QHYCCD QHY183C Color

20MP BSI Sensor: High-Resolution Imaging with 2.4µm Pixels

At the core of the QHY183C is a 1-inch format Sony IMX183 back-illuminated sensor, providing 20 megapixels of resolution. The small 2.4μm pixels are an excellent match for short focal length refractors and camera lenses, allowing you to capture high-resolution wide-field images without needing an exceptionally long focal length telescope.

The sensor's back-illuminated structure improves sensitivity by moving wiring layers behind the photodiodes, allowing more photons to reach the light-sensitive silicon. This design, combined with a full well capacity of 15.5ke-, enables the camera to capture rich color data in bright objects and faint nebulosity alike.

Low-Noise Architecture: 1.0e- Read Noise and -40°C Cooling

For deep-sky imaging, controlling noise is critical. The QHY183C employs a dual-stage thermoelectric cooler capable of reducing the sensor temperature to -40°C below ambient, dramatically lowering thermal noise during long exposures. This cooling reduces dark current to just 0.0024e-/pixel/sec at -15°C.

At high gain settings, the camera's read noise drops to an impressive 1.0e-, allowing faint signals to be captured with very short exposures. This low read noise makes the QHY183C highly effective for "lucky imaging" techniques on both deep-sky objects and planets.

128MB DDR2 Buffer: Stable Full-Frame Imaging at 19 FPS

To handle the high data volume from its 20MP sensor, the QHY183C includes a 128MB DDR2 image buffer. This buffer is crucial for preventing dropped frames, especially when imaging at high frame rates or using a computer that is busy with other tasks. It ensures that your data stream remains smooth and complete, whether you're capturing planetary video at 130 FPS or a sequence of full-resolution deep-sky images.

• Full Resolution: 19 FPS at 8-bit or 7.5 FPS at 12-bit depth.
• 4K Video: 31 FPS in 8-bit mode for high-resolution planetary or solar work.
• High-Speed ROI: Up to 130 FPS at 640x480 resolution for tracking fast-moving atmospheric details on Jupiter or Saturn.

Clean Long Exposures: 3600s Max Exposure and Anti-Glow Control

The QHY183C is engineered for reliable long-exposure astrophotography. It supports exposure times up to 3600 seconds, enabling the capture of extremely faint deep-sky objects. To ensure the resulting images are clean, the camera incorporates QHY's anti-glow circuitry, which significantly reduces the amplifier glow common in many CMOS sensors.

An integrated anti-dew heater on the optical window prevents moisture from condensing on the glass during humid nights, ensuring a clear view throughout your imaging session. The standard M42/0.75 telescope interface and 17.5mm back focus make it compatible with a wide range of flatteners, reducers, and off-axis guiders.

QHY183C vs. QHY183M: One-Shot Color vs. Monochrome Sensitivity

Choosing between the QHY183C (Color) and its sibling, the QHY183M (Monochrome), depends on your imaging goals. The QHY183C offers the major advantage of simplicity, capturing full-color images in a single shot without the need for filters or a filter wheel.

The QHY183M, by contrast, provides higher ultimate sensitivity and resolution because its sensor does not have the Bayer color filter array. This makes it the preferred choice for advanced imagers who want to capture narrowband data (H-alpha, OIII, SII) or achieve the highest possible detail in luminance. However, this comes at the cost of increased complexity and the added expense of a filter wheel and LRGB or narrowband filter sets.