I was wondering, what should I get? I have the LPI, and the software has software for the Pictor CCD camera. Now, the Pictor 210XT camera is $100 more than the DSI, but that must mean it's better, right? I want to take pictures of DSO's, and I am going to New Mexico in June, so I want something good (I'll be using a 16" scope, I'm so excited). So anyway, should I get the DSI? Or is the Pictor 210XT $100 better? Software isn't a problem, so it's just the camera.
Thanks
-Tyler

Hey Tyler,
A few questions and comments:

1. Are you sure it is a Pictor 210XT? I have never heard of that model. There is a 201XT which is ONLY an autoguider, not an imager. I have found a couple of references to "210XT" relating to the Pictor 416XT.

2. You are aware that all of the Pictor line has been discontinued, I believe.

3. The Pictor line is monochrome, and would need a color filter wheel to image in color. The DSI is one shot color.

4. The 416XT, if that is indeed the model you are looking at, has a larger chip than the DSI at 716x512 pixels versus 510x492.

5. I have read numerous comments about the difficulties using the Pictor cameras, and would think that the DSI would be MUCH easier to use, especially with the USB interface.

What is your price range? For ~$1000, you could pick up a used Starlight Xpress MX7-C one shot color camera that would give much better results than either the DSI or Pictor line. If you want to go the monochrome camera and filter route, you can pick up a used SBIG ST7 and CFW8 for around $2000.

For ease of use, between the Pictor and DSI, I would recommend the DSI.

Regards,

Gary

I'm looking more for picture quality than ease of use right now. I have a budget of around $500-750, so most high quality CCDs (like the ST7) are out of my reach. Does monochrome give a better picture than color, because it seems like the high end CCDs would be color if it didn't. Also, I was not aware that the Pictor line was dicontinued. Why do they still have it on their website?!?!?! Arrrrrrgh.
Thanks
-Tyler

I'd agree with Gary......I started with an MX5C oneshot camera....they're in the $500+ range on Astromart.....with internal guiding and usb. They are a great first camera and respond very nicely to the full color spectrum and even do quite well in the Hydrogen Alpha band.
The nice thing about these older/smaller cameras is that if you take care of it you'll probably always be able to get your money back when you want to go bigger. If, you can then step up to the MX7C like Gary has....it has a wider field of view, and would last you for quite some time.

bud

I wonder if you shopped around you couldn't get a digital Rebel body for $750ish. The DSI gives you a lot of bang for the buck, but if you can afford more bucks you might get a bigger bang.

-John

Tyler:

Big astro CCDs are grayscale, not color, and there's a reason for that. Adding the filters at the chip (Bayer Matrix) kills much of the response. Plus, you don't have the flexibility of grayscale CCDs when it comes to h-alpha work, and the like.

My recommendation would be the ST-7e on the used market...it's right in your budget range. This is a powerful grayscale camera but would lend you to the best quality images. It also has a second guiding chip built-in. You can save up then for the CFW-8a color filter wheel, which would run another $750 used. By the time you've learned to take good grayscale pictures, you'd likely have saved up for the filter wheel.

The recommendation for the single shot color cameras is also good, but a Canon Digital Rebel falls into this price range as well.

There are many options, but don't think that grayscale cameras aren't good. The most expensive CCDs in the world are grayscale, and they always will be because of their power. Combined with a variety of filters and you'll have the ability to take much better images than can be had with a single shot color CCD.

Caveat...the above post is true IF you have the patience and work ethic to learn how to use a grayscale camera with filters. You'd probably get better results initially with single shot color cameras, but as you get better, you'd probably wish you had the power of a grayscale CCD with filters.

I might be able to help you out. Email me at phobusapollo@hotmail.com.

I would definitely stay away from the Meade Pictor and larger CCD's. Not only do these cameras have hardware incompatabilities, Meade tech support isn't the best. I bet many members of this forum can vouch for that.

Regarding the DSI, I don't know.

If your budget range is below $1000, I would definitly try to find a ST-7E or something similar.