Last checked at 10 Feb 2010 07:00
10 February 2010
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 SCIENTIFIC DIGITAL IMAGING PLC
 ("SDI" or "The Group")
 New Atik Camera to make Planetary and Deep Sky Imaging Accessible to All
 Atik, a subsidiary of Scientific Digital Imaging plc, is pleased to announce the launch of a new entry level cooled charge-coupled device ("CCD") camera: Titan.
Titan was revealed to the public at last week's Astrofest - the UK's biggest astronomy show - and it is expected that it will be launched to the market in March. The cost of the new unit will be approximately 400 Euros ex VAT and consequently this will place the Titan in direct competition with many of the digital single-lens reflex ("DSLR") cameras. Traditionally astro-imagers have started out with a general-purpose consumer DSLR. Such cameras, however, suffer from a lack of cooling and from noise (speckle) buildup during long exposures, so keen astronomers graduate to cooled CCD cameras. The cooled CCD chip and the affordability of Titan should entice potential users directly to the CCD camera market.
In addition, new users must generally choose whether they wish to undertake planetary imaging or deep-sky imaging (of nebulae and galaxies) and this dictates what camera they start with. Previous Atik cameras have all been optimised for deep-sky imaging, but with the Titan they have a camera that excels at both applications. It will also work as a high-end guide camera allowing the user to fluidly upgrade to a higher-end cooled CCD camera when they decide to do so. The remaining cameras in the Atik stable operate using similar software, allowing a simple progression up the range.
Phil Atkin, CEO of SDI, commented:
"We are exceptionally excited about the prospects for Titan. It is the perfect newcomer's camera and gives the user the capability of recording both planetary and deep-sky images. We expect previously hesitant consumers, unsure whether to choose DSLRs due to the restrictions they pose, to be confident that Titan will fulfil their requirements and at an affordable price."
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Scientific Digital Imaging plc 01223 727144Harry Tee CBE, ChairmanPhil Atkin, CEOwww.scientificdigitalimaging.comÂ
Bishopsgate Communications 020 7562 3350Will TindallGemma O'Harasdi@bishopsgatecommunications.comÂ
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Note to Editors
Scientific Digital Imaging plc
SDI plc is focused on the application of digital imaging technology to the needs of the scientific community.
The principal subsidiary is Synoptics, which designs and manufactures special-purpose instruments for use in the life sciences. In October 2008 SDI acquired the entire share capital of Artemis and Perseu, companies (now known as "Atik") that design and manufacture high-sensitivity cameras for both astronomical and life sciences applications and whose products are used in instruments manufactured by Synoptics.
SDI, through its subsidiaries, offers a range of digital imaging solutions and intends to acquire other companies that are capable of contributing one or more key elements to the solutions required including an in-depth understanding of the applications in the marketplace, the ability to engineer complete systems to address such applications and the provision of key, high-performance components such as cameras.www.scientificdigitalimaging.com
 Atik
Atik is one of the leading European manufacturers of cooled CCD cameras for use in astronomy. It covers the full range starting at lower cost cameras and going through to an 11 megapixel large-format camera.
All Atik's products are specifically manufactured to deliver superior performance in the specialised and demanding field of astro imaging. With Atik's low noise cooled cameras, it's possible to achieve greater sensitivity and longer exposure times, providing superior image quality.
 Our goal is to open the exciting world of astrophotograpy to everyone - www.atik-cameras.com
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