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Old 07-10-2017, 10:16 AM
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gregbradley
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Join Date: Feb 2006
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Good reply Colin.

I have read in the past this sort of argument when most cameras were only 12 bit. As Colin said those types of cameras did not even use all the available data ability of 12 bit.

Not sure what 16 bit does in a modern CCD image except give the potential to show an additional level of brightness or darkness.

In CCD imaging the data is confined to this rather small band of the capability of 16bit. You have to use levels and curves several times to narrow it down to displaying the small range of data you captured. Most of that capability is thrown away.

One thing is for sure, modern digital cameras have some pretty hot performing sensors that just keep on getting better.

Sony seems to have several major innovations it has patented.

One likely one is RGBW (W=clear) sensor colour matrix. Its something like 60% brighter than a Bayer matrix sensor. Another is a curved sensor probably only useful in a fixed lens camera. Another is several versions of improvements on the Foveon style sensor where every pixel picks up RGB data. One has organic layers as well as silicone pixels.

So there are likely future large steps forward in sensor sensitivity that will benefit astrophotographers. It may well be they will challenge dedicated astro cams within 5 years or less at this rate.

Greg.
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