Digital
Astrophotography: A Guide to capturing the Cosmos
Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher
![](DigitalAstrophotography_files/image001.png)
Author: Stefan Seip
http://www.photomeeting.de/astromeeting/_index.htm
Rocky
Nook
http://www.rockynook.com/index.php
O’Reilly
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9781933952161/index.html
Released: December 2007
Pages: 162
$30
USD, $33 CND
ISBN
10: 1-933952-16-4
ISBN
13: 9781933952161
Novice/
Intermediate/Advanced |
![](DigitalAstrophotography_files/image003.jpg)
|
Strengths: Provides solid information about using equipment,
cameras and resources for astrodigital photography. Good examples of his
masterful astrophotos. Descriptive information and guide oriented information
for Registax and Astroart image processing software. Colorful photo and
screenshots.
Weaknesses: No index. Glossary of resources should
have been indexed and have additional information about each item. Some of
the screenshots are too small to read. Screenshots do not have additional
circles, arrows and other visuals “ to zone in on” which parts of the screen
instructions go with the text. Guide information is “jumbled” together in
paragraph form instead of being spread out, numbered and being easier to
read. The author uses Astroart, a commercially available program. If you use
another program (for example, one listed in the Resources section) for
stacking and image processing, you will have to either find your own manual
or use the information to try to piece together the information about using
image processing. Novice astrophotographers may need to consult other camera,
astronomy and image editing resources and information.
|
Introduction
The
starry skies and observing the stars have captured our imagination since ancient
times. Observing and records came first and then sketching was available.
Photographing on film the heavens was a great step forward. Presently the use
of digital cameras and equipment are the rage. Amateur astronomers are increasingly
using digital devices to “capture” the heavenly objects and events. One noted
astronomer and photography has provided a guide book to help you with your
digital photography: Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to capturing the
Cosmos.
The
author is a celebrated astrophotographer for many years. His knowledge and his
astronomical photographs are displayed on his website which is well stocked
with many brilliant photos. I was interested to see how much of his knowledge
could be “communicated” in this book, so that myself and others could learn
about the technigues and information that has brought these brilliant photos to
fruition.
The
author provide information about hardware, software, methods and techniques.
Chapter 1 “Before you start” offers a welcome introduction to starting out with
this hobby. It starts from “ the ground up” so novice astrophotographers will
find the information well suited for them as well. There is a good solid
information and ideas about browsing, choosing and working with simple compact
digital camera, tripods and telescopes
Chapter
2, digital compact camera are introduced.
Chapter
3 has webcam information and explains the advantages and disadvantages of the
overall use for astrophotography. The more popular webcams available market
(ex. Phillips Toucam and four others are listed with photographs) but there is
no information what are the “pros and cons “ of each. The author elaborates on
using the free (PC) programs called Registax which is a fine program. However
this software could also be used with digital cameras and equipment but this
was not mentioned.
This
part of the book also has a good instruction on the use of avi files for
processing your video to images (don’t know what that is then you will have to
consult other information). Websites where these webcams can be found are
listed in the resources section but you will have to hunt for them as these are
no segregated. There is a section on fine tuning with photoshop (pages 58-59)
but the information does not include additional processing (using photoshop)
such as unsharp mask (which I did actually find is in another section (page 86)
with DSLR. This is where a good index would have helped.
In
Chapter 4, digital cameras is the main focus of information. Using a DSLR
camera to shoot the Sun, Moon, stars, star clusters, and nebulae while attached
to your telescope are discussed. The digital lens reflex camera demonstrated in
this chapter is the Canon Rebel XT (which is what I use as well). However this
chapter does not include additional information concerning the differences
between using the XT model and the newer XTi model. Other cameras are listed
in the resources section however non- canon users will have to consult their
manual, manufacturer’s website (see resource guide) or another book to learn
all about their DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. Maybe it does have to
be told but it is important before using this book and this chapter, that you
know and be comfortable using your camera first so that you will be ready for
the assistance laid out in the astronomically oriented chapter in Chapter 5.
It is tough to cover everything but as I looked through this chapter I found
that important information was missing.
I found the lack of credible and informative techniques and information
concerning the using of the cameras bulb extended time exposure, a little
mystifying. In addition some of the equipment is a little dated. For example,
it is a good idea to use a device to automatically snapping your shutter
without having to touch the camera yourself. There are remote cords that can do
this (for canon and other cameras). However nothing was expressed about the use
of remotes that use infrared (which I have and use) and are even better for
remote work.
Chapter 5, the astronomical CCD camera, using charge-coupled device (CCD)
and camera assists with learning about these nice instrument. This chapter has
a nice section regarding the use of dark frames (page 118). Helpful fine
explanations as well as the importance for using these with your photos and
FITS formats are well explained. Flat field and bias frames also are helpful
to know.
