Digital Astrophotography : A Guide to capturing the Cosmos
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Author: Stefan Setp
website: http://www.photomeeting.de/astromeeting/_index.htm
Publisher: Oreilly Media, , Inc. ,1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 9547
Released: 2008
Pages: 155
$30 USA
$33 Canada
ISBN 10: 1-933952-16-4 |
ISBN 13:9781933952161
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.
novice/ Intermediate/Advanced
Rating: 4/5
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 (p.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 (p.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 (p. 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 which is a PC (only no Macintosh) based commercial program (p. 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.
Conclusions
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.
Showing posts with label camera canon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label camera canon. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sunday, July 1, 2007
canon camera book reviews
Canon EOS 30 D Digital Field Guide And Canon Rebel Xti (400D) Digital Field Guide reviews compared
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Book: Canon Rebel Xti Digital Field Guide
Author: Charles K. Lowrie
Publisher: Wiley
Released: 2007
Pages: 263
$ 20 USA
24 Canada
14 UK
ISBN: 978-0-470-1107-2
Strengths: Full color. Includes information about camera and how to use the camera to make better photographs. I like the second half of the book but not the first. The first part about the camera is missing some visual camera photos and additional information. Good use of tables, colors, bold face, photos and more.
Weaknesses: Some pictures pertaining to the camera are not included ( like where to put the card). There are a lot of “bells and whistles” to understanding what controls can do what and how and when. It was most irritating to have to hunt for the camera’s icons and what they mean. Instead of saying in text what to do, the visual of the camera’s icon would have been far better to include.
Novice/Intermediate
Rating: 4/5
Book :Canon EOS 30 D Digital Field Guide
Author: Charles K. Lowrie
Publisher: Wiley
Released: 2007
Pages: 271
$ 20 USA
24 Canada
14 UK
ISBN: 0-470-053-40-2
Strengths: Full color. One section focuses upon camera information and the second main section using the camera to make better photographs. Tables used for different information and making better and different types of photographs are well done.
Weaknesses: The first part is not as good as the second. The information about the camera is confusing. Information about the camera is confusing at many times.
Novice/Intermediate
Rating: 4/5
These two books are created by the same author. The " look and the feel" of both books are so similar, in so many ways, that I thought it would be more instructive to compare and contrast the two books, the EOS Rebel Xti and the EOS 30D cameras. I am glad I did for several reasons by for myself and for readers who may use either cameras (or in my case the XT which is very similar to the XTi).
It is really nice that both books are in full color. The colorful photos and the screenshots make the instruction and learning an easier one. The white text within the burnt-orange titles on top of the pages give an easy way to find out the content within the book/chapters. The mini- tutorials were numbered and the titles were in bold face. Nice but that did not help much with the understanding of the instructions. I can understand the use of an introduction and quick tour sections within the first part of the books but these created more headaches then being beneficial.
There are some small side notes (within pink small square), cross- reference( light blue) and tip (in light bulb icon) that appear next to the text areas. While these are meant for true informational purposes, some of these helpful- hints take you to other chapters or sections within the book. While there were only a few of these, especially in the introduction and the first chapters, I passed over them as I found these annoying. Little visual cues that were missing, I found were major weaknesses. And I began to see that this very nice looking book had several other weaknesses.
Having purchased a new Canon Rebel XT, I was looking at using these two books to help me learn how to use Canon cameras , especially in terms of all the capabilities that can be used to make better photos. Photographing for many years, including both digital and non-digital camera use, I am aware of what needs to be accomplished with photos (some published as in Astronomy magazine). However there is always room for learning and having used digital cameras for several years, I was looking forward to advancing my skills with the Canon capabilities. An older photographer that also wanted to use and learn about the newer technology
A nice photo of the command dial, used on the Canon camera(s) for making different crucial settings, showed up ( p.2) . But it did not explain, like it should have, what each of the icons meant. I would have liked to see lines that show what each icon meant instead of “hunting.” However (p.4) has a list of these. But a list is not a graphic display and this cross-reference only communicated about one of the dial modes. I won’t go into some of the other wording that I found confusing. But I found more.
