The Apollo-M MAX PRO camera from Player One Astronomy
Visit Apollo-M MAX PROdesigned by Player One Astronomyis a high-end cooled monochrome camera optimized for solar, lunar and planetary imaging. Equipped with a Sony IMX432 CMOS sensor, it boasts high sensitivity, precise resolution and an innovative design.
Main technical data
- Sony IMX432 CMOS sensor This 1.1" (14.5 mm x 9.9 mm) format sensor offers 1.7 megapixel resolution (1608 x 1104 pixels) with a 17.5 mm diagonal. The 9 µm pixel size guarantees exceptional sensitivity, ideal for long focal lengths and fine details.
- Full Well depth With an impressive 100 ke capacity, the camera captures high-dynamic images without saturation.
- 3rd generation Pregius technology Incorporates 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.
- Ultra-low reading noise In HCG (High Conversion Gain) mode, automatically activated from a gain ≥70, noise drops to just 2.4 e-, and down to 1.4 e- at high gain (450), offering superior image quality.
Imaging performance
- Fast acquisition rate Up to 126 FPS in RAW8 mode, 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 smooth and easy to calibrate. This poses no problem for solar or lunar imaging.
- Flexible BIN modes :
- In hardware BIN2 mode (MONO8)100 ke, with 10-bit ADC depth and speeds of up to 135 FPS.
- In software BIN2 mode (MONO16)with 14-bit depth, ideal for maximizing dynamics.
Technological advances
- Integrated DDR3 buffer memory (512 MB) USB 2.0: Stabilizes data transmission, reduces image loss and improves performance, even on a USB 2.0 port.
- Integrated anti-fog system A heater prevents condensation on the sensor during long imaging sessions in wet or cold conditions.
- Modern USB-C port Two USB-C ports facilitate connectivity and enable fast data transfer via USB3.0. A dedicated power port (12V DC) supplies the cooling system.
Ergonomic design
The innovative design of the Apollo-M MAX PRO includes :
- A lightweight carbon-fiber case (420 g)optimized to reduce weight while maintaining excellent thermal dissipation.
- Adjustable anti-tilt plate, front (3 points) or rear (4 points)This allows the sensor's parallelism to be precisely adjusted to guarantee perfect field flatness.
- An elegant gold and black finish which reflects Player One Astronomy's attention to detail.
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.
- Applications requiring a long focal ratio, such as use with Daystar or SCT filters.
Additional highlights
- Compatible with software such as SharpCap Pro for precise control of cooling parameters, gain or fan speed.
- Designed to work efficiently even with modest computer systems, thanks to its built-in DDR3 cache.
With its advanced technical features and optimized design, the Apollo-M MAX PRO is an essential choice for demanding astrophotographers who want to explore the smallest details of the Sun or Moon with precision and reliability.
