FLI vs SBIG

[astromeister]

In comparing these brands for the 11000M interline chip, I have sorted out the pros as such:

SBIG
-----
internal guide chip
lower purchasing cost

FLI
-----
USB 2.0
filterwheel holds 7 filters
easily integrated with FLI digital focuser

But what really matters is something I can't seem to find any info about: which camera model produces the cleaner image?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Phil J.

[BT Technologies]

Hello Phil.. The 2 manufactures that you mention (SBIG and FLI) are VERY high quality companies and each produce a superb camera.

As you have posted below the SBIG has some advantages over the FLI and vice-versa. For me, I like that the FLI has a sealed chamber that negates the need for a rechargeable dessicent plug to keep condensation in check.

Two very important issues that should be mentioned are how available are the cameras you mentioned? Generally speaking SBIG has a larger production facility and can manufacture these cameras a lot faster than FLI. Also, when it comes time to upgrade or sell your camera, SBIG tends to have higher resale values and since more people know about SBIG, they tend to sell a lot faster as well.

Hope this helps...

Originally Posted by astromeister

In comparing these brands for the 11000M interline chip, I have sorted out the pros as such:

SBIG
-----
internal guide chip
lower purchasing cost

FLI
-----
USB 2.0
filterwheel holds 7 filters
easily integrated with FLI digital focuser

But what really matters is something I can't seem to find any info about: which camera model produces the cleaner image?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Phil J.

[astromeister]

Thanks for the response, Brian. I noticed on the FLI site the absence of a dessicent plug. My ST-2000 has frosted over once, and that prevented me from using the camera for the remainder of the weeklong star party, so I'll add the sealed chamber to my list of pros.

I agree that the SBIG probably has a higher resale value, which played a role in purchasing my first CCD cameras (ST-7 and ST-2K). But with this next purchase, my hope is to hang onto the camera for quite a while. What has held me back from jumping on the SBIG STL-11K is the USB 1.1. Having borrowed a STL-11K from a friend, I experienced the long downloads.

I had difficulty selling my ST-7E, which was a parallel port camera. I suspect after SBIG goes 2.0, the same will occur for the current STL-11Ks...people may have difficulty selling USB 1.1 cameras. I replaced the ST-7 with a new ST-402, which is USB 2.0...wow! What a diff!