Modern Telescopes is proud to be India's distributor of Diffraction Limited Canada. SBIG STC-7 Scientific CMOS Imaging Camera with built-in filter wheel.  This is a complete imaging package – just add a telescope!  LRGB and narrowband filters are included.

Buy an astronomical camera in India only at Modern Telescopes in India.  

SBIG STC-7

Take stunning astrophotos with this all-inclusive imaging package.  The SBIG STC-7 features an ultra-sensitive and low noise 7 megapixel cooled CMOS sensor, integrated 8 position filter wheel, plus a complete set of LRGB and narrowband filters, and an opaque filter for convenience in making dark frames.

The STC-7 package also includes MaxIm LT for Windows – all the software you need to take images, calibrate, stack, and do essential image processing. Other software is supported via included ASCOM drivers.  Mac OS and Linux drivers are also available.

For even better results, the STC-7 is compatible with our SBIG StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guide camera.  The StarChaser also supports the SBIG AO-8A adaptive optics accessory, which helps you get pinpoint star images.

STC-7 Highlights

• High sensitivity, low noise 7 megapixel IMX428 imaging sensor
• Electronic global shutter for fast exposure times (0.001 to 3600 sec.)
• High-speed USB 3.0 interface (USB 2.0 compatible)
• Downloads in under 50 milliseconds (depending on computer speed)
• Stack Pro™ automatic in-camera sub-exposure stacking
• Regulated two-stage cooling with delta ~ -30C
• SmartCooling™ active temperature regulation to 0.1 degrees C for high calibration stability
• Integrated 8-Position Filter Wheel with LRGB + Halpha, OIII, and SII filters, plus an opaque filter for dark frames
• Compatible with SBIG StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guiding camera
• Supports AO-8A adaptive optics unit via StarChaser SC-2
• MaxIm LT control software
• Multiplatform software API and sample code available

Third-Generation CMOS Image Sensor

The STC-7 represents a major step forward in imaging technology, utilizing the SONY IMX-428 CMOS imaging sensor.  Compared to our venerable STF-8300 CCD cameras, the STC-7 has higher sensitivity, lower read noise, and much faster readout.  It produces extremely clean images with few hot pixels.

Due to the extremely low read noise and fast readout, the STC-7 is best used with shorter sub-exposures than for comparable CCD cameras.  A typical sub-exposure will be only 30-60 seconds, versus 5-10 minutes, while still achieving the same or better noise performance and overall dynamic range after stacking.  This has many advantages including the ability to take unguided exposures without trailing.  It can also be used for lunar and planetary imaging at high resolution, given its high sensitivity, wide exposure range, and fast readout.

The STC-7 is compatible with most common telescopes, such as those having a focal length of 600 to 2500 mm. The camera’s pixel size is optimal for scopes from 1000 to 1600mm under good seeing conditions. Common refractors and small SCT scopes with focal reducer/field flatteners are well suited. Longer focal lengths can be used for lunar and planetary imaging.

Sensor Specifications:

• SONY IMX428 CMOS imaging sensor
• 3208 x 2200 pixels / 7.1 megapixel
• 4.5 micron pixels
• 17.6 mm diagonal
• Peak QE 78%
• Typical QE:
  • Red (635-700 nm) ~ 63%
  • Green (520-560 nm) ~ 78%
  • Blue (450-490 nm) ~ 75%
• 12-bit A/D conversion with low-gain and high-gain modes
• Very low read noise ~ 2.5e-
• Very low dark current 0.1 e-/pixel/sec typical @ -5C
• 80 dB dynamic range

The STC-7 supports several optional gain modes:

• Low Gain
  • 12-bit data
  • Gain 5.5 e-/ADU
  • Full Well ~ 22,500 e-
  • Read Noise ~5 e-
• Medium Gain
  • 12-bit data
  • Gain 2.45 e-/ADU
  • Full Well ~ 10,000 e-
  • Read Noise ~ 2.3 e-
• High Gain
  • 12-bit data
  • Gain 1.2 e-/ADU
  • Full Well ~ 5,000 e-
  • Read Noise ~ 1.9 e-

Advanced Software Included

All SBIG cameras come with our MaxIm LT software – a $249 value!  MaxIm LT is a special version of our venerable MaxIm DL software that provides complete control of your camera, filter wheel, and autoguider, plus advanced image processing capabilities.  If you wish you can upgrade to MaxIm DL Pro to get complete observatory integration and even more processing and analysis capabilities.

Optional Accessories

• Compatible with StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guide camera (recommend using ACC18 Spacer)
  • Tip:  Purchase the STC-7 Pro Pack to get everything you need for self-guiding at a lower price
• Compatible with AO-8A adaptive optics unit (requires StarChaser SC-2)

Package Includes

• SBIG STC-7 monochrome imaging camera
• Integrated 8-position filter wheel with L, R, G, B, Ha, OIII, SII filters plus opaque filter for dark frames
• T-Thread mount
• 2″ Nosepiece adapter
• Universal power supply
• USB 3.0 cable
• MaxIm LT software
• USB stick for software and manuals
• Deluxe carrying case