The QHYCCD miniCAM8 is an astroimaging camera designed to deliver exceptional performance for deep-sky and planetary imaging. Compact and portable, measuring just over 4 inches in diameter and a few inches thick, this imaging system integrates advanced features into a sleek and efficient design.
At its core, the miniCAM8 features the high-performance Sony IMX585 sensor, offering 8 MP resolution, high dynamic range (HDR), and Starvis II technology for superior sensitivity, particularly in near-infrared wavelengths. This sensor provides approximately 1.7 times the near-infrared sensitivity of its predecessor, the IMX485, and achieves a quantum efficiency of 92% in visible wavelengths.
The miniCAM8 is equipped with innovative features to enhance astrophotography results. It ensures clean, artifact-free images with zero amplifier glow and includes a built-in 8-position filter wheel to accommodate LRGB and narrowband imaging. Its dual-stage thermoelectric (TE) cooling system can achieve a temperature delta of -45℃ from the ambient environment, making it ideal for long-exposure deep-sky imaging.
Advanced imaging technologies such as the back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor improve full-well capacity and light efficiency, while the proprietary Linearity HDR mode ensures smooth tonal transitions and vibrant color gradation with 16-bit data processing (12-bit output as 16-bit). Anti-dew features include a built-in dew heater, sealed sensor chamber, and silicon gel tube design, providing effective humidity and condensation control.
QHYCCD miniCAM8 specifications include:
– Sensor: Sony IMX585
– Sensor Type: Back-Illuminated (BSI) CMOS
– Resolution: 8 Megapixels (3856 x 2180 pixels)
– Sensor Pixel Size: 2.9μm x 2.9μm
– Sensor Size: 1/1.2 inch
– Full Well Capacity: 54,000 electrons
– Readout Noise: 0.76 – 7.8 electrons
– A/D Conversion: 12-bit (output as 16-bit)
Full Frame Rates: 41.5 FPS at 8-bit: 23.5 FPS at 16-bit
– (ROI) Frame Rates: 1080 lines: 82 FPS at 8-bit, 47 FPS at 16-bit; 640 lines: 177 FPS at 8-bit, 105 FPS at 16-bit
– Exposure Time Range: 11 microseconds to 900 seconds
– Shutter Type: Electronic Rolling Shutter
– Cooling: Dual-Stage Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC)
– Cooling Performance: Achieves temperatures up to 45°C below ambient
– Filter Wheel: Built-in 8-Position Carousel
– Filter Size: 19mm x 12mm x 1.1mm
– Telescope Interface: 1.25-inch
– Optical Window: AR+AR Coated
– Back Focal Length: 17.5mm
– Built-in Image Buffer: 512MB DDR3
– Computer Interface: USB 3.0
– Weight: 480 grams
– Linearity HDR Mode: Combines high and low gain to extend data to 16-bit, ensuring smooth transitions and rich color representation.
– Zero Amplifier Glow: Designed to eliminate amplifier glow for cleaner images.
– Anti-Dew Technology: Includes a built-in dew heater and a sealed sensor chamber with a desiccant tube to prevent condensation.
You can learn more about the QHYCCD miniCAM8 here.
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