’s not very pretty as half of the camera is a large lens. Here are some of its features:

* 8 megapixel, 4 color CCD for enhanced resolution and color accuracy. Instead of just RGB, it is RGB+E for another level of color saturation.
* Fast startup with very little time lag between pressing the shutter button and taking the picture.
* 7x optical zoom
* 640x480 VGA video. With a 1GB memory card it will hold up to 13 minutes of video.
* Enhanced noise reduction for long exposures and shutter speeds up to 30 seconds.
* Multi-burst mode will take up to 16 images at a time.
* Records in uncompressed TIFF and raw formats as well as in JPEG.
* Night-shot and Night-framing which work as an image intensifier to allow better focusing of images in low light situations.

For more details check http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/F828/F82A6.HTM

I have the Sony 717 which is the predecessor to the 828. I thinking about upgrading to the 828 when it becomes available, I'm also looking at the new Canon DSLR its only $900.

The 717 is an excellant camera and it takes great pics, I just ordered the Scopetronics Max View 40 eyepiece with and the Max Power TE, will be using it on a Meade 10" LX200, this is going to be my first attempt at Astrophotography.

I just found your website a couple of days ago and have learned a lot already. You have a great site.