Astronomy and DSLR Astrophotography Blog

#2 Professional DSLR Camera

Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II Telephoto Zoom Lens

The Nikon D300S is the updated version of the D300 which basically set the bar pretty high, and that standard is still relevant today. There were very few changes made to this updated version and just adds to the high quality already in place. The overall feel of the camera is outstanding, the controls are placed in a comfortable position and overall construction is of the quality you would expect from Nikon. They have mastered the art of ergonomic design when it comes to cameras.

What you have in the D300S camera is really more of a semi-professional camera. It is a higher class than most DSLRs but functions on par with the full-frame CMOS sensor cameras the professionals generally use. Most pros would find this camera more than appropriate for their use and the more capable amateur will be thrilled with the high level of features and the overall performance. Combine the design, ease of use, and add modern technology and you have a mighty fine camera.

Nikon D300S Camera Features

12.3- megapixels: This is a lower number than normally seen for a professional level cameras, but it is a high quality count for a DSLR. It is deceiving as the exceptionally sharp picture quality matches what if often found with the higher level pixel count found in professional cameras

DX-format full screen CMOS sensor: The CMOS sensor technology allows for a perfect blend of pixel numbers and light sensor capabilities by the angles the light ray hit each pixel. It includes an Integrated Dust Reduction system that uses ultrasonic vibrations will keep the sensor clean.

Nikon EXPEED processor: This will give high quality processing speed and accurate images, keeping the noise levels low. It has the capability of shooting 7 frames per second. The battery charge will last through 950 shots.

3 inch LCD Screen: This monitor with a protective tempered glass covering, has a 921,000 dot VGA screen that is very easy to read and easy to use. It has the added feature of seven levels of brightness to make it easy to read in all degrees of indoor and outdoor light.

Auto Focus System: This camera has a highly effective new contrast detection auto focus system. It uses 51 auto focus points, which is higher than normal for this style camera. The auto focus system is easy to use and will give photos that are especially clear and sharp. In addition, there is a 3D color matrix metering system with 1,005 pixels that has the capability to evaluate color information as part pf the automatic choosing of exposure settings. You will find that its standard ISO sensitivity will range from 200- 3,200 and it has an expanded sensitivity of 100 to 6400 available.

Video Recording: One of the additions to this model, that is not found in the D300 is video recording. The Nikon D300S can record video at 24 frames per second on it s720p HD video. The combination of still and video recording capabilities is becoming an important tool in professional photograph today, much to the dismay of many purists. This includes a n integrated microphone that unfortunately is place too close to the auto focus motor sound. One of the few flaws in the design. Using the external microphone input capability will take care of that problem.

Duel Memory Cards: One particularly helpful new feature for this D300s camera is the dual memory card slots. This lets you use both a compact flash and a secure digital card. You can use these in a variety of ways. Use one to store the overflow from the other. You might also record JPEG to one card and RAW to the other. Another option is to put still shots on one card and video on the other.

Summary:

Having a DSLR camera that functions at the superior performance levels associated with professional class cameras is a nice affordable option. The Nikon D300S is just that camera. It is far above the other cameras in the DSLR class and the features meet the needs of the pros. It keeps the high standards set in the original S300 while adding a video element and other minor changes. Any professional or experienced amateur would be well served by this semi-professional camera.

astrophotography, best professional dslr cameras, equipment Nikon D300S Camera Review

#2 Beginner DSLR Camera

Sony Alpha DSLRA300K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens

Sony DSLR Alpha 300 Features

A 10.2 megapixel image sensor: This is really more than enough pixels for any amateur photographer to use, and even enough to satisfy the more advanced photographer’s needs. The biggest advantage for entry level photography is the ability to blow up the pictures without becoming distorted or grainy.

Built In Image Stabilizer: Like with the A200 series, a stabilizer built into the camera itself instead of the lenses allows pictures to come out with clear sharp images not matter which lenses are being used. One thing the stabilizer will do is eliminates the blur that comes when the camera is moved or jiggled when shooting a picture.

