Product Improvements 2006

Effective immediately, and continuing until this special offer is revoked, the following self-guiding ST series cameras will be reduced in price. Due to the economy, we are offering most models at the lowest sale price offered to date. This is SBIG's own "stimulus package" for astro-imagers! The special prices below include the latest versions of the cameras with Remote Guide Head port, the most recent version of the imaging CCD from Kodak, a built-in, cooled, 16-bit TC-237 tracking CCD, power supply, cables, custom Pelican case and an incredible library of software: CCDDOPS version 5, CCDSharp, CCDSoftV5, TheSky version 5, CCDOPS Lite (for the Mac), and more. In addition, when purchased at the same time as a new camera, the CFW9 filter wheel is only $395 (normally $695 without filters), or $595 with a complete set of Baader LRGB color imaging filters (normally $995 with filters). Please see the Note at the bottom of this page for additional terms and conditions of the sale.

A similar sale is in effect for select STL series cameras. Click here for information on STL cameras.

Model ST-7XME Deluxe
765 x 510 Pixels, High QE, Self-Guiding
Imaging System with Class 1 Imaging CCD,
built-in TC-237 tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head Port, water cooling heat exchanger,
List Price $2495, Sale Price $1995

The ST-7XME Deluxe Model is an incredibly sensitive beginner's camera. It has the same high QE (~85% peak) as the ST-8XME and ST-10XME but with a smaller CCD. The extraordinary sensitivity of these CCDs, particularly in the red, make these sensors excellent choices for color imaging using RGB filters, or narrowband imaging using custom emission line filters. The ST-7XME image of the "tadpoles" at right is a fine example of the performance of this camera using such narrowband filters.

The ST-7XME Deluxe model includes a Class 1 CCD and Remote Guide Head Port for self-guiding using a separate guide scope or off-axis guider. This eliminates any problems one might encounter trying to find suitable guide stars when using dark or narrow passband filters. The ST-7XME also has the build-in internal TC-237 CCD for self-guiding, a water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The unit also includes a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case. The camera may be upgraded to an ST-8XME or ST-2000XM at any time in the future.

Options include the CFW-9 five position filter wheel, or the larger CFW-10 filter wheel with ten positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Window Vista (32 bit and 64 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-7XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-8XME
1.5 Megapixel, High QE, Self-Guiding
Imaging System with KAF-1603ME CCD,
built-in TC-237 tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head Port, water cooling heat exchanger.
List Price $4495, Sale Price $2995

The ST-8XME CCD has an imaging area 4X the size of the ST-7XME camera. The CCD architecture, quantum efficiency, read noise and dark current are virtually the same as the smaller KAF-0402ME except that the KAF-1603ME has 4 times as many pixels. This translates into a larger field of view with twice the diagonal measurement, and 4X the image area of the smaller camera. The ST-8XME also has a built-in TC-237 tracking CCD with 657 x 495 pixels for self-guiding, and a Remote Guide Head port for attaching an optional remote guider containing a second TC-237. The remote guider has its own TE cooler and uses a 16-bit A/D.

The ST-8XME includes a water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The camera comes in a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case. Options include the CFW-9 five position filter wheel, or the larger CFW-10 filter wheel with ten positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Window Vista (32 bit and 64 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-7XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-9XE
Self-Guiding, Large Pixel
Imaging System with Class 1 CCD,
built-in TC-237 tracking CCD,
Remote Guide Head Port and
water cooling heat exchanger
List Price $2995, Sale Price $2695

The ST-9XE is an excellent value at the old price, an incredible value at the new price. The camera uses the latest KAF-0261E CCD with 512 x 512 pixels at 20 microns square. The relatively large pixels make this sensor larger than the CCD used in the ST-7XME, and almost as large as the ST-8XME. Because the array is 512 x 512 it is normally passed up in favor of a sensor with more pixels for making pretty pictures. However, it has been a workhorse in the amateur community when it comes to supernova and asteroid searches. It is also an excellent photometric camera when used with a long focal length telescope.

