{"product_id":"qhyccd-qhy550m","title":"QHYCCD QHY550M Mono Camera","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Megapixel Sony IMX250 Monochrome Sensor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElectronic Global Shutter for distortion-free imaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-Stage TEC cooling to -35°C below ambient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e68 FPS at full resolution over USB 3.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e128MB DDR2 internal image buffer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3.45µm pixel size\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\u003eQHY550M Mono Camera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QHY550M Mono Camera combines a 5 Megapixel Sony IMX250 sensor with an electronic global shutter and regulated two-stage cooling capable of reaching -35°C below ambient. Its 3.45µm pixels, low 2e- read noise, and 12-bit A\/D conversion are ideal for scientific applications and high-resolution planetary imaging. Over its USB 3.0 interface, the camera delivers a full-frame rate of 68 FPS, supported by a 128MB DDR2 buffer to ensure stable data transfer without dropped frames.\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 IMX250 Global Shutter: 5 MP Imaging with Zero Distortion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the core of the QHY550M is a 2\/3-inch Sony IMX250 monochrome CMOS sensor, which uses an electronic global shutter. Unlike a rolling shutter that exposes pixels line-by-line, a global shutter captures the entire 2460x2070 pixel area simultaneously. This completely eliminates motion artifacts, making it essential for imaging rapidly rotating planets like Jupiter, atmospheric turbulence during solar imaging, or any scientific measurement where all parts of the image must be captured at the same instant.\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\u003e68 FPS at Full Frame with a 128MB DDR2 Buffer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QHY550M is engineered for high-speed capture, transferring full 5 Megapixel frames at up to 68 FPS in 8-bit mode or 34 FPS in 16-bit mode via its USB 3.0 port. By defining a region of interest (ROI), frame rates can be pushed even higher, reaching 263 FPS for a 480-line window. To prevent data loss during these high-speed transfers, the camera includes a 128MB DDR2 memory buffer, which is critical for stable performance on less powerful computers or during periods of high system activity.\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\u003e-35°C Regulated Cooling for Scientific-Grade Signal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor applications requiring long exposures or precise photometry, thermal noise is the primary limiting factor. The QHY550M integrates a powerful dual-stage thermoelectric cooler that actively reduces the sensor temperature to -35°C below ambient. This dramatically lowers dark current to just 0.047e-\/pixel\/sec at -10℃, revealing faint signals that would otherwise be lost in noise. This deep cooling, combined with the sensor's low 2e- read noise and 11ke- full well capacity, provides the high signal-to-noise ratio needed for both astronomical and laboratory work.\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\u003eImaging-Ready Design: 17.5mm Back Focus and Anti-Dew Heater\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QHY550M is built for reliable operation in the field. It features a standard 17.5mm back focal distance and supports M42 and 2-inch adapters, ensuring compatibility with most filter wheels and optical trains. To combat moisture buildup on the sensor's AR-coated optical window during humid nights, an integrated anti-dew heater is included. The camera also provides a 4-pin port for controlling QHY filter wheels and a hardware trigger port for precise synchronization with external devices.\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 is the main advantage of the QHY550M's global shutter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eElectronic Global Shutter\u003c\/strong\u003e exposes all 5 million pixels at the exact same time. This prevents the distortion and \"jello\" effect seen with rolling shutters when imaging fast-moving objects. It is critical for sharp, artifact-free images of planets, the Moon, and the Sun, and for scientific applications requiring precise temporal resolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the -35°C cooling on the QHY550M benefit my imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dual-stage TEC cooler reduces the sensor's thermal noise, or \u003cstrong\u003edark current\u003c\/strong\u003e, to an extremely low 0.047e-\/pixel\/sec (@ -10℃). This allows for longer exposures to capture faint detail without the image being overwhelmed by noise. It is essential for detecting faint signals in astronomy, life science, and laboratory settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the QHY550M's low dark current affect imaging faint targets like the Horsehead Nebula (B33)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the QHY550M's 2\/3-inch sensor is smaller than typical deep-sky cameras, its regulated cooling and low dark current make it capable of capturing faint objects. For a target like the Horsehead Nebula, the low noise floor means you can use longer exposures to build up signal from the faint nebulosity without it being swamped by thermal noise, resulting in a cleaner final image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat frame rates can I expect from the QHY550M when imaging Jupiter with an 8\" SCT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen imaging Jupiter, you would typically use a Region of Interest (ROI) to frame the planet and increase speed. With the QHY550M, you could easily achieve over \u003cstrong\u003e169 FPS\u003c\/strong\u003e using a 768-line ROI or \u003cstrong\u003e263 FPS\u003c\/strong\u003e with a 480-line ROI at 8-bit depth. These high frame rates are ideal for \"lucky imaging,\" allowing you to freeze moments of steady atmospheric seeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the purpose of the 128MB DDR2 buffer in the QHY550M?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e128MB DDR2 buffer\u003c\/strong\u003e acts as a temporary memory bank for image frames. It ensures a smooth and stable data transfer from the camera to your computer, especially at high frame rates. This prevents dropped frames, which can corrupt video files and waste valuable observing time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the QHY550M require an external power supply?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. While the camera electronics can be powered by the USB 3.0 connection, the dual-stage TEC cooler requires an external 12V power source to operate. The cooler can draw up to \u003cstrong\u003e27W\u003c\/strong\u003e at 100% cooling power, which is necessary to achieve the -35°C temperature reduction.\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\u003eImage Sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSony IMX250\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMonochrome\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEffective Pixels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 Megapixels (2460 x 2070)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePixel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.45µm x 3.45µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.50mm x 7.09mm (2\/3-inch)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShutter Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronic Global Shutter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA\/D Converter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull Well Capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11,000e-\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead Noise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2e- to 2.5e-\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.047e-\/pixel\/sec @ -10℃\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExposure Time Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20µs - 600sec\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooling System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual Stage TEC, -35°C below ambient\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnti-Dew Heater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrame Rate (Full)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e68 FPS @ 8-bit, 34 FPS @ 16-bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrame Rate (ROI)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 263 FPS @ 8-bit (480 lines)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImage Buffer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e128MB DDR2 Memory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComputer Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 3.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilter Wheel Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-pin QHYCCD CFW Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTrigger Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardware Trig-In (RCA type), Opto-isolated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Window\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAR+AR Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBack Focal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.5mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdapters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupports M42\/0.75 and 2-inch (C-mount optional)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e460g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e27W at 100% cooling\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\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.qhyccd.com\/download\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"DAV-img-box\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"#0047a7\" d=\"M128 32C92.7 32 64 60.7 64 96l0 256 64 0 0-256 384 0 0 256 64 0 0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L128 32zM19.2 384C8.6 384 0 392.6 0 403.2C0 445.6 34.4 480 76.8 480l486.4 0c42.4 0 76.8-34.4 76.8-76.8c0-10.6-8.6-19.2-19.2-19.2L19.2 384z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Software\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\/qhyccd-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eQHYCCD Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"QHYCCD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52942989394205,"sku":"QHY-110051","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/QHYCCD-QHY550M-Mono-Camera-1_dcebbca1-ac66-403a-8512-c4c5c92db18f.jpg?v=1789614949","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/qhyccd-qhy550m","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}