QSI 683s - Sensor D=22,2mm - slim body

CCD-cameras by QSI:

Among astrophotographers CCD-cameras from QSI (Quantum Scientific Imaging) count as the highest-quality and most prestigious of their kind. This is not only due to their thoughtful construction, but also their aesthetic and processing quality. The main feature of the 600 series are middle-sized CCD-sensors with very low noise and high dynamic range. The camera-specific electronics, from which other manufacturers of CCD-cameras often show restrictions, are also of the highest quality. As a result the system noise as opposed to the sensor noise is in practice irrelevant; it amounts to only 1/30 of the sensor noise. Whenever then there is a very weak signal and only a few photons hit the sensor - and this is exactly the case with Deep-Sky photography - QSI CCD-cameras shine. With this camera it is possible to get the maximum out of your equipment and location. Next to an uncompromising build quality QSI cameras are also sursprisingly compact and very energy-efficient; in spite of their powerful cooling.

The QSI 683s in summary:

The QSI 683s offers a comprehensively equipped high-end CCD-camera that leaves no desires open. Next to the proven Kodak KAF8300 with a decent quantum efficiency of 57% the camera has a powerful two-element TEC cooling-system to minimize dark current, with which a sensor cooling of max. 45°C relative to ambient temperature is achievable. Through an optional liquid heat exchanger one can even reach delta 55°C. Included with the camera is an extensive driver and software-bundle, which provides immediate use.

The established Kodak KAF8300:

Rarely has a sensor been as popular and widely used as the Kodak KAF8300. Despite its age, its properties make it unlike any other sensor, a perfect all-rounder. It has a resolution of 3326x2504 pixels at a pixel-size of 5.4 microns. With this pixel-size you achieve good sampling both with short and long focal lengths. The decent quantum efficiency of max. 57% (at 560nm) allows detection of the weakest signals. The sensor dimensions are 17,96x13,52 mm, slightly smaller than the APSC Format, but still providing a large field. Moreover dark current is fairly low, and is <0.02 electrons per seconds (at -10°C). The high Full-Well-capacity of 25500 electrons per pixel results in a generous dynamic range, which allows long exposures without saturating bright image areas. As is common for modern sensors, the KAF8300 has an Antiblooming-Gate and Microlenses.

Energy-efficient, powerful CCD-sensor Cooling:

A further strength of the QSI 683s is its energy-efficient and superior Cooling System. It consists of a 2-element TEC system and is equipped with intelligent, programmable fans. It can reach a cooling performance of 45°C relative to ambient temperature; the temperature is then maintained within a tolerance of +/- 0.1°C, which is crucial for creating a dark-frame library. With an optional liquid heat-exchanger the cooling performance will be further enhanced to delta 55°C.
So that such a drastic temperature is without condensation or frost forming on the sensor, the latter is seated within a hermetically sealed chamber, filled with ultra-dry noble gas.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin