Professional monochrome astronomical imaging camera featuring the Sony IMX462 CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional infrared sensitivity, ultra-low read noise of 0.49e⁻, and 152 FPS high-speed capture for advanced planetary, lunar, and solar photography.
The G3M462M camera possesses an exceptionally strong capability to capture infrared light with outstanding quantum efficiency. The monochrome design eliminates the Bayer color filter array, providing 100% pixel utilization and approximately 3x higher sensitivity compared to color versions. With its large full well capacity, high dynamic range, exceptional sensitivity, and remarkably low readout noise, the G3M462M delivers outstanding performance in planetary photography, as well as in solar and lunar imaging applications.
The G3M462M features a pure monochrome IMX462 sensor, eliminating the Bayer color filter array to achieve true 100% pixel utilization. With exceptional G sensitivity of 2376mv at 1/30s, this camera provides approximately 3x higher sensitivity than color versions. The combination of 152 FPS capture rate and 0.49e⁻ ultra-low read noise makes it the ultimate tool for high-resolution planetary imaging where capturing fleeting moments of atmospheric stability is crucial.
The monochrome G3M462M sensor offers outstanding spectral response from 380nm to 1100nm when equipped with an AR protection window. The camera demonstrates particularly strong infrared sensitivity, making it ideal for capturing atmospheric details on planets that are more prominent in IR wavelengths. This extended spectral response opens up unique imaging opportunities, especially for methane band imaging of Jupiter and Saturn, or for penetrating atmospheric haze when imaging Mars.
The G3M462M achieves an extraordinary read noise of just 0.49e⁻ in HCG mode, setting a new standard for planetary cameras. This ultra-low noise performance ensures that even the faintest planetary details remain visible above the noise floor. Combined with the substantial 11.8ke⁻ full well capacity in LCG mode, the camera provides exceptional flexibility for capturing both bright and dim features without compromise.
| Resolution | 12-bit Output | 8-bit Output | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB3.0 | USB2.0 | USB3.0 | USB2.0 | |
| 1920 × 1080 | 76.1 | 7.3 | 152 | 15.6 |
Unit: Frames Per Second (FPS)
The G3M462M incorporates a substantial 512MB (4Gb) DDR3 buffer, ensuring stable data transmission even at the maximum 152 FPS capture rate. This large buffer effectively eliminates amp-glow artifacts by preventing data bottlenecks and allowing smooth, continuous image streaming. The buffer system is particularly valuable during extended capture sessions where maintaining consistent performance is critical for lucky imaging success.
The G3M462M supports both HCG (High Conversion Gain) and LCG (Low Conversion Gain) mode switching, providing optimal performance for different imaging scenarios. HCG mode achieves the remarkable 0.49e⁻ read noise for capturing faint details, while LCG mode offers the full 11.8ke⁻ well capacity for bright targets. This flexibility allows you to optimize the camera for specific celestial objects without changing equipment.
The camera supports digital binning from 1×1 to 8×8 in either stacking or averaging method. Binning improves signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining high frame rates, making it particularly useful when imaging through poor atmospheric conditions or when using narrowband filters. The monochrome sensor ensures that binning produces clean, artifact-free results without the complications of color interpolation.
The monochrome design ensures each filter captures data at full resolution with maximum efficiency.
The camera operates entirely through USB 3.0 power delivery, eliminating the need for external power supplies. Despite its high-performance capabilities and 152 FPS capture rate, the efficient design maintains reasonable power consumption. This single-cable solution simplifies setup and reduces potential failure points, making it ideal for both permanent observatory installations and portable setups.
| Maximum Frame Rate (USB 3.0) |
12-bit: 76.1 FPS @ 1920×1080 8-bit: 152 FPS @ 1920×1080 |
|---|---|
| Read Noise | 0.49e⁻ (HCG mode) - 2.1e⁻ (LCG mode) |
| Full Well Capacity | 11.8ke⁻ |
| Peak Quantum Efficiency | >89% |
| Dynamic Range | 75 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 41 dB |
| Exposure Time Range | 0.1ms - 1000s |
| Gain Range | 1× - 150× |
| Sensor | Sony IMX462 Monochrome Back-Illuminated 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 |
| DDR3 Buffer | 512MB (4Gb) |
| Spectral Range | 380-1100nm (with AR protection window) |
| 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 G3M462M offers dual conversion gain modes, allowing optimization for different imaging scenarios. Performance characteristics including e⁻/ADU conversion, read noise, full well capacity, and dynamic range demonstrate the camera's versatility across various astronomical applications.
Camera Settings: Full resolution, RAW 12-bit mode, Low Conversion Gain
In LCG (Low Conversion Gain) mode, the camera prioritizes full well capacity and dynamic range. With 11.9ke⁻ full well capacity, this mode excels when imaging bright targets like Jupiter, Venus, or the lunar surface. The read noise of 2.1e⁻ at minimum gain remains excellent for a high-capacity mode, while the dynamic range exceeds 12 stops, ensuring both bright and dark features are captured without compromise.
Camera Settings: Full resolution, RAW 12-bit mode, High Conversion Gain
HCG (High Conversion Gain) mode achieves the remarkable 0.49e⁻ minimum read noise, making it ideal for capturing faint planetary details and working with narrowband filters. Despite the reduced full well capacity of 4.6ke⁻, the mode maintains excellent dynamic range exceeding 12 stops at low gain settings. This mode represents the pinnacle of low-noise performance in planetary imaging cameras.
The G3M series features a robust alloy construction that ensures mechanical stability during high-speed imaging sessions. The camera incorporates a high-quality AR-coated protection window optimized for the extended spectral response of the monochrome sensor, maximizing light transmission from UV through near-infrared wavelengths. The absence of moving parts and the solid construction contribute to exceptional reliability, making it suitable for continuous operation in demanding astronomical applications.
