Orion's Parsec 8300 CCD Camera

Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

800-447-1001; www.oriontelescopes.com

Orion Telescopes & Binoculars expands its line of affordable imaging equipment with the introduction of its most advanced CCD camera yet — the Orion Parsec 8300C Astronomical Imaging Camera ($2,499.95). This new deep-sky imager features the Kodak KAF-8300 CCD color-matrix sensor, which boasts an 8.3-megapixel array of 5.4-micron-square pixels measuring approximately 18 by 14 millimeters. Its regulated dual-stage thermoelectric cooling is capable of stable temperatures down to 40°C (70°F) below ambient. The unit’s compact housing measures 4 inches square and 3 inches deep, and weighs 2 pounds. It has standard T-threads on the camera body and a removable 2-inch nosepiece adapter threaded to accept 2-inch filters. The Parsec communicates with your computer via a USB 2.0 interface, compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 operating systems. Each purchase includes a 10-foot USB cable, a 10-foot, 12-volt DC cigarette-lighter power cable, a hard protective case, and a 60-day trial version of MaxIm DL Pro, plus a $100 discount off of purchase of the software. A monochrome version of the camera is also available for $2,599.95.

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