Hi Kim If you have digital files you would want them in a large fine jpeg or tiff and then find a lab that can 'burn ' digital files. We have that type of film recorder and can make slides from digital files at our lab. Again LARGE files are best!! You are right, long exposures w/ digital cameras are a process, film cameras would be better, less hassle, no possible battery drain,no noise artifacts. The slide can be scanned to digital and improved (we do that too!!) I like digital because you learn very rapidly what works and what is not working. For astrophotography, a DSLR is useful but has limitations but it's still a kick to shoot a photo and see it in a moment, adjust the image and post it on line. Newer DSLR's cover full frame (and BIG $$$$) so lenses used on last years model still have some sort of magnification factor to consider, you'll need a wide angle lens 50% wider than you have now. Nikon DSLR's can use fixed focal length manual lenses for astrophotography, Canon is restricted to the AF lenses for their mount. But most important is to have fun. Aloha ......................... The times they are a changin' Rob PS can you tell I'm just back from work at the lab??