I have the starlight express 12 bit, and just upgraded it to color. The
weather has prevented me from using the upgrade, but I am looking forward.

I have not used the pictor, but have observed both praise and complaints
from users on this list and elsewhere. I can speak about the starlight,
perhaps not by comparison, but by its own merit IMHO.

It is small, sized like a long 2" eyepiece. Images are quite resolute at
500 x 290, good dark current, and the software is simple and relatively
bug-free. Its shortcoming is it seems to lack binning, and images for
focusing are not exactly 'real time', 4-6 seconds between each frame (and
this WITH the accelerator, although I have been told other pentium systems
fare better).

I like the unit, especially the price. It does not interface as seamlessly
as the Pictor is supposed to (auto-focus, panning, etc.), but it takes
great shots, and nothing else for the price does one shot color.

One last plug. I have dealt with the designer Terrence Platt directly on
problems and issues (grounding, slow interface, etc.), and he is
wonderfully informative and responsive, in fact, unequalled. Very hands on
assistance via internet. I can't praise him or this aspect of a purchase
enough. As a former professional photographer, CCDing is the toughest
photography I have ever undertaken, and having super support and the
backing of the designer himself is, well, all one could ask for.

In all fairness, I must also plug SBIG by the vast amount of positive
comments from friends and fellow MAPUGers, but cost was too much for me.

If you decide to go the MX5 route, I can tell you more via private email.
Good luck.
Chris Margaritis

>I have been away from the mapug list for some time, so I apologize if what
>I am about to ask has been covered before.
>
>I am becoming interested in CCD astronomy and I own an LX200 8 inch SCT. I
>do not wish to purchase a top of the line camera, nor necessarily the low
>end either. Of MOST importance to me is ease of use and also ease of set
>up, especially when I travel to a nearby dark sky site. This ease of use
>also would include consideration of the software.
>
>I am very interested in the Starlight Xpress 16 bit camera but wonder how
>it compares to the Meade 216XT. I would appreciate hearing from a Starlight
>user or two so I could continue the conversation off the mapug list as well
>as a satisfied Meade user.
>
>Thanks for your help.
>
>John Mori
>

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