What CCD camera will mount to the Meade LX200?

Hey, planning on getting the Meade LX200 12” GPS scope and would like
to do some CCD photography. Anyone know what CCD cameras will work
with this scope? Also need to make sure I have a camera mount
(adaptor) to attach to the scope. I’m upgrading from the Meade 8” and
would like to not spend more than $1000 on the camera.



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"rshal" wrote in message
...
Hey, planning on getting the Meade LX200 12” GPS scope and would like
to do some CCD photography. Anyone know what CCD cameras will work
with this scope? Also need to make sure I have a camera mount
(adaptor) to attach to the scope. I’m upgrading from the Meade 8” and
would like to not spend more than $1000 on the camera.
You can mount just about any camera to any scope!. Now that having been
said, there _are_ some qualifications, but not many!. To use a camera 'prime
focus', it has to be possible to remove the existing lens (assuming there is
one), and the focus range of the scope has to be large enough to allow the
focal plane to be aligned to the the CCD inside the camera. The last is
pretty easy with an SCT. The former is possible with every 'astronomical'
CCD, and any 'SLR' type digital camera. Afocal operation, is also possible
with cameras where you can't remove the lens.
Basically, I think you have to 'qualify' your question a little. At present,
it is along the lines of 'I want to use a wheel on this bicycle'...

Best Wishes

I dont think he has to... I think you need to focus your answer with some
example of good camera in $500-1000 range.


"Roger Hamlett" wrote in message
...

"rshal" wrote in message
...
Hey, planning on getting the Meade LX200 12" GPS scope and would like
to do some CCD photography. Anyone know what CCD cameras will work
with this scope? Also need to make sure I have a camera mount
(adaptor) to attach to the scope. I'm upgrading from the Meade 8" and
would like to not spend more than $1000 on the camera.
You can mount just about any camera to any scope!. Now that having been
said, there _are_ some qualifications, but not many!. To use a camera
'prime
focus', it has to be possible to remove the existing lens (assuming there
is
one), and the focus range of the scope has to be large enough to allow the
focal plane to be aligned to the the CCD inside the camera. The last is
pretty easy with an SCT. The former is possible with every 'astronomical'
CCD, and any 'SLR' type digital camera. Afocal operation, is also possible
with cameras where you can't remove the lens.
Basically, I think you have to 'qualify' your question a little. At
present,
it is along the lines of 'I want to use a wheel on this bicycle'...

Best Wishes

OK, let me word it differently. Currently I have a Meade4 LX90
reflector scope (8”). Next month I’m going to get the LS200 12”
scope and would like to do some photography with it. I would like to
use a CCD camera, mainly because results can be viewed almost
immediately. I would like a new CCD camera that us under $1000 and
has resolution around 5 or 6 mexapixels. Also would like to use the
camera to take regular pictures of whatever. And it would be nice if
I was able to zoom in/out while connected to the telescope.

So the question is: What CCD camera would be a good choice to use with
this telescope?



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"Roger Hamlett" wrote in message
...


expensive/pixel, than 'CMOS' sensors. Hence the consumer digital cameras
on
the market now are allmost entirely CMOS based.

I think you need to brush up on your knowledge of consumer digital cameras.
I have not been able to find a single $150 digital camera that does NOT
have a CCD sensor (browse around on http://www.dpreview.com if you don't
believe me).

The exception off course are the Canon 10D and 300D which have extremely
low-noise CMOS sensors that are very suitable for astrophotography (see the
postings by Stephen Pitt in sci.astro.amateur). The Canon 300D will also
nicely fit the Original Poster's budget.

Jeroen.

"Jeroen Smaal" wrote in message
...

"Roger Hamlett" wrote in message
...


expensive/pixel, than 'CMOS' sensors. Hence the consumer digital cameras
on
the market now are allmost entirely CMOS based.

I think you need to brush up on your knowledge of consumer digital
cameras.
I have not been able to find a single $150 digital camera that does NOT
have a CCD sensor (browse around on http://www.dpreview.com if you don't
believe me).
I have to disagree.
The problem is that many cameras say 'CCD', when they are CMOS...
Seriously, look at the industry sales of CCD's, versus CMOS, and you will
find that the total worldwide sales of CCD sensors last year, for the larger
sizes, represented less that 1/4 the number of digital cameras sold.
CCD sensors, are largely used (in MegaPixel sizes), on older cameras that
were launched a few years ago, as 'professional' models, and with
corresponding price tags.

The exception off course are the Canon 10D and 300D which have extremely
low-noise CMOS sensors that are very suitable for astrophotography (see
the
postings by Stephen Pitt in sci.astro.amateur). The Canon 300D will also
nicely fit the Original Poster's budget.
Minolta use CMOS, Nikon use CMOS, Canon use CMOS, even Kodak use CMOS
sensors in all their recently launched consumer cameras. If you check the
'part numbers' for the
sensors used, you will find that CMOS is ruling.
Kodak, are actually 'cutting back' on their CCD production, because CMOS
sensors are so much more popular.
I agree on the 300D.

Best Wishes

Thanks for the comments; I’m now looking into the Canon EOS 300D. But
will I be able to take pictures of nebulas with this camera? IE: how
long of an exposure (seconds) can I set it to to achieve an
expectable image?



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