QSI vs Atik CCD's

[whzzz28 (Nathan)]

Alright so I've been out of the game for over a year now.
Would love to get back into it, but as usual, price is an issue.

Looking for something to last a long time and produce decent results. Previously had a QHY9 and wasn't terribly impressed with the build and overall quality of the unit. Pay for what you get i guess.

Looking at the QSI660wsg and Atik One 6.0 package.
Is the QSI worth the extra $500 over the Atik?
I already have a lodestar guide cam, so not too fussed on that part. The camera will mainly be used under light polluted skies in the back yard, but that shouldn't matter as both have the same Sony chip.
Will be used on a short tube ED80 until i can afford something better, with longer focal length.

Are there any other suggestions for good priced, good performance CCD?
Looked at the SBIG range but think i would be best to stick with the new Sony chips rather than ye olde Kodak 8300.

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

Have you considered the QSI 690wsg-8? It's not much more, and uses the next gen Sony sensor, the ICX814. It has has an 8-position filter wheel rather than 5 for the Atik, which means you can have your LRGB + Ha,OIII,SII and one other NB permanently housed! This is what I'm planning on getting...

[LewisM]

Three letters Nathan - FLI.

I am blown away by EVERYTHING about the FLI 8300 Microline I have. Just the bee's knees. Definitely a major step over QHY and a significant margin over Atik.

I had an Atik 4000. I found download speeds SLOW, and cool down SLOW. Performed very well, but definitely not user friendly like FLI. FLI is like SBIG - just WORK, and well.

[Shiraz (Ray)]

I have an SX 694 camera - it is a great chip and the 814 looks good as well. Can't comment on Atik vs QSI.

a few general comments though:
- watch the weight, the last thing you need is ~2kg hanging off the end of an ED80 focuser.
- the small pixels of the 814 would be great for your short-ish scope, but bigger may be better if you later get a longer scope.
- don't get tied up in cooling comparisons - the Sony chips don't need much (mine is still very quiet at 0C if need be)
- an 8 position filter wheel is a great idea - but watch out for the weight