Watec WAT-902B

5.0 A true workhorse of a video camera!

Rugged; Reliable

None

For many years, low light level CCD monochrome surveillance video cameras have been the standard workhorse for astronomers doing video occultation timing and video meteor recording. The 902 series of cameras from Watec (Japan) and Watec America have long been the leaders and innovators in getting the emerging Sony CCD technologies out to the market. The 902 series was far ahead of most other manufactures in that it used Sony CCD's in 1/2" format.

The WAT-902B is the current version of the 902 series camera from Watec (Japan) using the Sony Super HAD technology CCD detector. It is virtually the same camera as the earlier WAT-902 and the WAT-902A and has just a slightly better sensitivity rating of .003 lux at f/1.4. The primary changes over the years have been in the Sony CCD technology and slight changes to the camera external connections.

I have used the WAT-902B on several occasions and found its performance to be virtually identical to the earlier models, though I have not owned one myself. It would routinely go down to 8th magnitude or better on smaller sized amateur telescopes using a good composite monitor.

I highly recommend it if you require a camera at this sensitivity level.