From: Alan Friedman <alan@greatarrow.com>

Date: September 5, 2006 11:02:48 AM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] Re: Questions on FireWire Camera Purchase

Hi David - 

I thought I understood that, but when I compare the specs of the

supported cameras in my price range, the DMK 21AF04 monochrome and

the DBK 21AF04 color, the published sensitivity specs are identical:

"Sensitivity 0.5 lx at 1/30s, gain 20 dB

Dynamic range ADC: 10 bit, output: 8 bit

SNR ADC: 9 bit at 25 °C, gain 0 dB

Interesting - My memory is that in the past the sensitivity was shown as different in these specs. Perhaps others who are better with the tech specs of cameras can respond, but I think the addition of the bayer filter will make the color camera less sensitive and also lower in resolution than the monochrome camera. The monochrome camera will not need a filterwheel for the the sun and the moon. For the planets, you have the ability to record luminance without a filter, or with an IR pass filter. Saturn is quite dim in a 10" scope - the ability to do luminance in white light becomes a big advantage - allowing you to shoot at a longer effective focal length than with a color camera.

hope that helps -

Alan