A beginner’s guide to DSLR cameras
DSLRs (digital single-lens reflex cameras) are brilliantly versatile astrophotography cameras, and for a wide range of reasons. They perform well for most types of target, including wide-field Milky Way shots, Moon images, and deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. Great for beginners, they are easy to use and can be cheap to buy, depending on the model. Plus, there’s a secondhand market for entry level cameras.
DSLRs have a digital sensor and reflex mirror that directs incoming light onto the viewfinder. You can attach different lenses to them and they are also more sensitive in low light, which is important.
You can get started in DSLR astrophotography simply with the camera and a tripod, rather than jumping straight into guiding. The lenses available also provide the ability to shoot at longer focal lengths before investing in a telescope. There are also many social media groups that showcase DSLR astro images and provide support and advice.
In this guide we’ll outline tips for DSLR astrophotograpy, including preferred specifications, imaging formats and key settings. A variety of Canon DSLRs are used to illustrate this feature; and you’ll find that most models have a similarly recognisable array of
