QHY QHY5III568 Monochrome Planetary Camera and Guider
A Highly Sensitive Monochrome Planetary Camera from QHY!
QHY has added a new camera to their line of 5III V2 series, the QHY5III568M! This feature-packed planetary camera is sure to upgrade your astrophotography experience with its back-illuminated sensor, true hardware binning, and global shutter. The onboard Sony IMX568 sensor delivers high performance and captures incredible detail on our solar system or small deep space objects. With offerings like these, the QHY5III568M is a must have for any astrophotographer!
As a feature of the QHY 5III V2 series, this monochrome planetary camera comes standard with an internal 512MB DDR3 memory cache. This addition greatly reduces buffer time during image transfer and aids in the high frame rate of 304fps in nearly 1080p resolution. A USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C Interface reliably transmits the captured data to your computer, and a ST4 guide port offers connection directly to your mount! Furnished with a multicolored LED indicator light, specific colors displayed help detect any abnormalities presented from the camera. Normal operation shows no light as to not interfere with image capture. The front-end design of the QHY5III568M allows seamless adaptation to numerous telescope rigs, making it the perfect addition to your astronomy toolkit!
A High Performance, Professional Camera for Astrophotography
QHY has designed this planetary camera to deliver high performance capabilities to any system! Whether that be through its impressive sensor, carefully crafted hardware, or its plethora of adapters, this QHY5III568M greatly enhances your astrophotograpy experience! Read more about the incredible features below!
Sony IMX568 CMOS Sensor
With a 2.74um pixel size, hone in on the details of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and plenty more celestial bodies! The 5.1MP Sony IMX568 sensor has an effective pixel array of 2472 x 2064 along with a 12-bit AD sample depth. The low readout noise of 1.5-2.3e and high quantum efficiency provides incredible clarity within the images taken. During planetary imaging or Electronically-Assisted Astronomy (EAA), a fast frame rate is necessary to capture the best frames between our atmosphere’s seeing conditions. Thanks to the innovation from QHY, enjoy a high FPS of 64.9 in 8-bit mode or 34.5 in 16-bit mode at full 5.1MP resolution!
True Hardware Binning
In typical CMOS cameras, the binning process utilizes algorithms to amplify the signal to noise ratio. This is done off-sensor, and works by creating a virtual pixel within software. One downside to this is that while the signal will be increased 4 times in 2x2 binning, the noise will also be doubled. To fix this inefficiency, QHY has introduced charge-domain binning (FD Binning), a feature previously only available in CCD cameras. Considered true hardware binning, this combination of pixels is done on-sensor. The result is a pure boost in signal without amplification of noise for a 4-fold increase in signal to noise ratio! Not only this, but this binning method greatly improves frame rate for high speed imaging.
Electronic Highlights
There are numerous useful inclusions built into the body of this QHY5III568M camera that aid in transfer speeds, image quality, and photon capture. Fitted with internal memory of 512MB, this added cache ensures smooth and reliable data transfer from the camera to your computer. Not only does it aid in avoiding data loss, but it also greatly diminishes buffer time during transmission of large files. A global shutter fixed within this camera ensures uniform exposure time during imaging. This addition greatly enhances precision by helping prevent distorted images during poor seeing conditions where the subject appears to bounce around the frame. Enhancing image quality even more is the back-illuminated design of this Sony IMX568 sensor! In typical CMOS cameras, the wires and transistors are embedded above the sensor itself, preventing some photons from being converted into signal. Within the QHY5III586M, this hardware is enclosed below the sensor for maximum efficiency!
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C and ST4 Guide Port
The high frame rate imaging conducted with planetary photography or EAA requires a dependable system in place to transmit the data captured without frame drop. Fitted with a 5GB bandwidth within the USB 3.2 port, enjoy smooth, consistent image transfer. Needing a capable guide camera? The onboard ST4 port offers connection directly to your telescope mount to assist in its tracking accuracy. With these multiple means of connection, this QHY5III568M effortlessly adapts to any astronomy system!
Improved Compatibility
As standard on the QHY 5III V2 series, the QHY5III568M includes a front-end design that offers increased compatibility with numerous set ups. Changeable top glass offers the ability to add a filter even with a lens. Equipped with a 1.25” CS adapter, easily adjoin this planetary camera to a CS lens. You also have the option to add a second CS-C lens for C-mount lenses with the included CS to C mount adapter. With a back focal distance of only 8mm, utilize the incredible sensitivity for your guiding needs by attaching it to your OAG! Add your favorite 1.25” filter to the top adapter of this camera with its 1.25” threads. Wanting to add this to your QHY CFW3 Small Filter Wheel? The 1.25” filter wheel adapter allows seamless connection to this 7 position filter wheel for a wide variety of imaging options!
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 Planetary Camera |
| Autoguiding |
| Imaging the Planets |