2004 update:  A new version of the CCD retains the higher QE of the previous model but improves the read noise, bright pixels and dark current significantly.  Click here for more information.

2004 update:  A single shot color version of this camera is also available.  Click here for more information.

Our customers have been invaluable sources of inspiration and direction.  It was in direct response to customer inquiries that we developed the ST-2000XM.  Now those casual imagers who wanted something bigger and better but not at such a high price as the ST-8 or ST-10 have got what they asked for.  The ST-2000XM has been developed to meet the needs of the astro imager looking for:

• A relatively large CCD with a generous field of view
• Lots of pixels - more than a megapixel
• Good sensitivity
• Low noise
• Antiblooming protection
• High resolution on smaller telescopes
• Flexibility of binning 2x2 on larger scopes with good image size
• Self-guiding
• High speed download
• Professional software
• Easy to use
• Full compliment of optional custom accessories
• Lower price
• SBIG quality and support

KAI-2000M 2 Megapixel CCD

A first for SBIG, the new model ST-2000XM uses an high quality interline CCD from Kodak, the KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE™ KAI-2001M Image Sensor Megapixel Progressive Scan Interline CCD.  The KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE^TM KAI-2001M is a high-performance multi-megapixel image sensor designed for a wide range of scientific, medical imaging, and machine vision applications. The 7.4 mm square pixels with microlenses provide high sensitivity and the large full well capacity results in high dynamic range. The vertical overflow drain structure provides antiblooming protection, and enables electronic shuttering for precise exposure control. Other features include low dark current, negligible lag and low smear.  The KAI-2001M CCD is a 2 megapixel progressive scan detector with an active image area of 1.92 million pixels.   The active image area is 1600 x 1200 pixels.  This array is 75% larger than the Sony CCD used in competitors' "megapixel" cameras and the ST-2000XM is a self-guiding camera, utilizing SBIG's patented dual sensor design.  The imaging CCD is nearly the same size as the KAF-1602E used in the ST-8XE but due to the smaller pixel size it contains nearly half a million more pixels than the ST-8XE.  Full frame download time is approximately 4.5 seconds with our new high speed USB electronics.   This camera is also fully compatible with all of our existing accessories such as the CFW8 filter wheel and AO-7 adaptive optics device.  The ST-2000XM has antiblooming protection and the quantum efficiency is comparable to the ABG versions of the new enhanced full frame "E" detectors used in the ST-7XE cameras with a shift in the peak sensitivity toward the blue.  Compared to the ABG versions of the full frame "E" series cameras, the ST-2000XM is more sensitive in the blue and green, and slightly less sensitive in the red.  Moreover, because the ST-2000XM has two CCDs (a guiding CCD as well as an imaging CCD) in the same camera head, it is capable of self-guiding without any compromise in the quantum efficiency of the imaging CCD.  In other words, not only CAN it self-guide, it can do so without having to double the exposure time to compensate for the guiding feature.

The ST-2000XM is a complete camera system.  There is no need to add in the additional cost of an interface or an autoguider or a nosepiece or better software to make these cameras actually operate as they should.  Everything that is needed to make the camera operational is included in the base price.  We even include some non-essential, but desirable, items such as a custom hard carrying case and extra nosepiece.

To see a page of sample images taken with the ST-2000XM click here.

Each ST-2000XM camera system INCLUDES at no additional cost:

• Rugged camera body with imaging and autoguiding CCDs and new analog and digital electronics
• 2 Megapixel KAI-2001M imaging CCD
• Built-in TC-237 CCD autoguider with 10X the sensitivity of an ST-4  (TC-211 prior to 8/18/03)
• High speed USB interface (up to 421,000 pixels per second)
• New I²C bi-directional expansion port
• Standard accessory / telescope port
• User rechargeable desiccant plug (no need to return the camera to the factory for frosting problems)
• "Dummy" desiccant plug for dust prevention during recharging procedure
• Internal shutter
• 2 Nosepieces (1.25" and 2")
• Cooling Fan - on/off controlled by software
• New heat exchanger design with water cooling capability
• Tripod mount 1/4-20 threaded side plate
• T-thread ring
• 15 foot USB cable (third party USB extenders available for up to 500 meters!)
• Adapter plug for telescope interface cable (for autoguiding)
• Telescope interface cable (for autoguiding)
• Universal 90-240VAC power supply with remote on/off switch
• SBIG's CCDOPS version 5 camera control software
• Software Bisque's CCDSoftV5 camera control and image processing software
• Software Bisque's TheSky version 4, level II
• Operating Manual
• Custom design hard carrying case with pre-cut foam for your camera

ST-2000XM
Typical Specifications
as of August, 2004

CCD Specifications

Readout Specifications

Optical Specifications (8" f/10)

System Specifications

Physical Dimensions

Price and specifications are subject to change without notice

Revised: February 10, 2005 03:05:14 PM.
Copyright © 2003 Santa Barbara Instrument Group, Inc.  All rights reserved.
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