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Astrophotography Equipment and Cameras
Atik 460EX Color CCD Camera w/ Sony ICX694 Sensor - ATK0101
SKU: ATK-ATK0101
- Color or Monochrome Camera: Color
- Cooled or Uncooled: Cooled
- Pixel Array & Resolution: 2750 x 2200 (6.1 MP)
- Pixel Size in Microns: 4.54
- Sensor Model: ICX694AQG
Free shipping
$2,495.00
Orion SkyGlow Imaging 2" Filter - 05561
SKU: ORI-05561
- Filter Type: SkyGlow
- Filter Size: 50.8 mm (2")
- Filter Shape: Round
- Filter Insert Style: Threaded
$159.99
Baader LRGB CCD Filter Set - 1.25" Mounted - FLRGB-1
SKU: BAD-FLRGB-1
- Filter Type: RGB
- Filter Size: 31.75 mm (1.25")
- Filter Shape: Round
- Filter Insert Style: Threaded
Free shipping
$379.00
$36.95
ZWO Five Position Manual Filter Wheel - 1.25" - MFW
SKU: ZWO-MFW
- Filter Wheel Product Type: Manual Filter Wheel
- Filter Wheels by Filter Size: 1.25" (31 mm)
- Number of Positions: 5
$88.00
Celestron NexImage 5MP Solar System Imager - 93711
SKU: CEL-93711
- Color or Monochrome Camera: Color
- Cooled or Uncooled: Uncooled
- Pixel Array & Resolution: 2592 x 1944 (5 MP)
- Pixel Size in Microns: 2.2
- Sensor Model: 3041
Free shipping
$175.95
Celestron NexImage 5MP Solar System Imager - 93711 - Open Box - SOLD
SKU: UEQ-14461-CEL-93711
- Color or Monochrome Camera: Color
- Cooled or Uncooled: Uncooled
- Pixel Array & Resolution: 2592 x 1944 (5 MP)
- Pixel Size in Microns: 2.2
- Sensor Model: 3041
Celestron Off Axis Guider - 93648
SKU: CEL-93648
- For astrophotography applications, an Off-Axis Guider such as this particular unit from Celestron is an essential accessory because it makes heavy guide scopes unnecessary.
- Allows the same scope to be used for both imaging and guiding.
- Eliminates flexure, mirror flop, and other tracking issues.
- Features an independent 360º camera and telescope rotation controls.
- Compatible with any T-thread or 48 mm filter wheel.
Free shipping
$279.95
Celestron Off Axis Guider - 93648 - Used - SOLD
SKU: UEQ-20041-7A
- For astrophotography applications, an Off-Axis Guider such as this particular unit from Celestron is an essential accessory because it makes heavy guide scopes unnecessary.
- Allows the same scope to be used for both imaging and guiding.
- Eliminates flexure, mirror flop, and other tracking issues.
- Features an independent 360º camera and telescope rotation controls.
- Compatible with any T-thread or 48 mm filter wheel.
Celestron Universal Digital Camera Adapter - 93626
SKU: CEL-93626
- This universal mounting platform enables afocal or telescope eyepiece photography
- Compatible with both 1.25" and 2" eyepieces
- Suitable for use with the majority of available tripod adaptable point-and-shoot digital cameras
$44.95
Baader Planetarium 2" Female to 2" Male Inverter - INVERT-2
SKU: BAD-INVERT-2
- Adapter Connector Type - Side A: 2"
- Adapter Connector Type - Side B: 2"
- Adapter or Spacer Length in mm: 47 mm
$28.00
Baader Planetarium Clickstop Digital Camera Adapter/Microstage II - MSTAGE-II
SKU: BAD-MSTAGE-II
- This 2" digital compact camera adapter works with 29 mm to 63 mm diameter eyepieces
- An extremely tough and rigid design allows heavy cameras to be held securely in the 25 mm wide eyepiece clamp without any torsion
- Rugged swivel arm with clickstop accepts cameras weighing up to 3.3 lbs.
