…continued
Astro Imaging with Digital Cameras
Power Requirements
Digital cameras are battery eaters, especially if you use the LCD screen continuously. You can avoid the problem if you have an AC adapter and access to a wall outlet. Fresh batteries can last less than a half hour in some cameras. Also, on cold nights batteries lose their capacity more quickly. Keeping a supply of fresh alkaline or lithium batteries can be very expensive, so the best option is to buy rechargeable nickel—metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Keep one or two spare sets charged and handy for long sessions.
To prevent damage to sensitive electronics, protect the camera from excessive dew. Cover the camera when not in use, and on dewy nights, keep it powered up to maintain some internal warmth.
Despite their shortcomings for some applications, handy, mass-market digital cameras are here to stay ٳ and are sure to get better. No doubt they will play a growing role in amateur astronomy. So why not start now?
| Selected Manufacturers and Dealers | ||
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Here’s a partial list of companies that sell digital-camera accessories that astro imagers will find useful. |
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| Adirondack Video Astronomy Adorama BrightStar Optical & Photo CKC Power LensPlus Oceanside Photo & Telescope |
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars Photosolve ScopeTronix Tau Ceti Company Tele Vue Optics |
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