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37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
The best bang for the buck in a CCD imaging book, August 5, 2003
By A Customer
I'm surprised there aren't more reviews on this book since it is the first book recommended to anyone who has questions about CCD imaging. If you haven't tried imaging yet, and want to know what it is like, this book will describe what you might find on a typical night imaging under a variety of circumstances. If you want to buy equipment, the book discusses some of the more popular CCD instruments as well as software which is incredibly important in CCD astrophotography. (But you'll want to check contemporary sources of course, because models are always added and prices fluctuate.) It will help you match a scope to a good fit CCD camera and will discuss why certain focal ratios are better than others for beginners. You'll get an idea of how to capture actual images of deep space objects and/or planets. And, it will give you an idea of how to process all of those raw images you will eventually collect using Photoshop, Maxim DL and other software. You use different techniques depending on the type of object - planet, globular cluster, nebula, etc. And, you can download a PDF version of the book in full color, so you can have the resource on your computer at all times.The only complaints I have about the book are extremely minor : - It is a non-linear read. That probably can't be helped because everyone is going to come at the book with different levels of understanding. As you gain insight, you'll want to go back and reread sections, or skip ahead when a question raised in the current section but not answered.
- It is biased toward more expensive software and hardware. Much can be done with middle-of-the-road equipment or even lower end equipment, if you have the desire but not the funds so long as the emphasis is on FUN and not competing with the Hubble. However, the more $$ you throw at the problem, the less effort is required.
- With respect to this, it does not address webcam imaging with modified webcams but that's a very minor thing as theory can be applied straight across the board. ... You'll have to check out the publisher's site or Sky and Telescope to see what I mean. I think both books are must reads for anyone interested in imaging.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
The "Must-Have" Book for CCD Imaging, July 29, 2003
Having read nearly every book on the subject, I would say that if you must buy one book for CCD imaging, this is the book. Wodaski's book is a comprehensive how-to guide for anyone interested in or doing CCD imaging of astronomical objects. While Wodaski does cover the theoretical aspects of CCD work, he focuses most of his efforts on providing a step-by-step guide for the novice to the expert. Additional, puchasers of his book can join his web user group for personalized advice. Just two words...Buy It.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
The Complete Digital Imaging Book, December 5, 2002
If you are interested in CCD astro-imaging as a novice or as an experienced imager, this book is for you.Written in straightforward American English, the book covers just about every aspect of astronomical imaging in remarkable depth. Regardless of the imager you use or the software you run it with, this book is a goldmine of information for improving the way you image. Even better, purchasing the book gives you a one-year subscription to Wodaski's updated on-line information as well, at no extra charge!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
The Bible of Astrophotography with CCD cameras, January 1, 2006
This book does a wonderful job in taking the reader from the basics to advanced concepts of astrophotography with CCD cameras. It has an excellent section that explains how to choose a Telescope, the Mount, and the Camera. I wish I had read this section before I purchased my first Telescope and CCD camera. For example, one usually ignores the importance of having a solid Mount for CCD work. As it results, it is the single most important element to consider in this field. Even more important that the optics themselves. The techniques presented in this book have been very useful.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Great book, but get out your checkbook, November 9, 2006
This book has been a fabulous learning tool for me. My only complaints are two 1) No color photos, which others have mentioned; 2) The equipment and software the author recommends are high end. Not all of us can afford to spend $7000 to $10,000 to get started in CCD imaging.
Much of the instructions are given for Maxim DL ($500) and CCDSoft (which primarily supports SBIG cameras). The most popular CCD cameras on the market now are the Meade DSI line for introductory users, and no attention is given to them at all, or the Autostar and Envisage software.
As well, many of us are LX200 owners who bought our scopes and went into imaging later and can't afford to upgrade to Astro-Physics mounts and Takahashi OTAs. Or purchase SBIG cameras. I would recommend some section devoted to entry-level equipment, as many of us will eventually upgrade later and use the information in the text, just not right away.
Other than that, I learned a ton from this book and still recommend it highly. It will last me for years, and the web site support is fabulous. Just wish I had the author's budget for equipment.
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
What color is that?, July 1, 2006
If you're expecting to see color images in what is considered to be the "bible" of astrophotography, you'll be disappointed. Don't even look for them in the 40+ page chapter on (get this) Color Imaging. Not sure what the reasoning is behind that choice, but Mr. Wodaski could have served the readers better by provided some color images so we could better understand the color processing techniques described.
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Not as advertized, November 11, 2009
This book is no longer available as advertized.
The book is a paperback with no color at all. Supposedly, the online version or a downloadable pdf version (as earlier buyers remarked) is in color. Following the instructions printed on the book cover, you can go to the website of the publisher, where you find that you must provide proof of purchase to receive user and password info. I did that, but I have not yet received even an acknowledgment that my e-mail was read, as I requested (although I received an automatically created delivery receipt, so my e-mail went somewhere). I have sent two e-mails so far.
If you decide to buy the book from the listed sellers, may be you should inquire in advance whether they will provide the login information or whether they can e-mail you the color pdf version, especially since the sellers' prices are much higher than the price listed in the publisher's website.
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Very well written, detailed and easy to understand, October 9, 2008
Ron Wodaski duscusses all concepts required to capture precise images of the night sky in an easy to read dialogue. He paints a very clear picture of what it takes from equipment to software to technique to capture stunning images of the beautiful heavenly jewels above us all. A must read for anyone interested in capturing sights they can only imagine when looking through a telescope.
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New CCD astronomy, April 26, 2008
Best book I've purchased in years, there is so much valuable information here supported by the first hand experience of the author. A definite "must have" for astrophotographers regardless of experience.
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The New CCD Astronomy by Ron Wodaski, December 17, 2007
A fantastic book. If you ever wanted to get into CCD astrophotography this is the One Book you should have. Ron goes into all aspects of the subject. Scopes, mounts, cameras. All the how to does. A great refence book to0. Many hands on photos.I must have read and re read my copy a hundred times on different subjects relating to CCD astrophotography. i give this book the highest possible rating. Tom
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