Uploaded February 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
AAVSO Observing Section break-out session. Originally held November 15, 2020. If you are interested in joining the PEP section, please visit aavso.org/aavso-photoelectric-photometry-pep-section
AAVSO Observing Section break-out session. Originally held November 15, 2020. If you are interested in joining the PEP section, please visit aavso.org/aavso-photoelectric-photometry-pep-section
![AAVSO How to [compare DSLR, CCD, and CMOS cameras for photometry]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CRsoWsDH5vA/mqdefault.jpg "AAVSO How to [compare DSLR, CCD, and CMOS cameras for photometry]
Originally broadcast Feb. 4, 2023.
Webinar description: The discussion is catered to an audience who is familiar with acquiring images and the basics of image calibration using bias, dark and flat frames. MaximDL is used for analysis of the images that are used in this session, and VPHOT for the photometry.
In this webinar, Mark compares the basic characteristics of DSLR, CCD and CMOS cameras for stellar photometry by analyzing a set of images of T Cep taken with each type of camera on the same telescope. The emphasis is on the practical consequences of the different characteristics: noise, resolution, sensitivity, etc.
The T Cep images were taken over several years, as Mark moved from one camera to the next. He also mentions some quirks and challenges he has encountered over the years while learning to use these cameras.
Meet your instructor: Mark de Jong (AAVSO observer DJX) took his first, and only, astronomy course at university more than 50 years ago. However, he did not start actively observing until 2006, with variable stars as his main interest. After contributing over 1,000 visual observations on Long-period variables (LPVs), he moved on to DSLR, CCD, and then CMOS cameras for photometry, while continuing to primarily observe LPVs. Recently, he has served as an AAVSO Mentor for new DSLR and CMOS observers. He has a background in the physics of particle accelerators and has worked in government laboratories, universities, and the private industry.
- Want to attend a How-to live on Zoom with us? https://www.aavso.org/2023-how-to-webinars
- Visit us at aavso.org")
