QHY268C (IMX571)

Introducing the QHY268C

The QHYCCD QHY268C is a new-generation cooled color camera designed for advanced astrophotography. Equipped with Sony's back-illuminated IMX571 CMOS sensor, it offers exceptional resolution, low read noise and a wide dynamic range, ideal for capturing professional-quality color images of deep-sky objects.

Main technical specifications

• Sony IMX571 CMOS sensor :
  • APS-C format with 26-megapixel resolution (6252 x 4176 effective pixels).
  • Pixel size: 3.76 μm, suitable for a wide range of focal lengths.
  • Backlit structure (BSI) for enhanced sensitivity and high quantum efficiency (QE).
• Native 16-bit sampling depth :
  • Enables precise rendering of nuances with a gray scale ranging from 0 to 65,535.
• Dynamic range :
  • Impressive dynamic range thanks to extended Full Well mode (>75 ke-).
• Two-stage TEC cooling :
  • Cools down to -35°C below ambient temperature, considerably reducing dark current.
  • Integrated anti-condensation heating to prevent dew from forming on the optics.
• Low playback noise :
  • Noise as low as 1.1 e- in high-gain mode, perfect for short exposures or narrow-band images.
  • Zero Amplifier Glow technology completely eliminates amplifier glow.

Optical Performance

• Flexible exposure time :
  • Adjustable exposure range from 30 μs to 3600 seconds, enabling capture of a wide variety of celestial objects.
• Optical window AR+AR :
  • Multilayer, double-sided anti-reflective coating to maximize light transmission and minimize stray reflections.
• Multiple playback modes :
  • Modes can be configured to optimize dynamic range or reduce noise, depending on the specific needs of each session.

Design and Connectivity

• Integrated DDR3 buffer memory (1 GB) :
  • Ensures smooth data transfer, even with large files generated by the high-resolution sensor.
• High-speed USB 3.0 interface :
  • Provides fast, reliable throughput at up to 6 frames per second at full resolution.
• Adjustable backfocus :
  • Standard 17.5 mm backfocus, extendable to 23.5 mm with the addition of the included CAA adapter.
• Cross-platform compatibility :
  • Runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, with firmware update via USB.

In the Box

When you purchase the QHY268C, you will receive :

• The QHY268C camera.
• An M54 to M48 adapter.
• A high-speed USB 3.0 cable.
• Standard power cable (12 V).
• Dedicated power supply.
• A detailed user manual.

Distinctive features

• Sony IMX571 backlit CMOS color sensor offering high quantum efficiency and exceptional performance for color imaging.
• High-performance double-stage TEC cooling (-35°C sub-ambient) with integrated anti-condensation system.
• Native 16-bit depth to capture images rich in detail and nuance with extended dynamic range.
• Zero Amplifier Glow technology completely eliminates amplifier glow.
• On-board DDR3 buffer memory (1 GB) for smooth data transfer, even during fast, high-volume acquisitions.

Applications

• Ideal for deep-sky color imaging of galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.
• Its exceptional linearity and low noise make it equally suitable for scientific observations such as stellar photometry or spectroscopy.