Imaging

Software for SBIG Cameras

SBIG has always endeavored to provide the finest software available with our CCD cameras. While there are several popular third party software vendors with fine products, we feel that good control software should be provided with the camera instead of making the user pay an additional $200 to $400 for third party software to get the camera to operate to its fullest potential. Additional expensive control software should be an option, not a requirement. Click on any of the software titles below for additional information.

CCDOPS version 5 Full featured SBIG camera control software for Windows. Our own software package has evolved over the past 15 years into one of the best, if not the best, basic camera control packages offered by any astronomical CCD camera manufacturer. This software controls all camera functions, self-guiding, autoguiding, color filter wheel and adaptive optics. It also performs several basic image processing functions and color merge of RGB images. Be sure to check out the page "Ten Things You didn't Know You Could Do With CCDOPS."CCDOPS is provided free with all SBIG cameras and updates are available for free from our web site.

Planet Master Our PlanetMaster software was originally developed for the STV video camera and autoguider. We now have a special version of this software incorporated into CCDOPS for other SBIG cameras to enhance planetary imaging capabilities. Planet Master software will (a) continuously display and update a series of images in real time and save the sharpest of the series, (b) continuously display and update a series of images in real time and save the image with the highest peak pixel value, and (c) examine a list of previously saved images and automatically assign a Figure of Merit for sharpness.

CCDSharp Written in conjunction with Benoit Schillings, CCDSharp is a 32 bit Windows program for performing an enhanced Lucy-Richardson deconvolution on astronomical images. CCDSharp allows multiple images to be open at a time, performs real-time brightness / contrast adjustment and supports Print / Print Preview using the standard Windows printer drivers. The Lucy-Richardson algorithm has been enhanced to minimize the objectionable donuts around stars buried in nebulosity and to suppress the tendency for increased graininess in the outlying areas of the images. CCDSharp is now provided free with SBIG cameras. Purchased separately it is $149.

CCDSoftV5 Professional astronomical software package. Jointly developed by SBIG and Software Bisque, CCDSoftV5 incorporates many of the camera control functions of CCDOPS, plus additional camera contro features, in addition to its many other astrometry, image processing and telescope control functions. CCDSoftV5 is included with SBIG CCD cameras at no additional charge. Purchased separately it is $349.

TheSky ver. 5 TheSky version 5 is Software Bisque's well known planetarium and start charting software package that includes telescope control for many popular telescope models. This is an indespensible tool for planning an evenings imaging session. Upgrades from Software Bisque are available to higher levels and to the latest version 6.

EquinoX EquinoX software for Mac OS-X operating systems is a planetarium program that now included SBIG camera control. A free copy of EquinoX will be provided on request to new SBIG camea purchasers running Mac OS-X systems. Purchased separately it is $49

Maxim DL/CCD Maxim is the leading third party software package that supports SBIG cameras. As a special accommodation to SBIG camera purchasers, SBIG offers a discount certificate for Maxim DL/CCD at $50 off the list price with any new camera.

CCDAutoPilot CCDAutoPilot automates many of the key functions of the image acquisition process without the need to learn complex scripting or specialized languages. Its easy to use windows interface allows you to easily focus, track and expose your deep sky targets for maximum results. CCD Autopilot also supports the self-guiding features of SBIG cameras as well as the AO-7 adaptive optics. A free 60 day trial version of CCD Autopilot will be included with all new SBIG cameras starting May 1, 2005. A certificate for a $50 discount will be included for those who like the program and wish to purchase the full retail version

Thee New CCD Astronomy is a great book for beginners. It walks you through every facit of CCD imaging from selecting a camera to taking and processing your first images. A very thorough examination of this new aspect to amateur astronomy. New camer purchasers get a $10 discount certificate. Purchased separately it is $49.

The free software one gets with a new SBIG camers is worth approximately $600 - $700. The additional discounts available add up to another $100 or more in savings. No other camera manufacturer offers its customers more or better software, period.