QHYCCD 268C-PH Camera: Advanced Imaging with CMOS Technology Key Features: Cutting-Edge CMOS Sensor: The QHY268M/C features a new generation back-illuminated CMOS sensor, offering low readout noise and high-speed readout for superior astronomical imaging. High-Resolution and Sensitivity: Equipped with a Sony IMX571 sensor, this camera delivers true 16-bit A/D conversion and 3.76um pixels, ensuring detailed and high-quality images. Amplifier Glow Free: The QHY268M/C stands out as an amplifier glow-free camera, a significant advantage for capturing clear night sky images. Large Image Buffer: Comes with a 1GB DDR3 image buffer to handle the high data throughput of the 26MP sensor, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted image capture. Humidity Sensor in QHY268M: The QHY268M model includes an internal humidity sensor for monitoring conditions, a feature not available in the QHY268C variant. Backside Illumination (BSI) Technology: Improved full well capacity due to the BSI structure, enhancing the sensor's efficiency in converting photons to electrons. True RAW Data Output: QHY Cameras provide authentic RAW image output, maximizing flexibility for post-acquisition processing without the common drawbacks found in DSLR implementations. Effective Cooling and Anti-Dew Control: Dual-stage TE cooling and proprietary technology control dark current noise, with a built-in dew heater and sealed chamber to prevent internal humidity condensation. Professional Sealing Technology: Drawing on nearly 20 years of cooled camera design experience, the camera features a silicon gel tube socket for humidity control, ensuring no oil leakage. Multiple Readout Modes: Specialized readout modes for QHY 16-bit Cameras, offering varied performance to suit different imaging requirements. Thermal Noise Suppression: Innovative technology significantly reduces fixed-position thermal noise, characteristic of back-illuminated CMOS cameras. UVLO Protection and USB Traffic Optimization: Protects against low voltage damage and minimizes horizontal banding in images through USB traffic adjustment. Remote Reboot Feature: The camera can be rebooted remotely by controlling the +12V power supply, ideal for observatory setups. Multiple Readout Modes with Enhanced Performance: Includes Photographic, High Gain, Extended Full Well, and 2CMS modes, each offering distinct advantages for astrophotography. ASCOM, SharpCap, and N.I.N.A Support: The readout modes are supported in various software, allowing for versatile imaging options and settings. Specifications Model QHY268M QHY268C CMOS Sensor SONY IMX571 M SONY IMX571 C Mono/Color Mono Color FSI/BSI BSI Pixel Size 3.76um x 3.76um Effective Pixel Area 6280*4210 (includes the optically black area and overscan area) Effective Pixels 26MP Sensor Size APS-C A/D Sample Depth Native 16-bit (0-65535 greyscale) A/D Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) 51ke-75ke- or above in extended full well mode Full Frame Rate USB3.0 Port:Full Resolution 6.8FPS @8BIT 6FPS @16BIT2048lines 13.6FPS @8BIT 11.5FPS@16BIT1080lines 25.4FPS @8BIT 19.5FPS@16BIT768lines 35FPS @8BIT 25FPS@16BIT480lines 50FPS @8BIT 34FPS@16BIT Readout Noise 1.1e- High Gain, 3.5e- Low Gain (5.3e- to 7.4e- in extended full well mode) Dark Current -20C,0.0005e /pixel/sec -10C,0.001e /pixel/sec Exposure Time Range 30us-3600sec Recommend Gain* 30 (PH Mode, or Extended Full Well Mode) 56 (High Gain Mode) *With the improvement of the CMOS technology, For these 16bit CMOS cameras, even in the lowest gain it has beyond the requirement of unit gain (less than 1e/ADU due to sufficient samples). Learn more at the “Readout Modes” part of this page. Amp Control Zero Amplifier Glow Firmware/FPGA remote Upgrade Fully support via Camera USB port Shutter Type Electronic Shutter Computer Interface USB3.0 Built-in Image Buffer 1GByte DDR3 Memory Cooling System Two-stage TEC cooler Less than 1S lower than ambient temperature -30C in continuous mode More than 1S continuous mode or lower than ambient temperature -35C in single frame mode (Test temperature +20°) Optic Window Type AR+AR High-Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating Anti-Dew Heater Yes Humidity Sensor* Yes No Telescope Interface Support M54 or M48 (Combined with adapters ) Support M54 or M48 (Combined with adapters ) Back Focal Length QHY268M: 12.5mm**If companies with the QHY filter wheel, the BFL consumed is counted as 12.5mm. The actual BFL (the intercept from the CMOS chip to the top of the camera) is 14.3mm (±0.3). Since most users will match CFW with monochrome cams, please take 12.5mm as a major reference. QHY268C: 14.3mm(±0.3)* *Since 2023, the top part of QHY268C is the same as 268M. Weight About 810g About 810g