Telescope Reviews: RCAIDcams & Mods......DSLR users,BEWARE...LOL!!!

Hi,my name is Brent Oliver.
I have been an avid ametuer astronomer and astro-imager for ~10 years...nearly half of my life(26yrs old)..
I have learned a LOT through this site that we all love and use to our broaden our concepts of what works and what doesnt..
SO,being that I have been an Electrician for 9years,am ~1/3 way to an EE Degree..Having LOTS of knowledge modding Canon and Nikon DSLR's for AstroImaging use..My first Mod was my ol' Nikon D50..buy,that was the best cam(for me,at the time)I had a blast using it and it served me well.But,after time and experience,both in the field and on here,I decided that the best astro DSLR would be a Modified Canon with some form of regulated cooling..
Hence the name,RCAIDcams & Mods
Regulated Cooling AstroImaging Digital cams & Mods.

I am currently working with my good friend here on CN(Josh,you know who you are

)to develop working prototypes of the Canon XS,Canon Rebel XT,and possibly the FULL FORMAT Canon 5D(or 5DmII)..also in the plans is the 20D(since it has proven itself in the field with numerous users of many different skill sets).
The Regulated Cooling MOD is STILL in development.We plan on having Prototypes built and ready for BETA testing(by NOT ONLY us,I have lined up several others here on CN to BETA test our cams and give HONEST/NON-biased opinions).With the hope of having production models by the Fall/Winter of this year!!!!
Prices are not yet known,details can not yet be given(due to Patent privacy..).BUT,this will be updated with concepts,detailed testing results,and images of the cams in action!!!
So,for NOW,hold on and wait!!

But,I promise we are working our hardest to give the Ametuer AstroImager a GREAT new APS-C(depending on cam,also possible FULL FORMAT) DSLR's,with regulated cooling,modifications for best light transmission(depending on users needs,i.e. LPS filter,Clear filter,NB filters..etc)at an EXTREMELY attractive price point!!!

Please stay tuned as I think this will be a GREAT product to fill a hole in the market and at VERY reasonable prices that almost everyone can afford.And you will NOT have to get a second mortgage to own a Cam that will perform like no other DSLR currently made!!! There will be several options to do these MODS:
1)you already own the cam and send it to us for modification.
2)we buy and modify the cam and sell you the entire package.
3)"I am sure there will be more to add to this later"

Thanks for taking the time to read this!!
If you would like,I could start a wiating list..that will be upto you..

Now,for what IS currently available!!

Here at RCAIDcams & MODS we offer a HUGE variety of Cam mods on a huge variety of Canon and Nikon models!!!

For "newer" Canon models(XS,XSi,40D,50D,400D)

"Clean Mod"(stock filter replaced with nothing,NOT recommended as the environment is NOT good for the silicon sensors..HOWEVER,if it is a model with the "LowPass filter/self cleaning unit" the sensor WILL be kept safe from the environment but at a loss of AF and ViewFinder focus calibration)..total=$75 $7 for shipping to CONUS.Paypal add 3%.

"Baader Canon Replacement Filter Mod"
This filter is HIGHLY recommended by many Canon users as the best option for Modding a Canon..Same thickness as Stock filter which leaves AF capabitlities IN TACT and works PERFECTLY!!! Total=$210 7 for shipping to Conus.Paypal 3%

"Clear Filter Mod"
OPTION 1)This is a Front mounted filter by Hutech Astronomical.This is basically a "dust stop" that can be removed/installe at any time..It is best for imagers who already own IR/Block filter and do not require AF function to work perfectly.This mod would consist of me removing Stock filter,and sending the "snap in" Clear filter along with it.Or I can install it for you,your choice..no charge for that....
Total for Mod and frant clear filter=$260 7 shipping.Payal 3%

"Clear Filter Mod"
OPTION 2)This is a direct replacement of the stock filter with a Clear glass filter from LifPixel($180!!!!!).
This retains AF and Viewfinder Calibration.
Total=$255 + $7 shipping. Paypal +3%

For other Canon Models(300D,350D,10D,20D,30D)
Same price as above for "Clean Mod"
$75 $7 shipping.Paypal 3%

"Baader Canon Replacement Filter Mod"
Total=$230 $7shipping.Paypal 3%
For 300D=$220 $7shipping.Paypal 3%
For 5D=$265 $7shipping.Paypal 3%

"Clear filter Mods"(BOTH options) are the same prices as above.

For Nikon Cams,the same prices apply for "clean mods" on ALL models below D200 "size".Currently there are NO replacement filter made for Nikon DSLR's EXCEPT Clear Glass filters by LifePixel($180!!!).There are also front clip filters by Hutech for D40,D40x and D80 models.Prices range from $169(Clear"dust"filter),to $259(LPS Filter!!).These prices are OUR/and YOUR costs and do not reflect shipping($7) OR removal of stock filter($75).

THIS was taken with MY last DSLR,a No filter modded Nikon D40x.A couple hours of Ha with 13nm Ha filter,and a couple hours of "RGB" with DeepSky Filter.Mode 3.ISO800.darks and Bias,no flats...also reflects my currents level of processing knowledge

I believe that is all for NOW.
Thanks for sticking with me and reading this EXTREMELY long post!!!!

Thanks so much!!!
Brent Oliver
RCAIDcams & Mods

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Brent Oliver
1 Loving Wife,3 adopted dogs!
HyperCams&MODS
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Edited by nofxrx (04/22/09 12:20 PM)