Pentax DSLR for Astrophotography??

Post by **weixing** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 11:45 am

Hi,
Ask this on behalf of one of the member... Anyone had any experience with Pentax DSLR.. such as the Pentax *ist DL?? How does it perform if use for taking Astrophotography??

Have a nice day.

wucheeyiun · Post by **wucheeyiun** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 4:52 pm

now selling $999 c/w lens @ IT show, really cheap. can buy, can buy ...

Post by **HoO_Germany** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:00 pm

Hi weixing

I would ever recomand for astro-photography a Canon DSLR cam. Why the chip is better cooled and the utility in astro-photography is much better with a Canon D300 or other ones. I saw a lot of different dark-frames made with a Canon and a Nikon (wich is also good for astronomy, but the Canon is really the best one).
So for take normal photographies with a digital SRL there is no much difference, but to work also in astro, I would ever take a Canon.

Clear skys
Robert

Post by **weixing** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:41 pm

Hi,

Hi weixing

I would ever recomand for astro-photography a Canon DSLR cam. Why the chip is better cooled and the utility in astro-photography is much better with a Canon D300 or other ones. I saw a lot of different dark-frames made with a Canon and a Nikon (wich is also good for astronomy, but the Canon is really the best one).
So for take normal photographies with a digital SRL there is no much difference, but to work also in astro, I would ever take a Canon.

I know, because I own a Canon 300D... hee hee

Anyway, that what I told him also, but I think the price for that Pentax DSLR is really attractive...

Have a nice day.

Post by **Airconvent** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 11:02 pm

i played with it today....man...the camera is the cheapest DSLR in Sinagpore, surpassing even the Nikon D50. (S$999 against S$1299 for the D50).
But I found it too heavy due to its metallic body. The 350D has a plastic body and it really is lighter...in fact, it felt lighter than the D50.
Of course, can also consider the Olympus E500....

Post by **HoO_Germany** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 1:02 am

Hi Airconvent

ok, the decission you do, its your own, but I can tell you, to not only make in this case decissions ba watching the price. Much people I know they sell their other bodys to buy after this a Canon DSRL. So with this expirience I know, should you once want to make real good astronomical photography, you will search for a Canon.
So let your money a bit longer stay and buy a soon you can, a Canon.

Clear skys
Robert

Post by **zong** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 11:09 pm

Hmm.. But has anyone tried this Pentax camera for astrophotography? How does the lens and everything compare for the price? I'm attracted to the price, although what AirConvent said about the metallic heavy frame made me think twice.. I thought it might be a good alternative, since you know, Pentax eyepieces are so valued in the community..

Tachyon · Post by **Tachyon** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 5:13 pm

I vote the Pentax booth has the sexiest cheerleaders!

Had a look at the Pentax - not impressed. I'd rather consider the Olympus E330/500 instead. However, collective experience worldwide with Canon and Nikon is still much more than other brands. Which means - if you have a problem with your non-Canon/Nikon camera for Astrophotography, you are on your own!

Cheers!

Post by **Airconvent** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:44 pm

the metallic shell may be an advantage...but its heavy.
as I have said, I have given up on astro-photography, so its performance in this area is not critical. and on www.dpreview.com and www.megapixel.net , the camera was rated for excellent image quality.
I think at worse it should still be able to take the planets and bright DSO such as M42 admirably but for objects like horsehead, maybe noise will be an issue....
and you can't argue the Pentax S$980 as compared with S$1580 for the Canon 350D (retail price for pentax and cheapest price for Canon after discount) .
The Nikon D50 was rated by some sites as having lower noice than the 350D! but it has a big/heavy bodt like the old Canon 300D.
There's going to be more balancing especially for a single fork arm scope like mine...

Post by **zong** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:46 pm

Lol metallic shell just reminded me of something.. I have sweaty palms. Sigh, that camera'll rust and rot with me handling it.. Guess this is not such a worthy camera except for the price-conscious afterall.