Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

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mymoon
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Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

Post by mymoon »

Read this from the Pentax blob

http://www.pentax.co.uk/o-gps1

Apparently one of the functions of Pentax O-GPS1 GPS Unit is it can act as:

ASTROTRACER for effortless astronomical photography

When mounted on the PENTAX K-5 or K-r camera body, the O-GPS1 also offers the advanced ASTROTRACER function,** which couples the unit with the camera’s SR (Shake Reduction) system for the effortless tracing and photographing of celestial bodies. The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets, and other bodies using the latitude obtained from GPS data and the camera’s alignment data (horizontal and vertical inclinations and aspect) obtained from its magnetic and acceleration sensors, then shifts the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movement of the objects.*** As the result, stars and other bodies are captured as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures. It also makes astronomical photography much simpler, as it requires only a tripod and eliminates the need for an additional accessory such as an equatorial telescope.
** This function is available only when the O-GPS1 is mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body equipped with a magnet-driven SR system.
*** The duration of ASTROTRACER operation may vary depending on photographic conditions.


If exposures of 4 to 5 minutes are possible mounted on a camera tripod then what are we doing with EQ mount. Makes a greater grab and go imager. [smilie=admire2.gif]

Anybody owns a Pentax DSLR and got good contact with the Pentax distributor. [smilie=dreaming.gif]

cheers
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orly_andico
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Re: Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

Post by orly_andico »

Peter Lee (tan14.com) sells the GPS accessory. It's about S$300.

Sometimes I am tempted to get a used K-r and the GPS accessory and see how it works out.. but I unloaded all my Pentax gear a year ago (almost exactly).
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Bergkamp_
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Re: Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

Post by Bergkamp_ »

Wee Ern aRmeD wiF Telescope reAdY tO taKe ovEr thE skY .. wIF jUst mY naKed eYEs .
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Bergkamp_
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Re: Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

Post by Bergkamp_ »

it works~!! i tested it~~~
Wee Ern aRmeD wiF Telescope reAdY tO taKe ovEr thE skY .. wIF jUst mY naKed eYEs .
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Bergkamp_
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Re: Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

Post by Bergkamp_ »

update: works with the new firmware 1.03

Kindly ensure the below setting are set:
slow shutter speed noise reduction (off)
high ISO NR (off)
High ISO noise reduction starting sensitivity level (ISO 3200)

Done. =)
Wee Ern aRmeD wiF Telescope reAdY tO taKe ovEr thE skY .. wIF jUst mY naKed eYEs .
mymoon
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Location: kuala lumpur

Re: Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

Post by mymoon »

Bergkamp_ wrote:update: works with the new firmware 1.03

Kindly ensure the below setting are set:
slow shutter speed noise reduction (off)
high ISO NR (off)
High ISO noise reduction starting sensitivity level (ISO 3200)

Done. =)
Congratulations. Post some pictures please.

Cheers
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Bergkamp_
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Re: Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

Post by Bergkamp_ »

hi my moon... the above comments i made is for K-X with regards to Pentax KX DFS =P
Wee Ern aRmeD wiF Telescope reAdY tO taKe ovEr thE skY .. wIF jUst mY naKed eYEs .
fireemblem
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Re: Pentax DSLR camera for astrophotography-

Post by fireemblem »

Hmm very interesting and apparently it works

I did some read up so here is more information

Specs
http://www.pentax.jp/english/news/2011/201107.html

Apparently it can track for up to 5 minutes.

There are some people from other forums who tried it with good results

http://www.astronomyforum.net/astronomy ... -unit.html

Here someone tried it on the andromeda galaxy with some photos in the gallery thou i have no idea how to access the gallery

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readf ... d=39284452
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