Camera Altered for Astronomical Purposes: Acquisition Guide
Astrophotography-Modded Cameras: A Beginner's Guide
Welcome to the realm of astrophotography, where you might've heard the term 'astro-modded cameras' thrown around.
But what makes these cameras different? And do you really need one? We're here to help you figure that out.
Regular cameras often lack the sensitivity to various wavelengths of starlight, but an astro-modded camera changes the game.
What Exactly is an Astrophotography-Modded Camera?
An astrophotography-modded camera is a DSLR or mirrorless camera whose infrared (IR) filter has been removed or modified to improve its ability to capture color from deep-sky objects. Removing the IR filter makes the camera more adept at capturing light in the Hydrogen Alpha spectral line (656nm) - the same wavelength emitted by hot clouds of Hydrogen gas found in nebulae.
Types of Astro Camera Modifications
There are two primary types of astro modification methods:
- H-Alpha ConversionThis is the most common type, making your camera capable of capturing H-Alpha light and visible light. Ideal for landscape astrophotographers, H-Alpha conversion enables you to identify pink and red patches of hydrogen emissions in the night sky from nebulae or clouds of hydrogen gas.
- Full Spectrum ConversionUnlike H-Alpha, full spectrum conversion allows your camera to be sensitive to all types of light, including infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV). This versatile option is popular among deep-sky astrophotographers but performs poorly for regular daytime photography.
Ways to Obtain an Astro-Modded Camera
There are several routes to obtain an astro-modded camera:
- Buy a Pre-Modded CameraCompanies like Canon and Nikon manufacture pre-modded astro cameras:
- Canon 60Da (Discontinued)
- Canon EOS Ra (Currently unavailable)
- Nikon D810a (Discontinued)
- Buy an Astro-Modified Camera for SaleYou can find astro-modified cameras available from various vendors, such as Life Pixel (US) and Astroshop (Europe).
- Astro Modification ServiceProfessional services like Life Pixel can modify your camera manually to convert its sensor for astrophotography.
- Do-It-Yourself ModificationIf you're feeling adventurous, there are tutorials online to help you change your camera's sensor. However, there's a risk involved, so proceed with caution.
Pros and Cons of H-Alpha and Full Spectrum Conversion
H-Alpha conversion is the most popular choice for landscape astrophotographers, while full spectrum conversion suits deep-sky astrophotography better. Watch this video for a detailed explanation:
Astrophotography and You
Images from astro-modded cameras can be stunning, but you don’t need a modded camera to excel at astrophotography. You can achieve great results from regular cameras as well.
If you're an experienced astrophotographer looking to explore new horizons, an astro-modded camera can help you push your skills that much further.
An astro-modded camera is a type of DSLR or mirrorless camera that has been modified to improve its ability to capture color from deep-sky objects, achieved by removing the infrared (IR) filter. This modification makes the camera more adept at capturing light in the Hydrogen Alpha spectral line (656nm). There are two primary types of astro modification methods: H-Alpha Conversion, which makes the camera capable of capturing H-Alpha light and visible light, and Full Spectrum Conversion, which allows the camera to be sensitive to all types of light, including infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV). Various vendors like Life Pixel (US) and Astroshop (Europe) sell astro-modified cameras, while companies like Canon and Nikon manufacture pre-modded astro cameras like the Canon 60Da and Canon EOS Ra. If you're feeling adventurous, there are also online tutorials to guide you through a DIY modification process, but proceed with caution as there's a risk involved. Despite the stunning images possible with astro-modded cameras, regular cameras can also yield great results in astrophotography.
