Mark,

Digital cameras offer the amateur astronomy access to a whole new world. Data from the camera can immediately be used in programs such as Maxim-D/L and others. Piggy back photography on your telescope is a great way to start. Prime focus and other through the telescope imaging can be employed, but be prepared to use your tools for custom adapters.

I would suggest the following specs when shopping for digital cameras for scientific use.

• long exposure times (B setting if possible)


• Raw mode data output so you can get your images without any compression. Compression is okay for everyday snaps, but can compromise your "data".


• Removable lens for prime focus photography, but this is asking a lot - they are very expensive.


• Remote power so you can operate the camera without the heavy batteries for use on your telescope.


• Tripod socket - don't laugh, many cameras do not have this


• Removable memory card - most cameras use either of two types. It is worth getting the adapter for your PC so you can download images faster.

• Kodak cameras - longbridge - June 26, 2001 - 22:35 UTC
  • Kodak DC4800 - longbridge - July 9, 2001 - 19:42 UTC
  • Kodak cameras - fegan - November 22, 2001 - 05:24 UTC