DSLR VS CCD

[deric]

I am a newbie here , last week only get my new LX200R GPS 8 inch and want to go to astrophotography . want to ask everyone opinion :-

1) DSLR or CCD which can process in more easier , reasonable price and quality picture . budget < S$2000.00 :oops:

2) Lenspen , lens tissue paper & Peca MC cleaning fluid , are they safe for the telescope correctory plate ?

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Thank you.

[weixing]

Hi,
Welcome to SingAstro!!

1) DSLR or CCD which can process in more easier , reasonable price and quality picture . budget < S$2000.00

Processing of image is basically the same for both. But I think DSLR will give you higher resolution image at a lower cost.

2) Lenspen , lens tissue paper & Peca MC cleaning fluid , are they safe for the telescope correctory plate ?

Check out your manual for cleaning recommendation and instruction first. Remember don't need to clean unless it is very dirty.

Anyway, your LX200R GPS should be a fork mount, does it support equatorial mode at your latitude?? If no, you might need a Field De-rotater if you are taking long exposure. Also, you might need the following:
1) Off-Axis Guider for guiding if you are taking long exposure, and
2) A focal reducer to reduce the focal length and f-ratio, so that you can get a certain exposure at a shorter time, a larger FoV and easier in guiding.

Have a nice day.

[kochu]

In the Aug 07 AstroPhoto Journal , there is an in-depth article on the subject.

One of the tables in the article shows following .
----------------
CCD-Setup-- 15 minutes (it had to cool)

DSLR- Set up --- 1 minute

Focusing on Bright star -CCD- 10 minutes

Focussing on bright star -DSLR - 5 minutes

Framing - CCD--5 minutes
Framing -DSLR --0.5 minute.

My suggestion is to go for Canon 40D

Kochu/12-10-07
================

[deric]

thanks weixing & kochu

To weixing :

yeap... i got the equatorial wedge too but now still don't know how to use :oops:
what spec of focal reducer should i go to ? F6.3 or F3.3

To kochu :

after i read the charts from you and i decide to go with DSLR . it can see a-lot of different for processing a photo . but if canon 40D compared with sony A700 ( seen the spec is more higher that canon ), which one do you prefered ? how much different for the price selling singapore ? :roll:

for the T-adaptor is it all in standard size can fit to all DSLR models camera body ?

[Meng Lee]

Hi, my simple answer is:

Don't start imaging with Lx200 8" SCT with 0.63 reducer, focal length is too long, you need very good autoguiding to get nice pics. Go for a shorter focal length 400-600mm first.

If you are using a DSLR that is not modified, please don't try emission nebula as first object, try others like andromeda or M45.

If you are using the wedge, then the fork arms will be almost horizontal at this latitude. Dangerous position.

DSLR or CCD is a tough choice but i consistently get better pics with my CCD than DSLR.

[weixing]

Hi,

yeap... i got the equatorial wedge too but now still don't know how to use

Read up the LX200R manual and I think the equatorial wedge also come with instruction. Also, make sure the equatorial wedge support the latitude of your site... I think it might not support equator region.

what spec of focal reducer should i go to ? F6.3 or F3.3

F6.3 for SLR/DSLR or big chip CCD and F3.3 for small chip CCD.

Have a nice day.

[deric]

If you are using a DSLR that is not modified, please don't try emission nebula as first object, try others like andromeda or M45.

modified ? i think i have to asked more professional about the questions of modification ....

Read up the LX200R manual and I think the equatorial wedge also come with instruction. Also, make sure the equatorial wedge support the latitude of your site... I think it might not support equator region.

let me check it ....

[weixing]

Hi,

modified ? i think i have to asked more professional about the questions of modification ....

Don't worry about modified your DSLR. You can still image emission nebula even without a modified DSLR... mine was not modified and I still can get decent result.

Happy imaging and have a nice day.

[kochu]

I have niot followed up the performance of Sony DSLR as an Astro Camera. But Canon is well known in Astro circlrs. I believe the cost of Canon D40 with out lense and GST is about 1750 $ which I think is a good buy.

The T-adaptor for All Canon EF -lenses is standardised.

Suggest start with out wedge in alt-az mode for shorter duration , say 30 sec initially. "Standard" Meade wedges do not have a good reputaion. Probably you have Super Wedge or Ultra Wedge.

Kochu/12-10-07

[cataclysm]

I took the DSLR route simply because its more intuitive to use, and a whole lot more affordable. Size for size, dedicated ccd sensors are 10 times more costly but not 10 times better.