In the last few years, digital SLR cameras have taken the astrophotography world by storm. It is now easier to photograph the stars than ever before! They are compact and portable, flexible to adapt with different lenses and for telescope use, and above all DSLR cameras are easy and enjoyable to use. In this concise guide, experienced astrophotography expert Michael Covington outlines the simple, enduring basics that will enable you to get started, and help you get the most from your equipment. He covers a wide selection of equipment, simple and advanced projects, technical considerations and image processing techniques. Unlike other astrophotography books, this one focuses specifically on DSLR cameras, not astronomical CCDs, non-DSLR digital cameras, or film. This guide is ideal for astro photographers who wish to develop their skills using DSLR cameras and as a friendly introduction to amateur astronomers or photographers curious about photographing the night sky.
• The first book specifically for DSLR astrophotography, a rapidly growing area of amateur astronomy
• Covers the basics and bare essentials without going too in-depth
• Examples use the most common types of camera, but the instructions are general enough for all DSLR cameras and software
Contents
Part I. Basics: 1 The DSLR revolution, 2nd Main technical issues; 3 Basic camera operation; 4 Four simple projects, 5th Coupling cameras to telescopes, Part II Cameras, Lenses, and Telescopes: 6 More about focal reducers; 7 Lenses for piggybacking; 8 Focusing; 9th Tracking the Stars, 10th Power and camera control in the field; 11 Sensors and sensor performance; Part III. Digital Image Processing: 12 Overview of image processing; 13 Digital imaging principles; 14 Techniques specific to astronomy; Appendices: A. Astrophotography with non-SLR digital cameras, and video as a webcam planetary imaging.
Reviews
'... Covington has put a lot of effort into this work and it is very comprehensive and well written.' Astronomy Now
'It is a book that could get in from being a complete amateur astrophotography novice to an advanced DSLR imager ... For someone starting out on the road to DSLR astro-imaging it is well worth having. ' Astronomy Now
'... So ideal for astrophotographers ...' Spaceflight
'Having used Michael Covington's earlier boo, Astrophotography for the Amateur, I was interested to find out Whether digital SLR was up to the same standard. I am pleased to report that it is ... Whilst I have been using a Canon 300D for some time, I found this book to be very useful [to] solve some of the difficulties I was having, and can thoroughly recommend this book. it is a valuable addition to the astro-imagers bookshelf. ' FAS Newsletter
'You never stop learning about this vast topic, so it's great when a book comes along that's loaded with tips to take your imaging further. ... Covington conveys the information in such a relaxed style that even the techie stuff is pleasant to read. Everything about DSLRs you can think of is covered here and the text is complemented by clear and informative line drawings and black and white photos. Illustrations showing you how to couple a camera and a telescope are particularly good and very helpful for beginners. The text is littered with common sense, practical advice and useful tips ... every DLSR astro photographer should have a copy of this great book. ' BBC Sky at Night