Flip up,3 inch LCD Screen: this feature makes it easy to read the options on the LCD screen both outdoors and inside. The flip up feature protects athe screen when not is use, keeping it out of harms way.

Live View Function: This option, when turned on,lets you basically use this A300 camera just like a point and shoot camera. Add to that a movable screen that can be tilted to help take pictures from well above your head, to those lower to the ground with ease.

View Finder: When using the view finder manually you can shoot up to 3 frames per second which makes for some great action shots. The buffer can store 6 images in RAW mode, so you do not have to wait between shots. That I one of the more annoying features of the point and shoot cameras.

Built In Flash: Perfect for the novice DSLR camera user, the flash will pop up automatically if needed. It not only helps get the best shots, but the user will gradually learn how to tell when the flash is needed and when natural light is enough.

Anti Dust Mechanism: Most DSLRs have a feature that helps keep the dust off the CCD sensor. This way when lenses are changed there is less chance of dust entering. It also will save lots of time when using the photography enhancement software. Not having to touch up photos to get rid of specs of dust is a true time saver.

Sony Alpha DSLR A300 Value and Satisfaction

Value:

When looking at value, it is important to consider the cost of a camera of this caliber, in relation to the quality of the features With the Sony A300 model, it is the adjustable screen, the 10.2 megapixel resolution and the automatic flash that set this camera apart from other models and can justify the higher cost. These will give an entry level DSLR camera user added ways to explore the art of photography and help increase the comfort zone when making the transition to this type of photography.

Customer Satisfaction:

There are two features that stick out when looking a the satisfaction level of customers. On is the the convenience of being able to use old their Konica Minolta lenses and the other is the benefits gained from having a LCD screen that can be tilted to make taking pictures from awkward angles easier. Add these to the picture quality and you have satisfied customers.

Summary:

All in all, the Sony Alpha A300 model of Sony’s entry level camera would be a good option for any one making the transition to DSLR level of photography. It includes all the features found in the newly updated Sony A200 series along with some more advanced features that will make the photography experience even better. Its compatibility with the Konica Minolta lenses make this an attractive option for quite a few budding photographers.

best beginner dslr cameras, equipment Sony DSLR Alpha A300

#1 Professional DSLR Camera

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the most recent update the the highly popular and well regarded Canon EOS 5D. This is a camera whose extensive electronic attributes are designed to meet the needs of professional photographers and photojournalists, yet at the same time a skilled amateur photographer could also learn to use this model if and when they are ready to upgrade from a DSLR entry level camera. Although much heavier than the point and shoot digital camera, the Canon Eos 5D Mark II at two pounds is considered light weight for its class. The same can be said for the price, it will be a significant jump in cost from the entry level DSLR camera, but in its class, and taking into consideration all the features that are included, it should be considered a bargain.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Features

21.1 Megapixel Resolution: It is important to keep your pixel count at a level that matches the other capabilities your camera can produce. There is no need for a massive pixel count without the proper supporting devices that work with it. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is able to take full advantage of each one of the 21.1 megapixels Full Frame CMOS Sensor: The original Canon 5D was credited with being the first large, single plate full frame (36mmx24mm) CMOS sensor on a digital camera and the EOS 5D Mark II has continued to utilize these benefits. This works in tandem with the pixels, and functions similarly to the ways light will hit 35mm film (the same dimensions.) The light will hit the pixels at the same angle it used to hit the film, a perfect blend of pixel number and light sensor capabilities.

DIGIC 4 Image Processor: This is often referred to as the digital command center of a camera since it is where all the light data received can be speedily processed to create a clear, image with amazing photographic detail, with high quality color, face detection and video recording. Full

HD Video Recording: This EOS 5D MarkII camera is the first model that Canon has made that incorporates video recording into its large sensor, speedy processing and fast 30 frames a second shooting capabilities. Individual still shots can be taken while the film video is recording. Optional mono or stereo microphones can be connected to add an audio element.

