New Nightscape CCD Astronomical Camera

Enjoying the outdoors and fresh air is not limited to hauling a backpack or hiking 10 miles on a Saturday. Every evening in the open desert or mountains beyond the din of city lights, you can see a treasure chest of stars, constellations, and planets in the night sky. Coming this September 2011, this Nightscape CCD one shot camera will be available  for you to capture some of the most amazing photos of true superstars, and not some figment of Hollywood’s imagination.

The Nightscape CCD camera will come in at a price-point of $1,499.00 U.S.

Nightscape CCD camera combines the simplicity of a one-shot color imaging camera with the sophisticated features and software of more expensive astronomical imaging systems. Using a Kodak 10.7MP Color Sensor and regulated TEC cooling system, Nightscape can give you instant results in just a single exposure. Coupled with the internal mechanical shutter and control software you can also automatically combine multiple images and dark frames to create images comparable to those taken with  professional grade cameras costing thousands more.

Nightscape you get:

Versatility

With compact 4.75 micron x 4.75 micron pixels and 2×2 and 4×4  binning, the Nightscape is perfectly matched for optimal resolution at multiple F-numbers. With an F/10 system and 2×2 binning, Nightscape gives you a large image scale while still providing sub-arc second image sampling; ideal for bringing out fine detail in planets and compact deep-sky objects.  Or take advantage of the high resolution 4.75 micron x 4.75 micron pixels at f/2 to capture your favorite wide field objects while maintaining resolution better than your “seeing” conditions. Nightscape gives you the versatility to match all the configuration of your EdgeHD, SCT or other optical system.

Fidelity

The Kodak KAI-10100 Color Sensor offers both light sensitivity and a balanced spectral response for capturing true color fidelity in a fraction of the time as with a color filter wheel.

Cooling

Regulated  Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) and variable fan control provides a vibration free laminar air flow to dramatically reduce thermal noise inherent in all imaging sensors.

Form Factor

Compact four inch diameter design provides minimal obstruction needed for Fastar f/2 imaging. The round symmetrical aluminum cast body resembles the obstruction of the secondary mirror of a Cassegrain telescope ensuring round star with minimal light diffraction. Additionally the spacing to sensor is the same distance as most DSLR cameras allowing compatibility with most standard DSLR t-adapters.

Full Control

Celestron AstroFX software takes you step-by-step from taking images to processing the final result. AstroFX gives you full control of your camera from temperature regulation, exposure control as well as computer assisted focusing for easy image acquisition. AstroFX knows just what to do with your images and calibration frames to create a final master image that’s been stacked, stretched, sharpened, saturated and ready to share with your friends in a snap.

System requirements:

• Processor – Pentium^™ or equivalent, or higher
• Windows XP™, Windows Vista™, or Windows 7™ (or higher), 32-bit or 64-bit
• 1GB RAM
• Disk Space – 20MB for program installation
• Video Display minimum 1024×768, 16-bit color or higher

Nightscape CCD Camera – General Features

• One shot color imaging using 10.7MP CCD sensor – No filter wheels or color combining needed
• 4.75 micron x 4.75 micron pixels – Small pixels and 2×2 and 4×4 binning allows for optimal resolution at multiple F-numbers
• Thermoelectric cooling (TEC) – Regulated TEC and adjustable fan to dramatically reduce thermal noise
• Internal Mechanical Shutter – makes acquiring dark frames easy
• AstroFX software – takes you step-by-step from taking images to processing the final result
• Full-frame image buffer allows you to take images even while downloading