GigE Color Astro Camera for High Resolution Astrophotography
Resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels
The astronomy camera exceeds with its high resolution (1280 x 960 pixels). Additionally, it can output these high resolutions images at a speed of up to 15 frames per second. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.
Fast display of color images
Using the original images from the CCD (RAW format) for visualization purposes does not make much sense. Only after color interpolation, is it possible to view the images in common formats. The bandwidth required when transferring interpolated images is considerably broader than when transferring the original RAW formatted images. The CCD camera allows color interpolation to be switched off, thus achieving 15 color frames per second. In this case, color interpolation is performed by IC Capture.AS on the host computer. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.
Sony color CCD
The astro CCD camera deploys the color CCD ICX205AK, manufactured by Sony. This chip has a 1/2" format and 1280 x 960 pixel resolution. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Thanks to the high quality of the ICX205AK, it is often used in scientific image processing applications.
IR Cut Filter
Unlike the human eye, CCDs are sensitive to near infrared light (wavelengths over 700nm). It is often not desirable to capture light that is in the near infrared range. Indeed, such light often disturbs an otherwise perfect shot. Therefore, the CCD camera ships with an IR cut filter.
Fast data transfer via GigE
The astro CCD camera outputs uncompressed color images in fast sequences. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a GigE connector.
Shipped software for Windows
This camera ships with the camera driver and the control software IC Capture.AS.
