Watec WAT-902H 1/2

5.0 A major step forward in video cameras!

Rugged; Reliable; Excellent Sensitivity

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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.

A major advance was the introduction of the WAT-902H using the new Sony EXview HAD CCD detector. Sensitivity was far superior to the older Super HAD technology and the CCD chip was far more sensitive in the near infrared.

This camera was rated at .0003 lux at f/1.4. It (and its later cousins, the WAT-902H Supreme and the LCL-902K) quickly became the new tools of choice in meteor work and for occultations. With a moderately fast 8" scope, it will routinely go down to 10th mag and can go down to 12th mag on K and M spectral type stars.

For a side by side comparison of performance testing results of these newer cameras go to: http://www.kolumbus.fi/oh5iy/astro/Ccd.html

In 2007, Watec (Japan) discontinued the WAT-902H and is currently marketing the WAT-902H2 Supreme. I highly recommend it if you require a camera with true 'live' video at this sensitivity level.