APOGEE IMAGING SYSTEMS Alta Monochrome Ccd Camera Usb Kodak KAF-8300 Cooled

( Brand: Apogee Imaging Systems ), ( Part Type: Camera ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: F8300 )

Review APOGEE IMAGING SYSTEMS Alta Monochrome Ccd Camera Kodak Cooled Usb Tested

The Apogee Alta F8300 Monochrome CCD Camera with Kodak KAF-8300 CCD sensor is a high-performance, scientific-grade imaging solution designed for demanding applications in research, astronomy, and industrial inspection. This exquisitely engineered camera boasts a full-frame, 45.4 Megapixel CCD sensor, which, when cooled to -25 C, delivers exceptional low-noise performance, enabling users to capture images with unprecedented clarity and sensitivity.

At its heart lies the Kodak KAF-8300 CCD sensor, a 45.4 Megapixel, 4488 x 4488 pixel, full-frame sensor. This sensor ensures optimal image quality by employing microlenses that enhance the light-gathering ability, and it features a backside illuminated design, which increases quantum efficiency and reduces noise. The sensor is also equipped with 14-bit output, providing a wide dynamic range and facilitating the capture of fine details.

The Alta F8300 comes with an integrated, high-performance, thermoelectric cooler that cools the sensor to -25 C. This cooling capability efficiently reduces dark current and other thermal noise, allowing for extended exposure times and delivering exceptional signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 5.5 e-/pixel.

The camera offers a USB 3.0 interface for fast data transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring real-time image acquisition. It also features an onboard readout that allows for direct control of the camera from a computer, and it offers a range of user-configurable settings, including gain, offset, and exposure time, for maximum flexibility.

The Apogee Alta F8300 Monochrome CCD Camera with Kodak KAF-8300 CCD sensor is housed in a robust, compact design, ensuring reliable operation in various environments. It comes with Apogee's proprietary software, GuiderPro, which offers an intuitive user interface, making it easy to control and monitor the camera. Furthermore, its compatibility with various imaging software like MaxIm DL, AstroArt, and CCDSoft, allows for seamless integration into various workflows.

In summary, the Apogee Alta F8300 Monochrome CCD Camera with Kodak KAF-8300 CCD sensor is a superior imaging solution for researchers, astronomers, and industrial inspectors. It delivers stunning image quality, low noise, and high sensitivity, all while offering a user-friendly interface and fast data transfer rates. With its exceptional performance, this camera sets a new standard for scientific imaging applications.

Apogee Alta F8300 Monochrome CCD Camera with Kodak KAF-8300 Cooled CCD: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Apogee Alta F8300 monochrome CCD camera, featuring a Kodak KAF-8300 cooled CCD sensor, is a popular choice among astrophotographers and scientific researchers. In this analysis, we will discuss the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of this camera to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

1. Monochrome 16MP Kodak KAF-8300 CCD sensor

2. Thermoelectric cooling system, achieving temperatures as low as -25 C

3. USB 3.0 interface for fast data transfer

4. Triggering via ASCOM, SequenceGeneratorPro, or Apogee GuideScope

5. Built-in illuminated filter wheel with 5 positions

6. Read noise: 4.5 e- (RMS, unbinned)

7. Quantum Efficiency: 73% (peak)

1. High sensitivity and low read noise, enabling deep-sky imaging with excellent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)

2. Cooling system maintains a stable temperature, reducing thermal noise and dark current

3. USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer, minimizing wait times during imaging sessions

4. Filter wheel with 5 positions allows for flexibility in imaging, particularly for narrowband imaging

5. Compatibility with popular imaging software and control systems

1. Higher price point compared to some other CCD cameras in the market

2. Requires a dedicated cooled camera mount or a dedicated cooled imaging system

3. Depending on the specific imaging setup and conditions, longer exposure times may be necessary, increasing the overall imaging time

The Apogee Alta F8300 monochrome CCD camera, equipped with the Kodak KAF-8300 cooled CCD sensor, offers superior image quality through its high sensitivity, low read noise, and cooling system. Although it comes with a higher price point compared to some other CCD cameras, its advantages make it an excellent choice for astrophotography and scientific research. The fast data transfer via USB 3.0 and compatibility with popular imaging software and control systems further enhance its appeal. Ultimately, the decision to purchase this camera depends on the specific requirements, budget, and experience level of the potential buyer. If deep-sky imaging with high SNR and excellent image quality is the primary goal, the Apogee Alta F8300 monochrome CCD camera is a worthwhile investment.

If you are an astrophotographer or researcher seeking exceptional image quality and are willing to invest in a high-performance CCD camera, the Apogee Alta F8300 monochrome CCD camera is an excellent choice. Its features, advantages, and compatibility with popular imaging software and control systems make it a top contender in the CCD camera market. However, it is essential to carefully consider your budget and imaging setup requirements before making a purchase.

Details:

I did not attempt to cool it further, but didn't seem have trouble getting down that temperature. I powered it from a lab power supply for the testing did, only drew about 20-25W at 12V when cooling. You are buying on one good used Alta F8300 monochrome 8.3 megapixel, cooled CCD camera. This F8300 has an integrated shutter.

I am including the 10-position filter wheel and Nikon lens adapter with 50mm. I took some sample photos of my soldering iron with focused light on it. The filter wheel does not appear to be an Apogee - it has a small motor control with thumb wheel on the back you can use manually adjust position. When fully cooled, I saw visual artifacts on my image that appeared to be ice crystals - see the second closeup photo.

Both the filter wheel and lens adapter are very easy to remove with standard Allen head screws. This was removed from a piece of Imaging equipment it integrated into. I took a quick glance at removing the Nikon lens from its mount and it does not look very simple, would likely be complicated to adapt another if you wanted use aperture controls integrated into adapter. I would assume this either needs desiccant to be recharged or for the chamber serviced with new argon - am not sure which way particular camera was supposed protected from condensation but wanted disclose that issue.

When I let the camera warm back up they disappeared. The lens is currently only able to focus in the macro range - I do not know if it was modified.

part #: f8300 price

• $399.99

specifications detectoimage:

• brand: Apogee Imaging Systems
• part type: Camera
• manufacturer part number: F8300

offer detectoimage:

• availability: In Stock
• started: October 22, 2025
• best offers: True
• sold: 0
• quantity: 1
• options: Ship-to-home

shipping detectoimage:

• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• transit: 2-5 Days
• cost: $0.00
• carrier: USPS
• type: Calculated
• class: Standard

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• other
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• credit card: Discover

returns detectoimage:

• policy: Returns Accepted
• paid by: Seller
• method: Money back
• time: 30 Days

seller detectoimage:

• city: Lemont, Pennsylvania
• # reviews: 3978
• rating: 99.7%

general detectoimage:

• Test, Measurement Inspection > Cameras Imaging > Other Cameras Imaging
• condition: Used

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