Samsung NX500 as an astrophotography camera

Eta Carina to Southern Cross, 2min exposure using 85mm lens F1.8

Large Magellanic Cloud Galaxy. 2 minute exposure using 135mm F2 lens on NX500.

Both images were processed in Nebulosity (stacking, stretching etc) and Pixinsight (DBE tool to remove light gradients)

Thanks.  I'm only 6 months into the hobby so while I have learnt a few lessons I am far from proficient. At least the initial results are encouraging.  There is a very good beginners astro photography forum at www.cloudynights.com those guys really know their stuff.

Phisci wrote:

Thanks. I'm only 6 months into the hobby so while I have learnt a few lessons I am far from proficient. At least the initial results are encouraging. There is a very good beginners astro photography forum at www.cloudynights.com those guys really know their stuff.

Very cool shots, how do you avoid the stars streaking from the rotation of the earth?  Do you have one of those devices that move the camera to compensate?  I've tinkered around with astrophotography using my Rokinon 12mm f/2 but without a means to compensate for rotation I find that anything over about 20 seconds results in noticeably elongated stars.

Yes,you have to use a "mount" that follows the rotation of the earth so that the stars don't streak. The best is the so-called equatorial mount, but Alt-Azumith mounts can also be used.

As a general guide, astro-photography requires several elements:

1. Reasonable camera

2. for wide field views, a 50-80mm will do. Faster (lower F ratio) is better. I use 45mm f1.8 and 85mm F1.8

3. For more detailed narrow field field views, you'd need something like an 80mm refractor telescope, around F7

4. An adaptor to connect camera to scope

5. An equtorial or Alt-Az mount

6. Good processing software and a fast laptop

7. Lots of patience to learn to use the kit well.

The processing software is where the real magic lies in getting good images once the photons have been collected by the camera.

Phisci wrote:

Yes,you have to use a "mount" that follows the rotation of the earth so that the stars don't streak. The best is the so-called equatorial mount, but Alt-Azumith mounts can also be used.

As a general guide, astro-photography requires several elements:

1. Reasonable camera

2. for wide field views, a 50-80mm will do. Faster (lower F ratio) is better. I use 45mm f1.8 and 85mm F1.8

3. For more detailed narrow field field views, you'd need something like an 80mm refractor telescope, around F7

4. An adaptor to connect camera to scope

5. An equtorial or Alt-Az mount

6. Good processing software and a fast laptop

7. Lots of patience to learn to use the kit well.

The processing software is where the real magic lies in getting good images once the photons have been collected by the camera.

Thanks for the info, I might get serious one of these days and get the required equipment.  My method of taking 20 second exposures is a pretty sad compromise between minimal streaking and keeping the ISO down enough that things aren't a noisy mess.