Modifying the camera - Astrophotography

[Michael_Lambert]

Much i read alot of people modify there cameras removing the filter required for deep space astrophotography.

My question is if i modify the body for Astrophotography can that camera ever be used in the real world? Or would it be completely limited to Astrophotography work?

[Celestron]

A modified camera will be permanantly for astro imaging only . Once the IR filter has been removed i don't think you can replace it . So make sure what you wish to do with your camera before you modify it !

[chris.bailey]

And depending on the mod, you also kiss goodbye to Autofocus.

[slitherjef]

I sent my 20D to Hap Griffin to be modded:
http://www.hapg.org/astrocables.htm

You can use the camera in the day time with a custom white balance (which I have yet to try my self). Day time images will have a red cast to them, but can be worked around. There is also a (very expensive) filter that you can screw on, I believe its called the x-nite filter.

This link is worth a read, but the mod instructions are for the 300D:
http://ghonis2.ho8.com/rebelmodnew.html

[Nighthound]

While the modification will make a difference for deep sky I've been unable to convince myself to hack my cameras. My 20D has very good red response so I've been content with my results. My daytime use far exceeds the time I get opportunities to shoot deep sky so that weighs in on my decision as well. I guess if you've got a DSLR that gets no daytime use a modification to dedicate it to astro would give it a purpose.

[bbulldog]

So you dont really have to mod a camera for deep sky?

[troypiggo]

I've read and heard that the "mod" removes the IR filter, but you can replace it with another filter that just allows enough of the IR but you can also use it for "normal" use. There is a slight red shift in the white balance, but if you use a custom white balance, all good.

[dpastern]

While the modification will make a difference for deep sky I've been unable to convince myself to hack my cameras. My 20D has very good red response so I've been content with my results. My daytime use far exceeds the time I get opportunities to shoot deep sky so that weighs in on my decision as well. I guess if you've got a DSLR that gets no daytime use a modification to dedicate it to astro would give it a purpose.

True. But, why not get a 2nd hand 10D - enough mp, good enough noise, mod that and use that ;-) I have an old D60, I might *just* have it modded for astro imaging. It depends on whether I decide to go with a proper CCD imager, which I do admit, is highly likely.

Dave

[Adrena1in]

So you dont really have to mod a camera for deep sky?
Oh crumbs no, look at Nighthound's pictures.

[drevilsmom]

So I take it there are no filters for the lens itself? I'm pretty sure it could not work that way, but I figured I'd ask! :P

[umbra]

Just a quick answer to the original question. If you replace the stock filter with a filter like the Baader DSLR BCF Filter (this is for 400D, 40D, 450D, 50D, 1000D/Rebel XS cams), you can still use the camera for regular daytime photography. You just have to set a custom white balance. Also with the new filter you retain autofocusing.

The following are filters for each series of cameras:

Baader DSLR ACF I Filter: Canon EOS300D

Baader DSLR ACF II Filter: Canon EOS350D/10D/20D/30D

Baader DSLR ACF III Filter: Canon 5D

Baader DSLR BCF Filter: Canon EOS 400XTi (400D, 40D, 450D, 50D, 1000D/Rebel XS

These filters can be purchased from alpineastro.com.

I just modded my 40D and daytime as well as autofocus still work.

FYI...this isn't a simple drop and swap filter replacement. It's not an easy swap to say the least. It took me over an hour to swap the filter in my 40D and I have experience working with fine electronics. I take no responsibility if you decide to swap the filter yourself. If you want to have this mod done for you, pm strgazr27 on this forum as he offered to mod mine or google "hap griffin".