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QHYCCD QHY5III462C Color

QHYCCD QHY5III462C Color

by QHYCCD
SKU QHY-110078
CA$419.00 - CA$419.00
CA$419.00
CA$419.00 - CA$419.00
CA$419.00
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  • 2 Megapixel Sony IMX462 BSI CMOS Sensor
  • 2.9µm Pixels in a 1920x1080 Array
  • 135 FPS Maximum Frame Rate at 8-bit
  • 0.5e- Ultra-Low Read Noise
  • Exceptional Near-Infrared (NIR) Sensitivity
  • Includes IR-Cut and IR850nm Filters
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Warranty

  • QHYCCD QHY5III462C Color Planetary Camera & Autoguider

    The QHYCCD QHY5III462C Color camera combines a 2 Megapixel Sony IMX462 BSI sensor with 2.9µm pixels for high-resolution planetary imaging at a native 1920x1080 resolution. It achieves a maximum frame rate of 135 FPS over its USB 3.0 interface, while its Super High Conversion Gain mode drops read noise to an exceptionally low 0.5e-. The sensor's 12-bit ADC and 12ke- full well capacity ensure excellent dynamic range for capturing subtle details on targets like Jupiter and Saturn.

    IMX462 STARVIS Sensor: 1920x1080 Resolution at 135 FPS

    At the heart of the QHY5III462C is the Sony IMX462 STARVIS sensor, featuring the same 2.9µm pixel size and 1920x1080 resolution that made its predecessor a favorite among planetary imagers. This resolution is perfectly matched for sampling planetary details on most amateur telescopes without requiring a Barlow lens.

    The camera's ability to stream full-resolution frames at 135 FPS over USB 3.0 is critical for "lucky imaging." By capturing thousands of frames in a short period, you can freeze moments of atmospheric stability, allowing software to select only the sharpest data for a final, detailed image.

    Super High Conversion Gain: Capturing Detail with 0.5e- Read Noise

    The IMX462 sensor incorporates Super High Conversion Gain (sHCG) technology, enabling it to achieve an astonishingly low read noise of just 0.5e-. This mode prioritizes ultra-low read noise over maximum full well capacity, a trade-off that is ideal for the high-gain, short-exposure techniques of planetary imaging.

    With such a low noise floor, you can stack hundreds or thousands of frames without noise overwhelming the faint, low-contrast details in planetary cloud bands or lunar rilles. The camera's 12-bit A/D converter ensures the subtle signal you capture is digitized with sufficient depth to withstand aggressive sharpening during processing.

    Exceptional NIR Sensitivity: Dominating the 850nm Spectrum

    A key advantage of the QHY5III462C is its profound sensitivity in near-infrared (NIR) light. The IMX462's back-illuminated pixels have a deeper physical structure, allowing longer-wavelength photons to be detected efficiently. The result is a peak quantum efficiency in the NIR that is nearly equal to its peak in the visible spectrum.

    This opens up new avenues for planetary science, particularly for methane band imaging. Using the included IR850nm filter, you can capture high-contrast views of Jupiter's and Saturn's high-altitude clouds and storms. For standard visible-light imaging, an included IR-Cut filter ensures proper color balance.

    Compact Design: 88g Body with USB 3.0 and ST-4

    Engineered for practicality, the QHY5III462C weighs only 88g and fits into any standard 1.25-inch focuser or accessory. It also includes C-mount threads for direct connection to lenses or microscopes. The entire camera is powered through its single USB 3.0 Type-B port, eliminating the need for a separate power cable.

    A custom ST-4 guide port allows the camera to double as a highly sensitive autoguider. Its ability to detect faint stars, even in the NIR, makes it a reliable choice for guiding long-exposure deep-sky images.

    QHY5III462C vs. QHY5III290C: The NIR Advantage

    The QHY5III290C set a high standard for planetary imaging, built around a sensor with the same 2.9µm pixels and 1920x1080 resolution as the 462C. It remains a very capable camera for capturing planets in visible light.

    However, the QHY5III462C's IMX462 sensor introduces two critical advancements. First, the sHCG mode delivers significantly lower read noise (0.5e-) at the high gain settings used for planetary work. Second, and most decisively, the 462C's radically enhanced NIR sensitivity makes it a superior instrument for scientific imaging, especially in the methane band. For imagers wanting to explore atmospheric details on the gas giants, the QHY5III462C is the definitive choice.

  • How does the QHY5III462C's NIR sensitivity help when imaging Jupiter?

    Jupiter's atmosphere has a strong absorption band around 880nm due to methane gas. Using the QHY5III462C with the included IR850nm filter allows you to perform methane band imaging. This technique darkens the main cloud decks and makes high-altitude features, like the Great Red Spot and other storms, appear incredibly bright and detailed. This camera's high sensitivity in this wavelength makes it one of the best tools for this type of scientific imaging.

    What frame rates can I expect from the QHY5III462C on Saturn with an 8" f/10 SCT?

    While the camera's maximum rate is 135 FPS, you won't achieve that on a dim target like Saturn at f/10. To get enough signal, your exposure time will be longer, reducing the frame rate. However, you can use a Region of Interest (ROI) to capture only the area around the planet, significantly boosting the frame rate. The ultra-low 0.5e- read noise is crucial here, as it allows you to use higher gain to compensate for short exposures without introducing excessive noise.

    What is sHCG (Super High Conversion Gain) on the QHY5III462C?

    sHCG is a special mode built into the Sony IMX462 sensor. When you increase the camera's gain past a certain point, the sensor switches to this mode, which dramatically reduces the read noise down to 0.5e-. This is ideal for planetary "lucky imaging," where you capture thousands of very short exposures. The low read noise ensures that when you stack these frames, the final image is clean and detailed.

    Do I need an external power supply for the QHY5III462C?

    No. The QHY5III462C is powered and controlled entirely through its single USB 3.0 port. This simplifies cable management at the telescope and reduces the number of items you need to power in the field.

    Can I use the QHY5III462C for autoguiding?

    Yes, absolutely. The camera features a built-in ST-4 guide port and its high sensitivity makes it an excellent autoguider. Its lightweight 88g body will not put significant strain on your focuser or off-axis guider. Its strong NIR sensitivity can also help find guide stars that are faint in the visible spectrum.

    What is the purpose of the two filters included with the QHY5III462C?

    The QHY5III462C includes two key filters for different imaging goals:

    • IR-Cut Filter: This is for standard RGB color imaging of planets. It blocks infrared light to ensure the colors of targets like Jupiter and Mars are rendered accurately.
    • IR850nm Filter: This is a pass filter that blocks visible light and only lets near-infrared light through. It's used specifically to take advantage of the camera's high NIR sensitivity for applications like methane band imaging.
  • Image Sensor SONY IMX462 BSI CMOS, Color, Typical 1/2.8 inch
    Pixel Size / Resolution 2.9µm x 2.9µm / 1920x1080 (2 Megapixels)
    Full Well Capacity 12ke-
    Read Noise 0.5e-
    A/D Converter 12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)
    Max Frame Rate 135 FPS @ 8-bit
    ROI Frame Rates TBA
    Exposure Time Range 7µs - 900sec
    Shutter Type Electronic Rolling Shutter
    Computer Interface USB 3.0 Type-B
    Guide Port Custom ST-4
    Telescope Interface 1.25-inch, C-Mount
    Back Focal Length 12mm
    Optical Window AR Anti-reflection Glass
    Included Filters IR850nm Filter, IR-Cut Filter
    Built-in Image Buffer –
    Weight 88g
  • QHYCCD Warranty