Hi guys

    I am new to the forum, but long time Astronomy magazine reader. I have spent lots of time years ago laboring with Canon SLR film cameras and now am about to purchase a Canon DSLR to go with my LX200. I have read probably every post here and really appreciate the info. I will be sticking around

Was curious, is there some must know forums or user groups that I should also add to my list? Any other forums you guys frequent?

Another question that I am struggling with is the purchase choice between the XS and the XSi. How much would I notice the 14bit vs 12bit color depth? I can think of no other real difference between these two cameras that would be of importance, though I may be wrong.

Thanks for your time folks, glad to join you all!

Stilletto:

Another question that I am struggling with is the purchase choice between the XS and the XSi. How much would I notice the 14bit vs 12bit color depth? I can think of no other real difference between these two cameras that would be of importance, though I may be wrong.

I don't own these cameras, but in either case you would have to use window/levelling to reduce the 12 or 16 bit color depth, so that it can be saved as a 24 bit RGB file (which is actually 8-8-8). So it seems to me that would be a waste of money. Unless you have special hardware to display images at these color depths. I'm not even sure if they exist yet. (?)

I'll take your word for that, I just figured it helped in between the exposure and the saving inside the camera with color tones. Anyhow, I got the XSI at a good price and am looking forward to getting some nice shots. Thanks again!

Actually that's not true.  The best results for astrophotography are obtained when you take multiple shots in RAW mode, not to mention light frames and dark frames, so the extra 2 bits should give you a bit more sensitivity and better pictures before they get converted down to jpegs.  Some more searching around the forums here should shed more light (no pun intended) on the subject.  Luckily it sounds like you chose the better camera anyway.

Edit: Oh, you did ask about other sites.  One I'd recommend is http://www.cloudynights.com/

Thanks guys. I got the Xsi and am pleased so far. I also joined CN and cannot believe I have never been there before.

I have the XSi and anm very pleased with it's low noise and good red performance with out modification. I don't intend to modify it as I use it for  every day use also. The live view makes focusing so easy. You can visit my flicker site to view some images I have taken with it and a 4.7" refactor.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnastro/

JJ

Wow! You did a great job on those pics. I am actually quite suprised that there was such good red in the horsehead. Very nice! I made the right choice then.