- Enables afocal telescope eyepiece photography
- Features ClickStop twist-lock mechanism
$42.00
Baader OPFA 4 Eyepiece Projection Adapter - M42/34 to M42 - OPFA-4
SKU: BAD-OPFA-4
- Eyepiece Projection Adapter for 1.25" eyepieces up to 37 mm diameter
- Connection Side A - M42 T, M34 threads
- Connection Side B: M42 T threads
- Camera specific M42 T ring required, sold separately
$66.00
Baader Planetarium Ultra Short 10mm T-Adapter for SCT - SCT-T
SKU: BAD-SCT-T
- Adapter Connector Type - Side A: Small SCT (2")
- Adapter Connector Type - Side B: T or T2 (M42)
- Adapter or Spacer Length in mm: 10 mm
- Without using too much back focus, this adapter connects standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and T-threaded accessories
$52.00
Baader Planetarium 2" T2 Nose Piece - T2-16
SKU: BAD-T2-16
- Adapter Connector Type - Side A: 2"
- Adapter Connector Type - Side B: T or T2 (M42)
- Contains 48 mm threads in addition to internal standard 42 mm T2 threads to enable a greater variety of uses
- Thorough inner sharp v-threading and blackening
$42.00
ATIK ST4 Compatible Autoguider Cable (2 m) - ATK0027
SKU: ATK-ATK0027
- Atik Autoguider Cable for the ST-4 autoguiding system.
- Measures 2 meters in length.
- Enables connection between your Atik Autoguider and your astro-imaging configuration.
- The Atik ST4 Autoguiding Cable uses RJ11 connectors.
$6.00
Atik 4000 Monochrome Large Format CCD Camera with Kodak KAI-04022 Sensor - ATK0043
SKU: ATK-ATK0043
- Color or Monochrome Camera: Monochrome
- Cooled or Uncooled: Cooled
- Pixel Array & Resolution: 2048 x 2048 (4.2 MP)
- Pixel Size in Microns: 7.4
- Sensor Model: KAI 04022
Free shipping
$3,795.00
Atik 383L+ Monochrome CCD Camera W/ Kodak KAF-8300 Sensor - ATK0067
SKU: ATK-ATK0067
- Color or Monochrome Camera: Monochrome
- Cooled or Uncooled: Cooled
- Pixel Array & Resolution: 3362 x 2504 (8.4 MP)
- Pixel Size in Microns: 5.4
- Sensor Model: KAF-8300
Free shipping
$2,095.00
Atik Off-Axis Guider - ATK0070
SKU: ATK-ATK0070
- With this Atik Off-Axis Guider and its precise fine-focus system, you can create your own optimal guiding system.
- Three different extension ring lengths allow this OAG to reach focus using a wide variety of imaging cameras.
- Moving prism helps with selecting the star best suited for your guiding needs.
- Weighing in at 6.35 ounces, the Atik Off-Axis Guider has a 54 mm clear aperture.
- Compatible with sensors sizes up to full frame 35 mm
$225.00
Atik EFW2.2 Electronic Filter Wheel - 9 Position, 1.25" - ATK0177FW
SKU: ATK-ATK0177FW
- Filter Wheel Product Type: Electronic Filter Wheel
- Filter Wheels by Filter Size: 1.25" (31 mm)
- Number of Positions: 9
Free shipping
$554.00
Atik EFW2.2 Electronic Filter Wheel - 7-Position, 36mm - ATK0176FW
SKU: ATK-ATK0176FW
- Filter Wheel Product Type: Electronic Filter Wheel
- Filter Wheels by Filter Size: 36 mm
- Number of Positions: 7
$554.00
Atik EFW2.2 Electronic Filter Wheel with 5 Position Carousel for 2" Mounted Filters - ATK0175FW
SKU: ATK-ATK0175FW
- Filter Wheel Product Type: Electronic Filter Wheel
- Filter Wheels by Filter Size: 2"
- Number of Positions: 5
$554.00
Atik M54 to M42 T-Thread Filter Wheel Adapter - ATK0091
SKU: ATK-ATK0091
- Filter Wheel Product Type: Filter Wheel Adapter
$10.00
Atik 428EX Monochrome CCD Camera W/ Sony ICX674 Sensor - ATK0096
SKU: ATK-ATK0096
- Color or Monochrome Camera: Monochrome
- Cooled or Uncooled: Cooled
- Pixel Array & Resolution: 1932 x 1452 (2.8 MP)
- Pixel Size in Microns: 4.54
- Sensor Model: ICX674ALG
Free shipping
$1,860.00
Atik 428EX Color CCD Camera W/ Sony ICX674 Sensor - ATK0097
SKU: ATK-ATK0097
- Color or Monochrome Camera: Color
- Cooled or Uncooled: Cooled
- Pixel Array & Resolution: 1932 x 1452 (2.8 MP)
- Pixel Size in Microns: 4.54
- Sensor Model: ICX674AQG
Free shipping
$1,860.00
What is an Astrophotography Camera?
