{"title":"Celestron NexImage Planetary Cameras","description":"\u003cp\u003eCelestron NexImage cameras are planetary imagers that replace an eyepiece and record fast video of the Moon, Sun (with a proper solar filter) and planets. The NexImage 5 is a 5MP entry model and the NexImage 10 is a color camera with a larger sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou capture thousands of frames, then stack the sharpest ones in free software to beat atmospheric seeing. They are a simple first step into high-resolution imaging with an SCT or refractor.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"celestron-neximage-5-solar-system-imager-5mp","title":"Celestron NexImage 5 Solar System Imager (5MP)","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5.0 Megapixel color CMOS sensor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2.2 micron square pixels for high-resolution sampling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame rates from 0.71 up to 52.37 FPS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1.25\" barrel and C-thread mounting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowered via a single USB 2.0 cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCelestron NexImage 5 Solar System Imager (5MP)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celestron NexImage 5 Solar System Imager pairs a 5.0 MP color CMOS sensor with a native resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels to capture high-resolution images of the Moon, Sun, and planets. Its 2.2 micron square pixels and 12-bit A\/D conversion are ideal for resolving fine details, while frame rates of up to 52.37 FPS allow you to freeze moments of perfect atmospheric seeing for the sharpest possible results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e5.0 Megapixels and 2.2µm Pixels for High-Resolution Planetary Detail\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the NexImage 5 is a 5.0 MP onsemi MT9P031 CMOS sensor that provides enough resolution to capture the entire disk of Jupiter or Saturn with room to spare. The small 2.2µm pixels are an excellent match for the long focal lengths of Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes, ensuring you can sample fine atmospheric details like Jupiter's cloud bands or the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings without needing an aggressive Barlow lens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sensor's physical size of 5.7mm x 4.28mm is optimized for planetary work, keeping file sizes manageable and centering the target on the chip. While this makes it unsuitable for wide-field deep-sky imaging, it is precisely what's needed for high-magnification views of bright solar system objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUp to 52.37 FPS for Freezing Atmospheric Seeing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key to sharp planetary imaging is \"lucky imaging\"—capturing hundreds or thousands of frames in a short video to catch fleeting moments of atmospheric stability. The NexImage 5 excels at this, delivering frame rates from 0.71 to 5.99 FPS at full 2592 x 1944 resolution, and up to 52.37 FPS when using hardware sub-framing to focus on a smaller region of interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou simply record a short video of your target, and the included software (compatible with iCap and DirectShow) helps you analyze the video file, discard the frames blurred by turbulence, and stack only the sharpest ones. This process averages out atmospheric distortion and electronic noise, revealing a bright, clear, and detailed final image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUSB 2.0 Power and 1.25\" Mounting for Universal Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for simplicity, the NexImage 5 is powered entirely by its 5-foot USB 2.0 cable, eliminating the need for an external power supply in the field. Its extremely light weight of just 2.0 oz (57 g) ensures it won't create balancing issues, even on smaller telescope mounts. The camera body features a standard 1.25\" nosepiece for direct connection to any telescope focuser or diagonal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual Back Focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e The camera offers two back focus distances. With the 1.25\" nosepiece attached, the distance is 13.1mm. By removing the nosepiece, you can access the C-threads for a shorter 10.6mm back focus, useful for custom accessory configurations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated IR-Cut Filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The optical window has a built-in IR-Cut filter to ensure accurate color balance and sharpness by blocking unfocused infrared light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat software do I need to use the Celestron NexImage 5?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celestron NexImage 5 includes a software CD with everything you need to get started on a Windows PC, including drivers and capture software like \u003cstrong\u003eiCap\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is also compatible with other popular freeware like SharpCap and AutoStakkert! for capture and processing. The camera uses a standard \u003cstrong\u003eDirectShow\u003c\/strong\u003e driver for broad compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Celestron NexImage 5 a good camera for deep-sky objects?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, the NexImage 5 is not recommended for deep-sky imaging. Its small sensor is designed to frame planets, not large nebulae or galaxies. Furthermore, as an uncooled camera, long exposures (from 0.0001 to \u003cstrong\u003e30 seconds\u003c\/strong\u003e) will exhibit significant thermal noise, which would obscure faint deep-sky details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the Celestron NexImage 5 work with a Mac?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included software is Windows-only. While the Celestron NexImage 5 is not officially supported on macOS, some Mac users have found success using third-party software that supports standard USB webcams and planetary cameras, though functionality may be limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the Celestron NexImage 5 perform on Jupiter with an 8\" SCT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent combination. An 8\" f\/10 SCT provides the ideal focal length to match with the NexImage 5's \u003cstrong\u003e2.2µm pixels\u003c\/strong\u003e for high-resolution views of Jupiter. This setup will allow you to clearly resolve the main equatorial belts, the Great Red Spot, and shadow transits of the Galilean moons, especially when using the camera's high frame rate to counteract atmospheric turbulence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the Celestron NexImage 5 to image the entire full Moon?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis depends on your telescope's focal length. With a short focal length refractor, you may be able to fit the entire lunar disk in the \u003cstrong\u003e2592 x 1944\u003c\/strong\u003e frame. However, with a longer focal length instrument like an SCT or Maksutov, you will need to capture multiple videos and stitch them together into a mosaic to show the entire Moon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the benefit of the Celestron NexImage 5's 12-bit A\/D conversion?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e12-bit\u003c\/strong\u003e Analog-to-Digital converter allows the NexImage 5 to capture 4,096 different levels of brightness. This provides much smoother tonal gradations across planetary surfaces and the lunar terminator compared to older 8-bit cameras, which are limited to just 256 levels. The result is more detail in subtle features and a more realistic final image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor onsemi MT9P031 CMOS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.0 MP (2592 x 1944)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePixel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.2µm square\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.7mm x 4.28mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA\/D Conversion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrame Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.71 to 5.99 FPS (at 2592x1944)\u003cbr\u003e6.23 to 52.37 FPS (at 640x480)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExposure Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.0001 to 30 seconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShutter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronic Rolling Shutter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSub-Framing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardware Selectable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.25\" barrel and C-thread\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBack Focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.1mm (with nosepiece), 10.6mm (without nosepiece)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Window\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIR Cutoff Filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 2.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB Cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5' long\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoftware Compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eiCap, IC Capture, DirectShow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHousing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eABS with aluminum connection ring\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.0 oz (57 g)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating Environment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-22°F to 158°F (-30°C to 70°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLunar, solar, and planetary imaging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eNexImage 5 Camera Body\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e1.25\" Nosepiece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eUSB Cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eInstruction Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Celestron_NexImage_5_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eCelestron NexImage 5 Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/celestron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCelestron 2-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44967142228253,"sku":"CEL-93711","price":306.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/Celestron-NexImage-5-Solar-System-Imager-5MP-93711-1__79221.1594230227.1280.1280.jpg?v=1684337053"}],"url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/collections\/celestron-neximage-planetary-cameras.oembed","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}