Products

QHY533M 14-bit Monochrome Cooled CMOS Camera

(0)

$1,790.00 $2,160.00

-17%

BSI

One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels like the QHY533M. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor.

In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.

TRUE RAW Data

In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.

Anti-Dew Technology

Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.

Cooling

In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.

Amplify Control

QHY533M Dark Frame, 300s

QHY183M Dark Frame, 300s

QHY533M Dark frame

600s, with highest gain (170) and strech–only very slight amplify can be detected at the corner.

Compare last generation’s astrocam for beginners, like QHY183 or QHY 163, QHY533M has much better amplify control.

Model	QHY533M	QHY533C
COMS Sensor	SONY IMX533 M	SONY IMX533 C
Mono/Color	Mono	Color
FSI/BSI	BSI
Pixel Size	3.76um x 3.76um
Effective Pixel Area	3008*3028 (includes the optically black area and overscan area)
Effective Pixels	9MP
Sensor Size	1 inch
A/D Sample Depth	Native 14-bit A/D
Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3)	58ke-
Full Frame Rate	USB3.0 Port: Full Resolution 26.5FPS @8BIT 20FPS @16BIT2160Lines 37FPS @8BIT 28.5FPS@16BIT1080Lines 71.5FPS @8BIT 55FPS @16BIT768Lines 97FPS @8BIT 76FPS @16BIT480Lines 152FPS @8BIT 117FPS @16BIT240Lines 280FPS @8BIT 215FPS@16BIT
Readout Noise	1.3 to 3.4e-
Dark Current	-20C，0.0005e- /pixel/sec
Exposure Time Range	30us-3600sec
Unity Gain	68

Shutter Type	Electronic Shutter
Computer Interface	USB3.0
Built-in Image Buffer	1Gbyte DDR3 Memory
Cooling System	Two-stage TEC cooler Less than 1S lower than ambient temperature -30C in continuous mode More than 1S continuous mode or lower than ambient temperature -35C in single frame mode （Test temperature +20°）
Optic Window Type	AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating
Anti-Dew Heater	Yes

Telescope Interface	–	Support M48 (with adapter)
Back Focal Length	Actual Back Focal Consumed: 14 mm (Combined with CFW) Standard BFL: 17.5mm（±0.5）	17mm
Weight	845g	845g

Available to order

QHY5III - 715C 4K Planetary/Guide Camera - The Binocular and Telescope Shop

QHY5III-715C 4K Planetary/Guide Camera

(0)

$339.00 $430.00

-21%

Overview

The QHY5III715C is an ultra-high resolution back-illuminated color camera with extremely low read noise. The sensor has a 1/2.8-inch optical format, similar to the QHY5III462C. However, the QHY5III715C has 4X as many pixels as the QHY5III462C for 4K resolution with 1.45um pixels.

This makes the new QHY5III715C ideal for smaller short focal length refractors. The exceptionally small pixels subtend a FOV of less than 1 arcsecond at focal lengths of 12 inches (300mm) or longer. The QHY5III715C inherits all of the updates and improvements of the QHY5III Series Ver. 2 line of cameras (See below).

Sample Images

"New Moon"

Telescope: Celestron C8HD
Camera: QHY5III715C
2000frames
6ms exposure per frame
37% stacked

515MB DDR3 Memory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYb5d5-5aWw

The QHY5III (Ver. 2) series planetary and guiding cameras are all equipped with a 512MB DDR3 image buffer which can effectively reduce the pressure on computer transmission, a great help for planetary photography which often requires writing a large amount of data in a short period of time.

Some deep-sky astrophotography cameras on the market today only have 256MB, for example.

In comparison, the 512MB DDR3 memory of the new 5III (Ver. 2) series cameras represents a significant upgrade.

