C3-26000 & C3-61000 CMOS Kamera
The C3 cameras use the latest generation of Sony IMX CMOS sensors, which offer exceptional quantum efficiency thanks to their back-illuminated design and very low dark current. Despite relatively small pixels, the full well capacity is over 50 ke-. In combination with the full 16-bit digitization, the perfectly linear light sensitivity and the exceptionally low readout noise, these cameras are suitable for both aesthetic astrophotography and astronomical research. Sensor formats from APS to photographic full format (24 × 36 mm) guarantee a wide field of view and make optimum use of the possibilities of the optical systems most frequently used by amateur astronomers.
The mechanical design of the C3 series has been inherited from the earlier CCD-based G3 Mark II cameras, making the C3 camera series fully compatible with a wide range of telescope adapters, off-axis guider adapters, filter wheels, Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras, etc.
The mechanical design of the C3 series has been inherited from the earlier CCD-based G3 Mark II cameras, making the C3 camera series fully compatible with a wide range of telescope adapters, off-axis guider adapters, filter wheels, Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras, etc.
The extensive software and driver support allows the C3 camera to be used without the need to invest in a third party software package, thanks to the included free SIPS software package. However, ASCOM (for Windows) and INDI (for Linux) drivers and Linux driver libraries are supplied with the camera, allowing the C3 camera to be integrated into a wide range of camera control programs. The C3 cameras are designed to work with a personal computer (PC). Unlike digital still cameras, which operate independently of the computer, scientific cooled cameras typically require a computer for operational control, image download, processing and storage, etc. C3 cameras require an external power supply for operation. It is not possible to operate the camera via the USB cable, as is usual with simple cameras. They have highly efficient CMOS sensor cooling, a shutter and possibly a filter wheel, so their power requirements significantly exceed the capabilities of the USB cable supply. On the other hand, the separate power source avoids problems with voltage drop with long USB cables or laptop battery consumption, etc.
C3 cameras are equipped with Sony IMX rolling shutter back-illuminated CMOS detectors with square pixels of 3.76 × 3.76 μm. Despite the relatively small pixel size, the full well capacity exceeds the full well capacity of competing CMOS sensors with much larger pixels and even the full well capacity of CCD sensors with a comparable pixel size by more than 50 ke-. The Sony sensors used are equipped with 16-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The 16-bit digitization provides enough resolution to take full advantage of the sensor's exceptional dynamic range.
The C3 Camera range includes:
Modell
CMOS Sensor
Sensor grade
Bayer Pattern
Resolution
Pixel size
Sensor size
C3-61000
IMX455
Consumer
None
9576 x 6388
3.76 × 3.76 μm
36.01 × 24.02 mm
C3-61000 PRO
IMX455
Industrial
None
9576 x 6388
3.76 × 3.76 μm
36.01 × 24.02 mm
C3-26000 PRO
IMX571
Industrial
None
9576 x 6388
3.76 × 3.76 μm
23.51 × 15.70 mm
The C3 camera head is designed so that it can be used with a range of accessories for different applications. The housing itself is manufactured in several variants.
Both the IMX571 (used in C3-26000) and the IMX455 (used in C3-61000) are offered in two variants:
- With Consumer Grade sensors: The sensor manufacturer (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation) restricts use to consumer cameras with a maximum operating time of 300 hours per year.
- With Industrial Grade sensors: For industrial applications intended for devices with 24/7 operation (versions C3-26000 PRO and C3-61000 PRO).
All sensor characteristics (resolution, dynamic range, ...) are the same, the sensors differ only in the target applications and the duration of use. Cameras that are used for occasional recordings (depending on weather conditions) rarely exceed 300 hours per year. Cameras that are permanently installed in observatories that use every clear night, and which may be located in mountain locations with many clear nights, exceed 300 hours/year within a few months. For this reason, the C3 cameras are offered in two versions.
Standard vs. Enhanced Cooling (EC):
Cameras with standard cooling achieve a controlled temperature difference of up to 40 °C below ambient temperature.
EC cameras with enhanced cooling (EC) = 11 mm thicker due to increased heat sink) can regulate the temperature up to 45 °C below the ambient temperature. Compared to the standard version, the cameras with EC cooling are somewhat bulkier and heavier due to the larger heat sink and also somewhat louder due to the more powerful fan.
Kameras mit GPS-Modul
The C3-61000 PRO Mono Enhanced Cooling incl. GPS Module GPS-E2 (#1941101 , € 8140,- ) and Moravian C3-26000 PRO CMOS Camera EC with Sensor Sony IMX571 APS-C (24x16mm) incl. GPS-Module GPS-E2 (#1941201 , € 5400,- ) models are offered with a GPS module. The main purpose of the GPS receiver is to provide accurate exposure times of the camera. This is required for applications dealing with Astrometry of fast moving objects (Asteroids, satellites and Space debris orbiting the Earth, etc.).
Please visit the official manufacturer's website for further information: C3 Series CMOS Cameras
Moravian C3 CMOS Cameras
- Technical data not yet specifiedPlease choose product variant from dropdown above to see technical data of your chosen product
