Note: special order only
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Next-Generation Imaging Sensor for Celestron Origin: Upgrade your system with Sony’s latest Starvis 2 color CMOS technology, offering improved resolution and enhanced sensitivity.
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Compact Pixels, Brighter Images: Small 2.0 μm2 pixels increase resolution while Starvis 2 technology boosts light conversion efficiency. The result: brighter, sharper images with more faint object detail revealed.
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Modern 16:9 Aspect Ratio: A wide, cinematic field of view perfectly matches smartphone and tablet screens, producing images that fill the entire display for a more pleasing view.
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Easy, Tool-Free Installation: Clear, step-by-step instructions guide you through attaching your new camera using Origin’s existing adapter and retaining ring—no prior experience required.
Reveal stunning detail in your deep-sky astrophotography with the Origin 678C—Celestron’s next-generation camera for the Origin Intelligent Home Observatory. Featuring Sony’s latest Starvis 2 CMOS technology, this high-performance camera delivers increased resolution and finer detail thanks to its smaller pixel size and enhanced sensitivity.
The Origin 678C Camera replaces the original Origin 178C Camera, giving you an upgrade in image quality. Whether you're imaging galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters, you'll capture more object detail in images that better fill your smartphone or tablet’s display screen.
It’s the perfect way to further enhance your Origin experience—and your astroimaging.
What’s New with the Origin 678C Camera
The Origin 678C Camera brings meaningful enhancements to your astrophotography experience. Here’s what you can expect:
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Increased resolution
Although both sensors are the same physical size, the IMX678C uses smaller 2.0 μm² pixels than the 2.4 μm² pixels in the IMX178C. This results in a finer resolution of 1.2 arcseconds per pixel (down from 1.5 arcseconds per pixel), allowing you to resolve more detail and “zoom in” slightly more on celestial objects. This is especially beneficial since most night sky targets are relatively small.
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Larger file sizes
Because the IMX678C packs more effective pixels (8.4 MP vs. 6.4 MP), image files will be somewhat larger. As a result, you may notice slightly slower automatic image processing in the app, depending on the performance of your smartphone or tablet.
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Increased sensitivity
Despite having smaller pixels, the IMX678C is slightly more sensitive overall than the IMX178C. The improvement is subtle; images won’t appear dramatically brighter.
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Different ISO response
ISO values are not directly comparable between the two sensors. The IMX678C's default ISO is 1000, while the IMX178C’s is 200.
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Different aspect ratio
The IMX678C uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, compared to the 3:2 ratio of the IMX178C. This means your field of view will appear more rectangular, ideal for framing larger regions of the sky and perfectly matched to the landscape orientation of most smartphone and tablet displays—making it easier to compose, view, and share your images.
Quick and Simple Installation
Upgrading to the Origin 678C Camera is fast and hassle-free. Designed to integrate seamlessly with your Origin system, the camera installs without any complicated tools or processes. Simply remove the existing camera, attach the Origin 678C using the included adapter and retaining ring, and plug it in.
After you install the new camera, we’ll walk you through capturing new calibration frames. Dark frames reduce sensor noise, while flat frames correct for illumination variations across the image. The Origin app makes this process simple and intuitive—and you can follow along with our video, too.
For the easiest and most consistent results, we recommend the PrimaLuceLab GIOTTO for Celestron Origin— a flat-field generator custom-designed for Origin that works with the same smartphone you use to control Origin. Whether you use GIOTTO or the evening sky (i.e., “sky flats”), capturing new flat frames ensures your upgraded system is optimized and ready to deliver stunning, high-contrast astrophotography from your very next session.
Second Life for Your Origin-178C Camera
Upgrading to the Origin 678C doesn’t mean your original camera has to sit on the sidelines. The Origin-178C is a powerful tool, and now it’s free to be used with other telescopes you may own. With its standard M42 T-thread connection, it mounts easily to most optical systems and makes a great planetary or lunar imaging camera. In minutes, your 178C will be ready for a whole new role in your astrophotography toolbox.
Camera Specifications
| Colour or Monochrome |
Colour |
| Power Requirements |
Powered by USB |
| USB |
Uses Origin's USB-C cable |
| Camera Housing Construction |
Aluminum black anodized |
| Optical Window |
IR cutoff filter, transmission from 400-740 nm |
| Pixel Size |
2.0 Micron Square |
| A/D Conversion |
12 bit |
| Imaging Sensor |
Sony IMX678-AAQR1, color, back-illuminated |
| Camera Resolution (in Pixels) |
3856 x 2180 |
| Total Number of Pixels |
8.4 MP |
| Mounting |
M42 x 0.75 female threads |
| Sensor Size |
8.9mm diagonal |
| Shutter |
Electronic Shutter |
| Software Compatibility |
Origin app (iOS or Android) |
| Operating Environment |
Same as Origin |
| Sub-Framing |
N/A |
| Exposure Range |
Unlimited |
| Frames per second |
N/A |
| Back Focus Distance |
12.5 |
| Recommended/Best Usage |
Higher resolution images with Origin |
| Weight |
92g |
| Dimensions |
59.0mm Ø x 25.7mm |
| Included Items |
Origin-678C camera | Instruction manual |