Clear View LCD Screen: A 3.0 inch LCD screen, with 920,000/VGA resolution gives top quality viewing. It will adjust its brightness to the surrounding light condition. Other viewing functions include a Live View, where real time viewing can be used, including zooming, and a Face Detection Live setting.

Advanced Cleaning System: There is a low-pass filter found at the front of the CMOS sensor that with ultrasonic vibrations can shake off micro-dust particles. This system was designed specifically for the CMOS full-frame sensor. If any particles were to sneak past this, the accompanying Digital Photo Professional software can be calibrated to delete any dust spots.

ISO Speed and Exposure Controls: There are both manual and automatic speed adjustments, with manual options ranging from 100 – 6400 and automatic options with a range of 100 – 3200. Shooting in near darkness is possible with sensitivity up to 25,6000. The Canon EOS 5D MarkII has a variety of exposure controls like Program AE, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, and creative auto. Other settings include a more choices than found in the entry level DSLR cameras. In addition to the auto, custom, flash, daylight, shade and cloudy settings, there are also options for tungsten light, white fluorescent light, color temperature settings and automatic white balance.

Summary:

This model update was over three years in the making, which in electronic time seems like forever. Because of this, the modifications and improvements to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II go well beyond minor adjustments and give the consumer innovative and impressive features like massive light sensors, super fast processing, HD videos and a superior quality LCD screen. There is no question that this is a camera designed for the professional, and will serve them well for years to come. Amateurs who want to take their photography capabilities up to a higher level, and can afford the cost, will also benefit from this outstanding camera.

astrophotography, best professional dslr cameras, equipment Canon EOS 5D Mark II

When it comes to buying a new camera most consumers think that DSLR cameras are strictly for professional usage. While there are many SLR cameras that professionals prefer to use, they are also designed for general usage. What makes either a DSLR or a SLR camera different from an automatic or digital camera is the ability to change lens.

A DSLR stands for a digital SLR camera that uses a digital single reflex lens. The camera uses a mirrored position behind the lens that will direct light toward the viewfinder. When the user releases the shutter, the mirror will swing out of the way to let light from the lens travel straight to the sensor. This action will momentarily black out the viewfinder, and flip the image upside down. The viewfinder houses a prism that will work in reverse, so that you can see the image it right side up. The DSLR camera is designed to provide the user with multiple focal lens length options.

With an automatic camera your taking lens and viewing lens are different from each other. These lenses’s as are considered to be fixed lens and require a complex viewfinder mechanism in order to take the majority of your pictures. A DSLR camera will allow you to take a wider variety of pictures, and avoid many of the problems that arise with an automatic camera. This is possible because, your viewing lens and your taking lens are the same lens. This will improve your image quality, provide different speed options, increase your depth of field, larger ISO range, provide quality optics and allow you to control how you take your picture. While these cameras are more manual, you will have a greater influence on the end result.

equipment DSLR Cameras

#1 Beginner DSLR Camera

Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

When an amateur photographer is ready to put aside their basic point-and-shoot digital camera and graduate to the big leagues, they need to find an entry level DSLR camera designed to make this transition an easy one. The Sony Alpha DSLR A200 series ( which replaces the A100) fits that requirement perfectly. Although this camera will cost a couple hundred dollars more than you are used to, you will find that it has higher quality photos than you ever would find with your old point-and-shoot digital camera. Its design has created a nice balance between some striking new professional camera features while keeping the ease of use level high with familiar looking and easy to see buttons on the front and back of the camera.

Sony Alpha DSLR A200 FEATURES – gives you higher resolution and crisp clear photos.

In-body Image Stabilization: This feature is ideal for the amateur who is getting used to this new type of camera and how to use different lenses. What it does is limit the shake and will take out some of the blur from your pictures that comes when the camera moves while taking a picture. In the Sony DSLR camera, this image stabilization is no longer dependent on the lens; it is now found in the body of the camera. This way you get the feature all the time, not just with the more expensive lenses.

