Astromart

March 3, 2009 12:58 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

white balance on Hutech Camera

My modified Nikon has a custom color balance set by using the camera's preset function. The 450D has a custom WB available, too. On the Nikon, you choose preset from the WB menu, and you are given the choice to (A) measure the WB or (B) get it from a photo. You choose (A) and then photograph an 18% grey card in sunlight. This tells the camera what neutral color should look like. On the 450D menu, the WB choice may be called custom, or something else. I suspect the procedure would be similar.

Steve

March 3, 2009 11:42 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Wide field Christmas Tree Cluster

Posted By Steve Mathis

Very cool!

March 3, 2009 11:59 AM Forum: Politics

Sharia Mortgages in America

Posted By Steve Mathis

That is a little disturbing...culture creep.

March 4, 2009 11:50 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Nikon D70 Viewfinder

Posted By Steve Mathis

Pete, I'm using Nikon cameras as well, and suffered from the lack of live view. I second the suggestion of using a Bahtinov mask. Inexpensive to buy or easy to make, and the method works better than anything else I've tried (including a Stiletto IV).

March 5, 2009 01:19 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

M46 and M47

Posted By Steve Mathis

Very Nice! Good colors.

March 5, 2009 06:14 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Comet Lulin C/2007 N3

Posted By Steve Mathis

Cool! Did you stack the 12 frames with the DSS "comet" stacking option to keep from getting trailed stars? Or What?

March 6, 2009 11:06 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Saturn 3/5/09 RRGB Good Seeing

Posted By Steve Mathis

Good job, Steve! Very crisp. Here the jet stream is overhead, and the wind is gusting to 35 mph. sad

March 11, 2009 03:02 PM Forum: Politics

A New Day for Science

Posted By Steve Mathis

Paul, I feel the same way. Stem cell research did continue with private or state funding, but without federal funding there was most definitely a cloud over it. The clouds have parted, and the bright light of unfettered research can shine through.

March 16, 2009 05:20 PM Forum: Politics