Why continue to use a DSLR camera instead of a dedicated CMOS one?

 Why use a DSLR camera instead of a CMOS one?

Do you believe in co-incidence?

On Friday night, I had a discussion with another astrophotographer during a break in our Astronomy society monthly meeting.

Topic? “Why use a DSLR when CMOS cameras are easier?”

I was admiring his rig – Redcat 51, EAF focuser, ASIair plus, some CMOS camera I can’t remember the designation of, a 32mm guide scope with ASIair 120mm mini camera; all on some HeQ mount that again I’ve forgotten. His suggestion? Improve my rig by getting a CMOS camera to attach to my zenith star or Samyang 135mm.

Where is the co-incidence bit?

This morning on my Facebook feed up pops a discussion topic in one of the astrophotography forum groups I subscribe to….. wait for it……… ”Why do people continue to use DSLR’s when CMOS cameras are better and easier to use?”

Co-incidence – powerful stuff!

I’d already been thinking about my answer to this question before the Facebook feed emerged. So, here is my personal perspective. I use a DSLR because:

1.       I already had it and am familiar with its settings, capabilities, and limitations

2.       I had and have subsequently purchased a variety of lenses to use with it

3.       I can use it for milky way landscape astrophotography

4.       And use it for daytime photography as well

5.       I could spend what limited funds I had on other bits of equipment needed for my rig

6.       My DSLR already has a CMOS sensor

7.       Dedicated CMOS cameras are expensive and I get easily confused as to what one I should get for my rig (not really a valid reason as all I need to do is some basic sensible research)

8.       I think, but don’t really know this to be true – that my DSLR is better for wide field astrophotography, aurora pictures, star trails and comets?

9.       I get an instant image on the back of my LED screen – very gratifying as a beginner to astrophotography

10.   I don’t need to link it to a tablet or computer when out in the field

11.   I am learning the how’s and why’s of astronomy/astrophotography with it – walking the walk, learning the craft, doing the basic skills development

12.   It has minimal additional software requirements

13.   I got it astro-modded!

 

That seems plenty to be going on with. I am sure there is a longer list of why I SHOULD switch over to a dedicated camera but, hey, I’m welded for now, to my trusty, faithful Canon DSLR. I love it.

Oh yes! The astronomy society meeting was excellent. The second one I have attended in Plymouth. members arrived with various pieces of equipment. Good to see and hear peoples experiences with the Seestar 50 and the dwarf Seestar 30. Impressive pieces of kit but, for me, taking away the 'learning' that comes with using traditional telescopes and astrophotography rigs. 

So much knowledge, kindness, willingness to share and learn with each other. Fantastic society. I have decided to pay the full subscription at the next meeting.