DSLR for Astrophotography? - Forums

Topic starter

Dec 10, 2023

Hi AstroBiners!

Im looking for a budget and compact DSLR to use with my tracker.

Found a few offers for the Nikon D5100, selling for about 240usd.

I know nothing about DSLRs and their models etc all I know is how to process the images

Is it even a good camera and is the price ok? If not, what should I be looking to buy?

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Dec 11, 2023

It's a good camera but a little dated and difficult to use for AP. You better go with the D5300 (or later models).

Jens

Dec 11, 2023

I agree, go with the 5300 or above, canons version would be the 600D or higher if you want to go for the canon. The D5100 is to dated, I think you'll make it more difficult for yourself if you're going with that camera. You might also want to get something called an Intervalometer to
controll the camera and maybe an extra battery. If you don't have that, don't worry you can still go out and capture some deep sky or wide angle photos.

Björn Arnold

Dec 11, 2023

In the Canon realm, I can recommend the 2000D or the 250D. The 250D would have the advantage of a movable display.

Well Written

Jens

Dec 11, 2023

Ah yes, very good point. Get yourself a camera with a swifel screen that you can move around. That one feature will make your life so much easier.

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Dec 11, 2023

Jens:
Ah yes, very good point. Get yourself a camera with a swifel screen that you can move around. That one feature will make your life so much easier.

You really don't want to get to the point you actually need it but yes, if it does, then it's a big bonus.

Alien_Enthusiast

Topic starter

Dec 11, 2023

andrea tasselli:
Jens:
Ah yes, very good point. Get yourself a camera with a swifel screen that you can move around. That one feature will make your life so much easier.

You really don't want to get to the point you actually need it but yes, if it does, then it's a big bonus.

This whole discussion makes me question the whole idea with DLSR, maybe I should just get some ZWO? DLSR seems easier to use, but ZWO style camera is more dedicated and I have experince using it already. Idk its hard to decide which option is better

Jens

Dec 11, 2023

Dslr's are the way to go if you are just getting into the hobby without prior experiences. Easy to use and also loads of informations out there for problem solving.

If you already have experiences with astrocameras, why not.

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Dec 11, 2023

Unless you're prepared to disburse a significant amount of cash dedicated astro-cameras aren't going to cover APS-C FOV. A 2nd hand D5300 or similar can be had at much less and it is ready to use if you have decent stock lens already.

Jim Raskett

Dec 11, 2023

Years ago, I bought a Nikon D5300 on Ebay. I had it Ha modded by LifePixel and it worked very well.

Jim