Specifications

Model	QHY5III715C
CMOS Sensor	Sony IMX715
Pixel Size	1.45um*1.45um
Effective Pixel Area	3840*2192
Effective Pixels	8.4 Mega Pixel
Fullwell	5.7ke-
Readout Noise	0.87-2.17e-
AD Sample Depth	12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)
Built-in Image Buffer	512MB DDR3 Memory
ROI Frame Rate	Full Resolution 42FPS @8BIT 23FPS @16BIT 1920Lines 83FPS @8BIT 47FPS @16BIT640Lines 99FPS @8BIT 99FPS @16BIT
Exposure Time Range	11us-900sec
Shutter Type	Electric Rolling Shutter
Computer Interface	USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C
Guide Port	ST4
Telescope Interface	1.25-inch, compatible with CS-port and C-port lenses by replacing the front-end connector
Front end	Standard replaceable IR anti-reflection glass
Back Focal Length	17mm (with adapter);8±0.5mm（without adapter）
Chip package size	5.6mm x 3.2mm
Debayer	GRGB
Weight	90g

Extended Near Infrared Sensitivity

In this latest generation of sensors, the photodiode portion of the pixel well is physically deeper than in previous sensors, allowing photons of longer wavelengths to penetrate deeper into the substrate. This dramatically increases the sensor’s sensitivity to red and near-infrared (NIR) light. The sensor displays almost equal peak sensitivity to NIR light as it does to light in the visible spectrum.

Curves

Available to order

QHY5III174M - Mono Solar/Planetary CMOS Camera

(0)

$919.00 $1,120.00

-18%

Available to order

QHY5III200M - CMOS Planetary Camera - The Binocular and Telescope Shop

QHY5III200M - CMOS Planetary Camera

(0)

$519.00 $640.00

-19%

QHY5III200M is a new generation of QHY5III V2 series planetary guide camera, using domestic CMOS, with excellent quality, and near-infrared high sensitivity similar to 5III462C. QHY5III200 is also the first mono CMOS planetary camera with near-infrared enhancement characteristics QHY developed. In addition, the 4um large picture elements make it easier to use for guiding.

The QHY5III (Ver. 2) series planetary and guiding cameras are all equipped with a 512MB DDR3 image buffer which can effectively reduce the pressure on computer transmission, a great help for planetary photography which often requires writing a large amount of data in a short period of time. Some deep-sky astrophotography cameras on the market today only have 256MB, for example.

The new QHY5III (Ver.2) series cameras all use the USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C interface. Compared to the USB3.0 Type-B interface used in the previous generation, the Type-C interface has a longer life and is more flexible.

Tips: It is recommended to use the official standard Type-C data cable of QHYCCD. As the market is flooded with a large number of poor-quality Type-C cables, casual use may lead to the camera malfunctioning. If you use your own spare cable, please make sure it is a high-quality cable.

The custom interfaces of the previous generation of planetary cameras and guiders has been replaced in the QHY5III (Ver.2) cameras with a more universal ST-4 compatible guiding interface. Now, even if the guiding cable is lost or damaged, you will be able to easily get a replacement on the market at a low cost.

The new QHY5III (Ver.2) series of cameras is equipped with a status indicator at the back of the camera. If the camera experiences an abnormal status, the multi-colored indicator light will help to determine the situation with different colors signifying different conditions. During normal operation this indicator light is off, so there is no worry about light contaminating the image.

Specifications

Model	QHY5III200M
CMOS Sensor	SC2210
Pixel Size	4um*4um
Effective Pixel Area	1920*1080
Effective Pixels	2 Mega Pixel
Fullwell	8000e
Readout Noise	0.75e – 3e
AD Sample Depth	12bit (output as 16bit and 8bit)
Built-in Image Buffer	512MB DDR3 Memory
ROI Frame Rate	Full Resolution 96.5FPS @8BIT 60FPS @16BIT 960Lines 187FPS @8BIT 116FPS @16BIT 480Lines 209FPS @8BIT 130FPS @16BIT
Exposure Time Range	15us-900sec
Shutter Type	Electric Rolling Shutter
Computer Interface	USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C
Guide Port	st4
Telescope Interface	1.25-inch， compatible with CS-port and C-port lenses by replacing the front-end connector (An IR AR glass and an IR850nm filter are included in the standard version.)

Back Focal Length	17mm（with adapter）; 8±0.5mm（without adapter）
Weight	90g

Camera Curves

Available to order

QHY5III462C - Colour Planetary / All - sky Camera - The Binocular and Telescope Shop

QHY5III462C - Colour Planetary / All-sky Camera

(0)

$309.00 $479.00

-35%

The QHY5III462 camera uses the Sixth Generation Sony 2.1 megapixel IMX462 STARVIS CMOS sensor. The pixel size is 2.9um making it the same size and resolution as the sensor used in the QHY5III290 camera that has been so successfully used for planetary imaging by some of the best planetary imagers in the world. Like other cameras in the 5III series, the QHY5III462 is USB 3.0 powered and controlled. No additional power is required.

