> > But this does not explain why the color version of the SPOT Jr does
> > not have a slidable filter, since the filter and its optics are already
> > there.
> >
> My guess is that the SPOT jr was designed for a particular price point. When
> the original SPOT was released, most of us in the industry were astounded
> that a scientific grade CCD camera with LC filter could be sold for as
> little as the SPOT was. In this case, they were (probably) trying to compete
> with conventional 3-chip color cameras, which sold in the $5k-$10k price
> range.
>
> Now, you may say that it couldn't cost much to do so, after all, one can
> manufacture a motorcycle, with numerous complicated moving parts for less
> than the cost of this camera. But making something that might sell a couple
> of hundred units is significantly more expensive, per unit, than something
> which sells a few hundred thousand units.
>

Perhaps, but I dont think so. They already had the assembly designed
for the SPOT-2. I think it was a marketing decision. This is their
right -- I have no complaint. However, I have applications where
being forced to choose between a color version or mono version caused
me to choose a different camera. So if they read this group, maybe
we will see a change.

--aryeh
Aryeh Weiss                          | email: [log in to unmask]
Department of Electronics            | URL:   http://optics.jct.ac.il/~aryeh
Jerusalem College of Technology      | phone: 972-2-6751146
POB 16031                            | FAX:   972-2-6751275
Jerusalem, Israel                    | ham radio: 4X1PB/KA1PB