QHY5III462 Colour Camera
QHY
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Overview
The QHY5III462 camera uses the Sixth Generation Sony 2.1 megapixel IMX462 STARVIS CMOS sensor. The pixel size is 2.9um making it the same size and resolution as the sensor used in the QHY5III290 camera that has been so successfully used for planetary imaging by some of the best planetary imagers in the world. Like other cameras in the 5III series, the QHY5III462 is USB 3.0 powered and controlled. No additional power is required.
The IMX462 sensor is back-illuminated and incorporates new technology that gives it some significant advantage over other planetary cameras: First, the IMX462 sensor has sHCG (Super High Conversion Gain) for very low read noise at high gain. This is ideal for stacking hundreds or thousands of short planetary images. Second, it is exceptionally sensitive in the NIR.
In this latest generation of sensors, the photodiode portion of the pixel well is physically deeper than in previous Sony BSI sensors, allowing photons of longer wavelength to penetrate deeper into the substrate. This dramatically increases the sensor’s sensitivity to red and near infrared (NIR) light. The RGB filters over the pixels become transparent at NIR wavelengths, so the sensor displays almost equal peak sensitivity to NIR light as it does to light in the visible spectrum.
The peak QE in the NIR around 800nm is as high as the peak QE in the visible wavelengths. For planetary imagers using a methane filter that passes light around 880nm this is welcome news.

- Specifications
- Extra Information
Specifications
Model | QHY5III462M/C |
Image Sensor | SONY IMX462 |
Mono/Color | Color |
FSI/BSI | BSI |
Sensor Size | Typical 1/2.8 inch |
Pixel Size | 2.9μm*2.9μm |
Effective Pixel Area | 1920*1080 |
Effective Pixels | 2 Megapixels |
Full Well Capacity | 12ke- |
Read Noise | 0.5e- |
A/D | 12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit) |
Full Frame Rates | 135 FPS@8bit |
Exposure Time Range | 7μs-900sec |
Shutter Type | Electronic Rolling Shutter |
Computer Interface | USB3.0 Type-B |
Guide Port | Custom ST-4 |
Telescope Interface | 1.25-inch, C-Mount |
Optical Window | AR Anti-reflection Glass |
Extra Filter | R850nm Filter Included |
IR-Cut Filter | Included in 462C Only |
Back Focal Length | 12mm |
Weight | 88g |
Extra Information
SUPERB NIR RESPONSE: The QHY5III462C uses Sony's latest generation IMX462 back-illuminated sensor with extended red and near infrared response. It has nearly double the red and NIR sensitivity as previous generation BSI sensors and even greater sensitivity compared to front illuminated sensors.
SUPER HIGH CONVERSION GAIN: Sony's new sHCG (Super High Conversion Gain) technology produces a higher voltage from fewer photons resulting in greater sensitivity even at very low levels of light.
HIGH FRAME RATE: The QHY5III462C will output 135 frames per second at full resolution, making it perfect for planetary imaging.
FILTERS FOR VISIBLE AND IR IMAGING: The QHY5III462C comes with two free 1.25-inch filters: the IR850 filter and the UV/IR filter.
Let customers speak for us
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Comparing to polar-alignment via platesolving in APT iPolar is faster, simpler, and easier, especially when setting the mount up in roughly the same place.
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Added an extra weight later on to balance the scope - CoPilot again very helpful on torque calculations and carrying capacity if you are a newbie like me.
Total rig weight is about 3.2KG excluding counterweights which works fine.
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