Professional color astronomical imaging camera featuring the Sony IMX290C CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional dynamic range of 82dB with low read noise for versatile planetary, lunar, and deep-sky imaging applications.
The G3M290C camera represents an exceptional balance of performance and versatility, featuring the renowned Sony IMX290C sensor. With an outstanding 82dB dynamic range and read noise as low as 1.0e⁻, this camera excels across a wide variety of astronomical imaging applications. The 2.9μm pixels provide optimal sensitivity while maintaining excellent resolution, making it equally capable for planetary details, lunar surface features, and extended deep-sky objects when paired with appropriate optics.
The G3M290C features the Sony IMX290C sensor with an exceptional 82dB dynamic range, setting it apart in the planetary camera category. This remarkable dynamic range allows simultaneous capture of both bright and dark features without saturation or loss of detail. The 2.9μm pixels provide an ideal balance between sensitivity and resolution, while the RGGB Bayer pattern ensures accurate color reproduction across the entire brightness spectrum.
The G3M290C's native 12-bit ADC provides 4096 levels of tonal gradation per color channel, perfectly complementing the sensor's exceptional 82dB dynamic range. This combination ensures smooth gradations from the brightest highlights to the deepest shadows, making it ideal for capturing high-contrast subjects such as the lunar terminator, solar prominences (with appropriate filters), or the subtle cloud bands of Jupiter.
| Parameter | Value | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Range | 82 dB | Capture extreme brightness variations |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS | Smooth capture of atmospheric moments |
| Read Noise | 1.0e⁻ minimum | Excellent faint detail capture |
The RGGB Bayer pattern sensor delivers accurate color reproduction while maintaining the camera's exceptional dynamic range performance. Advanced debayering algorithms ensure that color information is preserved across the full 82dB range, enabling capture of subtle color variations in planetary atmospheres, lunar mineral deposits, and emission nebulae with equal proficiency.
The G3M290C features a carefully optimized gain architecture that maintains exceptional performance across all imaging scenarios. With read noise ranging from 3.2e⁻ at unity gain to 1.0e⁻ at higher settings, combined with the 11.2ke⁻ full well capacity, the camera adapts seamlessly from bright daylight lunar imaging to faint planetary detail capture.
The 60 FPS frame rate represents an optimal balance between capture speed and data quality. This rate is sufficient for effective lucky imaging while maintaining full 12-bit color depth and the sensor's exceptional dynamic range. The moderate data rate also ensures stable operation across a wider range of computer systems while still capturing atmospheric moments effectively.
The G3M290C achieves "zero amp-glow" at the hardware level, ensuring clean images even during extended exposures. This technology is particularly important when utilizing the camera's exceptional dynamic range, as it prevents unwanted artifacts from contaminating the subtle gradations captured across the 82dB range.
The exceptional dynamic range makes this camera uniquely versatile across all astronomical imaging disciplines.
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 | 60 FPS @ 1920×1080 (USB 3.0) |
|---|---|
| Read Noise | 1.0e⁻ - 3.2e⁻ |
| Full Well Capacity | 11.2ke⁻ |
| Peak Quantum Efficiency | >81% |
| Dynamic Range | 82 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 40 dB |
| Sensor | Sony IMX290C Color CMOS |
|---|---|
| Image Resolution | 2.1 Megapixels (1920×1080) |
| Pixel Size | 2.9μm × 2.9μm |
| Sensor Format | 1/2.8-inch (6.39mm diagonal) |
| Image Area | 5.57mm × 3.13mm |
| Color Type | Color (RGGB Bayer Pattern) |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| ADC Bit Depth | 12-bit |
| Protection Window | IR/AR Coating |
| Data Interface | USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| 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 G3M series body, made from tough alloy, ensures a heavy-duty, workhorse solution. The camera is designed with high-quality IR/AR coating to protect the camera sensor while optimizing light transmission. With no moving parts included, these measures ensure a rugged, robust solution with an increased lifespan when compared to other astronomical camera solutions.
