What is binning (bin) in conjunction with the CCD camera?
Binning is a type of configuration that controls the sensitivity and resolution of the cameras sensor. In the case of the ST8XE and STL-11000M for instance, each pixel is 9 microns square. If you were to select bin 1 then the camera would use each separate pixel to take an image. This is the highest resolution mode but the least sensitive. Bin 2 would electronically join 4 of the pixels to form a new apparent pixel of 18 microns square. This would be 4 times more sensitive than in the bin 1 mode but produce less resolution (image might become easily pixilated upon enlargement). Bin 3 (maximum suggested binned mode for this camera) would produce 27 micron square apparent pixels that would be 9 times more sensitive but again with lower resolution. Jump to top of page.
