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Camera Recommendation?
I think I am reaching the end of the road with my current imaging camera, a Moravian G2-8300. I cannot fault the camera, but it is a poor match for my PMX; after a year of frustration with drivers it may just be time to say enough is enough. The PMX is so heavily reliant on TheSkyX that it is imperative to have a camera that functions well in all aspects with this software. The camera will run with ASCOM but there are still a few irritating bugs in TSX and CCDSoft with no resolution in sight, and running through MaxIm to TSX doesn't solve those issues, unfortunately. I am quite sure that in any setting outside of the Software Bisque world the camera is fine. It wasn't a well researched choice (in terms of software) on my part when I ordered it (I was overly focused on hardware), but even in retrospect, it would have been hard to pick some of the issues that have emerged over the past year (many of which have been solved).
My scope is a TEC140....900 mm fl/f7. The KAF8300 gives me 1.14 arcsec/pixel which is probably more resolution at 1x1 than I can effectively use given light pollution and not great seeing where I observe.
So, I wonder if going with another KAF8300 camera is the right move? I'm just getting started in this hobby/obsession so perhaps a camera more in the 2.5-3.5 arcsec range might be a better match....but, I'm not sure. If I do stay with the KAF8300 CCD I've read very good comments about the FLI Microline, and the SBIG solution. The QSI also has been suggested and to me seems to have the advantage of an inbuilt filter wheel and a guider option (and I could retain my existing 31mm filters). Saving weight and simplified mounting is appealing (and pretty much are the reasons I went with the Moravian camera in the first place).
If asked, what do I want to image, I have to say a bit of everything that is possible! In other words I have no desire just to image nebula, or galaxies, or globular clusters; I want to try a lot of different things to find out if I might develop a particular passion.
I can't exactly say cost isn't a factor...it is, but I don't want good suggestions to be limited, or not suggested, because of cost. I'm willing to pay for quality. After so much angst I just want a good reliable and working solution!
Suggestions much appreciated!
Peter
Thanks for your thoughts!
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