Excel Spreadsheet CCD camera comparisons

[kinetic (Steve)]

Hi all,

Note to Moderators:

I have compiled a basic spreadsheet file comparing some astro cameras
to each other.
It no doubt contains mistakes. It is a work in progress.

I could not find a comprehensive comparison chart on the net anywhere
and after comparing a few different models to each other, you soon get
confused as to what is available. There certainly is a huge range now.

Also, I'm not sure about the TOS rules regarding a comparison like this, especially as it could be taken by some as an advert for a particular
model. I am not affiliated with any dealer of any of the cameras btw.

As for pricing, that too is a bit vague.
For example , I could not get an accurate price of any of the ATIK range
in Oz dollars as I couldn't find a list of Oz supplier prices anywhere.

I realise that there is an entire duplication of the Imaging Source range
in Firewire model, so I left that all out. I'd imagine the prices would be
similar, but if anyone thinks it's worth adding, then by all means, add it.

Anything highlighted in a certain colour is similar to another model, also
in that colour.

My skills at Excel are pretty average, so any tips or adjustments, any
additions would be welcome.
Please anyone, feel free to re-work this file and re-post, I know it's probably a pretty ugly piece of work to an Excel expert!

One snag is the Excel extension is not a valid file, so I'm not quite sure
how to post it.....sending this msg to a moderator also in pm.

Edit: zip file attached
Edit: added Orion Starshoot mono imager
Edit: Added a few Starlight Express models


regards,
Steve B.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

If you zip it up Steve you will be able to upload it then.

[g__day (Matthew)]

Suggestion - other information that might be valuable if you can find it:

1. Cooling options - none, heat sink, heat sink + fan, piezoelectric + fan, water, vapour chill etc
2. Cooling options as standard, add on or after purchase 3rd party add on
3. Quantum efficiency (Q/E) of chip
4. Drivers (operating systems) supported (e.g Win XP, WinXP 64 bit, Vista, Linux, Mac OS)
5. Control software bundled (and whether its ASCOM supported)
6. Compatible 3rd party control software (e.g MaximDL, CCDSoft, Nebulosity etc)
7. Min and Maxim exposure times
8. What if any filter options it comes with (none, basic Infra red, advanced filters available as after purchase options).

etc

[kinetic (Steve)]

Originally Posted by g__day

Suggestion - other information that might be valuable if you can find it:

1. Cooling options - none, heat sink, heat sink + fan, piezoelectric + fan, water, vapour chill etc
2. Cooling options as standard, add on or after purchase 3rd party add on
3. Quantum efficiency (Q/E) of chip
4. Drivers (operating systems) supported (e.g Win XP, WinXP 64 bit, Vista, Linux, Mac OS)
5. Control software bundled (and whether its ASCOM supported)
6. Compatible 3rd party control software (e.g MaximDL, CCDSoft, Nebulosity etc)
7. Min and Maxim exposure times
8. What if any filter options it comes with (none, basic Infra red, advanced filters available as after purchase options).

etc

Great suggestions, cheers, g_day,

I'm not sure how to implement so many columns without the spreadsheet becoming enormous.
I suppose you could make, for example, the TEC heading have footnotes like
1 is single stage TEC cooling, 2 is 2 stage, 3 is etc etc.

I did think the next most important ones to expand on were exposure and software

Also, any other camera models immediately spring to mind that
I have left out?

Edit: Added some Starlight Express models

Paul: Zip file added..cheers

regards,
Steve B.

[spearo (Frank)]

great project
i'll be looking at it when thinking of my next upgrade!
frank

[kinetic (Steve)]

Hi all,

Added a few SBIG models....wow! There are so many!

regards,
Steve B.