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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
QHYCCD QHY5III462M Mono

QHYCCD QHY5III462M Mono

by QHYCCD
SKU QHY-110131
$249.00 - $249.00
$249.00
$249.00 - $249.00
$249.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 2.0 Megapixel Sony IMX462 BSI CMOS Sensor
  • 2.9µm pixels and 1920x1080 resolution
  • Exceptional Near-Infrared (NIR) sensitivity
  • Ultra-low 0.5e- read noise with sHCG mode
  • 135 FPS at full resolution via USB 3.0
  • Includes IR850nm pass filter
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Warranty

  • QHYCCD QHY5III462M Mono Camera

    The QHYCCD QHY5III462M Mono camera leverages Sony's 6th generation IMX462 STARVIS sensor to deliver category-defining near-infrared sensitivity and exceptionally low noise for planetary imaging. Its 2.0 Megapixel, 1920x1080 sensor has 2.9µm pixels perfectly suited for short focal ratio telescopes, while the camera's back-illuminated structure and Super High Conversion Gain (sHCG) technology achieve an ultra-low read noise of just 0.5e-. Capable of capturing full-frame video at 135 FPS over USB 3.0, the QHY5III462M is engineered to freeze atmospheric turbulence and reveal fine details on Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

    sHCG and 0.5e- Read Noise for Planetary Stacking

    The QHY5III462M features Sony's Super High Conversion Gain (sHCG) technology, which dramatically reduces read noise to an exceptionally low 0.5e- at high gain settings. This is a critical advantage for planetary "lucky imaging," where hundreds or thousands of short exposures are stacked to overcome atmospheric seeing. With noise this low, the signal from faint planetary details is preserved in each sub-frame, leading to a final stacked image with significantly higher contrast and clarity.

    Enhanced NIR Sensitivity: A Methane Band Advantage at 850nm

    A key innovation in the IMX462 sensor is its profound sensitivity to near-infrared (NIR) light. The sensor's photodiodes are physically deeper, allowing it to capture long-wavelength photons with a peak quantum efficiency around 800nm that rivals its efficiency in the visible spectrum. This makes the QHY5III462M an ideal camera for methane band imaging of Jupiter and Saturn, which centers around 880nm. To leverage this capability, the camera includes an IR850nm pass filter, allowing you to isolate this wavelength for high-contrast views of the gas giants' atmospheric features.

    135 FPS Capture at 1920x1080 Resolution

    Powered by a USB 3.0 interface, the QHY5III462M streams its full 1920x1080 resolution at up to 135 frames per second (at 8-bit). This high frame rate is essential for mitigating the effects of atmospheric turbulence. By capturing a massive volume of frames in a short period, you increase the probability of catching fleeting moments of perfect seeing, which can then be selected and stacked to produce a final image far sharper than any single frame.

    QHY5III462M vs. QHY5III290M: The NIR Successor

    The QHY5III462M shares the same 2.9µm pixel size and 1920x1080 resolution as the legendary QHY5III290M, but its key advantage lies in its sensor generation. While both cameras offer extremely low read noise, the QHY5III462M's back-illuminated IMX462 sensor provides a dramatic boost in sensitivity in red and near-infrared light. For imagers focused on methane band or other long-wavelength planetary science, the 462M is the clear successor, offering access to data the 290M's sensor cannot efficiently capture.

    Compact 88g Body with ST-4 Guiding and C-Mount

    Housed in the standard 1.25-inch eyepiece-style body, the QHY5III462M weighs a mere 88g, adding minimal weight to your imaging train and making balancing easy. It includes a standard ST-4 guide port for use as a high-sensitivity autoguider on a separate guide scope. The camera also features a C-mount thread, providing a short 12mm back focus distance for use with microscopes, lenses, and other specialized optical systems.

  • What is the main advantage of the QHY5III462M's sHCG mode?

    Super High Conversion Gain (sHCG) is a sensor mode that allows the camera to achieve its lowest read noise of 0.5e-. For planetary imaging, where you use high gain and very short exposures, this mode ensures that the faint signal from the planet is not lost in the camera's own electronic noise, resulting in cleaner data and sharper final images after stacking.

    How does the QHY5III462M's NIR sensitivity help when imaging Jupiter?

    Jupiter's atmosphere has prominent features that are best seen in the methane absorption band around 880nm. The QHY5III462M is extremely sensitive in this near-infrared (NIR) region, far more so than older sensors. Using the included IR850nm filter, you can capture high-contrast images that highlight Jupiter's high-altitude clouds and storms, which appear bright against the darker, methane-absorbing belts.

    Is the QHY5III462M a good choice for guiding an 8" SCT on an equatorial mount?

    Yes, absolutely. With its high sensitivity and low read noise, the QHY5III462M is an excellent autoguider. The 2.9µm pixels provide good sampling resolution for guiding, and its NIR sensitivity helps detect faint guide stars that might be invisible to other guide cameras, ensuring a stable lock for long exposures.

    Do I need an external power supply for the QHY5III462M?

    No. The QHY5III462M is powered entirely through its USB 3.0 Type-B port. This simplifies your cable management at the telescope, as no separate 12V power cable is required for camera operation.

    Why would I choose the mono QHY5III462M over the color version?

    The mono QHY5III462M offers higher ultimate resolution and sensitivity compared to its color counterpart. By shooting through separate Red, Green, and Blue filters, you can capture more detail and have greater control over the final color balance. The mono sensor is also essential for narrowband imaging techniques, such as using the included IR850nm filter for methane band work.

    What does the 12mm back focal length on the QHY5III462M mean?

    The 12mm back focal length is the distance from the front C-mount threads to the sensor. This short distance is advantageous when using the camera with accessories like filter wheels or off-axis guiders, as it leaves more room in the optical path to reach focus. It is also a standard distance for many C-mount lenses and industrial applications.

  • Image Sensor SONY IMX462, Back-Illuminated (BSI)
    Sensor Size Typical 1/2.8 inch
    Effective Pixels 2.0 Megapixels (1920 x 1080)
    Pixel Size 2.9µm x 2.9µm
    Read Noise 0.5e- (sHCG Mode)
    Full Well Capacity 12ke-
    Max Frame Rate 135 FPS @ 8-bit
    ADC 12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)
    Exposure Time Range 7µs - 900sec
    Shutter Type Electronic Rolling Shutter
    Computer Interface USB 3.0 Type-B
    Guide Port ST-4 Compatible
    Telescope Interface 1.25-inch, C-Mount
    Back Focal Length 12mm
    Optical Window AR Anti-reflection Glass
    Included Filter IR850nm Pass Filter
    Weight 88g

    • QHY5III462M Camera Body

      × 1

    • IR 850nm Pass Filter

      × 1

  • QHYCCD Warranty