There
is a nice glossary of important terms used throughout the book. The Appendix,
has a nice listing of application areas for digital astrophotography as applied
to equipment and the celestial sights we can see and image. However this nice
chart does not integrate itself well into the chapters. In addition, I have
enjoyed photographing many comets but such celestial wonders are missing from
this listing and any part of the book.
A
Resources section has a number of image processing software program listed
(non alphabetically listed in the titles). These are all “mixed-up” together in
the listing and not categorized (according to image processing, software, image
manipulation, video capture etc).I was a little perplexed to find that Starry
Night Pro software (which I use), is listed as “image processing software”,
which it is not.
The main tool for image editing is called Astroart http://www.msb-astroart.com/ which is a
PC (only no Macintosh) based commercial program (pages 122 -132). A fine
program in its own right, the author helps you learn the program. There are
screenshots to help in the process (the sizing is better then in other parts of
the book) but once again the author does not use highlighting symbols (arrows,
red circles, numbering system etc) to go along with the instruction. Astroart
is the only other program to use (along with registax) if you are looking for
a free based program . You can use (the free) Registax (have to look up what
kind of PC needed but not here) with your PC.
Throughout
the book and the chapters there is too much “verbosity” with the instructions.
There are guided steps and instructions but these are all “mashed” together in
long paragraphs without ample space. This makes the reading a little tedious.
The step by step processes would have been easier to understand and easier to
read if a numbering systems was used or separations. More space in between the
instructions would help in the integration with the visual screenshots as
well. Screenshots do not have additional circles, arrows and other visuals to
zone in on which parts of the screen instructions go with the text.
I
was disappointed in the resource section, which is not concise enough. The are
jumbled together with software, applications and other resources all together.
Each does not have much information. There is nothing that is said whether some
of the software is for macintosh or windows or both. In addition, the cover has
a beautiful photograph of a total solar eclipse (that he took no doubt
additional information is nowhere to be found). I had to go into his website to
figure out where it was. I would have liked more information about filters,
what kind of exposures for lunar and solar eclipses etc or at least an
explanation where additional information could be found.
Most
astrophotography and image processing books and tutorial type books offer an
index of specific categories and titles found in the book. What I found to be
an unforgivable omission is the lack of an index. While the chapters are fine,
it would have been nice to have specific topics listed in an index.
Conclusion
When
it comes to digital astrophotography for me, I am always looking for more
insights and information that will “put it all together”. I am always
searching, like others, to make my photos, the best they can be. While I have
had astronomical photos published in Astronomy magazine and my web blogs and
websites, I still have a lot of room for improvement.
Many
amateur astronomers who are becoming acquainted with various photographic
devices are taking advantage and using them for their astronomical photographic
work. There are bits and pieces from this book that I can use but I wanted
“more”. I did not expect this book to be the all-in-one resource guide on
everything digital astrophotography for me. While the author is a fine
astrophotographer and has compiled a good a wealth of techniques, ideas and
information involved image processing, I still need to search for more.
This
book is great for those looking for equipment to use and sorting out there
choices for how and what ways their astrophotography endeavors can start and
develop. It is a fine resource. But the book, might not be what you want.
Possibly you already have all the equipment you have or need.
If
you don’t plan to use the Astroart program, a cornerstone in this author’s
tutorial explanations for image processing, you will need to find another
program ( for example one listed in the Resources section), for stacking and
image processing. But if you buy this book , then you have the option to
either find your own manual or use the information that comes with the
software, to “piece together” the image processing techniques. In addition,
most of the book can be used to help MacIntosh astronomy hobbyists but several
of the better image processing program for MacIntosh are not listed in the
resource section.
Macintosh users can use the PC software with their Intel
newer MacIntosh computers but this is not mentioned.
I
like most of the book and what it “has to say.” However the index omission,
the haphazard resource listing and the focusing upon Astroart as the sole basis
for image processing instruction just disappointed me. I wonder why Registax
is only application used for webcams? Couldn’t Registax could be used withCCD
imaging (chapter). I can work these pieces of software on my older Compaq and
in that way I will learn more. But still I am working towards using my
Macintosh for image processing that will elevate my astrophotography skills
while using this book.
This
book is still a good resource in many regards.
Perhaps the next version of this
book will be improved on some of the concerns I mentioned. Some astronomy
enthusiasts looking for answers to their astrophotography questions will like
this book as is. However I suggest before you buy this book, check it out and
see that it has what you want and if the book can help you. That is better
then being disappointed when the shipment arrives. That way you can choose
another astronomy digital processing books that can meet your your image processing
better.