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STL-1001E CCD Camera - Class 2 SBIG
STL-1001E CCD Camera - Class 2
Price $6995.00
10 X 32 Foresta DCF Binoculars Vixen
10 X 32 Foresta DCF Binoculars
Price $419.00

CCD Cameras & CCD Imaging info



What About Image Processing Software?



CCD Imaging: Image Processing Software



All CCD cameras need some sort of image processing to produce pictures. Most CCD cameras come with their own CCD imaging processing software. Some specialized CCD cameras, like the SBIG STV, have the image processing software built into the hardware. With the STV, you don't need a PC to produce pictures. The controller that comes with the STV does all the work. Most CCD cameras, however, require a PC to process and store images.

Even with a camera that has software included, you might find yourself looking for additional CCD imaging processing capabilities. MaximDL and CCDSoft are examples. MaximDL and CCDSoft include not only the camera control software, but also powerful image processing routines. Photoshop (from Adobe) is another example. Photoshop is a general purpose image processing software package that has nothing to do with astro-imaging, yet because of its power, many CCD imagers use it.

OPT recommends that you either select CCD cameras that include good CCD imaging processing software package like CCDSoft or MaximDL. Include that cost in your price comparisons!

Here are our opinions about CCD cameras and CCD imaging processing software:

  • Apogee: Includes MaximDL

  • Finger Lakes: Plan to purchase MaximDL or CCDSoft

  • Meade: Plan to purchase MaximDL or CCDSoft

  • SAC: SAC8 - vendor provides 1 month trial, then purchase

  • SBIG: Includes CCDOPS (SBIG) and CCDSoft (Software Bisque), both good software packages

  • Starlight XPress: Plan to purchase MaximDL or CCDSoft unless you are buying one of their professional camera models