Need for dark calibration frames using cooled DSO cameras?

taurus81

I'm looking into buying a cooled DSO camera to replace a DSLR now using. One of the few reasons for the replacement is not having to do dark frames (very time consuming). But in reading several posts some are taking dark frames. I thought one of the reasons for cooling is to reduce noise which is also what dark frames are for. A few questions:

Why are some taking dark frames?
Are dark frames necessary with a cooled camera?
Even though the camera is cooled are bias frames needed?

Team-Deepflights

Have a look at dark frames taken by a 294 MC…
But, as you have a stable temperature, you could make your darks in advance and store them.

Flats are needed individually, depending of rotation and used filters.

starvoyager

If your advancing to a cooled DSO camera then calibration frames are essential to achieve the best out of your images.
Dark frames can be taken with just the camera itself sitting on a table in a darkish room and the screw cap on ( ensure no light leaks )
You can create a Dark Library of various exposures and Gain settings. I take a Dark Library for both my 2600MC and 2600MM ( 10 sec , 30 sec , 60 sec , 120 sec , 150 sec , 180 sec , 300 sec using both Gain 0 and Gain 100 at -10 C )
This library can be used for up to a year.
I take my Flats and Flat Darks ( not Bias ) either at night after my session for each filter or through the day as I have a permanent set up.
Calibration frames don’t take too much time but are extremely important
My images thank me !!!!

Clear Skies
Martin