From: "Doug" <dwd3m@virginia.edu>

Date: April 12, 2007 10:46:02 AM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Starting Out and Would Appreciate Camera Advice

My recommendation would be to start with a 640x480 chip and exhaust the 

limitations of this format. The DMK 21AF04 is a good place to begin. I hope to 

have an early copy of Paolo's camera to test with Astro IIDC shortly and will report 

back to the group on how this works.

Thank you for responding Alan, I'd hoped you might.  I am very familiar with your solar 

work and indeed I'd have to say they are among the most compelling images of the sun 

I've seen posted anywhere ! 

I hadn't really considered what you suggest but of course, it makes a lot of sense.  Using a 

relatively inexpensive yet capable camera like the DMK21AF04 to "hone" my craft seems 

like a good way to go. I certainly have a learning curve ahead of me and I think I will 

definitely heed your advice and just get a capable camera in my hands now (that would 

presumably be easier to "master" given the frame rates and file sizes involved).

Am I also correct in thinking that a tracking mount (GEM) wouldn't be necessary to get 

started? 

I'd be very interested in hearing what you think about Paolo's cameras - do you know 

which one will you be testing?

Doug