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QHYCCD miniCAM8 Color Camera

QHYCCD miniCAM8 Color Camera

by QHYCCD
SKU QHY-110197
CA$999.00 - CA$999.00
CA$999.00
CA$999.00 - CA$999.00
CA$999.00
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  • Sony IMX585 Color CMOS Sensor
  • 3856 x 2180 Resolution
  • 2.9 µm Pixel Size
  • Two-Stage TEC Cooling to 45°C Below Ambient
  • 512 MB DDR3 Buffer Memory
  • 41.5 fps Maximum Frame Rate at Full Resolution
  • 17.5 mm Back Focus
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • QHYCCD miniCAM8 Color Camera

    The QHYCCD miniCAM8 Color Camera integrates a Sony IMX585 sensor that delivers a 3856 x 2180 resolution with sensitive 2.9 µm pixels. Its two-stage TEC cooler achieves a cooling delta of 45°C below ambient, while the 12-bit ADC, 54 ke- full well capacity, and minimum 0.76 e- read noise set its dynamic range. At full resolution, the miniCAM8 delivers up to 41.5 fps through its USB3.0 interface, with a 512 MB DDR3 buffer ensuring stable data transfer during both planetary and deep-sky imaging sessions.

    Sony IMX585 Sensor: 3856x2180 Resolution and 2.9 µm Pixels

    At the core of the miniCAM8 is the Sony IMX585, a back-illuminated STARVIS II sensor with a resolution of 3856 x 2180 pixels. The 2.9 µm pixels give fine sampling across a 12.85 mm diagonal.

    The back-illuminated structure improves quantum efficiency by placing the sensor's wiring layer behind the photosensitive area, allowing more photons to reach the photodiodes. Peak QE is 82% (red), 87% (green) and 75% (blue) for the colour sensor.

    Integrated 8-Position Filter Wheel with Included Filter Set

    The miniCAM8 integrates an 8-position filter wheel directly into the camera body, so no external filter wheel is needed. The filters measure 19 x 12 x 1.1 mm and come with a filter disc and a pair of tweezers.

    This colour package includes four filters: a light pollution filter (LPF), a heavy light pollution filter (HLP), a four-channel enhancement filter (FCE) and a UV/IR cut filter.

    54ke- Full Well and 0.76e- Read Noise with Linearity HDR

    The IMX585 sensor combines a deep full well capacity of 54 ke- with a minimum read noise of just 0.76 e-. The sensor's native 12-bit ADC is extended to a 16-bit output through QHYCCD's Linearity HDR mode.

    QHYCCD merged high and low gain to extend the output to 16 bits. In this mode the full well is 46 ke-, read noise 1.0 e-, and the dynamic range up to 46,300:1 (93 dB, 15.5 stops). Gain and offset are set by default in this mode; software settings have no effect.

    TEC Cooling to 45°C Below Ambient with Anti-Dew Control

    The miniCAM8 features a regulated two-stage thermoelectric cooler (TEC) capable of reducing the sensor's temperature by up to 45°C below ambient. Cooling keeps thermal noise low in long deep-sky exposures. Maintaining a consistent sensor temperature also allows for the creation of a reliable dark frame library for calibration.

    To prevent condensation during cooling, the camera incorporates a complete anti-dew system. The AR-coated optical window has a built-in heater to keep it clear of external moisture. Inside, the camera ships with drying tablets pre-placed in the chamber, and a drying port on the side of the front end accepts a drying tube if moisture ever fogs the sensor glass (turn off cooling first).

    512 MB Buffer: 41.5 FPS Capture at Full Resolution

    A 512 MB DDR3 image buffer holds frames while the computer is busy, which helps with planetary imaging, where you capture thousands of short exposures in a technique known as "lucky imaging" to freeze atmospheric turbulence.

    The miniCAM8 leverages its USB3.0 interface to deliver a maximum frame rate of 41.5 fps at full 3856 x 2180 resolution in 8-bit mode. When switched to 16-bit for deep-sky imaging, the camera maintains a fast 23.5 fps, useful for capturing data on bright objects or for focusing. Higher frame rates are achievable by using a smaller Region of Interest (ROI).

    17.5mm Back Focus with C-Mount and Nosepiece Adapters

    The camera has a 17.5 mm back focus, and QHYCCD offers a dedicated miniCAM8 off-axis guider (sold separately) with a 14x10mm prism and M48 telescope interface. The front of the camera includes threads for C-mount lenses, . The C-mount lens thread must be less than 3.5mm.

    For direct connection to telescopes, the miniCAM8 includes both 1.25-inch and 2-inch nosepieces. This allows you to insert the camera into any standard focuser or diagonal, .

    miniCAM8 Color vs. Mono: One-Shot Imaging with 87% Peak QE

    This is the color version of the miniCAM8, featuring a Bayer matrix over the sensor. It captures red, green, and blue data simultaneously in a single exposure, offering a direct path to a full-color image. This simplifies the imaging process, as you do not need to shoot through separate LRGB filters and combine them later.