Later on with the same page one of the tips (P.4) , has a lengthy set of sentences about changes to the menus and the ISO settings. The text then said “ for other menus, however, be sure to press the Set button to confirm changes that you make.” I was so amazed at this - I just wanted to scream! Looking in the Index, there was no information under “set” or “buttons” for example.
Within the books are 3 parts in 8 chapters. Both books are basically divided into three main sections with the last being an appendix. One sections has information about the camera. The second part deals more with how to make your photos better by using the camera. Both have an introduction which is where some of the problems begin.
Finding the setting that turns off the flash, for example, even if you don’t want the flash to fire, like during a total solar eclipse (which many people still do!). Neither books, showed visual information where the icon on the dial would turn off the flash. There were several instance of the lack of references related to commands, camera functions and more. This non cross referencing I found confusing and not helpful in my quest.
There were more photos of the camera and its sides and features on the 30D book then the Rebel book (p.12-13). The 30D book showed visually where in the camera the Compact Flash card and eject button can be found. The Rebel book did not show this at all. The view of the whole camera and its features is more sparse in the 30D while the Rebel photo shows all the control areas. Both have good visuals of the LCD display screen but cameras have different panel displays. The viewfinder display photos are a little different according to the camera differences. These include lines to highlight what the icons mean and where they are situated. I wondered why the author did not do that with the camera function mode dial settings.
There are some good things. The tables of information for the rest of the book are pretty much the same in each book. These highlight in specific details how to take better photographs according to different setting ( Low-light, Night shots , Action and Sports, Environmental Portrait and more. In many ways, this part of the books, are well done, readable and easy to understand. The trick is that these tutorials do not integrate how to use the cameras to meet those specific photographic needs. It is assumed you already know how to use all the “bells and whistles.” For some of you that might be enough to go on your merry way. For others, you might have to struggle a bit.
Since I have a XT and not an XTi, I wanted to know more about the dust elimination capability so hyped with the XTi. The XTi book focuses 3 pages on it and does a good job. I now know the need for using that function in the Xti to make sure dust not get into your camera or lenses or eliminate them if they do so you create better pictures. I did not get the XTi mainly because of this extra device, and bought the XT instead which saved me possibly a couple hundred dollars. If there was a difference between the Xt and Xti, I did not see it in these books. In fact, the 30D book, had no information about dust elimination or this Xti device/process. So I am led to possibly believe that this device is not needed (until I find out further - any I looked in the book for a Sony digital camera that was not written by the author of these two books).
Finally looking over the Appendix, it was helpful. While the XTi book includes (A) custom functions and (B) Internet resources, 30D has information about RAW images ( in Rebel it is in four separate sections in the book which is maddening) , conversion RAW programs and creating an efficient workflow ( a recent buzzword for making more efficient use of your photographic work).
A guide should be informational, easy to use and very visual in a way that integrates the helpful written material. The structure should be a tutorial based one that guides the user to understanding how to use the device, in this case, the Canon cameras, to take better photos in whatever settings you wish to photograph. I feel the author had noble intentions but the integration was lacking. The techniques are there but how they mesh with the use of the technology could have been much more arrange and displayed in a much more effective means.
If you know how to use the Rebel XT, XTi and/or 30D and want to learn how to take better pictures you might be okay. That second part of the book is solid. Those of you who are trying to learn how to use any of these cameras for the first time and want to learn how to become a better photographer, you might still find the book a good deal. This is true especially if you have the little Canon tutorial (which is very good I must add) that comes with the camera.
