QHY 294C Cooled CMOS Astronomy Camera - Color

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QHY
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The QHY 294C is a high-performance cooled color camera designed for astrophotography enthusiasts, featuring the advanced Sony IMX294 back-illuminated 11.7 Megapixel CMOS sensor. With a 4/3" sensor and a 4164x2796 pixel array, this camera excels in capturing high-resolution images of celestial objects, providing ultra-low dark current and readout noise for superior imaging, even in challenging conditions.   High Sensitivity and Dual Readout Modes The QHY 294C Cooled Camera offers two sensor readout modes, enabling flexibility in capturing images. The default "locked" mode provides 11.7MP images with 4.63μm pixel size and 14-bit A/D for high-quality deep-sky imaging. The innovative second mode "unlocks" the sensor to deliver 46.8MP images with smaller 2.315μm pixels, ideal for ultra-detailed wide-field imaging, processed at 12 bits per pixel. This dual readout capability enhances the camera's versatility, making it suitable for various astrophotography tasks, from deep-sky to planetary imaging.   Cooling and Anti-Dew Technology For long-exposure sessions, the QHY 294C uses a dual-stage Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC), capable of cooling the sensor up to 35°C below ambient temperature. This dramatically reduces thermal noise, ensuring clean, low-noise images even in warm conditions. To further combat environmental challenges, the camera is equipped with anti-dew technology, featuring a built-in dew heater to prevent condensation on the optical window, and the sensor chamber is sealed to avoid humidity-related issues.   Enhanced Data Transfer with DDR Buffer To ensure stable and efficient data transfer, the QHY 294C incorporates a 256MB DDRII memory buffer, minimising the risk of frame loss during image capture. This buffer is especially useful during high-speed data transfers, providing smoother performance even on slower computers or under high system loads.   High Gain Performance With a dual gain system (HGC/LGC), the QHY 294C automatically switches between high and low gain modes depending on the settings. At a gain of 1600, the High Gain mode delivers ultra-low read noise (1.0e- to 1.6e-) with a full well capacity of 14.5ke-, making it perfect for capturing faint objects in deep space. The low gain mode provides excellent dynamic range for brighter targets, allowing the camera to adapt to a wide range of imaging scenarios. Specifications Type Colour Sensor Type IMX294 Sensor Size 19.28mm x 12.95mm FSI / BSI BSI Pixel Size 4.63 μm Format 4/3" Read Noise 1.0e-2.7e Resolution 11.7 MP (4164 x 2796) Max Framerate 16.5 FPS Zero Amp Glow? Yes Delta T 35°C below ambient Memory Buffer 256MB DDR3 Shutter Rolling Electronic Shutter Full Well 65,000e Back Focus 17.5mm ADC 14-bit Exposure Range 60μs-3600sec Protecting window AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating USB 3.0 Adapter M42 X 0.75 Weight 650 g   Camera Performance   Mechanical Drawing   About QHYCCD QHYCCD specialises in designing and manufacturing high-quality astronomical devices, including cooled CMOS and CCD cameras, planetary and guiding cameras, and polar calibration gears like the PoleMaster. Founded by Dr. Qiu Hongyun in 2003, the company offers a broad range of products for both amateur and professional astronomers. Known for their advanced technology and affordability, QHYCCD’s cameras are used worldwide for deep-sky imaging, planetary photography, and scientific research. Their extensive product line and commitment to excellence make them a preferred choice for high-performance imaging solutions. Product Code: 294C
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QHY-294C
RRP $1,599.00 RRP OUR PRICE $1,599.00

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    The QHY 294C is a high-performance cooled color camera designed for astrophotography enthusiasts, featuring the advanced Sony IMX294 back-illuminated 11.7 Megapixel CMOS sensor. With a 4/3" sensor and a 4164x2796 pixel array, this camera excels in capturing high-resolution images of celestial objects, providing ultra-low dark current and readout noise for superior imaging, even in challenging conditions.

