SBIG STF-8300 Monochrome CCD Camera

SBIG is proud to introduce the new STF-8300, the first high speed 8300 camera with user-selectable automatic image processing! A few key updates include:

• 10 Megapixel/second digitization rate for faster image download (Full frame < 1 sec.)
• Faster sampling speed and full frame image buffer, resulting in higher quality images with fewer artifacts and cleaner FFT’s.
• Less post processing required (and with the extra low dark current of 8300 CCD casual imagers may not need to perform any post processing).
• User-selectable choice of automatic image artifact repair for cleaner images or raw images for total control in post-processing.

The new STF-8300M and STF-8300C cameras are updated, faster, versions of the popular ST-8300M and ST-8300C models. SBIG's new versions have a full frame image buffer and readout at 10Mhz for lowest noise, high resolution downloads in less than one second. The STF-8300 uses SBIG's traditional even-illumination (photmetric) shutter design and adds a user rechargeable desiccant plug similar to the proven ST, STL, and STX designs. Integrated 5-position and 8-position filter wheels are also available as well as a new integrated, low profile, wide field off-axis guiding accessory (OAG-8300 below) that, with the ST-i guider, turns the STF-8300 into a self-guiding camera.Optional Nikon or Canon EOS lens adapters are available from SBIG for use with or without a filter wheel. The small light body without a filter wheel also accepts a c-mount lens adapter. 

Based on Kodak's KAF-8300, 8.3 Mega-pixel, full frame CCD with 3326 x 2504 pixels at 5.4 microns, the SBIG STF-8300M mono version is ideal for both short fast optics in high resolution mode, or for longer focal lengths binned 2x2 or 3x3. The STF-8300C camera is best suited to shorter fast optics unbinned, or binned 2x2 or 3x3 for monochrome imaging. The monochrome CCD can be used with a filter wheel in any of several binning and partial frame modes for monochrome, color or narrowband imaging. Binned 2x2 the pixels are 10.8 microns square and binned 3x3 they are 16.2 microns square. At 2x2 the array is still 2 megapixels and at 3x3 just under one megapixel. This feature makes it possible to match the pixel size to your seeing and scope, from a small refractor to a large SCT. On nights of less than good seeing, or when used at longer focal length scopes such as Schmidt-Cassegrains, the sensor can be binned at 2x2 or 3x3 in full frame mode to match the conditions while maintaining the full field of view of the CCD.

These frame and binning modes, coupled with the large sensor area and 8.3 megapixel array make the STF-8300 cameras extremely versatile and adaptable to a very wide variety of telescopes and conditions. For these reasons, plus the camera's small size and breakthrough price point, SBIG feels that the STF-8300 is an ideal camera for those stepping up to a cooled low noise astronomical CCD camera from a DSLR and a superb backup camera for even advanced users.

User Selectable Internal Image Processing

The STF-8300 and STT-8300 CCD cameras are the two first astro-cameras available from SBIG with the ability to automatically clean up raw images with user-selectable automatic image processing! By selecting the level of hot pixel removal or even column repair, users can obtain exceptionally clean and accurate images without additional processing.

To illustrate, the 30 second dark frames, below, were taken at room temperature to accentuate the number of warm pixels. The first frame is unprocessed, the second frame has a medium filter, and the third frame is the most aggressive filter.