An astrophotography camera is any camera that can be used to take pictures of the night sky. While some people use standard DSLR cameras for astrophotography, dedicated deep-sky astrophotography cameras require a telescope and software to run properly. This allows the astrophotographer to capture deep-sky images of galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and other objects. There are two main types of dedicated astrophotography cameras: CCD and CMOS, both capable of capturing photos in high resolution.
How to Choose an Astrophotography Camera
Choosing an astrophotography camera ultimately depends on the type of experience you want and what features you're looking for. While dedicated astrophotography cameras do not have screens or controls like standard DSLRs, they produce better high-resolution images with less noise, so the trade-off is worth it. These cameras are made for imaging deep-sky objects and can handle a wide variety of applications for deep-sky astrophotography. Planetary imaging may require additional components, though capturing the planets with a telescope and simple CMOS camera is possible. Ultimately, picking an astrophotography camera comes down to two main factors:
- CCD or CMOS Imaging Sensors
- Monochrome or Color Imaging
CCD vs. CMOS Imaging Sensors
CCD (charge-coupled device) and CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) are sensors used in astrophotography cameras to convert light from the night sky into electrons. Essentially, they're the "eyes" of the camera. Initially, CCD imaging sensors were considered superior to inexpensive CMOS options, offering a higher level of controllable sensitivity and longer exposure times that resulted in high-quality, low-noise photos. However, CMOS technology started to catch up over time, and now, CMOS imaging sensors tend to have faster data rates while also being more affordable and energy-efficient. There are quality options in both categories.
The main factors to consider for imaging sensors are cost and the telescope you have. When it comes to size, large sensors allow for a larger viewing field but are significantly more expensive. Your telescope's focal length must be able to support the imaging sensor you choose, as well.
Monochrome vs. Color Imaging
This factor for choosing an astrophotography camera comes down to preference. Monochrome cameras default to shooting in greyscale, whereas color cameras pick up colors of all kinds. However, there is one thing to keep in mind: while color astrophotography cameras will only shoot in color, you can use a filter wheel and LRGB filters with monochrome cameras to produce color images. A mono camera with color filters added tends to produce images with less noise than those from a color-only camera.
What is the Best Astrophotography Camera?
There are so many high-quality options available in such a wide price range that it's difficult to choose the best camera for astrophotography. That said, here are some of our favorites and best sellers:
- ZWO ASI224MC Color Camera ASI224MC - Great all-around option for solar, lunar, planetary and deep-sky images
- ZWO ASI290MM Mini Monochrome Astronomy Camera - ASI290MINI - An ideal choice for planetary and lunar imaging
- Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Color Imaging Camera - 53082 - Perfect for those new to deep-sky astrophotography
- Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera - 53083 - Same quality entry-level camera as the previous option, but with high-sensitivity monochrome imaging
- Atik 460EX Color CCD Camera w/ Sony ICX694 Sensor - ATK0101 - A high-end option and definite contender for the best camera for astrophotography on the market
These are only a few examples, and the best astrophotography camera for you will come down to the kind of experience you want, your preference, your needs and your budget.
Find an Astrophotography Camera for Sale at High Point Scientific
Here at High Point Scientific, we want to help budding astronomers everywhere get started. That's why we have a fantastic selection of Dobsonian telescopes available. From Dobsonian telescope kits to collapsible Dobsonian telescopes, you'll find it all in our online store. Contact us if you'd like to know more — our non-commissioned experts can't wait to hear from you!
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