Starlight Xpress SXVR-694

[FLO]

The new Starlight Xpress 694 range of CCD cameras are incoming.

They feature the Sony ICX694A CCD which is essentially a larger and more sensitive version of the hugely popular Sony 285 sensor as found in the SX SXVR-H9 and Atik 314L-Plus.

This highly versatile sensor features 4.75 micron pixels and peak 77% QE so is ideally suited to short to medium focal length scopes and will provide a very high sampling rate.

When binned 2x2 (mono only) the pixels will still be relatively small at 9.5 microns rendering the camera perfect for imaging at long focal lengths achieving the perfect sampling rate for high resolution imaging together with ultra low noise and very high sensitivity.

We don't yet have a clear ETA or price but will update this thread as soon as we know.

[riklaunim]

There is a long thread on Cloudynights. For some QE + low noise is a big advantage and it may challenge KAF-8300 or 3200ME based cameras (except of diagonal size).

[MikeWilson]

Any ideas on a prospective price range for these?

[dmahon]

I see Starizona have quoted a price halfway between the H18 and H16 - which is a bit more expensive than I was expecting after Terry Platt suggested it would be similar to the SXVF-H18. Interesting to see exactly how it pans out over here.

I note that the SXVR-H9 is on sale at £1120 which is a bit of a bargain - really glad I managed to sell mine a month or so ago in anticipation of upgrading!

[Steve 1962]

Just noticed that it's £2195 on FLO's website - so you're right Dave - almost bang on between the H18 and H16

[Ibbo!]

Just a cheeky thought would a demo one courtesy of SX manage to find its way to SG7

[dmahon]

I'll let you know how it is when mine arrives.

[Steve 1962]

Any chance of an invite over to see it in action when it arrives Dave? I'll bring Jaffa Cakes!

[dmahon]

No problem - but don't buy them yet, they'll be out of date (or eaten) - I'm told there is an 8 week lead time.

[akgray]

Tried to get one this morning. First batch all sold. End May/June for next lot.

[FLO]

We don't yet have a clear ETA or price but will update this thread as soon as we know.

The new Starlight Xpress 694 Mono is in stock for overnight delivery

[Ant]

I'd offer to review one but that would be really cheeky

[FLO]

Maybe later

this is the first time since they were launched that we actually have spare on the shelf! Until now they have been on backorder and pre-sold.