Hi Mike !

"Mike M. Miskulin" wrote in message
...
hey now,

please be gentle - I've a few questions before sinking $ into
ccd imaging.

1) I currently do not have an equitorial mount - can any imaging
be done using the standard azimuthal mount? I am trying to keep
initial costs down a bit, and if I can get by for a year without
sinking more $ into a wedge. I'm guessing I would be ok on
exposures under 3-4 mins?

If this scope is not computer driven so as to track objects in the sky, then
you cannot do deep sky objects. I'm assuming you know that the reason
for an equatorial mount is to track objects, and you need to track objects
in order to take the long exposures necessary to image DSOs.

If it can track, then the exposures are much shorter; more like 10 to 20
seconds, depending on the focal length of the scope. You can try stacking,
and I found this will get the brighter deep sky objects, but it does mean
more work in the processing end of things.



2) Are there other companies besides SBIG and Starlight in the
personal use market?

Yes, but they're the leaders right now because they have the best products.
I favor Starlight Xpress ue to initial very favorable results, and
continuing good
results from their equipment.


3) Would I regret getting a 'one shot' color cam vs using filters,
ie, MX7-c vs MX716?

I used one for several years, the MX5-C. Definitely the easiest way to get
color. No need for additional equipment such as filter wheels and making
sure everything is right before each if the three exposures. No need to
take
three exposures. No need to refocus for the individual filters. etc.

For a beginner, this is the way I would go.