I like the second half of the book but not the first. For these books, the price is right if you want to find out how to take better photographs. You might have to “hunt” a little. Like myself , its a matter of time how long it takes for finding the “gizmos” on the camera and then using the skills you might learn to get the expected outcomes. Any new learning, no matter what, has different types of “learning curves” that sometimes make learning easier or more difficult. In this case, these two books, because of the way they are written, make learning about the cameras more difficult, confounding and irritating. Its up to you and your stage of learning with a Canon camera and how to photograph with them, whether one of these books can help you. You make the choice whether you can try this book or another based on this information
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Book: Canon Rebel Xti Digital Field Guide
Author: Charles K. Lowrie
Publisher: Wiley
Released: 2007
Pages: 263
$ 20 USA
24 Canada
14 UK
ISBN: 978-0-470-1107-2
Strengths: Full color. Includes information about camera and how to use the camera to make better photographs. I like the second half of the book but not the first. The first part about the camera is missing some visual camera photos and additional information. Good use of tables, colors, bold face, photos and more.
Weaknesses: Some pictures pertaining to the camera are not included ( like where to put the card). There are a lot of “bells and whistles” to understanding what controls can do what and how and when. It was most irritating to have to hunt for the camera’s icons and what they mean. Instead of saying in text what to do, the visual of the camera’s icon would have been far better to include.
Novice/Intermediate
Rating: 4/5
Book :Canon EOS 30 D Digital Field Guide
Author: Charles K. Lowrie
Publisher: Wiley
Released: 2007
Pages: 271
$ 20 USA
24 Canada
14 UK
ISBN: 0-470-053-40-2
Strengths: Full color. One section focuses upon camera information and the second main section using the camera to make better photographs. Tables used for different information and making better and different types of photographs are well done.
Weaknesses: The first part is not as good as the second. The information about the camera is confusing. Information about the camera is confusing at many times.
Novice/Intermediate
Rating: 4/5
These two books are created by the same author. The " look and the feel" of both books are so similar, in so many ways, that I thought it would be more instructive to compare and contrast the two books, the EOS Rebel Xti and the EOS 30D cameras. I am glad I did for several reasons by for myself and for readers who may use either cameras (or in my case the XT which is very similar to the XTi).
It is really nice that both books are in full color. The colorful photos and the screenshots make the instruction and learning an easier one. The white text within the burnt-orange titles on top of the pages give an easy way to find out the content within the book/chapters. The mini- tutorials were numbered and the titles were in bold face. Nice but that did not help much with the understanding of the instructions. I can understand the use of an introduction and quick tour sections within the first part of the books but these created more headaches then being beneficial.
There are some small side notes (within pink small square), cross- reference( light blue) and tip (in light bulb icon) that appear next to the text areas. While these are meant for true informational purposes, some of these helpful- hints take you to other chapters or sections within the book. While there were only a few of these, especially in the introduction and the first chapters, I passed over them as I found these annoying. Little visual cues that were missing, I found were major weaknesses. And I began to see that this very nice looking book had several other weaknesses.
Having purchased a new Canon Rebel XT, I was looking at using these two books to help me learn how to use Canon cameras , especially in terms of all the capabilities that can be used to make better photos. Photographing for many years, including both digital and non-digital camera use, I am aware of what needs to be accomplished with photos (some published as in Astronomy magazine). However there is always room for learning and having used digital cameras for several years, I was looking forward to advancing my skills with the Canon capabilities. An older photographer that also wanted to use and learn about the newer technology
A nice photo of the command dial, used on the Canon camera(s) for making different crucial settings, showed up ( p.2) . But it did not explain, like it should have, what each of the icons meant. I would have liked to see lines that show what each icon meant instead of “hunting.” However (p.4) has a list of these. But a list is not a graphic display and this cross-reference only communicated about one of the dial modes. I won’t go into some of the other wording that I found confusing. But I found more.
Later on with the same page one of the tips (P.4) , has a lengthy set of sentences about changes to the menus and the ISO settings. The text then said “ for other menus, however, be sure to press the Set button to confirm changes that you make.” I was so amazed at this - I just wanted to scream! Looking in the Index, there was no information under “set” or “buttons” for example.
