astrophotography book for starters?

CCD vs Film? Lots of time vs no patience? Alright, this is your place to discuss all the astrophotography what's and what's not. You can discuss about techniques, accessories, cameras, whatever....just make sure you also post some nice photos here too!
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oxygn
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astrophotography book for starters?

Post by oxygn »

Hi guys,

Am considering getting a book on digital astrophotography for starters.

1) The new CCD astronomy by Ron wodaski
2) Handbook of astronomical image processing by Richard Berry/ James Bunnell
3)Intro to digital astrophotography bt Robert Reeves

Your comments and recommendations?

Thanks
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VinSnr
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Re: astrophotography book for starters?

Post by VinSnr »

oxygn wrote:Hi guys,

Am considering getting a book on digital astrophotography for starters.

1) The new CCD astronomy by Ron wodaski
2) Handbook of astronomical image processing by Richard Berry/ James Bunnell
3)Intro to digital astrophotography bt Robert Reeves

Your comments and recommendations?

Thanks
The first book is the best for new entrance into CCD. The second book has a lot of theories. I was hoping for more application example on AIP4WIN, but sadly the book is mainly academic. But you can buy the book for a copy of AIP4WIN though.

Third one I have not read before.
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Tachyon
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Post by Tachyon »

In fact, I would put Reeve's book before Ron's book in terms of beginner level. Reeve covers not only CCD, but Webcam, DSLR, etc. so I think it's a better all-round introductory book.

Just my opinion.

Cheers!
[80% Steve, 20% Alfred] ------- Probability of Clear Skies = (Age of newest equipment in days) / [(Number of observers) * (Total Aperture of all telescopes present in mm)]
oxygn
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Post by oxygn »

thanks guys...

does singapore sell them?
NGC 5139
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Post by NGC 5139 »

hmm haha you could always try amazon.com. There may be a few copies at Borders and Kinokuniya...but it's sort of subject to availability. Hehe I'd recommend trying film too =) it provides contrast and detail that CCDs and DSLRS cant replicate at the moment =) CCDs and DSLRs are good for planetary imaging and DSOs in my opinion...haha that's just my take
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river
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Post by river »

if you want to try film and a bit of CCD then this book is for you:
<Astrophotography for the Amateur> 2nd Edition by Michael A.Covington.

http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/astro/
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jermng
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Post by jermng »

NGC 5139 wrote:CCDs and DSLRs are good for planetary imaging and DSOs in my opinion...haha that's just my take
Other than planets and DSO, what else is there that film is better at? Lunar photography? :)
Jeremy Ng
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river
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Post by river »

How about multiple exposure on a same film for eclipses or retrograde motion of planet?
oxygn
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Post by oxygn »

guys, thanks for your inputs. appreciate them. IMHO the only advantage of film over CCDs are its higher equivalent mp at a lower price than CCDs and its higher dynamic range. other than that, digital has many more advantages. Even high dynamic range can be achieved with digital using the appropriate software and techniques.

THanks again
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