The IMX462 sensor is back-illuminated and incorporates new technology that gives it some significant advantage over other planetary cameras: First, the IMX462 sensor has sHCG (Super High Conversion Gain) for very low read noise at high gain. This is ideal for stacking hundreds or thousands of short planetary images. Second, it is exceptionally sensitive in the NIR.

In this latest generation of sensors, the photodiode portion of the pixel well is physically deeper than in previous Sony BSI sensors, allowing photons of longer wavelength to penetrate deeper into the substrate. This dramatically increases the sensor’s sensitivity to red and near infrared (NIR) light. The RGB filters over the pixels become transparent at NIR wavelengths, so the sensor displays almost equal peak sensitivity to NIR light as it does to light in the visible spectrum.

The peak QE in the NIR around 800nm is as high as the peak QE in the visible wavelengths. For planetary imagers using a methane filter that passes light around 880nm this is welcome news.

BSI

One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved sensitivity. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor.

In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.

Extended Near Infrared Sensitivity

Logically, one would think, each generation of Exmor sensor would be built upon and incorporate all of the improvements of the generation immediately preceding. However, this was not the case with the fifth generation Exmor R sensors.

The first back-illuminated sensors used shallower pixel wells (like the third-generation front- illuminated designs) than the physically deeper pixels of the fourth generation. So, while the back- illuminated structure increased the sensitivity in the visible range by 2X, the shallower pixels did not improve the NIR. The answer to this is seen in the latest, sixth generation, Sony Exmor R sensors, like the IMX462. Using physically deeper pixels in conjunction with the back-illuminated structure has dramatically improved the sensor’s sensitivity to both the visible and near infrared wavelengths.

sHCG Mode

Another advantage of the QHY5III462 is the camera’s “Super High Conversion Gain” capability. By using a lower capacitance, a small amount of charge can be converted to a high voltage resulting in higher sensitivity in low-light conditions. The readout noise of the QHY5III462 in high gain mode is as low as 0.5 electrons!

The test exposures below demonstrate the low light improvement over the IMX290 sensor. The QHY5III462C image is on the left and the corresponding QHY5III290C image is on the right. The low light conditions and exposures are identical for each top and bottom pair of images and a UV/IR filter was in place for each camera. So this test demonstrates the QHY5III462C’s increase in sensitivity and SNR over the QHY5III290C under the same conditions in the visual light spectrum alone.

Color and Mono Imaging

The filter matrix in the IMX462 uses organic dye filters. These filters are very efficient at visible wavelengths but become completely transparent in the NIR. For this reason, good RGB color balance requires an external UV/IR filter that blocks NIR wavelengths.

Many color cameras build this UV/IR filter into the camera or optical window for normal color imaging. However, in order to fully exploit the capabilities of the 462C sensor, in the QHY5III462C camera the optical window is AR coated only with no UV or IR blocking. Instead, the QHY5III462C camera includes two 1.25″ screw-in filters, a UV/IR cut filter to isolate the visible wavelengths for normal RGB imaging and an IR850 filter that will cut the visible wavelengths but pass wavelengths above 850nm.

Specifications

Model	QHY5III462M/C
CMOS Sensor	SONY IMX462 BSI CMOS
Pixel Size	2.9um x 2.9um
Effective Pixel Area	1920 x 1080
Effective Pixels	2 MP
Fullwell	12000e-
Readout Noise	0.5e-
AD Sample Depth	12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)
Sensor Size	Typical 1/2.8 inch (6.3mm)
Full Frame Rate	Full Resolution 135 FPS@8-bits (USB3.0 Port）
ROI Frame Rate	Higher rates at selected fields of interest (Supports any region ROI)
Exposure Time Range	7us-900sec
Shutter Type	Electronic Rolling Shutter
Computer Interface	USB3.0
Guide Port	Yes
Telescope Interface	1.25-inch
Optic Window Type	Changeable 1.25-inch filter as optical window (462C: Includes free 1.25-inch UV/IR cut filter and free 1.25-inch IR850 filter 462M: Includes a free 1.25-inch IR850 filter)
Back Focal Length	12mm (±0.5)
Weight	88g

Camera Curves

Available to order

QHY5iii485c - CMOS CAMERA

(0)

$469.00 $599.00

-22%

QHY5III485C uses Sony’s new IMX485, back-illuminated, 8.4 megapixel color CMOS sensor with an array of 3864 x 2180 pixels at 2.9um. With USB 3.0 interface, the full frame rate of 44 FPS at 8-bits or 18.5 FPS at 16-bits. Smaller regions of interest will yield even faster frame rates.

