Altair 678C Colour USB3 Astronomy Camera

The Altair 678C Colour camera has the latest Starvis 2 BSI sensor with very high sensitivity for planetary imaging, including in the NIR red region.

The pixel size of 2 microns makes this camera ideal for lunar and planetary imaging with telescopes of approximately 1000mm focal length, such as a Celestron C8 SCT. (The mono version 678M is recommended for solar imaging).

The sensor has no amp glow, and therefore offers better performance for deep-sky imaging or video astronomy with a small refractor.

Feature summary Altair 678C CMOS Camera:

IMX678 Colour Starvis 2 CMOS Sensor
On-chip HGC and LCG Support
3840 x 2160 pixel resolution:
2 um Square Pixels
1/1.8-inch Optical Format
12-bit ADC
512mb DDR3 Memory
G Sensitivity: 3637mv
Low Noise: 0.42 to 2.43e- 
Fast Frame Rate 47 FPS in 8bit mode
Binning from 1x1 to 8x8 in either stacking or averaging modes.

Speed and reliability: USB3.0 format is fast yet stable, and a 512mb DDR3 Memory buffer enables faster more consistent frame rates.
 
Included software: The well featured intuitive AltairCapture software is included in a CD ROM, and can also be downloaded from www.altairastro.help. AltairCapture is a stable 64 bit Windows application, which allows full control of the camera in high speed video or still mode. It includes extensive automation features, and supports all the major file formats useful for astro imaging and professional scientific imaging in 14bit or 8bit mode.

SPECIAL OFFER! FREE 1 YEAR SharpCap PRO License included with all Altair GPCAM3 Cameras!

Furthermore, the popular PHD Guiding, SharpCap PRO, APT and NINA are also natively supported. ASCOM drivers are also available for download at www.altairastro.help where you can also get regular updates. The installation process is easy, and unlike with cheaper cameras, you don't need to be a computer expert to make your camera work. Just install the software on the CDROM, plug in the camera, and that's it.

Wide USB compatibility: Although the GPCAM3 is a USB3.0 camera, it's also fully compatible with USB2.0 ports when a longer cable and less speed are required, for example in deep-sky or video astronomy using the live stacking features in AltairCapture or Sharpcap.
 
Autoguiding: The camera has an ST4 auto-guiding port, and can be used to auto-guide with mounts from all the major manufacturers supporting ST4 format, including iOptron, Celestron and Skywatcher. The sensor is more than sensitive enough for autoguiding. 
 
Support & warranty: Altair delivers proper on-shore English-speaking UK & EU support with a 2 year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. New users should check out the Altair Astro Facebook Group where you can get answers to technical questions, as well as sharing tips and techniques. AltairCapture software interface supports most European languages including English, German, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Chinese, Spanish, Thai, and Turkish.
 
File formats: The camera can be fully controlled in AltairCapture and SharpCap to output uncompressed .AVI and .SER video files for solar system imaging, as well as all common still image formats such as .JPEG .PNG .TIFF .BMP, and .FITS (for deepsky imaging) to mention just a few. Common astronomy file format information here.

Altair 678 Camera Technical Specification:

Included in the box:

• Camera body.
• 1.5m USB cable.
• 1.5m ST4 guide cable.
• 1.25 inch x nosepiece with female 1.25" Astronomy filter thread on the front.
• (Optional 2" OD Nosepiece with dual 2 and 1.25" filter threads is available, code GPCAM-2IN)
• CS-Mount insert (12.5mm back-focus) is pre-installed on camera. (Optional 5mm extension adapter is available for C-Mount lenses requiring 17.5mm back-focus.)
• UV-IR Blocking or Clear AR Coated Front optical glass filter with Anti-Reflection coatings. (Removable for sensor cleaning or swappable).
• Plastic dust cap 1.25".
• Silicon dust cap for sensor.
• Software CD (Instructions online at www.altairastro.help )

Camera Back-focus & Adapter compatibility:

• Cover glass is removable for cleaning and can be swapped with a clear or UV/IR blocking glass as required. Choose Product code: OW-GP-UVIR or Product code: OW-GP-CLEAR.
• CS-mount lens compatibility: C-Mount male threaded lens with 12.5mm back-focus (or flange-distance) requirement.
• C-mount lens adapter 5mm extension: Optional
• C-mount lens compatibility: C-Mount male threaded lens with 17.5mm back-focus (or flange-distance) requirement.
• Astro filter thread adapter: Included, 1.25" OD and 2 OD (optional), Female thread
• Sensor surface distance from flat end of CS-mount adapter: 12.5 mm
• Sensor surface distance from flat end of 1.25" / M42 Astro adapter: 37 mm

Windows PC Hardware Requirements:

• Minimum PC: Equal to Intel i3 4GB+ RAM Windows 10 OS with separate graphics card.
• Recommended PC: ( 2013+ i5 4GB RAM Intel 1.0x USB Host Controller preferable with separate graphics)
• USB port compatibility: USB2.0 High-speed Port or USB3.0 High-speed Port
• (computers manufactured in 2013 or later give best USB speed).
• Monitor Display: 17" or Larger recommended.
• Software updates: Downloaded online at www.altairastro.help

Software & Operating System compatibility:

• Drivers & AltairCapture Windows software download: www.altairastro.help (opens new window). 
• Camera direct support: ASCOM, PHD2, AltairCapture, SharpCap, NINA, APT, Firecapture.
• AltairCapture OS support: Win 11, Win 10 
• NOTE: Windows 10 is recommended for best USB performance, with 2013 or later USB host controller v1.0 or later.
• SharpCap (a 3rd party application) is also fully supported and tested with native drivers.
• USB Port & Cable: 3.0 USB Cable, 1.5m cable (USB2.0 also supported at low frame rates).
• ST4 Port & Cable: Standard ST4 Opto-Isolated, 1.5m cable, iOptron, Celestron, Skywatcher SynScan GOTO.
• Camera Quick Start & AltairCapture instructions online at www.altairastro.help 

Optional Accessories:

• 2 inch x 22mm nosepiece with dual 1.25" and 2 filter thread, code GPCAM-2IN. See associated products.
• C-Mount 5mm extension adapter for C-Mount lenses requiring 17.5mm back-focus.
• Spare Clear AR coated or UVIR coated optical windows available as spares.
• Altair Astro Premium 1.25" CLS-CCD Filter with UV/IR Block & AR Coating (Code: F125CLSCCD) for imaging emission nebulae in light polluted urban environments.
• Altair Astro Premium 2" CLS-CCD Filter with UV/IR Block & AR Coating (Code: F200CLSCCD) for imaging emission nebulae in light polluted urban environments. 

Operating environment conditions:

• Max operating temp: 50 °C
• Lowest operating temp: -10 °C
• Max operating humidity: 80 % RH
• Power source in Volts: 5V DC (via USB cable)

Camera Quick Start & AltairCapture instructions online at www.altairastro.help 
 
Worldwide Warranty: 2 years manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Return to point of purchase. Warranty is not transferable.
 
Availability: If out of stock, click the "Notify when in stock" button above to receive an email when product is ready to ship.
 
Note: Altair Astro and resellers reserve the right to change the product specification and/or price at any time without notice.