Professional monochrome astronomical imaging camera featuring the Sony IMX178 CMOS sensor with STARVIS and Exmor R technologies, delivering exceptional resolution and sensitivity for advanced planetary, lunar, and solar photography.
The planetary camera G3M178M adopts SONY STARVIS and Exmor R technologies, which are suitable for astronomical photography, microscopy, industrial vision, and more. The monochrome version eliminates the Bayer matrix to achieve maximum resolution and sensitivity, with extremely low readout noise, high sensitivity and 14-bit ADC back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. This enables G3M178M to capture high-resolution astronomical photos with exceptional detail across the entire spectrum.
The G3M178M features a pure monochrome version of the IMX178 sensor, eliminating the Bayer color filter array to achieve 100% pixel utilization. Each pixel directly captures all incoming light without color filtering, resulting in approximately 3x higher sensitivity compared to color versions. With enhanced G sensitivity of 776mv at 1/30s, this camera excels in capturing the faintest celestial details and provides superior resolution for high-magnification planetary imaging.
The monochrome G3M178M sensor offers exceptional spectral response from 380nm to 1100nm when equipped with an AR protection window. This extended sensitivity into the near-infrared spectrum opens up unique imaging possibilities, particularly for capturing atmospheric details on planets that are more prominent in IR wavelengths. The broad spectral response also makes it ideal for use with narrowband filters for specialized astronomical imaging.
The G3M178M features a native 14-bit ADC providing 16,384 levels of tonal gradation. In monochrome imaging, this exceptional bit depth becomes even more valuable as each pixel represents true luminance data without color interpolation. The rich tonal information preserves subtle planetary details and enables advanced processing techniques while maintaining smooth gradients in extended objects.
| Resolution | 14-bit Output | 8-bit Output | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB3.0 | USB2.0 | USB3.0 | USB2.0 | |
| 3040 × 2048 | 29.1 | 2.4 | 58.6 | 4.9 |
| 1520 × 1024 | 58.2 | 10.4 | 58.2 | 20.8 |
Unit: Frames Per Second (FPS)
The G3M178M achieves remarkably low read noise of just 1.4e⁻ at high gain settings, ensuring exceptionally clean images even when capturing faint details. Combined with the high full well capacity of 10.7ke⁻, the camera delivers an impressive 82dB dynamic range. This combination of low noise and high dynamic range makes it ideal for capturing both bright planetary features and subtle atmospheric bands in a single exposure.
The G3M178M supports digital binning from 1×1 to 8×8 in either stacking or averaging method, and hardware binning from 1×1 to 2×2. Hardware binning significantly improves signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining high frame rates, making it particularly useful for imaging in poor seeing conditions or when using narrowband filters. The monochrome sensor ensures that binning produces clean, artifact-free results.
The monochrome design of the G3M178M makes it perfect for advanced imaging techniques including LRGB, narrowband, and methane band imaging. Without the limitations of a Bayer matrix, each filter captures data at full resolution with maximum efficiency. The extended spectral response allows effective use of specialized filters from UV through near-infrared wavelengths.
The robust alloy construction ensures stability and durability for long-term astronomical use.
The camera operates entirely through USB 3.0 power delivery, eliminating the need for external power supplies. This single-cable solution simplifies field setup while ensuring stable operation. The efficient design maintains low power consumption despite the high-performance capabilities, making it suitable for extended imaging sessions.
| Maximum Frame Rate (USB 3.0) |
14-bit: 29.1 FPS @ 3040×2048 8-bit: 58.6 FPS @ 3040×2048 |
|---|---|
| Read Noise | 1.4e⁻ (minimum) - 2.2e⁻ (maximum) |
| Full Well Capacity | 10.7ke⁻ |
| Peak Quantum Efficiency | >81% |
| Dynamic Range | 82 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 40 dB |
| Exposure Time Range | 0.1ms - 3600s |
| Gain Range | 1× - 100× |
| Sensor | Sony IMX178 Monochrome Back-Illuminated CMOS |
|---|---|
| Image Resolution | 6.2 Megapixels (3040×2048) |
| Pixel Size | 2.4μm × 2.4μm |
| Sensor Format | 1/1.8-inch (8.92mm diagonal) |
| Image Area | 7.4mm × 5.0mm |
| Color Type | Monochrome (No Bayer Matrix) |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| ADC Bit Depth | 14-bit |
| Spectral Range | 380-1100nm (with AR protection window) |
| G Sensitivity | 776mv with 1/30s |
| Data Interface | USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Camera Adapter | Standard 1.25" for telescope connection Standard C adapter for industrial lens |
| Back Focus Distance | 17.5mm with C adapter 12.5mm with CS adapter (optional) |
| Camera Dimensions | Diameter 37mm × Height 72.4mm |
| Weight | 70 grams |
| Cooling | Passive cooling |
| Supported OS | Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 Mac OS X, Linux |
| SDK Support | Native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python Java, DirectShow, Twain, etc. |
The G3M178M demonstrates exceptional performance characteristics optimized for monochrome astronomical imaging. The camera's performance metrics including e⁻/ADU conversion, read noise, full well capacity, and dynamic range showcase its capabilities across the entire gain range.
Camera Settings: Full resolution, RAW 14-bit mode
The performance analysis reveals the G3M178M's exceptional characteristics for astronomical imaging. Read noise decreases from 2.03e⁻ at minimum gain to an impressive 0.93e⁻ at maximum gain, demonstrating the camera's ability to capture extremely faint details. The full well capacity of 10.6ke⁻ provides excellent headroom for bright objects, while maintaining a dynamic range exceeding 7.99 stops even at the highest gain settings. This combination makes the camera versatile for both bright planetary imaging and faint nebular work.
The conversion factor demonstrates excellent sensitivity control, ranging from 0.65 e⁻/ADU at unity gain to 0.01 e⁻/ADU at maximum gain, providing precise control over image brightness and noise characteristics.
With read noise as low as 0.93e⁻ at high gain settings, the G3M178M excels in capturing the faintest details. This ultra-low noise floor is particularly beneficial for narrowband imaging and high-resolution planetary work.
The substantial 10.6ke⁻ full well capacity ensures excellent performance with bright targets, preventing premature saturation while maintaining good signal-to-noise ratio in single exposures.
Maintaining over 12 stops of dynamic range at low gain settings, the camera can simultaneously capture bright cores and faint outer regions of extended objects, crucial for scientific imaging applications.
The G3M series features a robust alloy body construction that ensures durability and stability during extended imaging sessions. The camera incorporates a high-quality AR-coated protection window optimized for the extended spectral response of the monochrome sensor. The absence of moving parts and the solid construction contribute to exceptional reliability and longevity, making it an ideal choice for serious astronomical imaging applications.
