Digital SLR Astrophotography »

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).

Short guide to teach the essentials of DSLR astrophotography to amateur astronomers.

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.