Camera Body Kit
 |
 BINOCULAR BIOLOGICAL MICROSCOPE w MECHANICAL STAGE  US $197.60 |  40X 1600X Doctor Vet Trinocular Compound Microscope US $279.98 |  Magellan RoadMate 3000T Automotive GPS Receiver US $12.99 |
 Photo Studio Lighting Softbox Video Light Kit WF02 US $108.90 |  Photography Lighting Kit Photo Umbrella Lights Kit KT48 US $399.00 |  Photo Video Chromakey Studio Hair Light Lighting Kit US $207.00 |
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
Nikon D40 for astrophotography?
I'm looking to get into astrophotography and would like a DSLR camera that is good for both planetary and deep sky imaging. I found a Nikon D40 that i can afford and wanted to know how well it would work.
Here is the camera:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Kit-Case-4GB-USA_W0QQitemZ200379722968QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Cameras?hash=item2ea78fecd8&_trksid=p4999.c0.m14#ht_14233wt_1165
If this not a good camera i would appreciate any other suggestions for DSLR cameras.
Not too bad for entry level astrophotography. I don't think it's a good choice for deep space objects however. 6 mega-pixel is rather low, although its sensitivity isn't too bad. The main problem with your choice is limited lens selection and Nikons are a bit 'noisy' for long exposures. This camera is fine for the moon and planetary work, but I would think it a fair or poor selection for deep space.
Regardless of what you choose to go with, here are a few things that will be of use to you.
1. Cable release. For remote operation where you don't have to touch the camera to take a picture. Many of the rigs used for eyepiece projection photography are a little sensitive and shake for a few seconds under manual operation, sometimes requiring "self portrait mode".
2. AC power adapters. Batteries, even expensive lithium-ion, don't last real long. Again they are to be avoided as a primary power source for deep space, long time exposures. Not to mention they generate some heat which can cause some problems as well. You will find yourself taking pictures between delays, waiting for a cloud to pass etc. As a result you'll likely disable the "Auto-off" function. This requires AC power for a whole night shoot, as batteries may only last a few hours at best.
3. Large memory card. You don't want to have to remove cards often once everything is setup. In general you will want to avoid any manual handling of the camera once everything is set up.
4. How easy is it to navigate through all of the cameras menus and options? Again, you will be out in the dark, not a good time to fumble through menus. Some of the cameras have a wheel on the back that changes modes and functions. These are a little more user friendly.
5. Camera weight. If you are using a small 4 inch telescope, a 1.5 lb fully loaded camera can cause some weight balance problems. An 8 inch or larger telescope really eliminates that problem.
If you are new to astrophotography my best recommendation is to buy "Introduction to Astrophotography", by Robert Reeves. He has many years of experience and cuts through technical jargon very well. You will find no better written source of information.
p.s. I assume you are using a GOTO/Guided telescope? Long exposure photography is useless without a guided telescope. You can do short exposure planetary work without a guided telescope, but it isn't possible for deep space objects.
Calendar
Submissions for "Community Calendar" are required two weeks preceding the date of publication. Send to: Mary Ann Bottari, Pioneer Press, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026; mbottari@pioneerlocal.com. Information may be faxed to (847) 486-7495.
 | Syma S107/S107G R/C Helicopter - Yellow List Price:  |
DescriptionThe brand new GYRO S107 3.5CH Mini RTF RC Helicopter comes with the greatest advancement in Helicopter Technology, a Gyro. No more crashing, no more replacing parts, the GYRO has changed the Helicopter industry completely, making this RC Helicopter super easy to fly and maneuver... |
 | Syma S107/S107G R/C Helicopter *Colors Vary List Price: |
DescriptionThis Brand New 3 Channel Gyro mini Metal rc helicopter is 1 of the world's newest, smallest and lightest RC Helicopter you can get! At approx. 7.5" long, it easily fits in the palm of your hand and is fully functional, equipped with latest Gyroscope technology, which makes this helicopter an instant hot seller in the RC World... |
 | SPY HAWK 3.5CH Metal RC helicopter RTF + Gyro and SPY Camera + FREE SD memory card - Large Size 12" wide List Price: |
DescriptionBattery Requirements: Want to watch your helicopter fly directly from the cockpit? The GYRO Hawk Spy Camera 3... |
 | Lowepro Fastpack 250 Camera/Laptop Backpack List Price: |
DescriptionGo all day with the lightweight, comfortable Fastpack 250 backpack. It protects your digital SLR and 15.4" wide screen notebook compactly while providing generous storage for your other gear. Side-entry compartments let you quickly grab equipment and accessories, even while you are on the move. |
 | INTUOS4 Pen Pro Accessory Kit List Price: |
DescriptionThe Wacom Intuos4 Pen Accessory Kit is a collection of spare parts for the Intuos4 Grip Pen. |
 | Unibody Macbook Pro Glass Screen Cover Replacement - 13 Inch - New Sale Price: $31.00 |
DescriptionThis is a replacement front bezel and panel assembly (replacement for original glass panel) for the 13" Macbook Pro Unibody model. Note this is a replacement part, not an original part. Apple does not sell the Glass for these units... |
 | Philips Norelco G370 All-in-1 Grooming System List Price: |
DescriptionG370. 7 piece grooming kit for unlimited style options. Full size trimmer; mini shaver; hair clipper; beard & moustache trimmer; nose, ear & eyebrow trimmer; precision trimmer. Sharper than titanium (compared to the leading titanium trimmer)... |
 | EA Sports Active 2 List Price: |
 | As Seen On TV Windshield Wonder Microfiber Cloth List Price: |
DescriptionThe incredible toll designed to clean your interior windows without twisting and controlling your body into uncomfortable positions. |
 | EA Sports Active 2 List Price: |
DescriptionEA SPORTS Active 2 with Total Body Tracking will feature an innovative wireless control system powered by motion sensors in leg and arm straps that provide complete freedom of motion. Additionally, it will feature a heart rate monitor that provides constant on-screen monitoring, allowing users to capture intensity and optimize performance over time... |
 | Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy List Price: |
DescriptionThe Empire strikes back in this sequel to the endearing Star Wars game made all of LEGOs. LEGO Star Wars II follows the Rebel Alliance's battle to dismantle the Galactic Empire and rebuild a galaxy in pieces... |
 | Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy List Price: |
DescriptionThe Empire strikes back in this sequel to the endearing Star Wars game made all of LEGOs. LEGO Star Wars II follows the Rebel Alliance's battle to dismantle the Galactic Empire and rebuild a galaxy in pieces... |
HASSELBLAD SWCM CAMERA KIT 38MM BIOGON A12 EXC 1808
mage source="tags"]Camera Body Kit[/mage]