Altair GPCAM2 290C Colour Guide Astronomy Imaging Camera

Further details

A highly capable seious astronomy camera packed with superb features and the best quality components, a comprehensive software download is included that is continually evolving with regular updates. A brilliant package for imaging at an unbeatable price point.

The Altair GPCAM2 IMX290 Colour camera has the sought after Sony Exmor IMX290 CMOS sensor, with high sensitivity, and extremely low read noise, which alongside the IMX224 is possibly the lowest of any similar sized sensor. * It can be used for solar, planetary, lunar “lucky” imaging as well as long exposure deepsky imaging, and of course video astronomy. Time-lapse all-sky imaging is fully supported in the software.

The camera has an ST4 auto-guiding port, and can be used to auto-guide with mounts from all the major mount manufacturers supporting ST4 format, such as iOptron, Celestron and Skywatcher. You would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile small-format colour astronomy imaging camera with this price and features.

Why buy an Altair camera with so many brands out there?
Altair cameras boast many unique features that set them apart from competing brands, a dedicated user group with unrivalled support backed by constantly evolving software and drivers. Superior construction with a CNC machined body designed for cooling and precise optical alignment. A particularly relevant difference is the USB socket, Altair cameras use an industry standard robust socket that is both secure and reliable unlike micro USB phone type sockets that are notoriously troublesome

SPECIAL OFFER
FREE 1 YEAR SharpCap PRO License with all Altair Hypercam Cameras! Just download the latest SharpCap, connect your camera, register when the screen pops up and sign up for your free license. Sharpcap PRO has the amazingly accurate guidescope polar alignment routine, focus assistance, live flat field subtraction and many more great features to make deepsky, EAA or solar system imaging that much easier

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 .TIF .BMP, to mention just a few. The GPCAM supports 8bit or 12bit output. The 12 bit output mode can be used for deep sky imaging with less frames needing to be stacked and a wider pixel intensity range. The IMX290 sensor is extremely sensitive in the IR region (for all pixels not just red!) and can be used effectively with IR Pass filters for solar and lunar imaging in mono mode.

Note: This camera does not come with software in the box. To operate the camera you will need to download the latest camera drivers at cameras.altairastro.com

Included in the box
Camera body.
2m High-speed USB2.0 A male to B male cable.
1.5m ST4 guide cable.
1.25 inch x 20mm nosepiece with female 1.25" filter thread on the front.
CS-Mount adapter with built-in UV-IR Blocking Filter, AR coatings. (Removable for sensor cleaning).
Plastic dust cap 1.25".

Sensor & performance specifications:
ALTAIRGP290C: SONY Exmor IMX290 Color CMOS sensor with STARVIS
Sensor Size: 1/2.8" diagonal 6.46mm
Exposure duration shortest/longest:
Video mode: 0.105ms (0.000105 secs) / 5000ms (5 seconds)
Trigger mode: 0.105 ms (0.000105 secs) / 1000 secs (16.66 minutes)
Bit depth: 8bit & 12bit modes switchable
Pixel size microns: 2.9x2.9 um
Resolution in pixels: 1920x1080 (2.07mp active pixels)
Recording System: Still Image & Video
Region Of Interest (ROI): Supported
Approx. Max frame rates (assuming computer Bus and Hard Drive operating at full bandwidth)*:
8 bit mode:
1920x1080 17.5FPS
640x480 37.2FPS ROI
320x240 56.3FPS ROI
12 bit mode - approx 50% of above.
* Based on average user reports. May be revised as we get more data. The shorter the exposure duration, the faster the frame rate. An expensive PC does not guarantee a fast frame rate.
Readout: Progressive Scan
Shutter: Electronic Rolling Shutter
Read noise: TBC, not provided by sensor manufacturer.

Software & OS support:
Drivers & AltairCapture software download Download Altair Camera Drivers Here
Driver support: PHD2, AltairCapture, SharpCap, (Windows DirectShow)
AltairCapture OS support: Win XP/ Vista/ 7/ 8/ 10 (32 & 64 bit)
SharpCap is also fully supported and tested with native drivers.
USB Port & Cable: 2.0 USB, 2m cable
ST4 Port & Cable: Standard ST4 Opto-Isolated, 1.5m cable, iOptron, Celestron, Skywatcher SynScan GOTO.
Windows PC Hardware Requirements for best performance:
Minimum CPU: Equal to i5 or Higher
Minimum Memory: 8GB or More
USB port: USB2.0 High-speed Port or USB3.0 High-speed Port (best performance).
Please note: Some laptops and touchscreen notebooks may not have adequate USB throughput.

Camera Format:
Cooling: Air-Cooled large surface area camera body.
Camera body length: 70 mm total length including CS-Mount and 5mm extension ring;
Weight grams: 70 g (camera net weight)
Colour Camera: AR-coated UV/IR blocking filter 380-650nm wavelength transmission

Back-focus & Adapter compatibility:
Optical Window is removable to reveal female C-Mount thread
Camera body thread: C/CS-Mount female allows direct attachment of CS-Mount lens or C-Mount lens with 5mm extension.
C-Mount lens adapter: Included, terminates in female thread connecting to camera body.
C-Mount lens compatibility: C-Mount male threaded lens with 17.526 mm back-focus (or flange-distance) requirement.
C-mount lens compatibility: C-Mount male threaded lens with 12.526 mm back-focus (or flange-distance) requirement.
Astro filter thread adapter: Included, 1.25" OD, Female thread
Pushfit Barrel OD: Standard Astro format 1.25” OD eyepiece-barrel
Sensor surface distance from flat end of C-Mount adapter: 17.58 mm
Sensor surface distance from flat end of 20mm 1.25” Astro adapter: 37.58 mm

Delivery Information

Reviews

  Great camera   I have been using the camera to run a Star Gazing activity remotely as part of a co-curricular activity programme for pupils. The images are fantastic using a Dobsonian reflector. Have yet to set up on my own telescope for some more detailed imaging and processing - that is next on the to do this.  (01/06/2020) -

  Sensitive To Light.  Incredible camera at a superb price. Very easy to set up and use. This was my first attempt at astrophotography and captured Messier 3 and Messier 13 first night out using the Altair capture software. Once you see your first object on screen you will be hooked. Camera & Harrisons highly recommended!   (03/05/2019) Kerry Bloor - Kidsgrove

  Excellent product  Very good quality and easy to use and set up. Very pleased with this product, highly recommended. Usual next day delivery from these guys   (25/02/2019) kevin - Hants

  Altair  Very pleased with the camera at the price,does excellent work and simple to set up.   (25/03/2018) Robert Anderson - Paisley