As with the other self-guiding ST cameras, standard features include a built-in TC-237 657 x 495 pixel tracking CCD, water cooling heat exchanger, and Remote Guide Head port for the optional external guider. Options include the CFW-9 five position filter wheel, or the larger CFW-10 filter wheel with ten positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Window Vista (32 bit and 64 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-7XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-10XME
High Resolution, 3.2 Megapixel, High QE,
Self-Guiding Imaging System with built-in
TC-237 tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head
Port, and water cooling heat exchanger.
List Price $5995, Sale Price $4995

The ST-10XME is the flagship of the ST series cameras. It has the largest CCD with the largest number of pixels, the smallest pixel size, and the highest QE of any other camera in the ST line. Its relatively small 6.8 micron pixel size makes it ideal for high resolution imaging, or it can be binned 2x2 to yield 13.6 micron pixels for use on nights of poor seeing or for use with long focal lengths. It also has low read noise and low dark current.

The ST-10XME has a built-in TC-237 tracking CCD with 657 x 495 pixels for self-guiding, and a Remote Guide Head port for attaching an optional remote guider containing a second TC-237. The remote guider has its own TE cooler and uses a bit A/D.

The ST-10XME also has the water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The camera comes in a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case. Options include the CFW-9 five position filter wheel, or the larger CFW-10 filter wheel with ten positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Window Vista (32 bit and 64 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-7XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-2000XM
2 Megapixel, Self-Guiding Imaging System
with antiblooming CCD, built-in TC-237
tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head Port,
and water cooling heat exchanger
List Price $3495, Sale Price $2995

The ST-2000XM has become one of the most popular cameras made by SBIG. Its relatively large CCD and small pixel size, plus its excellent ABG characteristics make it a great introductory camera, and an excellent choice for short fast optical systems such as low focal ration refractors and camera lenses. It has more pixels than the ST-8XME, but because the pixels are smaller, the image area is slightly less. The peak QE of the ST-2000XM is a respectable 55% and the read noise of the KAI-2020M CCD is one of the lowest made by Kodak. Overall it offers "a lot of bang for the buck." The monochrome and single-shot color ST-2000 cameras are the only interline CCDs in the ST series. The interline parts have what is commonly referred to as an "electronic shutter" in addition to the mechanical shutter found on all ST series cameras. The mechanical shutter times the exposures for the full frame CCDs. It also allows automatic dark frames to be taken by all CCDs, including the interline parts. One benefit of the interline's electronic shutter however is its ability to take very short (0.001 sec.) exposures without smear, whereas the other ST cameras with full frame CCDs have a minimum exposure time of 0.12 seconds. This makes the ST-2000XM and ST-2000XCM an excellent camera for bright as well as dim objects. The moon, sun and planets are easier targets for the ST-2000 cameras on account of this feature.

The ST-2000XM also has a built-in TC-237 tracking CCD with 657 x 495 pixels for self-guiding, and a Remote Guide Head port for attaching an optional remote guider containing a second TC-237. The remote guider has its own TE cooler and uses a bit A/D. The ST-2000XM comes in a single class without column defects. The ST-2000XM also has the water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The camera comes in a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case. The camera can be upgraded to an ST-8XME at any time in the future. Options include the CFW-9 five position filter wheel, or the larger CFW-10 filter wheel with ten positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Window Vista (32 bit and 64 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-7XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-2000XCM
2 Megapixel, Self-Guiding, Single-Shot
Color Imaging System with built-in TC-237
tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head Port,
and Water Cooling Heat Exchanger
List Price $2895, Sale Price $2495

CCD	Array	Pixel	CCD Size	Diagonal	Area
KAI-2020CM	1600 x 1200	7.4u	11.8 x 8.9mm	14.8mm	105mm2

The ST-2000XCM is a single-shot color version of the ST-2000XM. The CCD is basically the same with the exception of a layer of RGB filters over the pixels in a Bayer pattern that produces a color image with a single exposure instead of combining separate red, green and blue exposures as one does with a monochrome camera, filter wheel and RGB filters. This model has recently begun to rival the ST-2000XM monochrome camera as most popular.

Single-shot color cameras are somewhat easier to use to take color images simply because you take only one exposure instead of three or four to create a color image. However, in terms of overall time to achieve a similar result as a monochrome camera with custom filters, it is roughly comparable because single shot color cameras require longer exposures to achieve a similar signal to noise level for the finished color image. Mitigating the requirement of longer exposures is the fact that the internal guiding CCD is never covered by a filter and always sees the full spectrum of light from guide stars. This makes it easier to find and use more guide stars to take a self-guided image. The trade-off between monochrome and single-shot color cameras is usually ease of use vs. more flexibility and higher sensitivity.

