SBIG STF-8050SC Truesense Sparse Color Camera

A high-quality and advanced piece of technology, the STF-8050SC Truesense Sparse Color Camera is a sophisticated choice for both photography and video recording. This innovative camera comes in three different models: monochrome (STF-8050M), standard Bayer Color Filter Pattern (STF-8050C), and the superior sensitivity TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern (STF-8050SC).

The heart of this camera is the KAI-08050 Image Sensor, an 8-megapixel CCD in a 4/3" (22 mm diagonal) optical format. This sensor is based on the TRUESENSE 5.5 micron Interline Transfer CCD Platform, known for its broad dynamic range, exceptional imaging performance, and flexible readout architecture.

The TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern is a standout feature, providing a 2x improvement in light sensitivity compared to a standard color Bayer part. This makes the STF-8050SC Truesense Sparse Color Camera an excellent choice for capturing images in low light conditions.

The STF-8050SC is designed for speed and efficiency, optimized for fast full frame download and maximum cooling. A high resolution 8.3 megapixel 16-bit frame can be downloaded in about half a second using the dual channel readout mode, all while maintaining exceptionally low read noise.

This camera is also designed to operate well in microscopy applications, where high speed is a necessity. Its strong cooling capability, able to achieve a cooling delta greater than -50 degrees C, reduces the need for dark frames. This means the camera can cool enough at room temperature to reduce the dark current to 1/100th of an electron per pixel per second, or less.

The STF-8050SC is an excellent choice for solar, lunar, and planetary imaging, while still being a very capable deep sky imager. Its large 8.1 megapixel CCD, high resolution 5.5 micron pixels, low noise 16-bit images, and fast exposure times make it ideal for capturing detailed and clear images of celestial bodies.

The TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern represents a new paradigm for obtaining full-color images from a single image sensor. By adding panchromatic (or "clear") pixels to the standard red, green, and blue pixels traditionally used for color capture, image sensors can realize a significant increase in light sensitivity - between two and four times compared to standard designs - while retaining overall image quality and color fidelity. This innovative design allows users to capture better pictures and video under low-light conditions, making the STF-8050SC Truesense Sparse Color Camera a superior choice for all your imaging needs.