The resolution of QHY5III485C is 16:9, which is equivalent to the mainstream video output ratio. With the native high resolution, 485C can play a special role in recording astronomical video and astronomical science live broadcast.

QHY5III485C is specially equipped with 128MB DDR bulid-in image buffer. In non-video output mode, DDR built-in buffer can effectively relieve the transmission pressure brought by high-resolution large data volume and reduce information loss.

One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved sensitivity. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor.

In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.

The QHY5III485C standard package includes a 2.5mm Fisheye lens that converts the planetary camera into a high-resolution, 8.4 Megapixel All Sky camera with 180-degree field of view.

Specifications

Model	QHY5III485C
CMOS Sensor	Sony IMX485
Color/Mono	Color Only
FSI/BSI	BSI
Pixel Size	2.9um
Pixel Array	3864*2180
Effective Pixels	8.4MP
Sensor Size	1/1.2inch (12.8mm)
Frame Rate @Full Frame	44FPS@8-bits
Frame rate @ROI readout	78.5FPS@1200lines, 87FPS@1080lines, 91.5FPS@1024lines, 97.5FPS@960lines, 121FPS@768lines, 190FPS@480lines
Ful Well Capacity	12ke-
A/D	12bit (output as 16bit and 8bit)
Computer Interface	USB3.0
Non-volatile memory / On camera storage	128MB DDR II Memory Buffer
Guide Port	St4
Telescope Interface	1.25-inch, CS mount
Weight	90g

Camera Curves

Available to order

QHY5III678C - Planetary Camera

(0)

$499.00 $620.00

-20%

QHY5III678c is a new planetary and guiding camera of the 2nd generation of QHY5III series, the upgraded version of QHY5III178M/C, with excellent near-infrared high sensitivity.

In this latest generation of sensors, the photodiode portion of the pixel well is physically deeper than in previous sensors, allowing photons of longer wavelengths to penetrate deeper into the substrate. This dramatically increases the sensor’s sensitivity to red and near-infrared (NIR) light. The sensor displays almost equal peak sensitivity to NIR light as it does to light in the visible spectrum.

DDR3 512MB

The QHY5III678c series planetary and guiding cameras are all equipped with a 512MB DDR3 image buffer which can effectively reduce the pressure on computer transmission, a great help for planetary photography which often requires writing a large amount of data in a short period of time. Some deep-sky astrophotography cameras on the market today only have 256MB, for example.

In comparison, the 512MB DDR3 memory of the new 5III (Ver. 2) series cameras represents a significant upgrade.

USB-c connectivity

The new QHY5III678c series cameras all use the USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C interface. Compared to the USB3.0 Type-B interface used in the previous generation, the Type-C interface has a longer life and is more flexible.

Tips: It is recommended to use the official standard Type-C data cable of QHYCCD. As the market is flooded with a large number of poor-quality Type-C cables, casual use may lead to the camera malfunctioning. If you use your own spare cable, please make sure it is a high-quality cable.

Universal Guiding Interface

The custom interfaces of the previous generation of planetary cameras and guiders has been replaced in the QHY5III (Ver.2) cameras with a more universal ST-4 compatible guiding interface. Now, even if the guiding cable is lost or damaged, you will be able to easily get a replacement on the market at a low cost.

Indicator LED

The new QHY5III (Ver.2) series of cameras is equipped with a status indicator at the back of the camera. If the camera experiences an abnormal status, the multi-colored indicator light will help to determine the situation with different colors signifying different conditions. During normal operation this indicator light is off, so there is no worry about light contaminating the image.

