Once upon a time, amateur astronomers who wanted to capture portraits of the sky went to the local photography store; bought a roll of film; dusted off their 35mm camera, tripod, and telescope; and shot long exposures to catch a glimpse of faint starlight.

In the new millennium, the whole concept of astroimaging is forever transforming. Analog imaging is no longer the only method of choice; film has moved aside to welcome its high-tech cousin, digital imaging, as a significant way of capturing stars, planets, and galaxies.

Film-based astrophotography still has its place. It's easier than ever to do, and films today are faster and sharper than their ancestors.

Digital imaging has become the method of choice. Its fast, easy, yields high resolution images good enough for the average user, and are easier to store than photographs.