Altair GPCAM2 224C USB2.0 color camera Sony sensor D=6.09mm

Altair GPCAM2 224C USB2.0 Color Camera Sony Sensor D=6.09mm
This Color camera is ideal for lunar/planetary, video astronomy and even entry-level deep-sky astrophotography due to the fast Sony IMX224.
♦ SONY STARVIS and EXMOR-R technology.

♦ Sensor: 1/3" CMOS IMX224 with 1.2 megapixels resolution - pixel size 3.75 µm

♦ Sensor size: 4.8 mm x 3.6 mm - Diagonal: 6.09 mm

♦ Low-noise imaging - especially high red sensitivity

♦ Large dynamic range with 12 bit ADC

♦ Autoguiding port - ST4 level

♦ USB2.0 port

♦ 1 year SharpCap PRO license free of charge

♦ UV-IR blocking filter is built-in (removable)

♦ 1.25" telescope connector (with filter thread) and C-mount connector are provided

Altair GPCAM2 224C Color Astro Camera.
The camera has the high-quality Sony IMX224 CMOS sensor installed. The sensor features high sensitivity, very good resolution and extremely low readout noise. This makes the camera an exciting choice for many areas of astrophotography, such as:

Photography of the Sun, Moon and planets:
3.75-µm pixels make the camera well suited for SC, Maksutovs, or long-focal-length refractors to produce high-resolution lunar and planetary images and planetary videos. The ROI (Region of Interest) feature can be used for even higher frame rates, e.g. for planets.

EAA and video astronomy:
The GPCAM2 224C is particularly attractive for electronically assisted astronomy/video astronomy due to the high sensitivity of the sensor. Take advantage of the live stacking capabilities in the free Altair Capture software or SharpCap PRO.

Deep-Sky Astrophotography:
The high sensitivity of the IMX 224 sensor will allow you to see a lot of details in nebular objects or galaxies with only a few seconds of exposure time. The trigger mode allows you to control longer exposure times of over 5 seconds.

Autoguiding:
The GPCAM2 has an ST4 autoguider port and can be plugged directly into the autoguider port of popular mounts from Skywatcher, Celestron, iOptron, Losmandy. The fast sensor will always provide suitable guide stars in large selection.

Better control during long exposures with the trigger mode:
"Trigger mode" is fully supported to control long exposure times of over 5 seconds more easily. With most CMOS cameras, the camera controls are "locked" in normal video mode during a long exposure, so you have to wait until the exposure is complete before the camera accepts any commands. So you must wait to cancel a frame if a cloud covers the view, or make routine changes, such as gain (ISO), exposure duration, realignment, or reorientation to the subject. However, in "trigger mode" you can stop the camera immediately (even if you are halfway through a long exposure of 30 seconds), change the settings, and start the camera loop again. For long exposures, "trigger mode" is essential. Of course, you can use the normal video mode with up to 5 seconds exposure time for video astronomy and solar system imaging. The GPCAM2 also has improved circuitry to improve the stability of data transmission at high frame rates (reducing dropped frames) and to increase compatibility with a wider range of PCs. This results in a more consistent data transfer rate over USB buses on laptops or desktop PCs.

High quality software and drivers included:
Unlike cheaper cameras, Altair Astro has invested significant time in developing the extensively featured and intuitive AltairCapture software, which can be downloaded from Altair Astro Customer Support. AltairCapture is a robust 64-bit Windows application that provides full control of the camera in high-speed or still mode. It offers extensive automation features and supports all popular file formats suitable for astrophotography and professional scientific photography in 12-bit or 8-bit mode. In addition, the popular PHD Guiding, SharpCap PRO, APT and NINA are also natively supported. ASCOM drivers are also available for download, where you can also get regular driver updates. The installation process is simple, and unlike cheaper cameras, you don't need to be a computer expert to get your camera working.

Valuable link:

Find online user manual, downloads, info about software and latest drivers on Altair's service page.
Sensor: SONY Exmor R BSI IMX224 Color CMOS Sensor
Resolution: 1.2 MP 1304x976 pixels
Pixel size: 3.75 µm
Sensor size: diagonal 6.09 mm
Exposure time: 0.105 milliseconds to 5 seconds
Trigger mode: up to 1000 seconds
Image depth: 8 bit and 12 bit (selectable)
ROI: is supported
Trigger mode: is supported
File formats: Avi, SER (video), JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, FITS
Camera length: 73 mm
Weight: only 70 grams
Distance sensor to C-mount thread: 12.5 mm
Power supply: via USB
Autoguiding port: available

♦ Camera
♦ 1.25" connection with filter thread
♦ CS mount adapter
♦ Dust cap for sensor
♦ UV/IR blocking filter (removable)
♦ 1.5 meter USB3.0 cable
♦ 1.5 meter ST4 cable