The Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory series gives you fully automated deep-sky imaging at home. It cuts down the time and effort needed to learn complex gear and suits everyone from casual observers to advanced home astronomers.
This guide walks you through the current Celestron Origin Mark I and the upcoming Mark II, scheduled for release in Australia in December 2025. You’ll also see the upgrade options and accessories you can start using right now.
Smart telescopes continue to change how we view the night sky. When Celestron released the original Origin Intelligent Home Observatory, it set a new standard for backyard imaging. It paired a fast 6-inch RASA optical system with simple app-driven control, which made astrophotography far more accessible.
Now, as we publish this blog, Celestron is preparing the Origin Mark II. It builds on the strengths of the first model and adds a sharper camera, refined software, and wider accessory support. Even better, current Origin owners can upgrade their setup without replacing the whole unit.
So, what made the original Celestron Origin Telescope so popular?
Celestron paired a fast 6-inch RASA (f/2.2) optical tube with a built-in camera and an automated mount that takes care of:
- Alignment – automatically finding and syncing with the night sky
- Focusing – dialling in sharp stars and fine detail for you
- Live stacking – layering short exposures in real time for brighter images
- Image processing – enhancing contrast, detail and colour on the fly
- Remote control and viewing – letting you run everything from your phone or tablet
With just a few taps on your device, you can capture galaxies, nebulae and star clusters, even as a complete beginner.
Soon after its release, the Origin quickly became one of the most capable smart astrophotography platforms on the market.
Introducing the Celestron Origin Mark II
Celestron has confirmed the upcoming Origin Mark II, and while it keeps the same fast optical design, it refines almost every other part of the system.
New Camera: Celestron 678C with Sony Starvis 2
The standout upgrade is the new Celestron 678C camera, built around Sony’s latest Starvis 2 CMOS sensor with 2.0µm pixels. It delivers:
- Higher sensitivity to capture fainter deep-sky objects
- Cleaner low-light performance with reduced noise
- Sharper detail on galaxies and nebulae
- Faster, smoother live stacking for near real-time views
- Richer colour data for more natural, vibrant images
This new camera comes standard with the Origin Mark II.
Smart Software & Imaging Intelligence
Celestron has refined the entire software pipeline, delivering:
- Quicker autofocus that locks onto stars and deep-sky targets faster, so you spend less time waiting and more time observing.
- Improved object acquisition that centres targets more reliably, making go-to alignment and framing smoother and more accurate.
- Enhanced AI image processing that automatically boosts contrast, detail and clarity, giving you cleaner results straight away.
- Smoother live stacking that builds images more seamlessly in real time, with fewer artefacts and interruptions.
- Better noise control on faint targets so dim galaxies, nebulae and clusters look cleaner, with more usable detail in every exposure.
Overall, the Mark II runs faster, produces cleaner images, and feels more responsive in use.
Filter Drawer Integration
The Mark II adds a redesigned filter drawer that now supports:
- 1.25″ filters
- 2″ filters, including narrowband and dual-band options
This upgrade makes nebula imaging much easier, especially under suburban or city skies.
Support for Advanced Accessories
As your skills grow, the Mark II grows with you. It supports:
- Celestron StarSense Autoguider
- Celestron Wedge (for equatorial mode)
- Specialised third-party filters (to suit the Origin Telescope)
- Celestron Padded Carrying Bag for Origin Intelligent Home Observatory
- Power Accessories – includes PowerTanks or a portable battery solution to keep the unit charged.
This flexibility makes the Mark II suitable for beginners and more technical imagers.
Existing Origin Owners Can Upgrade – You’re Not Left Behind
Celestron has designed the system so the original Origin stays relevant.
If you own the current model, you can buy the new Celestron 678C camera on its own and fit it to your existing setup. That way, you get Mark II–level imaging performance without replacing the whole telescope.
Your older IMX178-based camera still earns its keep as well. Its standard M42 thread lets you move it onto another telescope for lunar or planetary imaging.
Comparison Chart – Origin vs Origin Mark II
| Feature | Celestron Origin (Mark I) | Celestron Origin (Mark II) |
| Optical System | RASA 6″ (f/2.2) | RASA 6″ (f/2.2) |
| Camera | IMX178 sensor | Celestron 678C – Sony Starvis 2 |
| Pixel Size | 2.4 µm | 2.0 µm (higher resolution) |
| Filter Support | 1.25” & 2” filters + Nebula Filter | 1.25” & 2” filters + Nebula Filter |
| Automation | Standard autofocus & stacking | Enhanced AI processing, faster routines, improved tracking |
| Upgrade Path | Can be upgraded with 678C camera | New camera included |
| Accessory Support | StarSense Autoguider, Wedge, Filter Drawer, full ecosystem | StarSense Autoguider, Wedge, Filter Drawer, full ecosystem |
| Best For | Casual imaging, beginners | Sharper imaging, filter use, long-term expandability |
Which version should you buy?
Choose the Origin Mark II if:
- You want the newest camera and the highest image quality
- You want the most refined automation
- You want a system that grows with your skills
Choose the Original Origin if:
- You’re just getting started with smart telescopes.
- You’re happy to upgrade the camera later on.
Both models still deliver impressive results, thanks to the fast 6″ RASA optical design.
Final Thoughts
The Celestron Origin platform keeps moving forward, and the upcoming Mark II builds on everything that made the first model so popular. With its upgraded camera, refined automation, improved filter support and strong accessory ecosystem, it stands out as one of the most exciting smart telescopes headed for Australia.
Best of all, existing Origin owners stay fully included. The upgradeable 678C camera and new accessories help both versions stay current and useful for years to come.
Optics Central is Australia’s premium Celestron outlet, and you can order the Celestron Origin directly from us.