United States
£ GBP
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. Digital SLR Astrophotography is ideal for astrophotographers 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.
Part I. Basics
1. The DSLR revolution
2. Main technical issues
3. Basic camera operation
4. Four simple projects
5. Coupling cameras to telescopes
Part II. Cameras, Lenses, and Telescopes
6. More about focal reducers
7. Lenses for piggybacking
8. Focusing
9. Tracking the stars
10. 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
B. Webcam and video planetary imaging
Michael Covington is one of America's leading amateur astronomers and author of the highly acclaimed Astrophotography for the Amateur (Cambridge University Press, Second Edition 1999).
"[...] Covington has put a lot of effort into this work and it is very comprehensive and well written. [...] It is a book that could get an amateur from being a complete 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 book, 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."
- F.A.S. 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 commonsense practical advice and useful tips [...] every DLSR astrophotographer should have a copy of this great book."
- BBC Sky at Night
"[...] well illustrated with monochrome photos and line diagrams, and there is a useful index. [...] The book is well written and contains a wealth of practical advice, from someone who's obviously writing from experience."
- Mark Williamson, www.satellite-evolution.com