     

    High Sensitivity and Dual Readout Modes

    The QHY 294C Cooled Camera offers two sensor readout modes, enabling flexibility in capturing images. The default "locked" mode provides 11.7MP images with 4.63μm pixel size and 14-bit A/D for high-quality deep-sky imaging. The innovative second mode "unlocks" the sensor to deliver 46.8MP images with smaller 2.315μm pixels, ideal for ultra-detailed wide-field imaging, processed at 12 bits per pixel. This dual readout capability enhances the camera's versatility, making it suitable for various astrophotography tasks, from deep-sky to planetary imaging.

     

    Cooling and Anti-Dew Technology

    For long-exposure sessions, the QHY 294C uses a dual-stage Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC), capable of cooling the sensor up to 35°C below ambient temperature. This dramatically reduces thermal noise, ensuring clean, low-noise images even in warm conditions. To further combat environmental challenges, the camera is equipped with anti-dew technology, featuring a built-in dew heater to prevent condensation on the optical window, and the sensor chamber is sealed to avoid humidity-related issues.

     

    Enhanced Data Transfer with DDR Buffer

    To ensure stable and efficient data transfer, the QHY 294C incorporates a 256MB DDRII memory buffer, minimising the risk of frame loss during image capture. This buffer is especially useful during high-speed data transfers, providing smoother performance even on slower computers or under high system loads.

     

    High Gain Performance

    With a dual gain system (HGC/LGC), the QHY 294C automatically switches between high and low gain modes depending on the settings. At a gain of 1600, the High Gain mode delivers ultra-low read noise (1.0e- to 1.6e-) with a full well capacity of 14.5ke-, making it perfect for capturing faint objects in deep space. The low gain mode provides excellent dynamic range for brighter targets, allowing the camera to adapt to a wide range of imaging scenarios.

    Specifications

    Type Colour
    Sensor Type IMX294
    Sensor Size 19.28mm x 12.95mm
    FSI / BSI BSI
    Pixel Size 4.63 μm
    Format 4/3"
    Read Noise 1.0e-2.7e
    Resolution 11.7 MP (4164 x 2796)
    Max Framerate 16.5 FPS
    Zero Amp Glow? Yes
    Delta T 35°C below ambient
    Memory Buffer 256MB DDR3
    Shutter Rolling Electronic Shutter
    Full Well 65,000e
    Back Focus 17.5mm
    ADC 14-bit
    Exposure Range 60μs-3600sec
    Protecting window AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating
    USB 3.0
    Adapter M42 X 0.75
    Weight 650 g

     

    Camera Performance

    QHY 294C Cooled CMOS Astronomy Camera - Colour - Read Out Noise

    QHY 294C Cooled CMOS Astronomy Camera - Colour - Full Well

    QHY 294C Cooled CMOS Astronomy Camera - Colour - System Gain

    QHY 294C Cooled CMOS Astronomy Camera - Colour - Dark Current Temperature

    QHY 294C Cooled CMOS Astronomy Camera - Colour - Dynamic Range

     

    Mechanical Drawing

    QHY 294C Cooled CMOS Astronomy Camera - Colour - Mechanical Drawing

     

    About QHYCCD

    QHYCCD specialises in designing and manufacturing high-quality astronomical devices, including cooled CMOS and CCD cameras, planetary and guiding cameras, and polar calibration gears like the PoleMaster. Founded by Dr. Qiu Hongyun in 2003, the company offers a broad range of products for both amateur and professional astronomers. Known for their advanced technology and affordability, QHYCCD’s cameras are used worldwide for deep-sky imaging, planetary photography, and scientific research. Their extensive product line and commitment to excellence make them a preferred choice for high-performance imaging solutions.

    Product Code: 294C

    More Information
    Colour / MonochromeColour
    Sensor TypeSony IMX294 (CMOS)
    Sensor Size4/3-inch
    Resolution11.7 MP (4164 x 2796)
    Pixel Size4.63 μm
    ADC14 bit
    Read Noise1.0e-2.7e
    USB3.0
    FPS16.5 FPS
    ShutterRolling Shutter
    Full Well65,000e
    Exposure Range60μs-3600sec
    Back Focus11.5 mm
    Operating System CompatibilityWindows, Mac OSX, Linux
    Cooled?Yes
    Camera Weight650 g
    Warranty Information2 Years Limited
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