The Apollo-C camera from Player One Astronomy
Visit Apollo-Cdeveloped by Player One Astronomyis a compact, high-performance color camera specially designed for solar, lunar and planetary imaging. Equipped with the Sony IMX174 CMOS sensor, it stands out for its speed, sensitivity and ability to capture precise details thanks to advanced technologies such as the global shutter.
Main technical data
- Sony IMX174 CMOS sensor This 1/1.2" (11.3 mm x 7.1 mm) color sensor offers 2.3 megapixel resolution (1944 x 1216 pixels) with a diagonal measurement of 13.3 mm. The 5.86 µm pixel size guarantees excellent sensitivity and precise reproduction of details.
- Full Well depth With a maximum capacity of 32 ke, the camera captures high-dynamic images without saturation.
- Pregius 1st generation technology Incorporates a global shutter to eliminate distortion caused by rapid movement, guaranteeing sharp, precise images.
- High speed The camera can achieve up to 164 FPS in RAW8 mode, making it ideal for capturing dynamic phenomena such as solar flares or lunar detail.
Imaging performance
- Optimized solar imaging Thanks to its global shutter and high speed, the Apollo-C is perfectly suited to solar imaging with H-alpha or white-light filters. It is also effective for capturing fast-moving objects such as the International Space Station (ISS).
- Extended exposure range From 32 µs to 2000 s, offering great flexibility for different imaging scenarios.
- Non-Amp-Glow The IMX174 sensor minimizes amp-glow, guaranteeing a clean background even during long exposures.
Technological advances
- Reduced reading noise In HCG (High Conversion Gain) mode, noise drops to just 3.5 e-, offering outstanding image quality even in low-light conditions.
- Quantum efficiency (QE) A quantum efficiency peak of around 77 %, maximizing the capture of incident light.
- Integrated DDR3 cache (256 MB) USB 2.0: Stabilizes data transmission, reduces image loss and improves performance, even on a USB 2.0 port.
- DPS (Dead Pixel Suppression) technology : Automatically analyzes and corrects defective pixels to ensure clean images.
Ergonomic design
The emblematic hexagonal design of Player One Astronomy combines aesthetics and functionality. The bright orange and black finish reflects its solar orientation while offering excellent heat dissipation. Compact and lightweight, it's easy to integrate into any configuration.
Applications
The Apollo-C is ideal for :
- High-resolution solar imaging with H-alpha filters or white light.
- Lunar and planetary observation thanks to its high cadence and high sensitivity.
- Applications requiring a global shutter to avoid distortion caused by rapid movement.
Additional highlights
- Compatible with software such as SharpCap Pro for precise control of parameters (gain, exposure).
- Supplied with all necessary accessories (USB 3.0 cable, T2/1.25" adapter, protective cap).
With its advanced technical features and optimized design, the Apollo-C is an essential tool for astrophotographers wishing to explore the Sun or capture the fascinating details of our solar system with speed and precision.