10.2 Megapixels: This is a CCD image sensor ( not a CMOS sensor) that eliminates the grainy look when blowing up your pictures. You will get a more true, clear digital image all the time.

3 Fames Per Second (fps) continuous shooting speed: No waiting between shots, which will obviously improve your chances of getting that perfect shot everyone dreams of.

The 2.7 inch LCD Screen: This screen has resolution that makes it easy to read the information you need, whether you are inside or out, without straining the battery.

Weighs 1.2 lbs: Other entry level DSLR cameras might be lighter than the A200. That is mainly because of some of the extra features it includes that helps make the transition to learning how to use this type of camera easier.

8 Automatic Shooting Modes: The A200 allows a beginner to chose a mode and start shooting without having to deal with any manual adjustments of the settings. Eventually you will learn about the different shutter speeds and which ones work best in different situations. In the meantime, ease in using these automatic features helps smooth over the transition from a point and shoot camera.

Sony DSLR A200 Value and Satisfaction

Value: The A200 is considered among the mid-level prices of all the entry level cameras. It is definitely a few hundred dollars more expensive than a point and shoot digital camera, but that is to be expected. What makes this a good value for the amateur are the added features designed to make the transition smooth. These are not common in all entry level cameras. Buying a camera like this is really an investment and will be worth it when you see the improvement in the quality of the pictures you take.

Customer Satisfaction: Most users of this camera say they would recommend it to others. The particularly like the quality of the images, and that the design makes it easy to learn how to use the features not found on a point and shoot camera. One thing users were not thrilled with was the USB cable since it was not a standard size.

Summary:

For any amateur looking to make the transition into this DSLR world of photography, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 gives them the ease of transition that is needed. Many of these features are not standard in entry level cameras, so the extra cost is worth it when you realize how much frustration you are avoiding. The built-in image stabilization technology assures clear pictures from the get go. The automatic shoot modes not only sets this camera apart from other entry level cameras, but is a true life saver by allowing you to learn as you go, while still being able to take high quality photographs.

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Yesterday I have received e-mail from Mathew, asking me about usefulness of SCT telescopes for deep-sky astrophotography. He agreed to reply to his question in this post, since this is pretty general question and others may find it useful too. Here’s his message:

“Hi,

My name is Mathew Oehler, and over the past several months I have become more interested in astrophotography, after having general photography as a hobby for about 6 years.

Last year a family friend was gracious enough to give me a 100mm Orion refractor telescope, and I have gotten excellent use out of it in viewing Saturn, Jupiter, and the Orion nebula among other things.  More recently I purchased a T-ring that enabled me to connect my Canon Rebel to the telescope, and was disappointed in its capability.  I would ideally like something designed to reach deeper, so I can get some clearer shots of nebulas and galaxies. I have heard that Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes are designed for this purpose, but I’m having trouble finding good information amongst the sea of astrophotography information on the internet.  Are SC telescopes good for this, and will a standard one have an equatorial mount that I can put a motor onto?

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide me!”

The answer is not very simple (as always). The main reason why SCTs are so popular telescopes is their portability and compact size. They have a short optical tube because the light goes three times through it before it reaches the focus. The consequence is that they have long focal length comparing to diameter of the primary mirror which means slow optics (high f-ratio) – typically between f/8 and f/12. And here’s the catch! F-ratio is a king at photography because it tells you how many light the optics gathers per pixel. The lower f-ratio means more light, which means lower ISO setting (less noise) and shorter exposition to go deeper. This is the main reason why SCTs are not so good and popular among astrophotographers. In spite the fact they are compact, they have long focal length, small field of view (a lot of nebulas on the sky are larger than the diameter of the Moon) and require long exposition. Usually they come with mounts which are not capable to guide accurate enough to achieve pin-point stars at longer expositions (5min and more). All their characteristics suits for planetary and moon imaging, where longer focal lengths are needed and guiding is not so critical. On good mounts and with company of high detective CCD cameras they are good optical instruments for small planetary nebulas and galaxies, but I would highly dissuade this type of imaging the deep sky from beginners.

