The QSI 583 camera employs an 8.3 megapixel Kodak Enhanced Response full-frame CCD image sensor with microlens technology. The high quantum efficiency, wide dynamic range and low noise performance make the 532 ideally suited to a broad range of demanding astronomical, scientific and industrial imaging applications. The KAF-8300 sensor has a photoactive array of 3326W x 2504H pixels. It has excellent quantum efficiency between 350nm and 1000nm with significant enhancement at the blue end of the spectrum. Low dark current and high pixel charge capacity result in a dynamic range exceeding 70db. The sensor employs a true two-phase charge transfer technology with a transparent gate that significantly increases optical response compared to traditional front illuminated full frame sensors. Micro lenses cover the surface of the CCD and focus the light through the transparent gate to further increase optical response. Mechanical Shutter The Model 583s incorporates the internal mechanical shutter in the 'mid-size' camera body configuration . The shutter is not only used for timing exposures, but can be left closed to produce 'dark frames' for subsequent image processing. Exposures can range from 0.03 seconds to 240 minutes. For amateur astronomers currently imaging with a digital SLR, the QSI 583 provides a huge step up in image quality. With the increased sensitivity and much lower noise of the 583 you can capture many more images in the same night with comparable quality to what you're used to today, or capture images with much higher signal to noise ratio in the same amount of time. Make the most of your dark time! Colour and mono versions are available.