I am attempting to find the best replacement for my current SSAG guide camera. It has been giving me problems the last few months - I think the electronics have gone as it is impossible to get a clear picture. I would appreciate any recommendations for a new guide camera under US$1000. It would ideally have a shutter to get darks, a standard guiding output to connect directly to my CGEM-DX mount, and with better sensitivity than the SSAG. It should also be completely compatible with Maxim DL so that I can use the dither function. My guidescope is set in an old 4" F5 refractor mounted parallel to the main scope. I am running Maxim DL 6.09 on Windows 8.1; and my main camera is SBIG STF-8300M. Any thoughts and suggestions would be welcomed!
Thanks both for your replies. I considered both these cameras and then decided on a ZWO ASI174MM. I know that it is a bit overkill for guiding, but this way I can also do some planetary work as well as guiding.
The STi is a great little camera and has a shutter (with USB line power attached to the USB hub). . It will also nicely fit into a OAG setup or into any eyepiece holder (attach parfocal rings makes it a cinch).