Mathew, I suppose that you have an achromatic telescope, because I have heard just good things about 100mm APO Orion refractor and it is good imaging instrument. I suggest you to start imaging at wide angle, since this is the easiest and the cheapest option. DSLR in combination with kit lens is good start point and your first object are star trails (if you don’t have a mount with tracking) or Milky Way (if you have the mount). It’s good to have in mind that you need to “build” your equipment from the ground, that means that first you need a good tripod, then mount and at the end the optics and camera. Note that good mount is astrophotographer’s best friend and it’s worth to buy a good one in the beginning, because you can put on whatever you want (just camera with kit lens or 16 inch RC). Later on you can buy a telephoto lens or APO middle-sized refractor which has many many objects in range (practically all the M catalogue and long list of NGC objects). If you are interested in little smaller objects you may find 8-10 inch f/4-f/6 high-quality Newton good instrument as well. At the end there are more exotic telescopes like SCTs, RCs which cost a fortune and need very expensive and good mounts (in range of 6000+ USD).

I hope I have answered to your question. You are welcome to leave a comment if I haven’t.

And if anyone have a question related to astrophotography just contact me. I’ll try my best to solve your problem …

equipment astrophotography, deep-sky, equipment, guide, milky way, sct, telescope

Yesterday evening it was clear outside and the Moon was rising at about 1.30 so I had 2 hours of total dark and this is enough for testing the new autoguiding camera QHY5. The target was M51, the second time. While I was deciding what to capture I realized that I will have to move to better location since from my backyard the southern sky is totally useless because of road lamps.

I managed to make a new cable for QHY5 so now it works with SkySensor autoguiding port. With that I decreased the number of cables from laptop to my mount from 5 to 3. Now I need only USB connection between PC and Camera, Bulb shutter release cable and USB connection with QHY5, which is great. I am planning to buy a new CCD for astrophotography so after that I will need only 2 cables. No more mess around the scope, finally!

So, I have just processed the image, the result is shown below:

Spiral Galaxy M51 @ 26 x 5min, ISO 800, RAW

I have also taken a shot of my equipment, at the “working” state

My Astrophotography Equipment

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Finally I have more time. The exams are almost finished so I have three months of holidays now and I hope that I will take some good astrophotos in this time and post it here. I will also continue with Astrophotography Tutorial but for today I have prepared something more fresh. The last week I have ordered new autoguiding camera for my setup. The previous one, Atik ATK-2HS, was not mine actually so I decided to buy the new one. I have ordered QHY5 from UK, the astronomy store named Modern Astronomy. The shipment to Slovenia costed only 10 pounds and it took only 4 days to arrive.

The first impression was very positive! Even though it is “made in China” it looks very well designed and made. The build quality is on very high level. It is not plastic like Atik, but metallic. The original package comes with camera, T-2 to 1,25″ nosepiece adapter, USB cable and setup instructions. I have also ordered RJ-11 cable for direct autoguiding via camera.

I got impressed when I unscrewed the nosepiece because of the size of the CCD. It seems really huge comparing to tiny CCD detectors in webcams (Atik ATK-2HS also uses ordinary 640×480 one). The resolution is 1280 x 1024, more specification are available at the QHY website.

QHY5 without nosepiece

The best thing is that QHY5 has T-2 thread which perfectly fits to my autoguiding telescope so I can just screw it on.

QHY5 on the autoguiding telescope

As you can notice it has two ports in the back side. One is USB 2.0 port for connection with the computer and another is ST-4 compatible autoguiding port for direct connection with the mount. I am using Vixen SkySensor hand-controller and I though that it is compatible but in fact it isn’t, because Vixen uses it’s own standard for autoguding. The connector is the same but wires are connected differently so today I am going to make a new cable. The camera has also build-in red LED diode which is too bright and could be disturbing in a completely dark so I pasted a black stripe over it.

