Opinion on a new imager

Hi All, I need to get you opinion, I have been using a friends SAC-7 for some time now and I think it's time to get my own ccd color imager, something entire level but more then a moded webcam I'm looking to do imaging of DSO's Using 10" f4.5 newt on an Atlas EQ-G and at some point with guiding. Keep in mind cost does matter.

Thanks for your informed opinion's

Bob

Bob,

I have been having good luck with an Orion Starshoot imager. It has thermoelectric cooling (non-regulated), which is nice for a camera at it's pricepoint ($350?).

The Starshoot would give you ~1.2 arcsec/pixel at f/4.5, which is about 20% larger image compared to the SAC-7.

With the Starshoot, your FOV would be 11.4 x 14.7 arcmin, which is just about right for your normal sized brighter galaxies out there (M64, M106, etc.).

While it certainly isn't a SBIG or something, it might be a good step up for you.

See attached image, about one hour of exposure with 2-minute subs, in light polluted skies, using Meade 14" SCT at f/3.3.

Keith

P.S., I forgot to mention, I use the software Nebulosity to do my Starshoot captures, which also supports the SAC-7. The author, Craig Stark, also has just released a free autoguiding application, PHD, which also supports the Starshoot and SAC-7. Might be another thing to consider, you could extend your loan on the SAC-7, and use it to autoguide, LOL.

Attached Image:

Hey Bob,
Not sure what cost range you have in mind, but I began with a Starlight Xpress MX716--still using it. I have been very happy with it. They come up used fairly often, particularly now that they've been replaced by the SXV USB 2 cameras. It's monochrome but there is also a one-shot color version. I began shooting black and white, then added an inexpensive filter holder and filters as my experience and budget both improved. Also upgradable to STAR2000 self-guiding and/or SXV Auto-guider.
This is just my personal experience, with nothing else to really compare it to.
Regards,
Larry