The larger the chip is in a CCD or DSLR, the more the camera will cost (all else being equal). Planetary or industrial cameras can go a step further and can be sensitive enough to let you image at greater focal lengths (i.e. When recording planetary videos with your DSLR, use the camera's exposure-simulation mode if available. The trick to capturing the highest-resolution, planetary imaging details with a DSLR is to use a mode that allows you to record the image off the camera’s sensor at its native pixel resolution. These cameras can take exposures lasting up to 30 minutes or longer! Modding the DSLR will also benefit planetary imaging, but go for a full-spectrum mod to have the UV (Venus) and IR (less atmospheric turbulence) options. Software programs including EOS Movie Recorder, Images Plus, Backyard EOS, and Astro Photography Tool allow you to capture the Canon Live View video signal on your computer, even if the camera doesn't shoot video. A DSLR camera and lens are simple and easy to mount for long exposure, tracked images of the night sky. A DSLR allows you to have full manual control of your camera settings from aperture to exposure length. When it comes to astrophotography, leaving the camera shutter open for long periods of time can be advantages. A planetary imager is capable of taking many images or frames in … bigger barlow). Since long exposures build up heat and heat creates image noise, these cameras come with cooling systems to bring the sensor below freezing temperatures.

The biggest advantage of using a digital SLR is cost (with some notable exceptions discussed below). For a given size chip, a DSLR will cost less than a CCD. Planetary Imaging Cameras Using a planetary imager is the most efficient and effective way of taking planetary and lunar images. When you have invested in your first astrophotography telescope, you can then attach your DSLR camera via a T-ring and adapter.

Cameras with Live View offer the easiest route, using the zoom preview mode to get to a 1:1 crop of the central portion of the camera’s detector. This is known as prime-focus astrophotography and can lead to an extraordinary world of deep-sky imaging. You can use your DSLR for high-resolution planetary imaging if you can capture 1:1 pixel resolution off the sensor. For wide angle photos photos of planets in the night sky, a DSLR camera is best. If you are interested in using your DSLR for planetary imaging, be sure to check out my book A Guide to DSLR Planetary Imaging . Unlike planetary cameras, deep space cameras are used to take long exposures to capture every photon possible. This is due to several reasons.