Starlight Xpress launch 35mm chip camera

It seems that when Starlight Xpress made the switch from exclusively Sony chips to Kodak for the H16 they also had in mind the 35mm chip size. Here's the link:

www.starlight-xpress.co.uk/SXVF-H35-36.htm

So, that means larger field of view on larger telescopes - a definite plus.

Seanie,

That means if you are already imaging with a smaller ccd you will have to upgrade/change a lot of gear. I think its aimed at small apos to get widefields hence the demo M42 image in the link.

So, that means larger field of view on larger telescopes - a definite plus.

In theory a larger field of view on any telescope if that scope has a fully illuminated field of view which is up to the job. Looking at the specs on the page it seems the QE peaks out at 50% , that doesn't sound very promising does it?

This looks like Starlight Express answering the Artemis 1102 camera which has a similar spec. In fact it has the same Kodak CCD chip KAI11002.

A big FOC on a big scope and a big chip don't always go hand in hand, you have to be aware of vignetting problems and the like.

I wouldn't worry about the 50% QE, so the exposures take a little longer, I'd get over it, once the QE isn't ridiculously low.

A big FOC on a big scope and a big chip don't always go hand in hand, you have to be aware of vignetting problems and the like.

Yep quite right.

I wouldn't worry about the 50% QE, so the exposures take a little longer, I'd get over it, once the QE isn't ridiculously low.

er. I would! This camera ain't gonna be cheap. If I were gonna invest that kind of money, I'd really look at something like the ST8 which peaks out around 85% QE (I beleive). OK it doesn't have the FOV, but with shorter exposures there is less reliance on guiding etc. Michael O'Connell's 30 second sequences with his camera says it all for me really!