Upgrade from Gatan CCD

Submitted by Unknown on Thu, 2012-11-15 10:41

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FindDQE

I´ve just seen your work published in Structure journal about the recording of movies and alignment of frames to correct instabilities of the sample in cryoEM. Amazing.

In our center, we'd like to install a new digital camera for a 200 kV Jeol microscope. Currently we work with a Gatan CCD.

Before going further I would like to have your opinion about the available DDDs. You used the DE-12 from Direct Electron for your work and we could purchase the DE-12 also for our instrument but we could also upgrade to a DDD from Gatan.

Do you have experience with more than one brand of DDD?

Any insight would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

niko Thu, 2012-11-15 10:41

I think your choice should depend on two factors: one is cost and the other is performance. In terms of cost (purchase price and maintenance) the Direct Electron device is quite a bit less expensive compared to the Gatan K2 Summit. You should find out what they will charge you for replacing the chip and what they charge for a service contract. Then compare these numbers to Gatan’s numbers for the K2.

In terms of performance, the K2 Summit is a lot better than both the DE-12 and FEI’s Falcon. This is because the K2 can operate in counting mode while the other two cameras cannot do this at the moment. I know that Direct Electron is working on a new camera and I think they will try their best to follow Gatan. The same is true for FEI with their Falcon. But it could take a year or two until they are there. So if you can afford the purchase price and maintenance for a K2 Summit you should get that camera.

A third factor to consider might be support. In my opinion, Direct Electron is providing the best support of all. Since they are a small company and this is their main product they will try very hard to make their camera work for you.

Hope this helps.