Specifications

Model	QHY5III678
CMOS Sensor	Sony IMX678
Pixel Size	2.0um*2.0um
Effective Pixel Area	3856*2180
Effective Pixels	8.4 Mega Pixel
Fullwell	9ke-
Readout Noise	0.57-3.3e-
AD Sample Depth	12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)
Built-in Image Buffer	512MB DDR3 Memory
ROI Frame Rate	Full Resolution 43FPS @8BIT 22FPS @16BIT 1080Lines 85FPS @8BIT 43.5FPS @16BIT 640Lines 140FPS @8BIT 71FPS @16BIT
Exposure Time Range	11us-900sec
Shutter Type	Electric Rolling Shutter
Computer Interface	USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C
Guide Port	st4
Telescope Interface	1.25-inch, compatible with CS-port and C-port lenses by replacing the front-end connector (An IR AR glass and an IR850nm filter are included in the standard version.)

Back Focal Length	17mm（with adapter）; 8±0.5mm（without adapter）
Weight	90g

Camera Curves

Available to order

QHY5III678M - Planetary Camera

(0)

$579.00 $720.00

-20%

QHY5III678 is a new planetary and guiding camera of the 2nd generation of QHY5III series, the upgraded version of QHY5III178M/C, with excellent near-infrared high sensitivity.

In this latest generation of sensors, the photodiode portion of the pixel well is physically deeper than in previous sensors, allowing photons of longer wavelengths to penetrate deeper into the substrate. This dramatically increases the sensor’s sensitivity to red and near-infrared (NIR) light. The sensor displays almost equal peak sensitivity to NIR light as it does to light in the visible spectrum.

DDR3 512MB

The QHY5III678 series planetary and guiding cameras are all equipped with a 512MB DDR3 image buffer which can effectively reduce the pressure on computer transmission, a great help for planetary photography which often requires writing a large amount of data in a short period of time. Some deep-sky astrophotography cameras on the market today only have 256MB, for example.

In comparison, the 512MB DDR3 memory of the new 5III (Ver. 2) series cameras represents a significant upgrade.

USB-c connectivity

The new QHY5III678 series cameras all use the USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C interface. Compared to the USB3.0 Type-B interface used in the previous generation, the Type-C interface has a longer life and is more flexible.

Tips: It is recommended to use the official standard Type-C data cable of QHYCCD. As the market is flooded with a large number of poor-quality Type-C cables, casual use may lead to the camera malfunctioning. If you use your own spare cable, please make sure it is a high-quality cable.

Universal Guiding Interface

The custom interfaces of the previous generation of planetary cameras and guiders has been replaced in the QHY5III (Ver.2) cameras with a more universal ST-4 compatible guiding interface. Now, even if the guiding cable is lost or damaged, you will be able to easily get a replacement on the market at a low cost.

Indicator LED

The new QHY5III (Ver.2) series of cameras is equipped with a status indicator at the back of the camera. If the camera experiences an abnormal status, the multi-colored indicator light will help to determine the situation with different colors signifying different conditions. During normal operation this indicator light is off, so there is no worry about light contaminating the image.

Specifications

Model	QHY5III678
CMOS Sensor	Sony IMX678
Pixel Size	2.0um*2.0um
Effective Pixel Area	3856*2180
Effective Pixels	8.4 Mega Pixel
Fullwell	9ke-
Readout Noise	0.57-3.3e-
AD Sample Depth	12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)
Built-in Image Buffer	512MB DDR3 Memory
ROI Frame Rate	Full Resolution 43FPS @8BIT 22FPS @16BIT 1080Lines 85FPS @8BIT 43.5FPS @16BIT 640Lines 140FPS @8BIT 71FPS @16BIT
Exposure Time Range	11us-900sec
Shutter Type	Electric Rolling Shutter
Computer Interface	USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C
Guide Port	st4
Telescope Interface	1.25-inch, compatible with CS-port and C-port lenses by replacing the front-end connector (An IR AR glass and an IR850nm filter are included in the standard version.)

