Best CCD Sensor size for my setup

[Craige]

Hi All,

I have been DSLR imaging (Canon 1100d) with my permanent setup for the last 18 months and now I am planning an upgrade to a dedicated astro CCD camera early next year.

My current set up comprises a HEQ5 Pro mount, Saxon ED100 F9 Refractor, Orion SSAG and ST 80 Refractor. I am looking to add a focal reducer to the ED100 and I don't plan to change my ED100 in the near future.

I have good views in the South, East and West.

What size CCD sensor would work best with my current set up for DSO imaging?

Once I have an idea on best sensor size I can start the process of looking for a suitable camera not sure if I am going to go OSC or mono yet.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Craige

[gregbradley]

It comes down more to cost than what size sensor. Basically anything smaller than APSc works with your refractors.

The KAF8300 is a low cost all round good sensor that will give good results. So will a Sony ICX694/814.

There are some excellent images on this site where modest refractors are teamed up with either an 8300 camera or a Sony ICX694/834 camera. Usually doing narrowband imaging as they are in suburban areas.

QSI offer an all in one camera with the filter wheel and guider built in. They are a bit more expensive than QHY or Atik but the results speak for themselves.

I have not used a QSI camera but I respect the results that give and like their all in one approach. Also they work with smaller filter sizes so you save on lower cost 31mm filters instead of the 36mm filters others require.

Greg.

[Craige]

Thanks Greg.

I appreciate your thoughts, it helps narrow my research.

Cheers
Craige

[Slawomir]

Hi Craige,

Buying new astro gear is always exciting!

I second what Greg recommended and maybe I would also suggest that since you already have been imaging with a dslr, a mono camera would open more possibilities as opposed to an OSC camera. And as Greg suggested, if budget permits, having integrated filter wheel and integrated/dedicated OAG helps to eliminate a few potential (and likely) gremlins out of the equation.

[PRejto]

You might want to consider a Moravian G2-8300. Good build and cooling with inbuilt FW at a very competitive price.

Peter

[Craige]

Thanks Slawomir and Peter. I appreciate your thoughts.

Cheers,

Craige