Professional monochrome astronomical imaging camera featuring the SmartSens SC2210 back-illuminated CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional frame rates up to 150 FPS with ultra-low read noise for high-speed planetary, lunar, and solar photography.
The G3M2210M camera possesses an exceptionally strong capability to capture infrared light with a high QE value at 850nm. The monochrome design eliminates the Bayer color filter array, providing 100% pixel utilization for maximum sensitivity. It also has a large full well capacity, high dynamic range, high sensitivity, and low readout noise among other advantages. This results in outstanding performance in planetary photography, as well as in solar and lunar photography.
The G3M2210M features the SmartSens SC2210 monochrome sensor, delivering exceptional frame rates up to 150 FPS at full 1920×1080 resolution in 8-bit mode. With G sensitivity of 20100mv/lux*s and the elimination of the Bayer color filter array, this camera provides true 100% pixel utilization for maximum sensitivity. The 4μm pixels offer an optimal balance between resolution and light-gathering capability for planetary imaging.
The monochrome SC2210 sensor offers exceptional spectral response with particularly strong sensitivity in the near-infrared spectrum. With high QE value at 850nm, this camera excels at capturing atmospheric details on planets that are more prominent in infrared wavelengths, making it ideal for specialized planetary imaging with IR-pass filters.
The G3M2210M features native 12-bit ADC providing 4096 levels of tonal gradation, ensuring smooth transitions and preserving subtle details. The exceptional frame rate capability of up to 150 FPS at full resolution enables capturing fleeting moments of atmospheric stability, crucial for lucky imaging techniques in planetary photography.
| Resolution | 12-bit Output | 8-bit Output | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB3.0 | USB2.0 | USB3.0 | USB2.0 | |
| 1920 × 1080 | 92.8 | 9.2 | 150 | 15 |
| 960 × 540 | 113 | 11.3 | 184 | 18.4 |
Unit: Frames Per Second (FPS)
Equipped with USB 3.0 high-speed interface and 512MB DDR3 high-speed buffer, the camera maintains stability during ultra-high-speed data transmission. The advanced buffer system is essential for handling the exceptional 150 FPS data stream, effectively reducing amp-glow and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted capture during critical imaging sessions.
The G3M2210M supports digital pixel binning from 1×1 to 8×8 (stacking or averaging methods) and hardware pixel binning from 1×1 to 2×2 (averaging method). Hardware pixel binning is much faster than software binning, enabling even higher frame rates while improving signal-to-noise ratio for challenging imaging conditions.
The G3M2210M features a progressive gain architecture optimized for consistent performance across the entire gain range. With read noise decreasing from 3.2e⁻ at unity gain to an exceptional 0.47e⁻ at high gain settings, the camera adapts perfectly to varying imaging conditions while maintaining excellent image quality throughout.
The G3M2210M achieves "zero amp-glow" at the hardware level. Whether using long exposures or high gain settings, your imaging results remain pure and clear without unwanted thermal noise interference. This is particularly important for monochrome imaging where every photon counts and image purity is paramount.
The monochrome design ensures maximum sensitivity and resolution for capturing transient astronomical events.
The camera operates entirely through USB 3.0 interface power delivery. Once connected to the host system using the USB 3.0 cable, the device is immediately ready for operation. This single-cable solution simplifies setup and reduces potential failure points in your imaging system.
| Maximum Frame Rate (USB 3.0) |
12-bit: 92.8 FPS @ 1920×1080 8-bit: 150 FPS @ 1920×1080 |
|---|---|
| Read Noise | 0.47e⁻ - 3.2e⁻ |
| Full Well Capacity | 8.5ke⁻ |
| Peak Quantum Efficiency | >92% |
| Dynamic Range | 68.5 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 39.3 dB |
| Exposure Time Range | 0.1ms - 500s |
| Gain Range | 1× - 150× |
| Sensor | SmartSens SC2210 Monochrome Back-Illuminated CMOS |
|---|---|
| Image Resolution | 2.1 Megapixels (1920×1080) |
| Pixel Size | 4μm × 4μm |
| Sensor Format | 1/1.8-inch (8.81mm diagonal) |
| Image Area | 7.68mm × 4.32mm |
| Color Type | Monochrome (No Bayer Matrix) |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| ADC Bit Depth | 12-bit |
| DDR3 Buffer | 512MB (4Gb) |
| Spectral Range | 380-690nm (with IR-cut filter) |
| Data Interface | USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Camera Adapter | Standard 1.25" outer diameter for telescope Standard C adapter for industrial lens |
| Back Focus Distance | 17.5mm with C adapter 12.5mm with CS adapter |
| 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 G3M2210M delivers exceptional performance across the entire gain range with its progressive gain architecture. The camera does not support HCG/LCG mode switching, instead offering optimized single-mode performance throughout the gain range.
Camera Settings: Full resolution, RAW 12-bit mode
The performance analysis demonstrates the G3M2210M's exceptional characteristics across the gain range. Read noise progressively decreases from 3.2e⁻ at unity gain to an impressive 0.47e⁻ at maximum gain settings. This progressive improvement makes the camera highly adaptable, performing excellently whether capturing bright solar features at low gain or faint planetary details at high gain. The camera maintains good linearity throughout, with a full well capacity of 8.5ke⁻ at low gain and consistent dynamic range performance.
| Gain Value | 100 | 3100 | 5100 | 7100 | 9100 | 11100 | 13100 | 15100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read Noise (e⁻) | 3.17 | 2.18 | 1.93 | 0.91 | 0.75 | 0.67 | 0.59 | 0.47 |
| Dynamic Range (stop) | 11 | 10.69 | 10.14 | 10.6 | 10.06 | 9.44 | 9.13 | 8.45 |
The G3M series body, made from tough alloy, ensures a heavy-duty, workhorse solution. The camera is designed with high-quality AR coating to protect the camera sensor and maximize light transmission while eliminating reflections. With no moving parts included, these measures ensure a rugged, robust solution with an increased lifespan when compared to other astronomical camera solutions.
