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Player One Apollo 428M MAX Mono Solar Camera

Player One Apollo 428M MAX Mono Solar Camera

by Player One
SKU POA-Apollo-428M-MAX
CA$1,118.00 - CA$1,118.00
CA$1,118.00
CA$1,118.00 - CA$1,118.00
CA$1,118.00
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  • Features a Sony IMX428 1.1-inch monochrome CMOS sensor
  • Delivers 7.1 Megapixel resolution (3216×2208) for detailed solar imaging
  • 4.5μm pixels provide high-resolution sampling of fine surface features
  • Captures up to 51 FPS at 10-bit for freezing atmospheric seeing
  • Global shutter design eliminates motion artifacts on the Sun's turbulent surface
  • 25.3k e full well capacity captures a wide dynamic range
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Player One Apollo 428M MAX Mono Solar Camera

    The Player One Apollo 428M MAX is engineered specifically for high-resolution solar imaging, built around a Sony IMX428 1.1-inch monochrome sensor that resolves 7.1 megapixels with its 3216×2208 array. Its 4.5μm pixels are sized for critically sampling fine solar granulation, while the global shutter captures distortion-free images at up to 51 FPS. A deep 25.3k e full well and low read noise down to 1.4e ensure you capture the full dynamic range from bright sunspots to the subtle photosphere, with a peak QE of approximately 79% maximizing signal.

    Sony IMX428 Global Shutter: 7.1 MP at 51 FPS

    The core of the Apollo 428M MAX is its 7.1 MP Sony IMX428 sensor, whose global shutter architecture is essential for solar astronomy. Unlike a rolling shutter, a global shutter exposes every one of the 3216×2208 pixels simultaneously, eliminating the wobble and distortion caused by atmospheric seeing. This allows you to capture incredibly sharp, artifact-free images of the Sun's dynamic surface.

    At a full-resolution frame rate of 51 FPS (10-bit), you can employ lucky imaging techniques to select only the sharpest frames captured during moments of steady seeing. The camera's low read noise, which drops to just 1.4e in HCG mode, combined with a 25.3k e full well depth, provides the dynamic range needed to record faint prominences and bright surface features in a single exposure.

    Solar-Specific Hardware: D32*2mm AR Coated Window and Passive Cooling

    Designed for daytime operation, the Apollo 428M MAX incorporates features to manage heat and improve contrast. The sensor is protected by a D32*2mm window with a multi-layer Anti-Reflection (AR Plus) coating, which maximizes light transmission and prevents internal reflections that can reduce the contrast of delicate solar features like spicules.

    To combat the heat generated by the sensor during prolonged solar sessions, the camera includes a Passive Cooling System (PCS). This system conducts heat away from the sensor to the camera body, helping to stabilize thermal noise. For even more demanding conditions, the camera is compatible with an optional Active Cooling System (ACS) to maintain optimal sensor temperature.

    12-bit Data Integrity: DDR3 Cache and Dead Pixel Suppression

    To ensure every frame is captured without corruption, the Apollo 428M MAX is equipped with an onboard DDR3 cache. This buffer prevents frame drops during high-speed data transfer over its USB 3.0 port, which is critical when writing 51 frames per second. The cache ensures a stable data stream, even if your computer's hard drive has momentary slowdowns.

    The camera also features Dead Pixel Suppression (DPS) technology. This system identifies and corrects for non-responsive pixels directly in the camera's hardware, delivering cleaner raw frames and reducing the need for extensive post-processing. Combined with a 12-bit ADC, these features ensure your final data is clean, complete, and has the bit-depth needed for aggressive sharpening.

    Apollo 428M MAX vs. Apollo-M MAX: 4.5µm Pixels for High Resolution

    While both cameras use a 1.1-inch sensor format, they are optimized for different goals. The primary advantage of the classic Apollo-M MAX (IMX432) is its larger native pixel size, which provides an enormous full well capacity for maximum dynamic range on lower-magnification, full-disk images.

    The Apollo 428M MAX, with its 4.5µm pixels, offers four times the spatial resolution. This makes it the superior choice for imagers using long focal length telescopes to resolve the finest details in sunspot umbra, granulation cells, and chromospheric plages. For versatility, the 428M MAX also offers a hardware BIN2 mode, effectively creating 9µm pixels with a much larger full well, allowing it to perform in scenarios where the IMX432 would traditionally excel.

  • How does the Apollo 428M MAX's 4.5µm pixel size perform with a DayStar Quark filter on a 1000mm refractor?

    The 4.5µm pixels of the Apollo 428M MAX are an excellent match for a long focal length solar setup. With a DayStar Quark (which has a 4.2x Barlow effect), a 1000mm refractor operates at f/42, yielding a fine image scale perfect for resolving intricate details in solar prominences and the chromosphere without needing an additional Barlow lens.

    Can the Apollo 428M MAX capture a full solar disk in a single frame?

    This depends on your telescope's focal length. The Apollo 428M MAX has a 17.5mm sensor diagonal. To fit the entire sun (which is about 0.5 degrees) onto this sensor, you would need a telescope with a focal length of approximately 2000mm or less. For longer focal lengths, you will need to capture a mosaic to create a full-disk image.

    What is the main advantage of the Apollo 428M MAX's global shutter?

    The global shutter exposes the entire 7.1 MP sensor at the same instant. This is critical for solar imaging because it prevents the "wobble" or distortion seen with rolling shutters when imaging through atmospheric turbulence. The result is sharper, more stable images of the sun's surface, making it easier to capture fine details.

    Do I need special filters to use the Apollo 428M MAX for solar imaging?

    Yes, absolutely. You must use a dedicated, professional-grade solar filter, such as a white-light filter (like Baader AstroSolar film) or a Herschel wedge for photosphere imaging, or a Hydrogen-alpha telescope for chromosphere imaging. Pointing the camera at the sun without proper energy rejection will instantly destroy the sensor and can cause permanent eye damage.

    How does the HCG mode on the Apollo 428M MAX work?

    The High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode automatically activates at a gain setting of 70 or higher. When enabled, it significantly reduces the camera's read noise (down to 1.4e) without sacrificing its high dynamic range. This is beneficial for imaging lower-contrast features on the solar disk where you need to increase gain to see detail.

    Will the Apollo 428M MAX work if I only have a USB 2.0 port?

    Yes. While a USB 3.0 port is required to achieve the maximum frame rate of 51 FPS, the camera is backward compatible with USB 2.0. The onboard DDR3 cache helps ensure stable data transfer even at the lower speeds of USB 2.0, though your maximum frame rate will be reduced.

  • Sensor SONY IMX428 1.1" CMOS (mono)
    Sensor Size 14.5mm × 9.9mm
    Diagonal 17.5mm
    Max Resolution 3216×2208
    Total Pixels 7.1 Mega Pixels
    Pixel Size 4.5μm
    Shutter Type Global shutter
    Max Frame Rate (10-bit) 51 FPS
    Max Frame Rate (12-bit) 27 FPS
    Full Well Capacity 25.3k e
    Readout Noise 5.5e ~ 1.4e
    QE Peak ≈79%
    ADC 12 bit
    Exposure Range 32μs - 2000s
    Data Port USB 3.0 / USB 2.0
    Adapter 1.25″ / M42x0.75
    Back Focal Length 12.5mm
    Protective Window D32*2mm AR Plus Multi-Layer Coating
    Diameter 66mm
    Weight 160g
    Purchase Option Camera, Camera + ACS
  • Player One 2-Year Warranty