    The colour sensor has a peak QE of 87% in the green channel, and the mono miniCAM8 a peak QE of 92%. The mono version, with its LRGB and narrowband filter sets, suits narrowband imaging; the colour version suits imagers who want colour from each exposure.

    Software Control via ASCOM, N.I.N.A., and SharpCap

    The QHYCCD miniCAM8 is controlled via the QHY All-In-One driver package, which provides support for major astronomy software platforms. The package includes a system driver, ASCOM driver, and SDKs for direct support in third-party applications.

    You can operate the camera and its integrated filter wheel using software like N.I.N.A. or other ASCOM-compliant programs for deep-sky astrophotography. For planetary capture, the QHYCCD guide covers SharpCap. QHYCCD's own EZCAP_Qt is also included and is recommended for camera tests and update management.

    Stable 12V DC Power for Cooling and Performance

    To power the two-stage TEC cooler and camera electronics, the miniCAM8 requires an external 12V DC power supply with a voltage range between 11V and 13.8V.

    The camera's USB connection does not provide sufficient power for the cooler. Connect the 12V power supply before the USB3.0 cable, otherwise the camera will not be recognized. Using a power supply with a long, thin cable can cause a voltage drop, so it is recommended to keep the power adapter close to the camera.

    Compact 480g Body for Demanding Imaging Setups

    The miniCAM8 combines the sensor, cooler, and filter wheel into a single unit weighing only 480 g.

    The all-in-one design simplifies your imaging train by removing the need for a separate filter wheel and extra cables.

  • What is the main advantage of the QHYCCD miniCAM8's integrated filter wheel?

    The integrated 8-position filter wheel keeps the system compact at 480 g and removes the need for an external filter wheel and its cables.

    How does the miniCAM8 Color's Linearity HDR mode work?

    The camera's native sensor is 12-bit. In Linearity HDR mode QHYCCD merges high and low gain to give 16-bit output, with a dynamic range up to 15.5 stops (46 ke- full well, 1.0 e- read noise).

    Can I use the QHYCCD miniCAM8 Color for planetary imaging?

    Yes. With a maximum frame rate of 41.5 fps at full resolution and a 512 MB buffer, the miniCAM8 is well-suited for planetary imaging. QHYCCD designed the miniCAM8 for high-resolution planetary images as well as deep-sky work.

    Do I need a separate power supply for the miniCAM8 camera?

    Yes, you must use an external 12V DC power supply to run the TEC cooler and camera electronics. Use a supply that provides a stable voltage between 11V and 13.8V.

    What do the included LPF, HLP, and FCE filters do for the miniCAM8C?

    The four filters are:

    • LPF: light pollution filter.
    • HLP: heavy light pollution filter.
    • FCE: four-channel enhancement filter.
    • UV/IR cut: blocks ultraviolet and infrared light.

    Is the QHYCCD miniCAM8 a zero amp glow camera?

    Yes. The miniCAM8 is a zero amplifier glow camera.

    How do I control the miniCAM8's built-in filter wheel?

    The filter wheel is controlled through your imaging software via the camera's ASCOM driver or direct SDK support. In programs like N.I.N.A., SharpCap, or EZCAP_QT, you can select which of the 8 filter positions you want to use for your exposure sequence.

    What is the benefit of the miniCAM8's back-illuminated sensor?

    The back-illuminated structure of the Sony IMX585 sensor increases its sensitivity by allowing more light to reach the photosensitive layer. This results in a higher Quantum Efficiency (peak 87% for the color model), .

    Can I attach C-mount lenses to the QHYCCD miniCAM8?

    Yes, the camera has a C-mount thread on the front, so C-mount lenses can be attached. The lens's rear thread must be shorter than 3.5mm to fit.

  • Sensor Sony IMX585
    Color or mono Colour
    Resolution 3856 x 2180
    Pixel size 2.9 µm
    Sensor width 11.18 mm
    Sensor height 6.32 mm
    Sensor diagonal 12.85 mm
    ADC 12-bit
    Full well 54 ke-
    Read noise (min-max) 0.76-7.8 e-
    Peak QE 87 %
    Shutter Rolling
    Cooled Yes (TEC)
    Cooling delta T 45°C below ambient
    Buffer memory 512 MB
    Interface / control USB3.0
    Max frame rate at full resolution 41.5 fps @ 8-bit, 23.5 fps @ 16-bit
    Back focus 17.5 mm
    Front connection 1.25in and 2in nosepieces; C-mount lenses (lens thread under 3.5mm)
    Protective window AR+AR
    Power requirement 12V DC (11V to 13.8V)
    Weight 480 g

    • miniCAM8C camera

      × 1

    • LPF, HLP, FCE and UV/IR cut filters

      × 1

    • Filter disc

      × 1

    • Tweezers

      × 1

  • QHYCCD Warranty