Photography of the night sky (astro photography) can be an extremely rewarding hobby revealing the spectacular beauty of nature and wonders of the universe.
It can be as simple as a camera mounted on a tripod, or as complicated as you want to make it with liquid-cooled CCD cameras, robotically controlled telescopes, and computer-enhanced images.
Although astrophotography is a very easy hobby in which to get started on a simple level, it can be difficult to master at its highest level. You must be prepared to spend the time learning the craft.
But, don't let this discourage you. Start out easy, shoot some star-trails with camera on tripod. Advance to piggyback photography and finally prime-focus astrophotography.
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| All photos taken with Meade Telescopes using Deep Sky Imager |
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Meade Deep Sky Imager II Color Camera w/AutoStar Suite #04526. The Deep Sky Imager II lets you achieve superior one shot color images with ease. Boasts a 1/2" color genuine Sony® xview HAD™ CCD Sensor. This is the fastest and easiest way to take outstanding, high resolution full color images.
Features USB 2.0 high speed, temperature sensor, low pixel noise for more data, drizzle software technology, and AutoStar Suite Software Camera Control and Image Processing Software. Chip specifications are 752 x 582 Pixels (437,664 pixels). Pixel size is near square, resulting in better image processing results, measuring 8.3 microns wide by 8.6 microns high. Full 16-bit A/D conversion means signal integrity is maintained through capture and processing. A minimum exposure time of 1/10,000 of a second and maximum exposure time one hour means you can capture anything from a day lit scene to the dimmest of objects in the night sky.
Unit is conveniently powered via the USB 2.0 port, no additional power supply needed. The Meade DSI is easy to use, lightweight, powerful and versatile. Meade engineers have invented a remarkable new way to reduce noise without a cooler, greatly reducing the imager's power needs versus many models on the market. The incorporated thermal monitoring sensors automatically match your dark frames to ambient temperature so it is nearly impossible to take an uncalibrated picture.
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Deep Sky Imager Detailed Specs:
Model / Part Number:
Deep Sky Imager II / 04526
CCD Sensor:
High Sensitivity Color Sony EXview HAD CCDT Sensor (ICX429AKL)
Chip Dimensions Pixels:
5.59mm (w) x 4.68mm (h); 8mm diagonal (type 1/2) 752 x 582 pixels (437,664 pixels)
Pixel Size (in microns):
8.3 microns (w) x 8.6 microns (h)
Temperature Sensor:
Built in temperature sensor measures degrees in celsius and matches it to each dark frame
A/D Conversion :
16-bit (greater image depth and contrast)
Min. – Max. Exposure Time:
1/10,000 of a second to one hour
Housing:
Anodized die-cast aluminum
USB Compatibility:
High Speed 2.0 and 1.1
Size / Weight of product:
3.25" x 3.25" x 1.25"/ 10 oz.
Minimum System Requirements:
Pentium-II 400MHz computer (Pentium-4 2GHz computer recommended), 98 Mega-Bytes of RAM (512 Mega-Bytes recommended), 200 Mega Bytes of available hard-drive space (>1GB recommended), CD ROM drive, Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP 32-bit/Vista 32-bit/Windows 7 64-bit, USB 2.0 high speed available full-powered port.