QHY QHY268 Monochrome Photographic APS-C CMOS Camera
An APS-C Mono Camera Packed With Advanced Features!
A standout sensor, monochrome sparkle, and QHY's technical prowess are on full display with this incredible imaging instrument! High resolution, APS-C sensor size, incredible image buffering, cooling, and plenty of fine-grain controls come together in an outstand option for the exacting astrophotographer. If you're looking to create some truly compelling images the QHY268 Monochrome Photographic APS-C CMOS Camera is a powerful piece of gear to have in your system!
QHY's leading edge innovations bring the incredible Sony IMX571 sensor to new heights in this APS-C imaging option! With 26.4 megapixels, high full well depth and QE, stellar dynamic range, and low readout/ dark current noise, the QHY268 gives you a solid foundation for creating superb shots of nebulae, galaxies, and other deep sky wonders. QHY combines this with common Pro-level features like two-stage cooling and anti-dew technology, and then extends it with their advanced feature set! Manually engage high-gain mode, extended full well mode, 12-bit high speed mode, and secondary sampling modes right in some of the most popular imaging suites to tailor this camera to your needs. QHY gives you a generous buffer for offloading images with an incredible 1 GB of built-in DDR3 memory, doubling the RAM typically seen in the Pro level camera space. This technology is packed into QHY's Short Back Focal Length (SBFL) housing which shortens the native back focus length from the typical 17.5 mm to 14.5 mm to allow for more flexibility in building your imaging train. Protecting this camera's eye into the universe above is an AR+AR high quality multi-layer coated window for crisp clear views.
A Cutting-Edge Imaging Option!
With an incredible Sony BSI sensor backed by a superb suite of supporting technology and features, the QHY268 Monochrome Photographic APS-C CMOS Camera is sure choice for truly inspiring images and dedicated data collection!
BSI APS-C Sensor
The QHY268 has been designed with the
incredible Sony IMX571 at its core! This crop sensor features a Back Side
Illumination (BSI) design, providing improved full well depth and Quantum
Efficiency (QE) compared to front side illumination designs. This is
reflected in this APS-C sized sensor's excellent 51 ke- full well depth and
about 90% peak QE performance, which perfectly dovetails a native 16-bit
ADC, high dynamic range, and low read/ dark current noise. This performance
is packed into 3.76 μm pixels for great "/pixel matching with a wide
variety of scopes. The omission of a Bayer matrix from this monochrome
variant of Sony's powerful sensor gives you more sensitivity and lower noise
compared to One Shot Color (OSC) cameras, allowing you to create starker
monochromatic images or incredibly crisp color images with the use of
filters (sold separately). What this means for you:
superb contrast and detail resolving power across the high resolution
26.4 megapixel frame!
Granular Sensor Control
Adapt your camera to your
application, with QHY's multiple readout modes! Shoot in Photographic
(standard) mode and enjoy balanced sensor performance at low gain, or engage
High-Gain mode to improve performance across the board in the 60-100 gain
range. For strong dynamic range and full well depth across the entire gain
range at the cost of some read noise, with an increased max full well of up
to 75 ke-, enable Extended Full Well mode. Complimenting these three modes
are 2CMS variants of each, giving you each mode's unique experience with
reduced read noise through secondary sampling technology. These powerful
readout modes are backed by QHY's 'TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT' which delivers
your image without any post-processing noise reduction, giving you maximum
control in the post-processing room and preventing the 'star eater' effect
seen in some mirrorless/ DSLR cameras even when noise reduction is toggled
off. Now that's some fine-grain control!
Pro Level Technology
Supporting the QHY268 Monochrome
Photographic APS-C CMOS Camera's sensor is a host of leading tech that will
have you imaging like a Pro! Combatting the noise that can creep into your
images with increased sensor temperatures is a two-stage cooling system,
allowing you to reduce the chip's temperature -35°C below ambient
temperature for >1 second exposures and -30°C below ambient in higher
frame rate scenarios. Amp glow is similarly suppressed through QHY's Zero
Amplify Glow technology. These images are readout into a
large 1 GB DDR3 memory buffer, ensuring smooth and
efficient image transfer. Keeping the AR+AR coated window into the sky above
clear of moisture is a two pronged approach, with an integrated window dew
heater and powerful moisture sealing design. Double check your camera is
safe from dew with the chamber humidity sensor; and perform easy maintenance
by temporarily connecting the included drying tube (desiccant not included).
Finally, QHY helps ward your camera again low voltage damage with their UVLO
technology which reduces power draw to 70% when voltage drops below safe
levels*!
*Please Note: Once the Under Voltage Locking (UVLO) feature has been
tripped, it must be reset in software to unlock power consumption above
70%.
Power and Ports
The QHY268 brings you a
straightforward set of connections for a no-nonsense system setup. Powering
this camera is simple and secure, with an included 12V power supply and a
threaded camera side power input. For high-speed data transfer, QHY has
designed this camera with a USB B 3.0 port (USB B to A cable included). For
users invested in QHY's ecosystem, this camera additionally features a CFW
port for streamlined control of compatible accessories!
Spacers Included
The QHY268 Monochrome Photographic
APS-C CMOS Camera comes with QHY's Adapter Set B1. This gives you: a 5 mm
M54-M54 spacer, 5 mm M54-M48 spacer, 4 mm spacer, two 3 mm spacers, 1 mm
spacer, a 10 mm spacer, and sixteen M3 bolts (eight 24 mm and eight 28 mm).
This set is perfect for the astrophotographer looking to pair this
monochrome camera with some of QHY's filter wheel and OAG options (not
included).
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
| Choosing the Best Deep Sky Camera |
| Undersampling and Oversampling in Astrophotography |
| Why Exposure Time Matters |
