1st test shot with Modded Canon 40D


Finally i got to test my modded Canon 40D. The sky wasn't great. High thin clouds were apparent, but since this is the best night since.. well, 'forever' ! ... I just couldn't pass it.

I was scrambling most of the time, to familiarizes myself with the buttons on the 40D. Need to get a used to it, after using 550D for so long. But eventually, with the help of a couple of video tips on youtube, I am finally ready for the shots.

Since I don't have the remote cable, I am stuck with the 30 sec shots. I did some 10 shots, and choose the best 7 of it.

My processing steps are as follows:
1. Convert CRW files to TIF, using Canon DPP software.
2. Stacked using MaxIm DL.
3. Levels and Curves adjustment using Photoshop.

The final photo was the best I can push for, otherwise the noise will be too hard to handle.

I was pretty pleased with the performance of the modded 40D. Comparing it with  the QHY9 CCD, well.. I don't think it's a fair comparison. I can push for longer exposures with the QHY9, and since I don't have the luxury of the having the remote cable just yet, I will not do any 40D vs QHY9 article at the moment.

Besides, the images were without flats and darks. It would probably definitely come out better.

The guiding was not very good too. If I zoomed in to 100%, the were some trails. I guess it must be the guider settings during calibration in MaxIm DL. Will look further into it.

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