Re: [APML] CCD on APML (was: NGC 7331)

["Kevin Wigell" <kwemail@twcny.rr.com>]

Aside from capturing the very occasional image with my STV, I don't do any CCD imaging. (And those STV images don't count as "real" CCD images anyway.) So I'm strictly a film guy and that's why I monitor this list, and occasionally post too.

But even so, I very much appreciate the occasional post of a top-notch CCD image on this list, or some discussion of CCD imaging techniques, as long as there is even some remote connection to film imaging or processing. I find the CCD images I see here motivating and inspiring. I know full well that I'm not going to go outside with my LX200 and my 35mm SLR in the humid and cloudy Northeast and capture the same kind of resolution or depth that a Hallas or Gendler is going to accomplish. But that's not my goal. I do enjoy comparing my own images to those much more detailed and deeper images, if for no reason than to push me to see how far I can go with the limited equipment and skills and time that I have. There's nothing wrong with pushing for a goal that can never be reached - if only to see how far one can go.

I don't know if I'll ever switch from film to CCD. Maybe someday. Right now I don't have the time or resources to chase after a rapidly changing technology. Film is pretty much a mature technology, and that's just fine with me.

I do think that by "banning" any CCD images or related discussion on this list, we would be severely limiting ourselves. It's good to know what is going on in other imaging technologies, if only so that we don't stagnate and slowly fade to black.

Kevin Wigell
www.kwastronomy.com



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