QHY Camera 183C Color (54778)

The QHY183 is designed for astrophotography beginners. It delivers excellent sensitivity and low noise performance. The back-illuminated version of the 183 sensor offers even higher sensitivity and improved resolution. This camera is suitable for both planetary and deep-sky imaging, especially when used with the CFW3 filter wheel. It features two-stage thermoelectric cooling for the sensor, reaching temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius below ambient to significantly reduce dark current noise during long exposures.

Anti-Amp Glow Technology

QHY183 cameras use QHY’s Anti-Amp Glow technology to minimize CMOS amplifier glow, making dark frame calibration highly effective.

Guiding Capabilities

The QHY183 can also function as a guiding device. It features an opto-isolated guiding port in a standard ST-4 configuration with an RJ11-style jack. A guiding cable is included with each camera.

Sensor Size and Usage

With its smaller, higher resolution sensor, the 183 model is well suited for use with short focal length telescopes or for imaging smaller, faint objects through a large telescope. For a wider field of view, the QHY163 model is recommended, especially for imaging large sky areas like nebulae or when using longer focal length telescopes.

Frame Rate

• Full resolution: 19 FPS at 8-bit, 7.5 FPS at 12-bit

ROI (Region of Interest) Modes

• 4096 x 2160 (4K HD Video): 31 FPS at 8-bit, 12 FPS at 12-bit

• 1920 x 1080 (HD Video): 60 FPS at 8-bit, 24 FPS at 12-bit

• 800 x 600 (SVGA): 106 FPS at 8-bit, 42 FPS at 12-bit

• 640 x 480 (VGA): 130 FPS at 8-bit, 53 FPS at 12-bit

Back-Illuminated CMOS Structure

A back-illuminated CMOS structure improves sensitivity. Unlike front-illuminated sensors, where photons pass through metal wiring before reaching the photosensitive layer, back-illuminated sensors allow light to strike the photosensitive surface directly. This design increases quantum efficiency, converting more photons into electrons and making the sensor more sensitive to faint objects.

Cooling and Anti-Dew Features

Dual-stage TE cooling helps control dark current noise. The optical window has a built-in dew heater, and the sensor chamber is protected against internal humidity. An electric heating board prevents dew formation on the chamber window.

Sealing Technology

With almost two decades of experience, QHY has developed advanced sealing solutions. The sensor chamber is kept dry using a silicon gel tube socket, preventing humidity and oil leaks.

Mono or Color Versions

• Mono cameras: Support advanced techniques such as LRGB and narrowband imaging, as well as spectrometry and photometry.

• Color cameras: Offer convenience for RGB imaging without the need for additional filters or filter wheels.

Both versions are capable of producing high-quality astrophotography results. Choose the type that best suits your needs.

Technical Specifications

• Sensor type: CMOS Chip (Sony IMX183)

• Chip size: 13.3 x 8.87 mm

• Megapixels: 20

• Pixel size: 2.4 µm

• Photograph resolution: 5544 x 3684 pixels

• Bit depth: 12

• Active cooling: Yes

• Interfaces: USB 3.0

• Connection to telescope: T2

• Color camera: Yes

• Maximum cooling difference below room temperature: 35°C

• Maximum exposure time: 60 minutes

• Minimum exposure time: 30 µs

• Images per second: 19 FPS @ 8-bit, 7.5 FPS @ 12-bit

• Read noise: 1.0 – 2.7 e-

• Full well capacity: 15,500 e-

• Flange focal distance: 17.5 mm

• Power supply: 12V

• Shutter: Electronic

• Quantum efficiency: 90%

• Dark current: 0.002 e-/pixel/sec

• Anti-fog heating: Yes

• Buffer memory: 128 MB DDR2

• Infrared filters: Yes

Equipment

• Filter wheel: No

General

• Weight: 650 g

• Areas of application: AllSky, meteor observation, Moon and planets, nebulae and galaxies

• Autoguider: No