Processing
Digital Camera Solar Images
Click here for a comparison of CCD and Digital
Camera Imagery
To start, check the neat real time
solar sites to get a gauge of what's on the sun and where it is. Try
BASS2000 or
MLSO.
I've found the
just about any digital camera will work well for solar photography. I have tried
dozens and have been able to get nice images from them all. The trick is
to shoot in black and white!
Using a monochromatic setting allows you to focus
better. Individual solar phenomena will show up much easier than in
red/orange light. Also,
use the lowest ISO, highest file setting (raw/TIFF) possible. Shutter
speeds will vary but try the Auto mode first. You may just save some
time. Seeing has a big impact on focus. If minor details
are not visible in the eyepiece then they are not going to be in the
shot either. Wait a few moments for the air current to die down if the
shot just wont come to focus at all.
Place the camera lens, set to
infinity,
so it rests on or near the eyepiece. Use the viewfinder to find some
sort of solar object to focus on (prom, sunspot). Compose the shot by sliding
the camera around to find the best spot with the least glare.
Snap away!
Take a few images and
refocus and reposition the camera. Keep doing this until you fill up
your memory card. One, two or several will be keepers!
Best advice of all: Keep practicing. You'll take thousands of shots
before you get comfortable. The more you take - the easier it gets.
To process and colorize your images use this page:
Capturing and Processing
CCD Solar Images
