Canon 600D - astro-modified for H-alpha (656.28 nm)
2 years warranty
Sensor size: APS-C 22.3 mm × 14.9 mm
Resolution: 18 megapixels
Image size: 5.184 × 3.456 Pixels
Scope of delivery:
Canon 600D astromodified
Original Canon charger LC-E8
Original Canon battery LP-E8
USB-2.0-Cable
CD-ROM
The pictures of the camera are similar to the illustration. The cameras are technically 100%, in good optical condition (grade 2 on a scale of 1-5) and have <11000 shutter clicks. This item is used and is subject to differential taxation in accordance with Section 25a of the German VAT Act; VAT is not shown on the invoice.
Our modified camera has more than four times the sensitivity in the H-alpha line and more than six times the sensitivity in the sulfur II line compared to the standard model
The H-alpha rays, which are at the edge of the range just visible to the eye at 656.28 nm, can be recorded with an unmodified camera, but this requires significantly longer exposure times. By removing the blocking filter, the spectrum of the camera is expanded to 700 nm, meaning that the rays in the H-alpha range can reach the sensor unhindered with shorter exposure times. You work with shorter exposure times and can take more pictures in the same amount of time compared to an unmodified camera, the number of which is important for later stacking.
The sensor of a Canon DSLR consists of several optical filters, including the phaser layer infrared-absorption glass filter responsible for blocking the H-alpha rays. We remove this filter in our workshop using clean room technology and adjust the flange focal distance of the sensor according to Canon criteria so that the sensor continues to capture the image in all corners with accurate autofocus up to infinity.
The image (1) shows the sensor of a Canon EOS 1000D. The sensor contains, among other things, the phaser layer infrared-absorption glass filter (4). After removing this filter, the sensor (5) remains protected by the top low-pass filter (2). The sensor cleaning system is located on this filter - a piezoelectric element that shakes the surface at high frequency and thereby repels any dust particles. This is what the converted sensor, modified for astrophotography, looks like (6). The sensors of the other Canon EOS cameras are constructed in the same way as the sensor of a 1000D.
In the images you can see the galaxies M51 and M31 (Andromeda Nebula) as well as the Elephant and Rosette Nebula, which were taken with a Canon 1000D (© Michael Auster) and Canon 1100D (© Uli Klein) modified by us.
1. Choosing the camera model
More pixels do not necessarily mean better pictures. An APS-C sensor in a Canon 1000D has 10 megapixels, while that in a Canon 750D has 24 megapixels. With the same sensor size, the megapixels in newer models are more than double. If you ignore the fact that 7 years have passed between the development of the sensor in the Canon 1000D and the Canon 750D and that sensor technology and processor performance have improved, the surface area of a single pixel in a Canon 1000D is 2.4x larger than that of a Canon 750D. This means that more photons hit a larger pixel. If you need a lot of light per pixel, choose a Canon EOS with a full-frame sensor (e.g. Canon 6D). In the picture you can see a size comparison of the removed blocking filter of an APS-C and a full-frame sensor.
2. Ease of use
A Canon 1000D is inexpensive and lightweight. A low weight is an advantage for the counterweight required on the telescope. If you need a larger display and a swiveling display because of the telescope structure, choose a Canon 600D. If you prefer a touchscreen, choose a 650D or 700D or the 24 megapixel 750D/760D.
3. Astro camera for astrophotography during clear nights but also for normal shots
An astromodified camera can still be used for daylight photography. To do this, you either perform a manual white balance or screw a UV-IR cut filter onto the lens that has the optical properties of the removed blocking filter. There are clip filters on the market that insert the phaser layer infrared-absorption glass filter removed during astromodification into the mirror box in front of the sensor. However, these clip filters are not compatible with EF-S lenses and only work with EF lenses. EF-S lenses extend deeper into the mirror box and the clip filter gets in the way (just as EF-S lenses do not fit on Canon full-frame cameras). Instead of using the clip filters and purchasing additional EF lenses, investing in a second unmodified body is a better choice.
4. You can have your camera modified by us
If you have a Canon camera, you can have it astro-modified by us. Check out our offers for this special conversion service.
5. Optical condition of our cameras
As photographers and technicians, we like clean camera equipment. The cameras are cleaned and, if necessary, repaired with original spare parts. Wear parts such as the shutter are replaced if necessary. Your camera will also be a pleasure from an optical point of view. We don't waste time retouching images and that's why our cameras look better in reality than in high-resolution images where you can see every little thing.
6. References from eifelcam
Hundreds of our customers have left reviews on Ebay for over 13 years. We are the owners of the Ebay shops thedolphin.shop, which supplies repair shops and hobbyists with camera spare parts. Those who know DolphinDOS for Commodore C64 can rely on the technical experience of the owner of eifelcam and thedolphin.shop, co-inventor of the floppy speeder.
7. Reasons why customers trust us:
Since 1985 in IT-business - since 2012 in astrocamera 2012, > 3000 satisfied photographers, return rate < 1%, Total number of astro cameras converted by us 560
Canon 600D is one of our customers' most popular cameras and we have delivered over 100 of this model throughout Europe. Although this model is no longer supported by the manufacturer, we managed to organize enough units in good condition through cooperation with international partners, so that we were able to significantly reduce the selling price despite generally rising costs while maintaining the same quality.
