DSLR for astro

[weixing]

Hi,
I start doing some initial test on my new 60D against old 450D on noise performance. From the initial result, it's seem like 60D with it's 18MP had way less noise compare to the 12MP 450D.

Anyway, if you are thinking of using a DSLR for astrophotography, get a used Canon entry DSLR and mod it. Canon DSLR is a better choice as it's more Astrophotography "friendly" and also, with the correct adapter, you may still be able to use your other brand DSLR lens on it for Astrophotography.

Have a nice day.

[andeelym]

I think that as technology progresses, every new Canon with its newer iterations of the DIGIC processor, will definitely bring improvement to noise control over the older models using older versions of the DIGIC processor.

Therefore, IMHO, buy a relatively recent (new or old also can) model and mod it for better (i think H-alpha) performance. Otherwise can just buy a new one and leave it unmodded so you can dual use it for normal uses.

But not sure if a DSLR can be used as a guidecam and use a CCD for AP. Otherwise will need to buy 2 CCDs (one for guiding, another for actual AP use).

[Airconvent]

WX, if you want lower noise, you should be looking at the Pentax K-x, k-r or K5. These feature the latest Sony sensor which is characterised by its very low noise. Canon's reign in "low noise" cmos sensors is over as others catch up or surpass them. You may want to look beyond them.

[andeelym]

Airconvent, taking a quick look at snapsort.com, only pentax k-5 is comparable to 5D Mark II but still loses out (very very slightly) in terms of noise control but it does have higher ISO and better image quality though it is not full frame. As for K-x and K-r, they still lose out in noise control.

You can see them below:
5D Mark II vs K-x: http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_5 ... Pentax_K-x
5D Mark II vs K-r: http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_5 ... Pentax_K-r
5D Mark II vs K-5: http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_5 ... Pentax_K-5

While this is just extracted from a website from a quick google search, I am not sure of the real world performance. I am also not beating down pentax even though i own the canon, I am by no means a fanboy... just wanna maximise my investment but am looking into CCD for astro-imaging... but that is some time in the future, got more things to buy. Haiz...

[cataclysm]

Most noise comparison among cameras only relates to quick snap shots and 'routine' photography, what count is long duration exposures, on that Canon is still way ahead.

[orly_andico]

actually have seen some pretty good astrophotos from K-x.

Dxo mark rated the K-x as "best APS-C sensor" in terms of noise control.

that said K-x can't suppress DFS for >30 second shots.

i'm really more interested in good AF performance. Pentax is just lamentable. of course i could buy a K-r (or K-5 at a stretch) but frankly do I really trust Pentax's promises on AF performance?? i had a K10D and now K20D and the AF is slow (but accurate).

the EOS 50D is a proven quantity in terms of AF performance.

[andeelym]

Orly, then I think you will be better off with a 60D (with swivel screen) or 50D.

[weixing]

Hi,

WX, if you want lower noise, you should be looking at the Pentax K-x, k-r or K5. These feature the latest Sony sensor which is characterised by its very low noise. Canon's reign in "low noise" cmos sensors is over as others catch up or surpass them. You may want to look beyond them.

Pentax don't have the lens I want and most importantly, no $$ to switch system... ha ha ha

Anyway, I plan to mod my old 450D for astro used and may be get a OWB filter in the future, so I that I can use it as my backup DSLR for normal photography.

By the way, 60D crop 640x480 movie mode look very promising for planetary imaging.

Have a nice day.

[Airconvent]

Airconvent, taking a quick look at snapsort.com, only pentax k-5 is comparable to 5D Mark II but still loses out (very very slightly) in terms of noise control but it does have higher ISO and better image quality though it is not full frame. As for K-x and K-r, they still lose out in noise control.

While this is just extracted from a website from a quick google search, I am not sure of the real world performance. I am also not beating down pentax even though i own the canon, I am by no means a fanboy... just wanna maximise my investment but am looking into CCD for astro-imaging... but that is some time in the future, got more things to buy. Haiz...

Hi Andeelym
You're comparing a $1800 APS-C sized camera with a $3600 FF camera. Apart from paying double and having a larger sensor just to be slightly better in noise control does not make any economic sense at all
I do suggest you do a comparison between the images of any Pentax (K100D->K5) vs the top end APS-C sized Canon camera at
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM. Its an eyeopener. But seriously, if we want to do astro imaging nothing beats custom made CCD. But that would mean $$$

[Airconvent]

Hi,

WX, if you want lower noise, you should be looking at the Pentax K-x, k-r or K5. These feature the latest Sony sensor which is characterised by its very low noise. Canon's reign in "low noise" cmos sensors is over as others catch up or surpass them. You may want to look beyond them.

Pentax don't have the lens I want and most importantly, no $$ to switch system... ha ha ha

Anyway, I plan to mod my old 450D for astro used and may be get a OWB filter in the future, so I that I can use it as my backup DSLR for normal photography.

By the way, 60D crop 640x480 movie mode look very promising for planetary imaging.

Have a nice day.

haha..ok that makes more sense for you I suppose. Have not seen you post any images lately. Must work hard! heh heh