I knew I needed a new or different camera for astrophotograpy. The Nikon D60 (10.2 MP) DSLR I had at the time was not going to work for several reasons. The D60 is an entry level camera and while it was a good camera for shooting the kids and vacation stuff it was not very well suited for astrophotography. So the question to me was upgrade the DSLR or go with a dedicated astrophotography camera. The most economical and versatile choice was to go with a DSLR.
Most astrophotographers use Canon DSLRs rather than Nikon but having already been a Nikon consumer I felt it better to go with the Nikon. Having amassed lenses and accessories from that manufacturer, not to mention already being familiar with Nikon’s software and menu structure, it just seemed logical to stay the course. Looking back on it that decision, it might not have been the best plan as most clip in filters are only available for Canon.
The Camera
My goal then was to look for a used and slightly older Nikon that would get the job done but not break the bank. I did my homework and decided on the Nikon D5100. A 16.2 MP, DX format, APS-C sensor camera very similar to the D60 but with an articulated rear LCD screen to help reduce back-breaking contortions when trying to view what was happening on the camera’s screen. Remember, while shooting images with the unit on the telescope more often than not the back of the camera is angled down toward the ground. Equally important was “Live Mode” for use in focusing. The D60 didn’t have either of these, and perhaps most importantly was the D5100’s ability to be tethered to a PC so that astro-imaging software such as BackyardEOS/Nikon, APT (Astrophotography Tool) or SGP (Sequense Generator Pro) could be used to remotely control the camera and automate the task of taking x number of long exposures. There are other tasks that the software will be helpful for as well. Nikon’s D5100 was announced back in 2011. Being an eight year old camera design I expected and did get a good price for one. I obtained one used for under $200. It was in near perfect shape cosmetically, and while it was in perfect working order, it was used. The shutter actuation count was not super low but it had not had the dog-doo run out of it either. It’s proven to be a good unit for me in the short time I have owned it with great battery life and a good sensor. I look forward to using the camera and pushing it to its fullest capabilities.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the fact that the D5100 needs a “special” DSUSB cable in order to get it tethered to the PC with the ability to take long exposures. Obtaining the DSUSB cable was an expense I had not anticipated. I only recently obtained the DSUSB cable and so the pictures you see on this page were captured using an intervalometer and not the astro-imaging software listed above. I have since downloaded and installed APT and look forward to using it for imaging sessions. If should make imaging much more hands-free and enjoyable.
I’ll most likely be using the D5100 for the next couple of years as I venture into the astrophotography learning process. Is this the best camera to use for starting out? Probably not but it is an inexpensive and capable model comparable to Canon’s 600D/T3i.
Clear Skies,
Scott