ST237/ST5 vs. MX5C + Star 2000

Welp, these 2 imagers are basically the same price. I currently am using an c6-RGT (achro.) with an OM-1 and need an autoguider/imager. Need input on the advantages and disadvantages of both, and opinions on which one to purchase in my situation. Bear in mind I will be needing to do RGB or Ha, OIII, etc. to eliminate chromatic aberration and will be needing guidance for my OM-1.

Assuming u could isolate color channels with the MX5c (which u can do with software OR filtering perhaps?) one could assume u can still alleviate the aberrations.

The 237 is more sensitive but will need a color wheel and wont be able to guide when I decide to image with it... or will it?

So, opinions?

I have owned all 3. I just picked up the MX5c a few months ago – so I’m still learning the camera but…I find the MX a far easier to use. Coupled with "AstroArt" (v. 3.0) it's easy to capture and process at the same time. Has a larger Chip (image scale) (500x580 hi-res mode) then the 237 or 5c. Pics in raw are gray scale but contain the RGB image "data" so it's like having three separate images combined. You process the image in Grey then you use either the MX color processing in AstroArt (or one of the after market "plug-ins"). You can separate the three and work on each channel. The whole process is VERY easy.

As for auto guiding - only the MX can be used as a stand alone imager while guiding using the "Star 2000" hardware. There are downsides to this as it basically "splits" the chip so you need to (approx) double your exposure time over not auto guiding. The ST's need a seperate Autoguider if they are being used to image.

Positives:
MX is easier to use.
No filters/wheel needed.
Much lower noise - I almost never need Darks.
Small - well made – although I’d say the ST’s are a slightly better made – especially in the power supply and hook-ups.

Negatives:
OEM Software is lousy - Need to buy AstroArt (to be far I really never really used the OEM SW as the camera came with Astroart).
Not quite as sensitive as the ST's.
Instructions nearly useless.

Attached Image:

I think for an autoguider, the ST-237 will be your best bet. It is the same chip that Sbig puts in there STV and the guide chip they use on all their newer dual chip cameras. It is super sensitive. I normally do a one second exposur and there are usually plenty of stars to choose from to autoguide on. If you are patient, you can usually buy a used one with the filter wheel already in it. It makes a pretty good imager too. If you mount it on a fastar C-8, you can do unguided 30 second shots all night long at F/1.95. I have just started using it as an imager and have a few pictures that you can see here: http://www.pbase.com/panotaker/image/35082252 http://www.pbase.com/panotaker/image/33333243 http://www.pbase.com/panotaker/image/37369393 http://www.pbase.com/panotaker/image/36002081
Ralph