Introduction to Digital Astrophotography

Description

A book by Robert Reeves

This book is a 400+ page comprehensive, nuts-and-bolts introduction to digital astro-imaging written by Robert Reeves, an accomplished author and film imager with nearly 50 years of experience who has enthusiastically made the transition to digital imaging. Robert describes how the family digital camera you probably already own can be used to take spectacular pictures of the night sky. This is especially true if you have purchased a digital camera within the past several years – even some entry level point-and-shoot digital cameras take pictures of the Moon and planets that rival or exceed the best film images. If you already own a digital camera, telescope, and computer you probably only require a camera adapter and image processing software—some of which is free—to begin your night sky imaging adventures and unlike film you see your results almost instantly!

Among the topics covered are:

-What digital cameras can do (and what they can’t).
-How much resolution is enough?
-Web cams – spectacular immediate gratification on the cheap!
-Why is digital imaging often easier, much easier, than film?
-What are the special considerations for digital astrophotography?
-What are the various types of astrophotography and which is best for me and my equipment?
-How do I go about choosing a digital camera (or exploiting the strengths of the one I have now)?
-Which lenses are best for which targets and how do I go about testing them?
-How do I setup and align my telescope?
-What is image processing and how do I go about it?
-Plus much, much, more…