Celestron Camera Skyris Aptina 132 Color (45278)

The Skyris Aptina camera is a modern, versatile solution for astrophotography, combining a state-of-the-art Aptina sensor with high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity. This design allows extremely rapid data transfer to your computer, supporting ultra-fast readout and high frame rates. With USB 3.0 and the ability to use subframing, you can achieve up to 200 frames per second for planetary imaging, or use the full 1.2 MP sensor at 60 frames per second—ideal for imaging the Sun and Moon.

The Aptina AR0132 CMOS sensor is highly sensitive, offering a combination of speed, quality, and sensitivity that rivals more expensive cameras. It is an improved version of the MT9M034 sensor and delivers excellent results at a very competitive price. The lightweight housing, developed by Celestron, features cooling fins to reduce thermal noise, and the design eliminates the need for an optical window, ensuring there is no loss of light or additional reflections.

Skyris cameras are also highly effective as autoguiders. You can connect the camera to a Celestron mount as a Direct-Show device or a WDM-compatible camera. For other mounts, you can use the ST-4 autoguider port. Popular software such as MaxIm DL and PHD Guiding freeware are supported.

The Skyris Aptina 132 C model is a one-shot color camera, producing instant color images without the need for separate exposures, color filters, or a filter wheel. All Skyris cameras are now compatible with Mac OS X, with free, open-source software available and actively developed.

Intended Use

• Mercury, Venus, Uranus, Neptune: not very good

• Mars, Jupiter, Saturn: very good

• Entire lunar disk: good

• Lunar detail: good

• Entire solar disk: good

• Solar detail: good
  Note: Always use a dedicated solar filter when imaging the Sun.

Specifications

Capacity
Sensor type: CMOS Chip (Aptina AR0132AT)
Chip size: 4.8 x 3.6 mm
Pixel size: 3.75 μm
Power supply: USB
Supported operating systems: Windows XP/Vista/7/8, Mac OS X
Operating temperature: -40°C to +40°C
Photo resolution: 1280 x 960 pixels
Frames per second: 200 (subframing), 60 (full frame)
Telescope connection: C-Mount
Bit depth: 12-bit
Color camera: Yes
Megapixels: 1.2
Active cooling: No
Interfaces: USB 3.0
Cable length: 3 meters
Compatible software: iCap, IC Capture, DirectShow, FireCapture
Aperture ratio: f/15

Equipment
Included: 1.25" adapter
Filter wheel: No

General
Color: Silver/black
Weight: 102 g
Series: Skyris
Outer material: Aluminium

Area of Application
Autoguider: Yes
Moon and planets: Yes
Nebulae and galaxies: No
H-alpha: No