QHYCCD QHY367CPRO-C Color

Sony IMX094 Sensor: 36MP Full-Frame Imaging at 4.88μm

At the core of the QHY367CPRO-C is the 36mm x 24mm full-frame Sony IMX094 sensor, renowned for its use in high-end DSLR cameras. With a resolution of 36 megapixels (7376x4938), you can frame enormous celestial targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the entire Veil Nebula complex in a single shot with a wide-field refractor. The 4.88µm pixels provide an excellent balance of image scale and sensitivity for a wide range of focal lengths, from short refractors to larger Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes.

Advanced Noise Control: -45°C Cooling & 2.4e- Read Noise

QHYCCD's design masters thermal and electronic noise. The dual-stage TEC cooling system achieves a delta of -45°C below ambient, dramatically reducing thermal signal for pristine long exposures. This results in an exceptionally low dark current of just 0.0015e-/pixel/sec at -15°C. The camera's read noise floor of 2.4e- to 3.2e- preserves the faintest wisps of nebulosity, while proprietary hardware control virtually eliminates amplifier glow, a common artifact in uncooled cameras during long exposures.

Stable Data Transfer: 128MB DDR2 Buffer at 3.2 FPS

To handle the massive amount of data generated by the 36MP sensor, the QHY367CPRO-C incorporates a 128MB DDR2 image buffer. This onboard memory is critical for preventing dropped frames during high-speed captures, ensuring data integrity from the camera to your computer over the USB3.0 interface. This feature provides a stable imaging platform, which is essential for advanced techniques like lucky imaging or creating large-scale mosaics.

Mechanical Design: M54 Interface, 17.5mm Back Focus, and Full Dew Control

Weighing 680g, the QHY367CPRO-C is built for reliable integration into your imaging train. It features a secure M54x0.75 female thread for connection to large-format correctors and filter wheels. The standard 17.5mm back focus distance simplifies spacing calculations. To combat moisture, the camera employs a complete anti-dew solution, including a built-in heater for the AR-coated optical window and a sealed sensor chamber with a desiccant plug to prevent internal condensation on even the most humid nights.

QHY367C Pro vs. DSLR: Why True RAW Output Matters

While the Sony IMX094 sensor is famous for its use in Nikon DSLRs, the QHY367CPRO-C offers critical advantages for astrophotography. A DSLR is a self-contained unit, but its firmware often applies non-defeatable noise reduction and filtering to the RAW file, which can clip faint stars and alter subtle details—an effect known as "star eating."

• True RAW Signal: The QHY367C Pro provides a TRUE RAW image output, delivering the original, unprocessed signal from the sensor. This maintains maximum flexibility for advanced processing techniques in software like PixInsight.
• Regulated Cooling: Unlike a DSLR's passive cooling, the QHY367C's regulated TEC system provides consistent, low-noise performance regardless of ambient temperature, making calibration with dark frames far more accurate.
• Zero Amp Glow: The camera's hardware design specifically targets and eliminates the amplifier glow that often plagues long-exposure DSLR images, resulting in cleaner, more uniform backgrounds.