The new standard in astro imaging, Altair Hypercam 26M uses the latest 16bit Sony IMX571 sensor with ultra low read noise and super high quantum efficiency in a large APS-C format.
The Hypercam 26M is the clear choice for the serious astro imager, outperforming CCD cameras in every respect both in read noise and sensitivity with an incredible Peak Quantum Efficiency of over 90%.
Combined with the lowest read noise of any CMOS astronomy camera from 2.35e to 0.7e and a maximum full well depth of 51.3Ke (see attached graph for characteristics), the Hypercam 26M is the ultimate APS-C format astronomy camera.
The camera sensor is guaranteed not to frost and it has a heated AR coated optical window with variable power settings. *
For many, this may be the final camera to own in their astro imaging journey, and in terms of read noise, to date, it outperforms any DSLR or CMOS astronomy camera we know of using the same sensor.
Hypercam 26M headline specs:
- 26mp APS-C size Back Illuminated Sony IMX571 sensor
- 16bit ADC yields 65,536 grey levels in the image
- Zero Amp Glow even at 10mins exposure
- Special “Ultra Low Read Noise” mode
- True Hardware Binning
- 2 Stage TEC Cooling
- Heated Optical Window
- 2 year warranty, with no sensor frosting guarantee**
- Rear USB2.0 hub 2x ports
- 12v power is required to run this camera.
- Included armoured case
- Included basic 240~110v compatible 12v DC power supply with your choice UK, USA or EU plug
- Software & drivers downloadable at www.altairastro.help
Hypercam 26M Specifications:
Model number: |
AA26MTEC |
USB Interface |
USB3.0 Type-B socket (Supports USB2.0). |
Colour / Mono |
Mono |
Sensor |
Sony IMX571 |
Resolution |
26mp 6224 x 4168px |
Pixel Size |
3.76 um |
Image Area |
23.4mm x 15.7mm |
Sensor Diagonal |
28.3 mm |
Sensor Protection Window |
UVIR Block, AR Coating |
Shutter |
Rolling |
Read Noise (depends on gain setting, HCG, LCG and Ultra Mode) |
2.35 - 0.7 e- |
Qe Approx. |
>90% Peak |
Full Well Capacity |
51ke- |
ADC |
8bit 16bit |
Cooling |
TEC, -35C below ambient |
Max Frame Rate @ Full Resolution |
6.8 FPS 16bit - 13.2FPS 8bit |
DDR Memory |
512mb |
Guide Port |
None |
Rear USB Hub |
2x USB2.0 Ports |
Region Of Interest ROI |
Supported |
SNR Max |
47.1 dB |
Dynamic Range |
86.8 dB (Ultra Low Noise Mode) |
Exposure range |
0.1ms – 3600secs |
HCG Mode/ LCG Mode Support |
Yes |
Camera front flange thread |
M42x075mm Female |
Sensor to flange distance |
17.5mm |
TEC Power input |
12.0v-13.0v DC (required to run the camera) |
Recommended PC and USB system: | Windows 10 PRO 64bit OS, Intel processor i5 or i7 (best) with USB 3.0 or 3.1 port. 8-16GB RAM (best). SSD drive recommended, disabling power policy and BIOS C-States or equivalent also recommended. Camera must have 12v power input connected to operate. Customers feedback that USB2.0 systems often do not have the bandwidth to support this camera and may work intermittently therefore we recommend a high conductivity USB3.0 and a premium cable of no longer than 2metres. |
** for two years from delivery date, normal use, not applicable if camera sensor chamber seal is breached.