The Apollo-M MAX PRO camera from Player One Astronomy
Visit Apollo-M MAX PROdeveloped by Player One Astronomyis a high-performance, cooled monochrome camera specially designed for solar and lunar imaging. Equipped with Sony's 1.1" CMOS IMX432 sensor, it offers an exceptional combination of sensitivity, precision and advanced features.
Main technical data
- Sony IMX432 CMOS sensor 1.1" (14.5 mm x 9.9 mm) monochrome sensor with 1.7 megapixel resolution (1608 x 1104 pixels) and a 17.5 mm diagonal. Its exceptional pixel size of 9 µm guarantees enhanced sensitivity and the ability to capture extremely fine details.
- Full Well depth With an impressive capacity of 100 ke, three times that of the IMX174 sensor, this camera delivers high-dynamic images without saturation.
- 3rd generation Pregius technology Global shutter: uses a global shutter to eliminate distortion caused by rapid movement, guaranteeing sharp, precise images.
- Advanced Peltier Cooling (TEC) The two-stage system allows a delta T of 35-40°C below ambient temperature, effectively reducing thermal noise for long exposures.
- Reduced reading noise In HCG (High Conversion Gain) mode, automatically activated at a gain ≥145, noise drops to just 2.6 e-, offering superior performance to the IMX174 sensor.
Imaging performance
- Fast acquisition rate The camera can achieve up to 126 FPS in RAW8 mode, making it ideal for capturing dynamic phenomena such as solar flares or lunar detail.
- Non-Amp-Glow Although the camera is not totally free of amp-glow, it is very smooth and easy to calibrate, especially for solar imaging where it is not a problem.
- Flexible sampling modes The camera is optimized for different imaging scenarios, thanks in particular to its wide field of view and large pixel size.
Technological advances
- Integrated DDR3 buffer memory (512 MB) Stabilizes data transmission, prevents image loss and considerably reduces playback noise. This feature also guarantees stable performance even when connected to a USB 2.0 port.
- Integrated anti-watering system An adjustable heater prevents condensation on the sensor during long imaging sessions.
- Lightweight, robust design The carbon-fiber housing optimizes weight while maintaining excellent heat dissipation. At just 420 g, it's one of the lightest cooled cameras on the market.
- Front and rear anti-tilt plate :
- The 3P front plate allows precise adjustment in most standard scenarios.
- The 4P backplate is ideal for complex configurations involving filter wheels or RASA systems.
Applications
The Apollo-M MAX PRO is ideal for :
- High-resolution solar imaging thanks to its large pixel size and wide field of view.
- Lunar observation in exceptional detail.
- Deep-sky imaging with optical systems adapted to long focal ratios.
Additional highlights
- Compatible with software such as SharpCap Pro for precise control of parameters (fan, cooling, gain).
- USB-C and USB3.0 ports for fast, reliable connectivity.
- Elegant design with iconic gold and black finish.
With its high-end features and advanced technological innovations, the Apollo-M MAX PRO is an essential tool for astrophotographers seeking to explore the smallest details of the Sun or Moon with precision and reliability.
