I am using a Canon PowerShot A70 to take pictures through a Coronado PST. My biggest problem is obtaining a sharp image. I have tried using manual focus set to infinity but the result is not any better than autofocus.

I have a Universal Digiscoping Adapter to attach the camera to the telescope and have also tried putting the shutter release in timer mode so as not to induce any shaking. Still no luck.

Might there be something else I am missing or is it just a matter of practice, practice, practice. I have only had the setup for a few weeks.

Thanks in advance.

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I've had difficulty getting a focussed solar image too. I've used the self timer on a 10 second delay for single shots with the focus set on infinity. When I have the camera (A640) connected to the laptop and use the remote capture software, I cannot set the focus, though I can lock it to a previously achieved autofocus. With this setup it's easy to take a lot of images in succession. I've also tried changing the telescope focus ever so slightly between images until I get the best focus. But I think the biggest problem I've had recently has just been the seeing or the wind shaking the scope. I think that persistence will pay off. You should also try taking a bunch of images and stacking them using Registax.

I realize it's been a few days since you posted your question. Perhaps you've obtained better images in the meantime? Show your results and the folks here will surely comment.

Torsten,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I was getting discouraged about the lack of responses.

This whole "stacking" thing is pretty alien to me. I understand it involves combining multiple images and then, I suppose, "averaging" them out. As a flat-out beginner, the thought of this is somewhat daunting.

Can you (or anyone else) tell me anything about Registax (or similar products)? Are they fairly intuitive/easy to use? Are they multi-platform (I am a Mac user at home, Dell at school)? Are they cheap/free?

I am sure I could answer all my own questions eventually but with 2 1/2 weeks left in the school year, I am pretty busy.

Thanks again for your reply. I feel better that I am not alone in dealing with this problem and that there are solutions.

I will take your suggestion of posting some of my failed pics, however embarassing they may. Perhaps that will result in some additional input. Thanks for the suggestion.

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"The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest."

-Kilgore Trout

Here are two samples of my futile attempts. The b&w one actually came out better. The color shot should (ideally) show several sharply focused prominences. Any and all suggestions, references or hints gladly accepted.

Attached Images

	sun.jpg (46.8 KB, 18 views)
	sun2.jpg (38.2 KB, 16 views)

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"The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest."

-Kilgore Trout

When it comes to astroimaging, I am a rank beginner too, using a small older scope and a new digital camera. I've only been able to do imaging in spurts, when time allows, which often doesn't coincide with when the sky is cooperating.

I found out about Registax from reading posts here. It's free. However, I didn't notice any Mac version at the download page. I downloaded the help manual, and it gives a quick intro that can have you stacking images shortly after loading the software. It seems to have a lot of features, and I've only scratched the surface of what it can do. I've found it easy enough to use. And there's more software available too, which you'll notice some of the guys here discussing.

The only pictures of the sun that I've posted here were taken at 1/1250 second, and were single frames. They were nowhere as sharp as the one posted here by Autoclub, in which Paul stacked ~250 images, and was using superior equipment. I checked the meta data on your image and noticed that it was taken at 1/50 second. That seems a long exposure, during which daytime seeing issues might cause significant blurring, but that's just a guess. I've also read somewhere that in order to get good pictures with that scope, the camera should have a high dynamic range, but high compared to what? (I hope the others can step in and help you out.)

But you know, as I prepare this post I keep looking at the B/W image you posted, and I'm envious of the fact that you have the equipment to capture those prominences. I would suggest to keep experimenting. Fortunately, solar viewing doesn't cut into sleeping hours! Good luck and keep posting your progress.

Very nice shot of the sun. you have the tools just tinker with the timeings, i agree with Torsten the speed of the shutter could be the culprit and of course your Ha filter of your scope. i have only experience with my white light ( Baarder Filter ) and my ZS80ED II and a DSI IIc ccd. Continue experimenting you will find the right combo. Clear Skies

Thank you Torsten and JAICOA. You have both given me encouragement. That, more than technical advice, is probably what I needed.

I have yet to explore changing the ISO of the camera (it goes up to 400) or playing with shutter speed priority and then manipulating underexposed images. When I get some time, I will work on both those variables. I will also go looking for stacking software for my Mac. I will have all summer to practice.

Thanks again and I hope that, in the not too distant future, to post some really nice images.

__________________
"The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest."

-Kilgore Trout

You have in fact captured the prominences. A wee bit tweeking of Levels, Curves, and a HiPass Filter overlay applied to a duplicate layer does the trick. There is a lot of data hidden in digital images, you just have to work out a way of separating the wheat from the chaff.

Cheers from Bonnie Scotland

Eric

Attached Images

	sun2.jpg (98.9 KB, 14 views)
	sun2a.jpg (119.7 KB, 13 views)

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Image Thumbnails

WOW, reckless,

What software did you do that with? Now I am REALLY inspired. I would like to point out that the object in the middle of the image that looks somewhat like a sunspot is in fact an artifact in the camera's optics. I have tried cleaning the outside lens but can't seem to get rid of it.

Anyway, thanks so much for the tips. I am really anxious to learn more.

By the way, I spent most of 4 summers in the land of Robbie Burns, mostly near Durness, in Sutherland. I also spent some time working at the Clunie Hotel between Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye ferry. Good times and great whisky.

Thanks again.

__________________
"The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest."

-Kilgore Trout