Although the camera is completely compatible with either the CFW9 or CFW10 filter wheel, in general one does not need a color filter wheel with a single shot color camera. There are always exceptions to the rule, of course, and for those who do have a need, either of these color wheels can be added as an option. The ST-2000XCM also has a built-in TC-237 tracking CCD with 657 x 495 pixels for self-guiding, and a Remote Guide Head port for attaching an optional remote guider containing a second TC-237. The remote guider has its own TE cooler and uses a bit A/D.

The ST-2000XCM comes in a single class without column defects. It has the water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The camera comes in a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case. The camera can be upgraded to an ST-8XME at any time in the future. Options include the CFW-9 five position filter wheel, or the larger CFW-10 filter wheel with ten positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Window Vista (32 bit and 64 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-7XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

ST-4000XCM cropped image of M106 courtesy of Ed Henry

Model ST-4000XCM
4.2 Megapixel, Self-Guiding, Single-Shot
Color Imaging System with built-in TC-237
tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head Port,
and Water Cooling Heat Exchanger
List Price $4495, Sale Price $3995

CCD	Array	Pixel	CCD Size	Diagonal	Area
KAI-4022CM	2048 x 2048	7.4u	15.2 x 15.2mm	21.5mm	230mm2

The ST-4000XCM is a special production of the self-guiding ST line of cameras with a large 4.2 megapixel KAI-4022CM single-shot color CCD. This CCD has twice the iamge area of the ST-2000 cameras. Single-shot color cameras are somewhat easier to use to take color images simply because you take only one exposure instead of three or four to create a color image. However, in terms of overall time to achieve a similar result as a monochrome camera with custom filters, it is roughly comparable because single shot color cameras require longer exposures to achieve a similar signal to noise level for the finished color image. Mitigating the requirement of longer exposures is the fact that the internal guiding CCD is never covered by a filter and always sees the full spectrum of light from guide stars. This makes it easier to find and use more guide stars to take a self-guided image. The trade-off between monochrome and single-shot color cameras is usually ease of use vs. more flexibility and higher sensitivity.

The ST-4000XCM also has a built-in TC-237 tracking CCD with 657 x 495 pixels for self-guiding, and a Remote Guide Head port for attaching an optional remote guider containing a second TC-237. The remote guider has its own TE cooler and uses a bit A/D. The ST-4000XCM comes in a single class without column defects. It has the water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The camera comes in a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case. The camera can be upgraded to an ST-8XME at any time in the future.

Options include a 5-position CFW9 filter wheel or 10-position CFW-10 filter wheel, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Window Vista (32 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-2000XCM and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Camera Model	CCD	Number of Pixels	Pixel Size	Pixel Array	CCD Dimensions	CCD Diagonal	Current List Price	Current Sale Price	Save
ST-7XME	KAF-0402ME	390,150	9u	765 x 510	6.9 x 4.6 mm	8.3 mm	$2495	$1995	$500
ST-8XME	KAF-1603ME	1.6 Megapixels	9u	1530 x 1020	13.8 x 9.2 mm	18.6 mm	$4495	$2995	$1500
ST-9XE	KAF-0261E	262,144	20u	512 x 512	10.2 x 10.2 mm	14.4 mm	$2995	$2695	$300
ST-10XME	KAF-3200ME	3.2 Megapixels	6.8u	2184 x 1472	14.9 x 10.0 mm	17.9 mm	$5995	$4995	$1000
ST-2000XM	KAI-2020M	2 Megapixels	7.4u	1600 x 1200	11.8 x 8.9 mm	14.8 mm	$3495	$2995	$500
ST-2000XCM	KAI-2020CM	2 Megapixels	7.4u	1600 x 1200	11.8 x 8.9 mm	14.8 mm	$2895	$2495	$400
ST-4000XCM	KAI-4022CM	4.2 Megapixels	7.4u	2048 x 2048	15.2 x 15.2 mm	21.5 mm	$4495	$3995	$500

NOTE: Because the ST-4000XCM uses a larger camera window than the rest of the ST series of cameras, our standard 1.25" filter wheels and filters will not fit this model. For single-shot color cameras, however, filter wheels are not required. All other options listed above are compatible with the ST-4000XCM. These special offers may be revoked in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. These special offers may not be combined with any other discounts or special offers such as our educational discount or Remote Head discount. If a customer purchased one of the cameras, above, within 30 days prior to the announcement (i.e., between April 14th and May 14th) SBIG will offer a credit of the difference in price towards other selected accessories. Contact your dealer or SBIG.