{"product_id":"ioptron-3373","title":"iOptron iCAM464C Planetary Camera","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSony IMX464 4.2MP Color CMOS Sensor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e93 FPS at Full 2712 x 1538 Resolution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2.9 µm Pixel Size for High-Resolution Sampling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra-Low Read Noise Down to 0.7e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB 3.0 High-Speed Data Port\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eST-4 Compatible Autoguiding Port\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\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\u003eiOptron iCAM464C Planetary Camera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iOptron iCAM464C Planetary Camera leverages the Sony IMX464 color sensor to deliver a potent combination of resolution and speed for serious planetary imaging. Its 4.2MP sensor with 2.9 µm pixels resolves fine detail on Jupiter's cloud bands and lunar crater walls, while the maximum frame rate of 93 fps freezes moments of steady seeing. With a peak QE of approximately 80% and read noise as low as 0.7e, the iCAM464C captures faint signals with exceptional clarity, backed by a 12-bit ADC and a 12K e full well capacity for rich tonal gradation.\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\u003eSony IMX464: 4.2MP Resolution at 93 FPS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the iCAM464C is the 1\/1.8\" Sony IMX464 sensor, which provides a 2712 x 1538 pixel array. This 4.2MP resolution gives you a larger field of view than typical 2MP planetary cameras, making it easier to frame Jupiter with its Galilean moons or capture expansive lunar landscapes without creating large mosaics. The high-speed readout achieves 93 fps at full resolution, enabling the \"lucky imaging\" technique required to overcome atmospheric turbulence and produce sharp, detailed final images.\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\u003eLow-Noise Architecture: 0.7e Read Noise and HCG Mode for High-Dynamic-Range Imaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iCAM464C is engineered for high signal-to-noise performance. Its ability to achieve read noise as low as 0.7e ensures that faint, low-contrast details are not lost in the electronic background. The camera also supports HCG (High Conversion Gain) mode, which automatically activates at higher gain settings to reduce read noise without compromising the dynamic range provided by the 12K e full well depth. This combination is critical for capturing both the bright zones and subtle belt structures on planets in a single exposure stack. The camera's rolling shutter is well-suited for planetary work, where exposure times are typically very short.\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\u003eGuiding and Connectivity: Integrated ST-4 Port and USB 3.0 Data Transfer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its primary role as a planetary imager, the iCAM464C serves as a highly capable autoguider for deep-sky astrophotography. The integrated ST-4 compatible guide port provides a universal connection to most equatorial mounts for precise tracking corrections. To handle the massive amount of data generated at 93 fps, the camera features a USB 3.0 port, ensuring a stable, high-speed connection to your capture PC. The camera connects to your telescope via a standard 1.25\" adapter, making it compatible with nearly any setup.\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\u003eiCAM464C vs. IMX462-Based Cameras: 4.2MP vs. 2.1MP\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCameras using the Sony IMX462 sensor are renowned for their exceptional sensitivity, particularly in the near-infrared spectrum. They represent a strong choice for methane-band imaging or capturing details on the dimmest targets. The primary advantage of the iCAM464C is its resolution. With 4.2MP, it doubles the pixel count of 2.1MP IMX462-based cameras, offering several key benefits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarger Field of View:\u003c\/strong\u003e You can capture a wider area of the sky, which is ideal for mosaics of the Moon or Sun (with a certified solar filter).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMore Pixels on Target:\u003c\/strong\u003e For a given telescope, the iCAM464C places more pixels on a planet's disk, allowing for greater image scale and more detailed processing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFraming Flexibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e The larger canvas makes it easier to keep a planet centered during a capture run, especially in conditions of imperfect tracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe choice depends on your priority. For maximum resolution and field of view, the iCAM464C is the clear winner. For specialized imaging that requires the highest possible sensitivity, an IMX462-based camera may be preferred.\u003c\/p\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 makes the iCAM464C a good choice for planetary imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iCAM464C combines three key features for high-resolution planetary work: a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh frame rate of 93 fps\u003c\/strong\u003e to freeze atmospheric seeing, \u003cstrong\u003esmall 2.9 µm pixels\u003c\/strong\u003e for fine image sampling, and \u003cstrong\u003eultra-low read noise (down to 0.7e)\u003c\/strong\u003e to capture faint details with high clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the iCAM464C perform on Jupiter with an 8\" f\/10 SCT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iCAM464C is an excellent match for an 8\" SCT. The 2.9 µm pixels provide a good image scale for resolving details in Jupiter's cloud bands, often reaching optimal sampling with a 2x Barlow lens. The 4.2MP sensor provides a generous field of view, making it easy to frame the planet along with its four largest moons in a single shot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the iCAM464C for autoguiding deep-sky images?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The camera's high sensitivity and built-in ST-4 compatible guide port make it a very effective autoguider. It can detect faint guide stars, allowing for precise tracking during long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is HCG mode on the iCAM464C and when should I use it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHCG (High Conversion Gain) mode\u003c\/strong\u003e is a feature that automatically reduces the camera's read noise when you increase the gain setting past a certain point. This allows you to amplify faint signals without introducing significant noise, effectively preserving the camera's dynamic range. It engages automatically, so you benefit from it whenever you need to use higher gain for dimmer targets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the 4.2MP resolution of the iCAM464C useful for lunar imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The 2712 x 1538 resolution provides a significantly larger field of view compared to 2MP cameras. This means you can capture larger regions of the Moon's surface, like the entire Mare Imbrium or the Copernicus crater complex, in a single frame. This greatly reduces the number of panels you need to shoot and stitch together for a high-resolution lunar mosaic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eShould I choose the iCAM464C or a camera with the IMX462 sensor?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose the \u003cstrong\u003eiCAM464C\u003c\/strong\u003e if your priority is higher resolution and a larger field of view for framing planets or creating mosaics. Choose a camera with the \u003cstrong\u003eIMX462 sensor\u003c\/strong\u003e if your primary goal is maximum sensitivity, especially in near-infrared light for applications like methane band imaging.\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\u003eSony IMX464 1\/1.8” Color CMOS (7.9 x 4.5mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Resolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2712 x 1538 (4.2 Megapixels)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePixel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.9 µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Frame Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e93 fps (at 10-bit)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eADC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShutter Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRolling Shutter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExposure Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32 µs to 2000 s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReadout Noise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.9e to 0.7e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuantum Efficiency (QE)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~80% Peak\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull Well Capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12k e-\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHCG Mode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eData Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 3.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGuide Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eST-4 Compatible\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTelescope Connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.25\" Adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Window\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAR Coated Glass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGross Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.75 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 x 4 x 2.2 in\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\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/ioptron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eiOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917290959133,"sku":"IOP-3373","price":199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-iCAM464C-Planetary-Camera-1_95c834e4-2c8d-4637-b472-6063dcb618b7.jpg?v=1789142025","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/ioptron-3373","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}