Altair GPCAM3 224C USB3 color camera Sony sensor D=6.09 mm

Altair GPCAM3 224C USB3 color camera Sony sensor D=6.09 mm


Thanks to the fast Sony IMX224, this color camera is ideal for moon/planets, video astronomy and even for getting started with deep-sky astrophotography.
♦ SONY STARVIS and EXMOR-R technology

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

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

♦ Low-noise image - particularly high red sensitivity

♦ Large dynamic range with 12 bit ADC

♦ Autoguiding connection - ST4 level

♦ Stable USB3.0 connection

♦ 1 year SharpCap PRO license for free

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

♦ 1.25" telescope connection (with filter thread) and C-Mount connection are available

Altair GPCAM3 224C Color Astrocamera
The camera has built in the high quality Sony IMX224 CMOS sensor. The sensor is characterized by 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:
With 3.75 µm pixels, the camera is well suited for SC, Maksutovs or long focal length refractors to produce high-resolution lunar and planetary images and planetary videos. The ROI function (Region of Interest) can be used for even higher frame rates, e.g. with planets.

EAA and video astronomy:
The GPCAM3 224C is particularly attractive for electronically supported astronomy/video astronomy due to the high sensitivity of the sensor. Use the live stacking features in the free Altair Capture software or SharpCap PRO.

Deep Sky Astrophotography:
Due to the high sensitivity of the IMX 224 sensor, you will be able to see many details in nebulous objects or galaxies with just a few seconds exposure time. For the photography of nebulae, galaxies and star clusters you need longer exposure times. There is a slight brightening at the edge due to the amplifier glow. The camera offers effective suppression of amplifier glow via "live" dark image compensation with Altair Capture or SharpCap software. Alternatively, you can also deduct the darks as usual. The trigger mode allows you to control longer exposure times of over 5 seconds.

auto guiding:
The GPCAM3 has an ST4 autoguider port and can be plugged directly into the autoguider port of standard mounts from Skywatcher, Celestron, iOptron, Losmandy... The fast sensor will always offer a large selection of suitable guide stars.

USB3.0 and memory buffering:
USB3.0 and the integrated memory buffering enable significantly faster transmission speeds than USB2.0 cameras. Memory buffering almost completely eliminates dropped frames and corrupted video files, a common problem with USB cameras, and enables faster, smoother frame rates, even on less powerful notebooks. The quality of video recordings is improved - especially for scientific applications.

Although the GPCAM3 is a USB3.0 camera, it is also fully compatible with USB2.0 ports. For example in deepsky or video astronomy with the live stacking functions of AltairCapture or Sharpcap. Windows 7 to Windows 10 software is widely supported by AltairCapture in 64-bit mode.

Better control of long exposures with the trigger mode:
"Trigger mode" is fully supported for easier control of long exposures over 5 seconds. On most CMOS cameras, in normal video mode, the camera controls are "locked" during a long exposure, so you must wait for the exposure to complete before the camera will accept any commands. So you have to wait until you drop a frame when a cloud covers the view, or make routine changes such as gain (ISO), exposure duration, refocusing or reorienting to the subject. However, in "trigger mode" you can instantly stop the camera (even if you're halfway through a long 30-second exposure), change settings, and start the camera loop again. For long exposures, the "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 GPCAM3 also has upgraded circuitry to improve data transmission stability at high frame rates (dropped frame reduction) and increase compatibility with a wider range of PCs. This results in a more consistent data transfer rate across USB buses on laptop or desktop PCs.

High quality software and drivers included:
Unlike cheaper cameras, Altair Astro has spent a lot of time developing the fully featured and intuitive AltairCapture-Software that can be downloaded from altaircameras.com. AltairCapture is a stable 64-bit Windows application that allows full control over the camera in high-speed or still mode. It offers extensive automation functions and supports all common 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:
Here you will find an online manual, downloads, information about software and current drivers ... on Altair's support page.
Sensor: SONY Exmor R BSI IMX224 color CMOS sensor
Resolution: 1.2MP 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)
Frame rate 8 bit / 12 bit at max. resolution: 150 fps / approx. 75 fps
ROI: supported
Trigger mode: supported
File formats: Avi, SER (video), JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, FITS
Camera Length: 73mm
Weight: only 70 grams
Distance sensor to C-mount thread: 12.5 mm
Power supply: via USB
Autoguiding connection: 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