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I need a new camera! My Canon IXUS is now very old. What I want to be able to do is take photos of the night sky (stars, moon, planets) and the sun. Well, ideally! I have been looking at a bridge camera that sounds okay in theory but don't really want to have anything quite so big...so, is there a compact camera that would suit my needs. I gather I will need a tripod as well. I appreciate any help, so thank you:-) Oh, and it'd be great if I could take good photos of little things, too! e.g. jewellery.

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    \$\begingroup\$ The following might help: How do I get started in Astrophotography? also Tips for landscape+stars photography? and What is a decent beginner's camera for astrophotography? I am doubtful that you will be able to find a compact camera to shoot such a demanding subject though. A DSLR is likely required. \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Sep 26, 2012 at 23:04
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    \$\begingroup\$ With or without a telescope? \$\endgroup\$ Sep 27, 2012 at 1:09
  • \$\begingroup\$ @dpollitt. Yes, I doubted that a compact would work:-( \$\endgroup\$
    – redbantam
    Sep 27, 2012 at 21:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ @RussellMcMahon. I was thinking without but if it means I could use a compact then.... \$\endgroup\$
    – redbantam
    Sep 27, 2012 at 21:41
  • \$\begingroup\$ Moon and sun - no problem with most appropriate compact (+ ND filters for sun etc). Planets - only marginal even with longest zooms. Stars in any detail - even a cheap scope and an adapter will transform the experience. \$\endgroup\$ Sep 28, 2012 at 1:53

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The most important feature is to have manual settings. With just (semi)automatic, you can't do much. Since the best camera is the one you actually use and bring with you, don't get to cheap on it.

If you need (close-up) photos on jewels, you would most likely either need a great compact, or a DSLR combined with a macro lens. The latter one is very expensive.

The problem is, to get a great photo on the planets, or even the moon, you need either 1) A telescope (with the ability to mount a camera; no problem with a DSLR), or 2) a tele-lens (Say, 300-500m).

The sun is hard though, depending on how you want to shot it. But, the more you shot the more creative you get, and the more unique stuff you see. Sunrise, Sunsets... What you can do really comes down to your own imagination and creativity, combined with skill, luck and opportunities.

Some other example photos I've taken:

Moon through a 8" dobson, handheld with a cheap compact, Olympus X560WP

Startrails with D90, manual exposure 600+ seconds. I wrapped a rubber around the shutter and used books to keep it looking up.

With my 105mm lens (effectively 157mm since it's dx) I can only get this close to the moon.

And the last and hardest, planets. My D90 + 105mm only get me this close to the by far biggest planet in the Solar System. For me, it's so cool to be able to get the Galilean moons without any other equipment.

But all in all, there are so much other related phenomena to shot that you really should not be dissapointed if your camera does not mean all your constraint. The by far most important is that you end up use your camera, and that you are happy with it. Later, you can invest in better equipment (better camera, lenses, tripods etc).

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  • \$\begingroup\$ I'm sorry to say I didn't get on with some recommended cameras or so, but I felt like my approach was also very important. I could give 100 more examples, but I think you get the idea. Don't just shout moon and planets, look for the other stuff as well! Also, I linked my own photos since I know all the facts and they are easy accessible for me. I'm not trying to sell anything. \$\endgroup\$
    – wingerlang
    Sep 27, 2012 at 5:27

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