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Subject: Re: [M]: OT: ST6 or Pictor 416 for LX50
From: Valery P. Deryuzhin
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Thu Jan 02 00:05:31 1997

>Does anyone have an opinion about which CCD camera is better for the LX50?
>
>I am comparing a 2 year old ST6 (not ST6a) to the new Pictor 416xt system.
>The price is cheaper for the ST6 but not enough to keep me from opting for
>the 416xt.
>
>Any advise is MUCH appreciated.
>
>Jim Bayne
>10" LX50 owner, and proud of it!
>

Jim,

Here some basic advantages and disadvantages of both cameras. You can
choose what you really want.

The Pictor416

Advantages

1. High speed of the image downloading via SCSI connector.
2. High resolution ( around 750x500 pixels ).
3. Low dark current.

Disadvantages

1. Not reliable. Problems with:

a. Head connector.
b. Pover connector.
c. SCSI interface ( very probably that will not work! )
d. Cooler.
e. Software.

2. Small sensitivity in high resolution mode.
3. Unacceptable poor manual.
4. Poor Meade's post-selling support.

The ST-6

Advantages

1. High reliability.
2. High sensitivity.
3. Better suited for long focus scopes ( as LX50 SCT ).
4. Very friendly post-selling support.

Disadvantages

1. Relatively low resolution.
2. Slow image downloading speed.
3. Relatively high dark current.

If you not going to do the science and your task is deep sky shooting,
buy the ST-6. If you can, buy the ST-7.

Valery.