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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.

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QHYCCD QHY268M Pro I Monochrome CMOS Camera

par QHYCCD
UGC QHY-110089
Prix d'origine $3,399.00 - Prix d'origine $3,399.00
Prix d'origine
$3,399.00
$3,399.00 - $3,399.00
Prix actuel $3,399.00
Égalisation de prix!
  • 26 Megapixel Sony IMX571 APS-C BSI CMOS Sensor
  • Native 16-bit A/D Conversion for 65,535 Gray Levels
  • 1.1e- Minimum Read Noise
  • Dual Full Well Modes: 51ke- (Standard) and >80ke- (Extended)
  • 2GB DDR3 Image Buffer
  • -35°C Dual-Stage TEC Cooling
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty
  • QHY268M Pro I Monochrome CMOS Camera

    The QHY268M Pro I combines the 26 Megapixel Sony IMX571 monochrome sensor with a native 16-bit A/D converter to capture deep-sky objects with exceptional dynamic range. Its 3.76µm pixels resolve fine detail in galaxies and nebulae, while the ultra-low 1.1e- read noise preserves faint signal from the noise floor. A 2GB DDR3 buffer ensures stable image transfer at up to 6.5 FPS for full 16-bit frames, eliminating dropped frames during critical sequences.

    Sony IMX571 Sensor: 26MP at Native 16-Bit Resolution

    At the core of the QHY268M Pro is the back-illuminated Sony IMX571, an APS-C format sensor with a 6252x4176 pixel array. Unlike cameras that use 12-bit or 14-bit conversion, the QHY268M Pro employs a true, native 16-bit A/D converter. This delivers access to all 65,535 grayscale levels, producing exceptionally smooth tonal gradations in bright nebulosity and preventing posterization in heavily processed images.

    1.1e- Read Noise and Confirmed Zero Amp Glow

    The QHY268M Pro is engineered for clean data acquisition. In its high-gain modes, read noise drops to an exceptionally low 1.1e-, allowing faint structures to be captured with shorter sub-exposures. Combined with a dark current of just 0.0005 e-/pixel/sec at -20°C and QHY's verified zero amplifier glow circuitry, your calibration frames become simpler and more effective, resulting in a cleaner final image with less processing effort.

    Dual Full Well Modes: 51ke- Standard vs. >80ke- Extended

    The camera features two distinct readout modes to match your target. Standard Mode offers the lowest read noise and a deep 51,000e- full well capacity, ideal for faint deep-sky objects. For dense star fields or bright nebulae like the Orion Nebula (M42), Extended Full Well Mode increases the capacity to over 80,000e-, preventing bright stars from saturating while preserving color and detail. This mode comes with a slight increase in read noise to a still-low 5.3e-, representing a deliberate trade-off for greater dynamic range in a single exposure.

    2GB Buffer: 6.5 FPS Full-Frame and High-Speed ROI

    A substantial 2GB DDR3 memory buffer ensures reliable, drop-free imaging, even over slower USB connections. This allows the QHY268M Pro to sustain a 6.5 FPS capture rate for full-resolution 16-bit images. For planetary or lunar imaging, you can select a Region of Interest (ROI), such as a 480-line window, to boost the frame rate to 110 FPS in 8-bit mode, perfect for lucky imaging techniques.

    -35°C Cooling and a Compact 14.5mm Back Focus

    The dual-stage thermoelectric cooler achieves a stable delta of -35°C below ambient temperature, drastically reducing thermal noise for clean, long-exposure narrowband imaging. The camera body features a heated optical window to prevent dew formation. With a back focal length of just 14.5mm, the QHY268M Pro accommodates complex imaging trains, providing ample space for filter wheels, off-axis guiders, and other accessories while maintaining correct spacing.

    QHY268M Pro vs. ZWO ASI2600MM Pro: Key Differences

    Both cameras use the excellent Sony IMX571 sensor and offer 16-bit A/D conversion. The primary differences lie in their hardware implementation.