Back Focal Length	17mm（with adapter）; 8±0.5mm（without adapter）
Weight	90g

Camera Curves

Available to order

QHY600C-PH - Colour CMOS Camera

(0)

$7,390.00 $8,900.00

-17%

With the advantage of low readout noise and high-speed readout, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. A monochrome, back-illuminated, high-sensitivity, astronomical imaging camera is the ideal choice for astro-imagers. The QHY600M-L uses the latest SONY back-illuminated sensor, the IMX455, a full frame (35mm format) sensor with 3.76um pixels and native 16-bit A/D. This sensor is available in both monochrome and color versions. The QHY600C-PH ends the days of non-16bit CMOS cameras and it ends the days non-full frame (and larger) monochrome CMOS cameras.

The QHY600C-PH has extremely low dark current (0.002e/p/s@-20C) using SONY’s Exmor BSI CMOS technology. QHY600C-PH is also a zero amplifer glow camera. The QHY600C-PH has only one electron of read noise at high gain and full resolution and 4FPS readout speed. One electron of read noise means the camera can achieve a SNR>3 at only 4 to 6 photons. This is perfect performance when conditions are photon limited, i.e., short exposures, narrow band imaging, etc., making this large area sensor ideal for sky surveys, time domain astronomy, fluorescence imaging, DNA sequencing and microscopy.

Models

QHY600 Series have mutiple models which covers both photographic and scientific using. Below list different types of QHY600 PH (photographic) series:

QHY600PH : Standard version for amateur astrographers;

QHY600PH-SBFL (Short back-focal length version) ：specially designed for DSLR lens users or those who has special requirment of short back focal length. This version has a special front part version which has 14mm B.F.L only (The B.F.L consumed equals 12.5mm when connecting QHYCFW. About the defination of “BFL Comsumed” and our adapter system please view: https://www.qhyccd.com/astronomical-camera-adapter-bfl-solution/). QHY600SBFL can easily match Canon/Nikon lens even with filter wheel. On the side of this adapter there is a 4mm hole to connect air pump through plastic pipe in case of the dewing glass when necessary.

QHY600L : a lite, shorter and cheaper version. Compared with QHY600PH, QHY600PH-Lite has the following features compared with previous models: QHY600L only has mono version; The body length becomes shorter, which is about 112mm, and its price is lowered compared with QHY600PH; The Built-in DDR3 Buffer (memory storage) is adjusted to 1GB compared to 2GB of QHY600PH/Pro. Other specifications of QHY600L keep the same with QHY600PH except the body length and weight.

2GB DDR3 image buffer

In order to provide smooth uninterrupted data transfer of the entire 60MP sensor at high speed, the QHY600 has 2GB DDR3 image buffer. The pixel count of the latest generation of CMOS sensors is very high resulting in greater memory requirements for temporary and permanent storage. For example, the QHY600 sensor produces about 120MB of data per frame. The data band-width is also increased from the original 16-bits to the current 32-bits. Transferring such a large file sizes necessarily requires the camera to have sufficient memory. The QHY600 has adopted a large-capacity memory of up to 2GB. Data throughput is doubled. This large image buffer meets the needs of high-speed image acquisition and transmission of the new generation of CMOS, making shooting of multiple frames smoother and less stuttered, further reducing the pressure on the computer CPU.

Another advantage is that when using some computers that do not have fast processors or have poor support for USB 3.0, the computer can’t transfer high-speed data well, and the data is often lost. The DDR can buffer a lot of image data and send it to the computer. Even if the USB 3.0 transmission frequently gets suspended, it will ensure that data is not lost. There are options in SharpCap to turn DDR buffering on or off. The current version of the ASCOM driver works in DDR mode.

Native 16 bit A/D: The new Sony sensor has native 16-bit A/D on-chip. The output is real 16-bits with 65536 levels. Compared to 12-bit and 14-bit A/D, a 16-bit A/D yields higher sample resolution and the system gain will be less than 1e-/ADU with no sample error noise and very low read noise.

BSI: One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor. In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.

Zero Amplify Glow: This is also a zero amplifer glow camera.

TRUE RAW Data: In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.

Anti-Dew Technology: Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.

Cooling: In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.

Multiple Readout Modes

Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.

Random change thermal noise suppression function

You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.

UVLO Protection

UVLO（Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.

Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.

Optimizing USB Traffic to Minimize Horizontal Banding

It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.

A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.

Reboot the camera by power off and on

The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.

