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CCD Imaging
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Cooled CCD Imaging: After lots of research, I decided on the MX-7C camera by Starlight Express. I learned that there is no perfect camera (certainly not on my budget), so it was a question of priorities and trade-offs. The Starlight cameras use a Sony chip that has very low dark current noise, which is increasingly important when you are imaging from a hot environment (Texas). They are less sensative to IR, and more sensative in the blue range than the Kodak chips used by SBIG. The 7C also has an integrated color chip, which allows for one-shot color imaging. This is a tradeoff, with limitations on color control, but greatly simplifying the task and reducing the learning curve over a color filter wheel. Nontheless I have been suprised at the amount of control you can have with programs like AstroArt, which can split the FITS image into LRGB layers.
The Starlight MX series cameras also provide a self-guide software. This is not quite as simple as it may seem, but does allow for a very affordable guiding option ($175). It splits the pixel in half, using one side for guiding and the other for image acquisition, reversing midway through the exposure. The drawback is that exposures take twice the amount of time. The other issue is that it causes a gradiant on the upper left corner of the image. This can be removed with matching dark frames however. The software will allow you to take a dark frame immediately following several guided images that will match very closely by counting the frames.
Another feature I liked about the Starlight cameras was the USB option, providing much faster downloads (1-4 seconds) with an attendant drop in noise here as well.
A CCD Imaging Tutorial. Check the bottom of the page for other resources.
For a terrific CCD imaging primer, check out this tutorial by Al Kelly. Al was a material contributor to the book "The Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing". This is a great place to start.
Sites containing MX7C images and tutorials
What I learned so far
1.) No two ways about it, “It ain’t cheap”.
2.) Take your time and research the options, below are some helpful reources I have used. There is an abundance of others on the web, but these may get you started.
3.) Imaging acquisition is only half the battle. Image processing is where the masterpieces come to life.
Check out the Astrophotography forum and post some questions
If you are interested in these cameras, you can learn a lot hanging out here.
This site tells you about the book, which is one of the most complete and current on the market. You can download it from here, or order the paper version. He also has some nice free software.
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CCD imaging requires a wee bit more setup time and a serious amount of cable and cord management. "Toto, we're not in Kansas any more"
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