    • Image Buffer: The ZWO ASI2600MM Pro includes a 512MB DDR3 buffer. The QHY268M Pro provides a 2GB DDR3 buffer, offering four times the memory for increased stability during high-speed captures or on systems with heavy USB traffic.
    • Back Focus: The ASI2600MM Pro typically has a 17.5mm back focus. The QHY268M Pro features a shorter 14.5mm back focus, which can be advantageous for imagers using accessories with long optical paths, like certain off-axis guiders or adaptive optics units.
    • Connectivity: The QHY268M Pro includes a 2x10Gigabit Fiber port in addition to USB 3.0, offering an alternative high-speed connection path for advanced remote observatory setups.
  • What makes the QHY268M Pro's native 16-bit ADC important?

    A native 16-bit A/D converter allows the sensor to distinguish between 65,535 different levels of brightness. This provides significantly smoother gradients and tonal transitions compared to 12-bit (4,096 levels) or 14-bit (16,384 levels) cameras, especially in bright, high-contrast nebulae. It gives you more flexibility in post-processing without introducing banding or posterization.

    How does the QHY268M Pro's 3.76µm pixel size pair with a wide-field refractor like an 80mm f/6?

    An 80mm f/6 refractor has a focal length of 480mm. With the QHY268M Pro's 3.76µm pixels, this combination yields an image scale of 1.61 arcseconds per pixel. This is an excellent match for capturing wide-field targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) with well-sampled stars under typical seeing conditions (2-4 arcseconds).

    When should I use the Extended Full Well Mode on the QHY268M Pro for an object like the Pleiades (M45)?

    The Pleiades (M45) contains extremely bright stars alongside faint reflection nebulosity. Using the Extended Full Well Mode (>80ke-) is ideal here. It prevents the bright stars from saturating (turning pure white) in your exposures, allowing you to capture their natural color and diffraction spikes while still integrating long enough to reveal the faint dust clouds surrounding them.

    What power supply is required for the QHY268M Pro?

    The QHY268M Pro requires a stable 12V DC power source. At 100% cooling, the camera consumes up to 40W. It is recommended to use a power supply capable of delivering at least 4-5 Amps to ensure consistent performance of the TEC cooler and electronics.

    Does the QHY268M Pro suffer from amplifier glow?

    No. QHYCCD has specifically designed the circuitry in the QHY268M Pro to eliminate amplifier glow. This means you will not see the typical brightening along the edges or in the corners of your long-exposure dark frames, leading to easier calibration and cleaner final images.

    Is the 2GB DDR3 buffer on the QHY268M Pro a significant advantage?

    Yes. The 2GB DDR3 buffer acts as a high-speed cache for images coming off the sensor before they are transferred to the computer. This prevents data loss (dropped frames) that can occur if your computer's CPU or USB bus is temporarily busy. It's particularly important for remote imaging, high-speed lucky imaging, or when running multiple devices on the same computer.

  • Sensor Sony IMX571, BSI CMOS, Mono
    Pixel Size 3.76µm x 3.76µm
    Resolution 26 Megapixels (6252 x 4176)
    Sensor Format APS-C
    A/D Converter Native 16-bit
    Full Well Capacity 51ke- (Standard Mode) / >80ke- (Extended Mode)
    Read Noise 1.1e- to 3.5e-
    Dark Current 0.0005 e-/pixel/sec @ -20°C
    Image Buffer 2GB DDR3 Memory
    Max Frame Rate (Full Res) 6.5 FPS @ 16-bit (USB 3.0)
    Max Frame Rate (ROI) 110 FPS @ 8-bit (480 lines)
    Exposure Range 30µs to 3600s
    Shutter Electronic Rolling Shutter
    Cooling System Dual-Stage TEC, -35°C below ambient
    Anti-Dew / Humidity Heated Window & Humidity Sensor
    Back Focus 14.5mm
    Computer Interface USB 3.0, 2x10Gigabit Fiber
    Filter Wheel Port 4-PIN QHYCCD CFW Port
    Trigger Port Programmable TrigOut / High Speed Sync Port
    Optical Window AR+AR Coated
    Weight Approx. 1kg
    Power Consumption Up to 40W (100% TEC)
  • QHYCCD Warranty