Choose by your room, your caseload and your budget
Choose the Carestream CS 8200 3D if:
- you want to start with a smaller field of view and upgrade later by software key, with no new machine
- you want a clear path from Access (8×9 cm, 10×10 cm option) to Advance (12×10 cm, 16×10 cm option)
- you like CS UpStream remote monitoring, which finds many faults before you lose a session
- you'd rather buy or finance, from £399 a month
Choose the Acteon X-Mind Optima if:
- you want a 12×10 cm full-arch volume as standard from day one
- you do a lot of endo and want the 4×4 cm micro field at 70 µm
- space is tight: the compact unit can often go where your OPG is now
- you'd prefer to rent from £499 +VAT a month, with servicing included
CS 8200 3D Access, CS 8200 3D Advance and X-Mind Optima compared
Figures from published manufacturer specifications.
| CS 8200 3D Access | CS 8200 3D Advance | Acteon X-Mind Optima | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imaging | Panoramic + CBCT | Panoramic + CBCT | Panoramic + CBCT |
| Largest field of view | 8×9 cm 10×10 cm option | 12×10 cm 16×10 cm option | 12×10 cm as standard |
| Smallest field of view | 5×5 cm | 5×5 cm | 4×4 cm |
| Field of view options | Up to 5 | Up to 11 | Up to 6 |
| Smallest voxel size | 75 µm | 75 µm | 70 µm |
| Cephalometric arm | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| kVp range | 60–90 kVp | 60–90 kVp | 60–90 kVp |
| Software included | CS 3D Imaging | CS 3D Imaging | X-Mind Suite |
| Upgrades | Software key to Advance | Further fields of view by software | Upgradable |
| Remote monitoring | CS UpStream | CS UpStream | Included |
| Ways to pay | Buy or finance | Buy or finance | Buy, finance or rent |
Five things that should decide it
1. Field of view
For endo and single implants, the Access is enough. For full-arch implants and guided surgery you need around 12×10 cm: the Advance and the Optima both give you that. Many practices find 10×10 cm the sweet spot, because it captures the wisdom teeth without scanning the spine.
2. Endo detail
Both take small-field, high-resolution scans at a low dose: 75 µm on the CS 8200 and 70 µm on the Optima's 4×4 cm micro field. In practice both show canals, fractures and periapical lesions clearly.
3. Your room
Both need a suitable room of at least 1,500 mm × 1,500 mm, with shielding your RPA approves. The Optima is compact, so it can often replace your OPG in the same room. We survey the space before you commit.
4. The software
You'll use the software every day, so try it before you buy. Carestream uses CS 3D Imaging; Acteon uses X-Mind Suite. Both export to third-party implant planning software. Ask us for a software demo.
5. How you pay
Both can be bought or financed, with finance on the CS 8200 3D from £399 a month. The Optima can also be rented from £499 +VAT a month, with servicing and repairs included. See what a CBCT really costs.
Whichever you choose
We install it, carry out the critical examination with your RPA, train your team at your practice and support you afterwards, including a WhatsApp support group. Your whole team also gets our Level 1 online CBCT course free.
CS 8200 vs Optima FAQs
Is the Carestream CS 8200 or the Acteon Optima better for endodontics?
Both are excellent for endo. The CS 8200 takes 5×5 cm volumes at 75 µm, and the Optima has a 4×4 cm micro field at 70 µm. Both show canals, fractures and periapical lesions clearly at a low dose. Our best CBCT for endodontics guide goes into more detail.
Which is better for dental implants?
For full-arch implant work you need around 12×10 cm. The CS 8200 3D Advance and the Acteon X-Mind Optima both offer this as standard. For single implants, the CS 8200 3D Access is usually enough.
Can I upgrade either machine later?
Yes. The CS 8200 3D Access upgrades to the Advance by software key, with no new machine. The Optima can also be upgraded. Ask us which options suit your plans.
Which is smaller?
The Optima is a compact panoramic and CBCT unit, so it can often go in the room your OPG uses now. Both need a room of at least 1,500 mm × 1,500 mm with suitable shielding.
Can I rent a CBCT instead of buying one?
Yes. You can rent an Acteon X-Mind Optima from £499 +VAT a month, with a £1,999 +VAT deposit. Servicing, repairs, the PC, installation and training are included.