M42 test of the Nikon D300s
Feb 1st, 2010 by CtCameraEye
After work I took a quick look at the Clear Sky Clock for my area. It looked pretty good for a few hours this evening. So, I took advantage of the 30 degree temperature and continued astro testing the Nikon D300s camera.
I choose the astrophotographers most favorite target of the winter to shoot tonight. M42 the Orion Nebula and the area around it.
During the evening I tried asa/iso numbers ranging from 400-6400, using an exposure of 30 seconds, with a 300 mm Nikon lens set at f/4.0. The weather was 28 degrees at the times of the exposures, and a slight wind from the southeast. Dark frames were extracted in the camera after the exposure.
Here is the best shot that I came up with. This was done at 3200 asa/iso. Again, only 30 seconds long. Very slight processing in Photoshop. You can just start to see the noise stating to come through. For 30 seconds I think this is a great test of the camera!
I agree Alan! Wonderful shot especially for a 30 second exposure.
Some fantastic stuff. Was that a one frame exposure of the Orion Nebula? or did you stack? I just got the Canon 7 D and am looking forward to trying it out. I have been using my 1d MKIIn but should be in better shape now for astro photog. Bob Falcetti forwarded your link and I am psyched he did.
I have been a huge fan of heavens-above for a couple years as well as spaceweather.com etc. Again GREAT stuff. Looking forward to check your pics out and gleaning as much as I can to make better pics myself! THANKS for posting.
Michael