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Digital SLR Astrophotography
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 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.
234 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2007
51 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Michael A. Covington
23 booksMichael Covington is Associate Director of the Artificial Intelligence Center.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 3, 2017
This was a supplemental book for my astronomical imaging class that was required for core astrophotography basics. Given the book was already 10 years old, I was quite hesitant to believe that it would be relevant to the classwork. However, it exceeded my expectations. Covering basics of CMOS and CCD sensors, camera designs, telescope-camera integration, and image reduction through final processing there is no better starter manual for anyone looking to begin astrophotography.
Yes, there are some out-of-date sections that could use a 2nd edition such as the state of digital SLRs from 2007 and older image processing software--nevertheless, even those sections are still quite useful. Some of the best advice for imagers comes from Covington's advice that you don't need the latest and greatest equipment to get professional results. A 5 year-old digital SLR can exceed in astrophotography and the free software only gets better. In fact, anyone who has basic camera knowledge, a tripod, a digital SLR and a decent used prime lens can start with an investment of only $100-$200 and achieve amazing results. (Even without using my digital SLR I was able to achieve some interesting results with an old Canon point-and-shoot Powershot A620 on a tripod I didn't think could be done!)
The good news about this book is that it is a fairly easy read and can guide anyone to basic skills in astrophotography with or without a telescope. Plus, you can evolve the skill gradually with more advanced telescopes and tracking equipment as you progress with this guide. If you want to start, this is the book to get! (PS - this is also a good resource if you want to start using professional robotic telescopes like I did for class. The scope operators expect a certain level of knowledge and if you want to start using one, understanding the basic concepts would help tremendously!)
Yes, there are some out-of-date sections that could use a 2nd edition such as the state of digital SLRs from 2007 and older image processing software--nevertheless, even those sections are still quite useful. Some of the best advice for imagers comes from Covington's advice that you don't need the latest and greatest equipment to get professional results. A 5 year-old digital SLR can exceed in astrophotography and the free software only gets better. In fact, anyone who has basic camera knowledge, a tripod, a digital SLR and a decent used prime lens can start with an investment of only $100-$200 and achieve amazing results. (Even without using my digital SLR I was able to achieve some interesting results with an old Canon point-and-shoot Powershot A620 on a tripod I didn't think could be done!)
The good news about this book is that it is a fairly easy read and can guide anyone to basic skills in astrophotography with or without a telescope. Plus, you can evolve the skill gradually with more advanced telescopes and tracking equipment as you progress with this guide. If you want to start, this is the book to get! (PS - this is also a good resource if you want to start using professional robotic telescopes like I did for class. The scope operators expect a certain level of knowledge and if you want to start using one, understanding the basic concepts would help tremendously!)
November 26, 2020
Complete reference for astrophotography
Has more information than I really was looking for. But an excellent rundown on all aspects of AP. I often return to it for info. Recommended.
Has more information than I really was looking for. But an excellent rundown on all aspects of AP. I often return to it for info. Recommended.
January 7, 2020
Great read.
Great great read for learning the basics of astrophotography using a DSLR. It has been a great reference and helped me frame up the basics when I was getting started.
Great great read for learning the basics of astrophotography using a DSLR. It has been a great reference and helped me frame up the basics when I was getting started.
February 12, 2024
An excellent and thorough introduction of techniques related to astronomical photography.
October 18, 2011
It is not very often that I can say that a book published in 2007 is someway to requiring revision and update. No fault of Mr Covington but indicative of such a fast moving subject matter. Advances are taking place at such a rapid pace in the fields of digital SLR camera development, as well as with computer controlled astro scopes and their never ending add-ons along with the digital software packages for photographic manipulation.
A four star rating for this book may depend on where the amateur astronomer is entering the game, in terms of knowledge and equipment. 'Astrophotography for the Amateur' (Sec Ed 1999) written by this author may be beneficial for those setting out as midnight ramblers. In terms of equipment this book favours the C.A.T. lovers. Hence the four star rating from me.
Alternatively, as a member of my local astronomical society has done, the DSLR user can now skip the scope and purchase an Astro-trac to produce stunning images of the heavens, but I like the feel of cosmic photons direct on my retina.
A four star rating for this book may depend on where the amateur astronomer is entering the game, in terms of knowledge and equipment. 'Astrophotography for the Amateur' (Sec Ed 1999) written by this author may be beneficial for those setting out as midnight ramblers. In terms of equipment this book favours the C.A.T. lovers. Hence the four star rating from me.
Alternatively, as a member of my local astronomical society has done, the DSLR user can now skip the scope and purchase an Astro-trac to produce stunning images of the heavens, but I like the feel of cosmic photons direct on my retina.
November 10, 2011
Good book, but not at all what I wanted. I was looking for a more detailed guide about star trails than "combine 700000000 30 second exposures," but instead I got what I spent my senior year of high school doing with Karen - how to use telescopes to take photos of the sky. After the introduction about Nikon being terrible for star shots (faaaair) and basic assignments "take photo of moon" "take photos of stars" it suddenly jumps to "BUY TELESCOPE TAKE PHOTOS OF STARS."
All of this is well and fine, but it wasn't what I wanted, which was a lot less new equipment based and more Star Porn. I can recommend this book to anyone that wants to take photos of, say, star clusters, or galaxies. If you're looking to express the sky as we humans see it, it may be less useful.
All of this is well and fine, but it wasn't what I wanted, which was a lot less new equipment based and more Star Porn. I can recommend this book to anyone that wants to take photos of, say, star clusters, or galaxies. If you're looking to express the sky as we humans see it, it may be less useful.
May 1, 2012
Nice general introduction to astrophotography techniques for the relative amateur. A bit dated by mid-2000's digital camera tech as reference - we can just hope for a new edition sometime soon! However, 90% of the book stands up fine in terms of techniques etc, and the cameras and software packages have only gotten better since it was written.
January 15, 2012
Brilliant guide to using a digital SLR camera for astrophotography.
May 23, 2012
Must read book! Like all things in tech they get dated, but AP is a foundational thing. Knowing what works and what doesn't is very helpful. Sometimes low tech is best!
May 7, 2014
I think it would be quite useful for absolute beginners as a perfect guide to what equipment is needed and the basic astronomical image processing.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews