Astrophotography is a fascinating and challenging field for photographers. Choosing the right camera is crucial for capturing the beauty of deep-sky objects. This decision, often debated among astrophotography enthusiasts, hinges on the choice between a modified DSLR or mirrorless camera and a dedicated astronomy camera.
Coming to you from Nebula Photos, this comprehensive video discusses choosing a camera for astrophotography work. He provides a practical comparison using a beginner astrophotography setup, including an affordable go-to mount, dual band filter, and apochromatic telescope. Carver's approach is unique: he tests both a modified DSLR and a dedicated astronomy camera on the same night, capturing the Crescent Nebula. His comparison not only showcases the final images but also highlights the differences in workflow and results. This hands-on demonstration is particularly beneficial for photographers who are serious about getting into deep sky astrophotography, where wringing the most out of every last photon is crucial.
The choice goes beyond image quality. One should pay attention to the practical aspects of using each camera type as well. This includes considerations like cooling, power requirements, and ease of use, all of which are crucial for astrophotographers working in varied environments. For a very informative comparison, give the video above a watch.
thanks for posting Alex, this is an excellent comparison of dedicated cooled astro camera vs astro mod DSLR.
I do want to point out a limitation in the comparison… Nico used an inexpensive $600 Canon SL2(a) vs the $1500 Ogma camera that has a Sony BSI sensor.
I can guarantee if Nico had used a R(a) Z6(a) D810(a) etc the results would have been better as those bodies all have better sensors and processors, so greater dynamic range, less dark current, less read noise, higher QE etc
For the regular photographers, it’s like comparing a D5300 to a D810 or 80D to a R6 in low light, of course the full frame sensors are going to do better : )
Here is a recent image of the day on AstroBin captured with a D810(a)
https://www.astrobin.com/0tarba/