Professional monochrome astronomical imaging camera featuring the Sony IMX290M CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional 82dB dynamic range with ultra-low read noise and 100% pixel utilization for advanced planetary, lunar, and deep-sky imaging applications.
The G3M290M camera represents the pinnacle of monochrome imaging performance, featuring the renowned Sony IMX290M sensor with its exceptional 82dB dynamic range. The monochrome design eliminates the Bayer color filter array, providing true 100% pixel utilization for maximum sensitivity and resolution. With read noise as low as 1.0e⁻ and a versatile 60 FPS capture rate, this camera excels across all astronomical imaging disciplines, from capturing the finest planetary details to revealing faint nebular structures.
The G3M290M features a pure monochrome version of the Sony IMX290 sensor, eliminating the Bayer color filter array to achieve true 100% pixel utilization. Combined with the exceptional 82dB dynamic range, this monochrome design provides approximately 3x higher sensitivity than color versions while maintaining the ability to capture extreme brightness variations. Each 2.9μm pixel directly captures all incoming light without color filtering, resulting in superior resolution and sensitivity for the most demanding astronomical imaging applications.
The G3M290M's native 12-bit ADC provides 4096 levels of tonal gradation, perfectly complementing the sensor's exceptional 82dB dynamic range. This combination ensures smooth gradations from the brightest highlights to the deepest shadows without the limitations of color interpolation. The monochrome design maximizes the benefit of this extended range, making it ideal for capturing everything from bright solar features to the faintest nebular extensions.
| Feature | Specification | Monochrome Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Range | 82 dB | Full range utilized per pixel |
| Sensitivity | ~3x vs color | No Bayer filter losses |
| Resolution | True 1920×1080 | No interpolation artifacts |
The monochrome design of the G3M290M makes it ideal for advanced imaging techniques using filters. Whether capturing through LRGB filters for full-color planetary images, narrowband filters for emission nebulae, or specialized filters for solar and lunar mineral imaging, the camera's 100% pixel utilization ensures maximum efficiency and resolution with every filter.
The G3M290M 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 and 82dB dynamic range, the camera seamlessly adapts from bright solar imaging to capturing the faintest planetary details.
The 60 FPS frame rate provides an optimal balance for monochrome imaging applications. This rate enables effective lucky imaging for planetary work while maintaining manageable data rates for extended capture sessions. The monochrome sensor's increased sensitivity means shorter exposures are possible, maximizing the benefit of the 60 FPS capture rate even in challenging conditions.
The G3M290M achieves "zero amp-glow" at the hardware level, ensuring pristine images even during extended exposures. This technology is particularly critical for monochrome imaging where every photon counts and any thermal artifacts would be immediately visible. The clean backgrounds enable full utilization of the 82dB dynamic range without contamination from unwanted thermal signals.
The combination of 82dB dynamic range and monochrome sensitivity creates unmatched versatility across all astronomical 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 IMX290M Monochrome 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 | Monochrome (No Bayer Matrix) |
| 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 maximizing 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.