Back side of QHY5

The camera comes with one A4 paper sheet of instructions how to setup. The drivers are not included, you have to download it from the Modern Astronomy site. The setup is really simple, you just install the generic driver and plug in the camera. Then you have to install additional driver for the autoguiding software you are using, in my case Guidemaster. All the main autoguiding software are supported, including ASCOM platform.

To sum up, I am very satisfied with the purchase. Two days ago I had a first light and everything worked fine. I was planning to capture M102 but ended with just 2 pictures because it clouded. This is 100% crop of one of them as a proof that camera guides OK:

100% crop of M102

I hope you enjoyed the review. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask under the comments

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In the last few years there is a mass production of small and medium size APO and ED telescopes. Every single manufacture has its own 80mm-range APO and the prices are decreasing from month to month. But even though that every of these telescopes is advertised as “the premium telescope for astrophotography”, they all does not really satisfies the requirements of astrophotography.

There are some important factors when we are deciding for the telescope which will be used for astrophotography:

• good control of chromatic aberration
• 2″ cryford focuser (micro focuser is even better)
• flat-field or additional flattener available
• good and quality mechanics
• good optics
• low f-ration (focal length / aperture)

Now let’s take a look at three of the telescopes up to 1.000$ (800€) which are good choice for astrophotography:

1. William Optics Megrez 88 Doublet FD
   William Optics is well-known of quality of their instruments. Their latest Megrez seems to be one of the best choices this year. With the 88mm of aperture and 500mm of focal length (f/5.6) it covers large field with DSLR cameras.
2. Sky-Watcher Equinox 80
   Sky-Watcher’s the best series of ED telescopes works very good for astrophotography. They looks and performs like more expensive William Optics telescopes. The color is also different – some prefers black . With smaller aperture (80mm) and the same focal length as Megrez 88 has a little worse f-ratio (f/6.25) but it’s still very good choice!
3. Orion EON 80mm ED
   Orion EON 80mm ED seems like another version of equinox. Nevertheless, maybe some finds it more useful and cheaper in USA since Orion is more popular in America. The lens characteristics are just the same as Equinox’s.
   

Do you have your own preference? Express your doubt, agree or disagree under comments!

Thank you for reading!

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As I promised here, today I will present the alt-azimuth mount, why it’s good and why it isn’t for astrophotography.

The main difference between equatorial mounts and alt-azimuth mounts is the direction of moving of axis. While at equatorial mounts one (R. A.) axis is parallel to the Earth’s axis of rotation at alt-azimuth one axis is always horizontal and another is vertical. In the beginning it’s much more friendly for the user since it’s very easy to use but for astrophotography is practically useless. A lot of telescopes for visual astronomy comes with alt-az. type of mount. When we are watching an object and we don’t have a drive installed on our mount for automatic slewing we usually move the object in the center of the field, observe it for minute or so and then we move the telescope again. But that doesn’t work for astrophotography because the tracking has to be smooth and constant.

Another problem is that there alt-az. mounts are always less precise because the both axis has to be moved in the same time and that means that the controller has much more work to do and that every single moment the star has different direction and relative speed in the sky.

The last but not the least problem is field rotation wich occurs due to relative spped of the stars mentioned above. As we know the stars are virtually moving around the northern and southern celestial pole and when we have rotating the objects that are more distant from the centre of rotation are moving faster. And that occurs at alt-az. mounth that when we do some minutes long exposure – the stars in the centre of the field are sharp but on the eadges they looks loke they are rotating around the centre of the picture.

To conclude, if you like just to observe the sky the alt-azimuth mount is a good idea since it is easy to use and easy to build (it’s not expensive). But if you are planning to do the astrophotography then youhave to avoid alt-azimuth mounts.

Thanks for reading!

Image source: See Viewo

equipment alt-azimuth, equatorial, equipment, mount, review