RE: [APML] OT: digital vs film

["Chris Schur" <cschur@therim.com>]

Rob, I must agree in part with you on the fact that state of the art film
and CCD are both very costly adventures, myself having invested a large
capital in both film schmidt camera imaging and CCD imaging as well.  On the
low end, of course film is cheaper, and a cheap CCD cant compete with a nice
widefield shot of star trails of something more aesthetic.  However, when
one enters the realm of deep sky imaging, you can really add the money into
the mix if you want to get the results we see routinely done by the top
notch skilled Skyshooters today.  My bottom line is weather I shoot CCD or
film, I will use the same mount, telescope, observatory and tank of gas to
spend a night getting top notch images.  weather I use my $3000 CCD or my
$3000 schmidt camera is moot.  I agree with Tony on the fact that film is
drying out very fast.  All of us must at some point come to terms with the
fact that in less than a decade, none of us may be shooting film at all.  I
cringe when I say this, but you know Kodak announced it will no longer make
new film products and phase out film over the next decade or so.  I agree
with Gene in that for now, as all of us make the sometimes painful
transition (as it has been for me) from film to CCD, there is a time when
BOTH mediums will have their advantages and we could discuss common problems
here with processing, scanning and yes most of the processing methods used
for CCD are directly applicable to film.  (SGBNR for example)

My 2cents worth on my most favorite of subjects!

Chris Schur

-----Original Message-----
From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org
[mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org]On Behalf Of Robert Gendler
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 11:01 AM
To: Discussion of Film Astrophotography
Subject: Re: [APML] OT: digital vs film


Since we are all airing important points I'll make another which
I think needs to be made.

Underlying some of the "film vs CCD" debate is the topic (myth) of money.

The theme goes like this: Film is the do it yourself poor man's medium
and the results reflect on the astrophotographers skills. CCD on the
other hand is expensive but somewhat automatic method of making
astroimages which requires less skill.

Let me dispel this myth.

It is true that in the early stages film astrophography requires less of an
investment
than CCD but it is also absolutely true that to do either at the "highest"
level requires
substantial monetary investment in the best possible equipment. There's no
way around
this fact of life. Great images cannot be made without the best telescopes
and mounts,
cameras and scanners.

Well respected and beloved film artists such as Tony, Chuck, Bobby and many
others
who have consistently produced the best astrophotos out there have all spent
small fortunes
financing their hobby. Its not only spent on equipment but lots of money has
been spent on
relocating to dark sites. I cannot relocate at this time so I invest in good
equipment to offset
the horrible conditions I have here in the NE.

Jokes are made about the cost of CCD cameras but I would venture that Bobby
M's BRC
cost the same as my RC and "top of the line" scanners cost the same as CCD
cameras.
The STL11000 cost the same as an astrophysics apo. BTW I traded my ST10 and
AO7 to
finance the cost of the new camera. Hey how about the cost of all those home
observatories?

The second myth is the ease of CCD imaging. I'd be happy to provide a CD
with the
raw M42 fits files for anyone who wants to take a crack at it. The data is
so contaminated
from light pollution it will certainly challenge the processing skills and
frustration level of
even the most seasoned imager.

Enough said.



Rob Gendler
Email: robgendler@att.net
Web site: http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/

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