Within the books are 3 parts in 8 chapters. Both books are basically divided into three main sections with the last being an appendix. One sections has information about the camera. The second part deals more with how to make your photos better by using the camera. Both have an introduction which is where some of the problems begin.
Finding the setting that turns off the flash, for example, even if you don’t want the flash to fire, like during a total solar eclipse (which many people still do!). Neither books, showed visual information where the icon on the dial would turn off the flash. There were several instance of the lack of references related to commands, camera functions and more. This non cross referencing I found confusing and not helpful in my quest.
There were more photos of the camera and its sides and features on the 30D book then the Rebel book (p.12-13). The 30D book showed visually where in the camera the Compact Flash card and eject button can be found. The Rebel book did not show this at all. The view of the whole camera and its features is more sparse in the 30D while the Rebel photo shows all the control areas. Both have good visuals of the LCD display screen but cameras have different panel displays. The viewfinder display photos are a little different according to the camera differences. These include lines to highlight what the icons mean and where they are situated. I wondered why the author did not do that with the camera function mode dial settings.
There are some good things. The tables of information for the rest of the book are pretty much the same in each book. These highlight in specific details how to take better photographs according to different setting ( Low-light, Night shots , Action and Sports, Environmental Portrait and more. In many ways, this part of the books, are well done, readable and easy to understand. The trick is that these tutorials do not integrate how to use the cameras to meet those specific photographic needs. It is assumed you already know how to use all the “bells and whistles.” For some of you that might be enough to go on your merry way. For others, you might have to struggle a bit.
Since I have a XT and not an XTi, I wanted to know more about the dust elimination capability so hyped with the XTi. The XTi book focuses 3 pages on it and does a good job. I now know the need for using that function in the Xti to make sure dust not get into your camera or lenses or eliminate them if they do so you create better pictures. I did not get the XTi mainly because of this extra device, and bought the XT instead which saved me possibly a couple hundred dollars. If there was a difference between the Xt and Xti, I did not see it in these books. In fact, the 30D book, had no information about dust elimination or this Xti device/process. So I am led to possibly believe that this device is not needed (until I find out further - any I looked in the book for a Sony digital camera that was not written by the author of these two books).
Finally looking over the Appendix, it was helpful. While the XTi book includes (A) custom functions and (B) Internet resources, 30D has information about RAW images ( in Rebel it is in four separate sections in the book which is maddening) , conversion RAW programs and creating an efficient workflow ( a recent buzzword for making more efficient use of your photographic work).
A guide should be informational, easy to use and very visual in a way that integrates the helpful written material. The structure should be a tutorial based one that guides the user to understanding how to use the device, in this case, the Canon cameras, to take better photos in whatever settings you wish to photograph. I feel the author had noble intentions but the integration was lacking. The techniques are there but how they mesh with the use of the technology could have been much more arrange and displayed in a much more effective means.
If you know how to use the Rebel XT, XTi and/or 30D and want to learn how to take better pictures you might be okay. That second part of the book is solid. Those of you who are trying to learn how to use any of these cameras for the first time and want to learn how to become a better photographer, you might still find the book a good deal. This is true especially if you have the little Canon tutorial (which is very good I must add) that comes with the camera.
I like the second half of the book but not the first. For these books, the price is right if you want to find out how to take better photographs. You might have to “hunt” a little. Like myself , its a matter of time how long it takes for finding the “gizmos” on the camera and then using the skills you might learn to get the expected outcomes. Any new learning, no matter what, has different types of “learning curves” that sometimes make learning easier or more difficult. In this case, these two books, because of the way they are written, make learning about the cameras more difficult, confounding and irritating. Its up to you and your stage of learning with a Canon camera and how to photograph with them, whether one of these books can help you. You make the choice whether you can try this book or another based on this information
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