About this product
Orion is excited to announce the next generation in our line of StarShoot cameras: the Orion Starshoot G10 Color CMOS Imager. This extremely sensitive deep-sky astro imaging camera is based on the Sony IMX294CJK Type 4/3 14-bit CMOS chip, with 4.63 micron pixels, and a factory spec'd 10.7M effective pixel array. Multiple resolution/aspect ratios are available in software, and we've even maxed out the effective pixel array to 4128x2808! Exposures from 0.1ms-1000s and up to 30+ fps means you can shoot planets as well as nebulae. You'll be amazed at the results, all for a modest investment.
The StarShoot G10 features a two-stage regulated thermo-electric cooler with fan, capable of reaching ~35º C below ambient, which dramatically reduces noise. And the USB 3.0 interface provides exceptionally fast frame rates and downloads. Power for the camera electronics comes through the USB port, and the TE cooler is powered by an included AC adapter.
A standard t-threaded front opening, with an included 2" nozzle means you can attach the G10 camera to most all telescope configurations, including coma correctors, flatteners, and off-axis guiders. And with a built in two-port USB2.0 hub, that filter wheel and guidescope camera can be wired directly to the G10, which means you'll only have the one USB cable running to your laptop, making cable management much less of a headache!
The one-shot color CMOS chip excels at seeing very faint objects in a short exposure, and adjustable gain means you can boost the sensitivity in a given exposure. Imagine how much easier it is to stack a series of short exposures - less problems with guiding or satellites or airplanes ruining an individual shot.
How do you choose between the StarShoot G10 and the G16? To make a decision between the two cameras, look closely at the specifications to see what will work best for your specific imaging needs. Here are highlights of some of the more important differences, along with a short discussion regarding those differences.
| |
G10 |
G16 |
| CMOS chip |
Sony IMX294 |
Panasonic MN34230PLJ |
| Pixel Count |
4128 x 2808 |
4640 x 3506 |
| Pixel Size |
4.63 micron |
3.8 micron |
| A/D conversion |
14-bit |
12-bit |
| Full Well |
66.6ke- |
20ke- |
| QE Peak (sensitivity) |
76% |
60% |
| Read Noise |
1.12e@HCG Mode |
1.2e@HCG Mode |
As you can see, the G10, while not having as large a pixel count, has greater sensitivity (76% vs 60% Quantum Efficiency), lower noise, 14-bit A/D (for greater dynamic range), and a larger full well capacity. The G16 has smaller pixels, leading to better arc-seconds per pixel resolution, useful when imaging planets at higher power. The greater number of pixels also allow for creating larger prints of your final image!
If your main goal is deep-sky imaging, and you want the best possible sensitivity and lowest noise in your images, the G10 is the preferred solution. The more affordable G16 can also image deep-sky objects well, but will require either longer relative exposures or more images stacked together to increase the sensitivity and lower the noise in your resulting images.
Compatible with Win 8/10/11, and the camera includes a hard case, along with free control and image acquisition software. And best of all, the G10 is ASCOM compatible, meaning you can use most dedicated astro-imaging software on the market to unlock the full potential of your new StarShoot G10 camera!
