[rcheshire (Rowland)]

Hi. I've been researching CCD cameras, learning CCD theory, asking questions and generally reading as much as I can, in deciding whether to upgrade. From what I can tell an OSC is the best choice for my application.

Other than price, the basic criteria seems to be QE, noise (including electronics), cooling and ease of use. So far, FLI and Apogee are of interest with KAI 8050 sensors 5.6um pixels which is the correct pixel size at 200mm and 400mm with 2x2 binning.

EDIT: This is derived from an online pixel size calculator.

Another option is the KAI 4020, 4.2mp interline transfer sensor 7.4um. These seem to have a good reputation, although pixel size is not quite right for the focal length I'm using.

EDIT: 7.4um is somewhere in the middle between 200 and 400mm.

Is pixel size going to be an issue as far as a visible difference in an image taken with a 4.2mp vs 8.3mp at the short focal lengths I'm using. I think not, but that's just a guess.

Does anyone have experience with these criteria to say one way or the other.