- Modified for long exposure and amp-off (SC 1.5)
- CCD sensor, square pixel 5.6x5.6 microns
- VGA format (640x480 pixeles)
- 8 bits A/D converter
Apparent field at primary focus in my scope (750mm focal length) is 16x12 arc minutes.
This camera has been discontinued and it is hard to find now.
Long exposure modification for Vesta cameras is very difficult because very tiny chip legs have to be disconnected from PCB and wires have to be soldered to them.
Philips SPC 900 NC/00
- Modified for long exposure a (SC 1)
- CCD sensor, square pixel 5.6x5.6 microns
- VGA format (640x480 pixeles)
- 8 bits A/D converter
Apparent field at primary focus in my scope (750mm focal length) is 16x12 arc minutes.
Long exposure modification for SPC900 is quite easy because it is not necessary to disconnect or solder on chip legs. All connections are made on the connector socket between the two PCB of the camera.
Meade Deep Space Color Imager (DSI I)
- Color CCD Sensor, rectangular pixel 9.6 x 7.5 microns
- 510x492 pixel format
- 16 bits A/D converter
16 bits A/D converter allows a greater dynamic range than a webcam, bringing smoother images.
Apparent field at primary focus in my scope (750mm focal length) is 23x17 arc minutes.
This is one of the first affordable astronomical CCD imagers. Currently it is discontinued, although it is not as cheap as a webcam, it can be found at affordable prices in ebay.
Modifications are not necessary because it is designed for astrophotography.
- Monochrome CCD Sensor CCD, square pixel 6.45 x 6.45 microns
- 1360x1024 pixel format
- 16 bits A/D converter
Being monochromatic, it is more sensitive than color models.
Apparent field at primary focus in my scope (750mm focal length) is 40x30 arc minutes.
This is the newest Meade DSI model. It is quite expensive but its performance is comparable to other very more expensive cameras.Modifications are not necessary because it is designed for astrophotography.
