{"product_id":"qhyccd-qhy268m-pro-i","title":"QHYCCD QHY268M Pro I Monochrome CMOS Camera","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26 Megapixel Sony IMX571 APS-C BSI CMOS Sensor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative 16-bit A\/D Conversion for 65,535 Gray Levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1.1e- Minimum Read Noise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual Full Well Modes: 51ke- (Standard) and \u0026gt;80ke- (Extended)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2GB DDR3 Image Buffer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e-35°C Dual-Stage TEC Cooling\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\u003eQHY268M Pro I Monochrome CMOS Camera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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 IMX571 Sensor: 26MP at Native 16-Bit Resolution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\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\u003e1.1e- Read Noise and Confirmed Zero Amp Glow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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\u003eDual Full Well Modes: 51ke- Standard vs. \u0026gt;80ke- Extended\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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\u003e2GB Buffer: 6.5 FPS Full-Frame and High-Speed ROI\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\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 Cooling and a Compact 14.5mm Back Focus\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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\u003eQHY268M Pro vs. ZWO ASI2600MM Pro: Key Differences\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth cameras use the excellent Sony IMX571 sensor and offer 16-bit A\/D conversion. The primary differences lie in their hardware implementation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImage Buffer:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBack Focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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 makes the QHY268M Pro's native 16-bit ADC important?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003enative 16-bit A\/D converter\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the QHY268M Pro's 3.76µm pixel size pair with a wide-field refractor like an 80mm f\/6?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 80mm f\/6 refractor has a focal length of 480mm. With the QHY268M Pro's \u003cstrong\u003e3.76µm pixels\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhen should I use the Extended Full Well Mode on the QHY268M Pro for an object like the Pleiades (M45)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pleiades (M45) contains extremely bright stars alongside faint reflection nebulosity. Using the \u003cstrong\u003eExtended Full Well Mode (\u0026gt;80ke-)\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat power supply is required for the QHY268M Pro?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QHY268M Pro requires a stable 12V DC power source. At 100% cooling, the camera consumes up to \u003cstrong\u003e40W\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the QHY268M Pro suffer from amplifier glow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the 2GB DDR3 buffer on the QHY268M Pro a significant advantage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The \u003cstrong\u003e2GB DDR3 buffer\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\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\u003eSensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSony IMX571, BSI CMOS, Mono\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePixel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.76µm x 3.76µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26 Megapixels (6252 x 4176)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor Format\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAPS-C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA\/D Converter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative 16-bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull Well Capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e51ke- (Standard Mode) \/ \u0026gt;80ke- (Extended Mode)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead Noise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.1e- to 3.5e-\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.0005 e-\/pixel\/sec @ -20°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImage Buffer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2GB DDR3 Memory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Frame Rate (Full Res)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5 FPS @ 16-bit (USB 3.0)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Frame Rate (ROI)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110 FPS @ 8-bit (480 lines)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExposure Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30µs to 3600s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShutter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronic Rolling Shutter\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 \/ Humidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeated Window \u0026amp; Humidity Sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBack Focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14.5mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComputer Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 3.0, 2x10Gigabit Fiber\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\u003eProgrammable TrigOut \/ High Speed Sync Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Window\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAR+AR Coated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 1kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 40W (100% TEC)\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":52942986084637,"sku":"QHY-110089","price":4759.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/QHYCCD-QHY268M-Pro-I-1_a6053f77-954a-416e-a072-a273583213cb.jpg?v=1789614874","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/qhyccd-qhy268m-pro-i","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}