Specifications

Model	QHY600PH (Photographic Version) QHY600PH SBFL (Short Back Focal Length Version) QHY600PH L (Lite Version)
CMOS Sensor	SONY IMX455
Mono/Color	Both Available (while Mono only with QHY600PH-L)
FSI/BSI	BSI
Pixel Size	3.76um x 3.76um
Effective Pixel Area	95766388 （96006422 with overscan and optically black area)
Effective Pixels	61.17 Megapixels (effective area.
Sensor Size	Full Frame 36mm x 24mm
A/D Sample Depth	16-bit (0-65535 levels) at 1X1 binning 18-bit at 2X2, 19-bit at 3X3, 20-bit at 4X4 software binning QHY600 uses the software digital binning for 22binning. With digital sum, 2*2binning will be four 16-bit summed then it is 18-bit.
Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3)	Standard Mode >51ke- / >204ke- / >408ke- Super Full Well Mode >80ke- / >320ke- / >720ke-
Full Frame Rate	USB3.0 Port Image Transfer Speed Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (8-bit output) Full Frame Size: 2.5FPS (16-bit output) 7.2FPS at 9600×3194, 22.5FPS at 9600×1080, 28FPS at 9600×768, 47FPS at 9600×480, 160FPS at 9600×100, Fiber Port Image Transfer Speed (QHY600Pro only) Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (16-bit output)
Readout Noise	1.0e- to 3.7e- (Standard Mode)
Dark Current	0.0022e-/p/s @ -20C 0.0046e-/p/s @ -10C
Exposure Time Range	40us – 3600sec
Unity Gain*	25 (Extended Full Well Mode) * *With the improvement of the CMOS technology, the 16bit CMOS camera has been released, like QHY600/268/411/461. For these cameras, even in lowest gain it has beyond the requirement of unit gain (less than 1e/ADU due to sufficient samples) So you can directly set gain 0 as start. Please note QHY600/268C/411/461 has extend full well mode. In this mode you still need to find out the unit gain position.
Amp Control	Zero Amplifer Glow
Firmware/FPGA remote Upgrade	Supported. Via Camera USB Port
Shutter Type	Electric Rolling Shutter
Computer Interface	USB3.0
Built-in Image Buffer	DDR3 memory PH & PH SBFL ver.: 2GBytes Lite ver. : 1GBytes
Hardware Frame Sequence Number	Supported
Cooling System	Dual Stage TEC cooler: – Long exposures (> 1 second) typically -35C below ambient – Short exposure (< 1second) high FPS, typically -30C below ambient（Test temperature +20°）
Optic Window Type	AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating
Anti-Dew Heater	Yes
Telescope Interface	M54/0.75
Back Focal Length	QHY600PH&QHYPH-L: 17.5mm+6mm (±0.2) QHY600SBFL: 14.5mm* *The BFL Consumed equals 12.5mm when connecting QHYCFW. About the defination of “BFL Comsumed” and our adapter system please view: https://www.qhyccd.com/adapters/
Weigth	PH Version: 850g Lite Version: 790g
Power	40W/100% 20W/50% 13.8W/0%

Camera Curves

The curve shows absolute QE

Available to order

QHY600C-PH SBFL - Colour CMOS Camera

(0)

$7,390.00 $8,900.00

-17%

With the advantage of low readout noise and high-speed readout, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. A monochrome, back-illuminated, high-sensitivity, astronomical imaging camera is the ideal choice for astro-imagers. The QHY600M-L uses the latest SONY back-illuminated sensor, the IMX455, a full frame (35mm format) sensor with 3.76um pixels and native 16-bit A/D. This sensor is available in both monochrome and color versions. The QHY600C-PH SBFL ends the days of non-16bit CMOS cameras and it ends the days non-full frame (and larger) monochrome CMOS cameras.

The QHY600C-PH SBFL has extremely low dark current (0.002e/p/s@-20C) using SONY’s Exmor BSI CMOS technology. QHY600C-PH SBFL is also a zero amplifer glow camera. The QHY600C-PH SBFL has only one electron of read noise at high gain and full resolution and 4FPS readout speed. One electron of read noise means the camera can achieve a SNR>3 at only 4 to 6 photons. This is perfect performance when conditions are photon limited, i.e., short exposures, narrow band imaging, etc., making this large area sensor ideal for sky surveys, time domain astronomy, fluorescence imaging, DNA sequencing and microscopy.