what is a suitable camera to use for astrophotography?

Question

I want to connect it to my telescope

Thank You so much

Answer 1

Hi. Digital cameras have three different sensing pixel elements. A star that was red could be focussed on a blue pixel and not have the right color. An analog (chemical) camera is not susceptible to this problem and is superior. My opinion. I use a Pentax K1000 with an unadvertised mirror lock up feature.

Answer 2

You could look into a couple different options. If you want a camera that you can use both for astrophotography and for common usage, you are looking for an SLR. Digital SLR's are a bit more forgiving for learning how to shoot through a telescope. However, you will not only need a few adapters to hook it up properly (and one will vary depending on the brand of camera), but you will need a cable release too. One more thing, and this applies to film or digital, is that batteries are often a problem. Some older film cameras run on nothing more than a small battery for the light meter. These can run for years without changing the battery. You don't see these models often anymore, instead finding digital and film models that require batteries just to operate. So definitely look into carrying spare batteries with you if you go this route.

Webcam's are an option too, but you would need a laptop to take around with you, and I'd even recommend a power supply so batteries don't limit your work. This is a great way to do planetary photography. It can be easy to do the shooting, but it will take a bit of work to learn the processing. This is a good way to learn that too. Some of the best photos of Mars that I've seen taken from Earth telescopes in the last few years were taken by amateurs using webcams. A Philips Toucam is a commonly used model, though with some research, you'll find other options.

The last option would be a professional CCD camera. This would require the most processing, and absolutely needs an equatorially mounted scope. Actually, that is best for any form of astrophotography beyond simple moon shots. A CCD camera can open up your options immensely. Two downsides. A good one can be not only expensive, but any one will have also have a steep learning curve. I can attest to amazement at the results you can get out of them. I've been able to take photos of distant quasars (while I worked as a research assistant).

Those are your three options, and what you get depends on what you are looking for in a camera. Just remember, outside of simple shots, an equatorial mount is best for all three.

Answer 3

To take photographs, you need a camera. Of the many types available, 35mm Single Lens Reflex cameras are best suited for beginning astrophotography. They are readily available, have all the desirable features and 35mm film is offered in a very wide range of types. Modern cameras are marvels of mechanical, optical and electronic ingenuity with automatic exposure control, automatic focusing and many other features. However, astrophotography has special demands that most modern cameras cannot cope with. This is one place where automatic features of a camera are not desirable and the older fully manual cameras are better suited.

source:http://www.csastro.org/gallery/article5.htm

Answer 4

A digital SLR is probably the easiest way to get into astrophotography. Be sure it allows exposures of at least 30 seconds and has interchangeable lenses. Many people recommend the Canon Rebel XT -- that's what I have.