News
Calibrating CMOS Images
I’m often asked how CMOS Active Pixel Sensors differ from CCD sensors in terms of image calibration. For me, as a camera designer and a user, it’s been something of a learning process—not all CMOS sensors behave the same way. There are some rather surprising differences compared to CCD sensors. The basic principles are...
Where sCMOS is Wonderful
CCD users have suffered for years with high read noise, snail-like digitization, and download speeds. It was like that three-hour movie that dragged on. Although CCD detectors benefited from consistent images with a few hot pixels and a column or two, sensitivity across the visible spectrum was only tolerable for mid-priced CCDs. The higher QE...
How does the SBIG AC4040 compare to the SBIG STX-16803?
The classic KAF-16803 CCD was the leading camera in SBIG cameras for many years. However, since ON Semiconductor discontinued it in 2019, the latest sensors in Gpixel's GSENSE4040 family have improved it. Combined with years of SBIG camera manufacturing experience, the SBIG AC4040 series has surpassed the SBIG STX-16803 in many ways. For example, compared to...
10 Reasons Why the SBIG AC4040 is Rapidly Becoming the Most Popular Camera for Astronomers
You expect quality when you go to the cinema. And likewise, as an astronomer*, you have similarly high expectations for quality regarding your camera. We've created a list to explore the top 10 reasons why our SBIG ALUMA AC4040 has rapidly risen and become the most popular camera when the stars are above and not...
The Legacy of Astronomy Pioneer Paul Boltwood
If there is one thing that I can say that I enjoy the most about the astronomy community, it's the camaraderie. It's something that we at Diffraction Limited experience every day and have made lifelong friends. It's also within this community that we see the brilliance and commitment of its members—all dedicated to helping one...
More Bits, Less Hassle: Introducing StackPro™ In-Camera Stacking Feature
Have you heard about Diffraction’s StackPro™ in-camera stacking feature? Before we get to describing all the fantastic things it does, let’s first talk about some of the challenges that necessitate it. Modern CMOS active pixel sensors have all the analog processing built into the sensor. Certainly, this is an advantage compared to the older, more mature...
STC-7: The Best (Big) Bang for Your Buck
We did it, with your help. You’ve wanted an affordable imaging package with everything. Not a bargain “hobby camera,” but a best-bang-for-the-buck CMOS camera with SBIG quality built-in, integrated filters, and StackPro™ technology. Introducing the new SBIG STC-7: our flagship scientific CMOS camera for seasoned and newcomer Astro-photographers. About freaking time. Diffraction Limited spent over three years testing...
OEM Story #1 – Medical Instrument Maker
Stumped by a tough imaging problem? Recently, a medical instrumentation maker contacted us with just such a problem. They created a scintillation technology that needs a low-light camera to detect photons in a unique way. Together, we developed a solution. Here’s how. Diffraction Limited creates innovative solutions for low-light imaging, and we have nearly 30...
Introducing Maxim DL Maestro
Want to increase your observing efficiency? Diffraction Limited introduces MaxIm DL Maestro, a game-changing new capability for its Cyanogen Imaging® MaxIm DL Pro, the gold standard in astronomical image acquisition and processing software. Maestro brings the ability to synchronize multiple simultaneous cameras under leadership of a primary imaging system. This allows you to achieve results...
