Re: Stephen Paul: Please

Doink wrote:
How much memory card are you "consuming" for a 3-5 minute exposure? Do you shoot those at full resolution or back it down to 800X600 or something?

In raw mode at 3072x2048, about 6MB. I use a 512MB card. Previously I had a 128MB card and never had a real problem with that size. But when I replaced the unmodded camera for a modded one, I went ahead and upgraded to the larger card. I generally only shoot up to 20x5 minute image frames before sucking them down onto the PC in the den. I might do that twice in a night. I then turn off the mount electronics, cap everything up and take a couple of 5 minute darks.

The total amount of time it takes to do 20 x 5 minutes of exposure is actually quite long. I use a Canon TC80-N3 timer/controller programmed for 20 exposures, 5 minute exposure time, 30 seconds between exposures (lets the sensor cool). All total that's 110 minutes, plus another 10 minutes for 2 darks.

With the ST-4 autoguider the whole shebang is pretty much an unattended process after the initial setup. Once set, I go off and do other things.


I'm thinking about a new camera because I like having a warranty on an item as complex as this...If I bought a $400 CAMERA on ebay loaded with hot pixels there wouldn't be much to do...what's the 350D? Better?

I understand about the new vs. used. No fault in that logic.

As I understand it, there's little to justify the additional price above and beyond the 300D for DSLR astro, but if you want an amazing camera for day use as well, then the more pixels the better. My brother has a 20D and the 100-400mm Canon Zoom (the expensive one), and he is doing some unbelievable bird imaging around his home in the Bahamas.

The 300D is no laggard for daylight use either. I've been very happy with it as a dual use camera. Even the modded one when used with a lens end UV/IR blocker is as good as I'll ever need or want. The 512MB card is good for over 140 large fine JPG images for road trips and family outings. Far more than I'll ever take. ;-)

.

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