Mars-C II USB3.0 Color Camera (IMX662)

The Player One Mars-C II is a compact USB3.0 colour camera built around the Sony IMX662 back-illuminated CMOS sensor, the successor to the popular IMX462. It keeps the strong near-infrared sensitivity that makes these sensors excellent for planetary work while adding a much deeper full-well and lower dark current, so it holds highlights better and runs cleaner during longer capture sessions.

Product Overview

The 1/2.8" sensor delivers 2.1 megapixels (1936×1100) with 2.9µm pixels across a 6.44 mm diagonal. A 54k e⁻ full-well gives it wide dynamic range for bright planets, read noise falls to about 0.7 e⁻, the ADC is 12-bit, and peak QE is near 91%. Over USB3.0 it captures up to 108 FPS in Raw8 and 76.5 FPS in Raw16 at full resolution, with even higher rates in smaller ROIs.

Who It's For

This is a good match if you image the Moon, planets and the Sun and want a sensitive, fast colour camera with more dynamic range than the entry IMX462. Its near-IR reach also suits IR-pass planetary imaging, and the ST4 port lets it serve as an autoguider.

Key Features & Design

• Sony IMX662 colour sensor: 1/2.8" back-illuminated CMOS with strong near-IR response.
• Deep 54k e⁻ full-well: wider dynamic range that resists clipping on bright planetary highlights.
• High frame rates: up to 108 FPS (Raw8) and 76.5 FPS (Raw16) at full 1936×1100 resolution; 162 FPS at 1280×720.
• Low read noise: down to about 0.7 e⁻ at higher gain.
• 256MB DDR3 buffer: keeps high-speed transfer stable to avoid dropped frames.
• ST4 autoguide port: doubles as a guide camera.
• Protective window: D21×1.1 mm with AR Plus multi-layer coating.

Optical / Mechanical Design

The Mars-C II uses a rolling-shutter colour CMOS with an RGGB Bayer matrix and 2.9µm pixels, a pitch matched to the long focal lengths used for planetary imaging. The sensor sits at a 12.5 mm back focal distance, and the 66 mm body threads accept 1.25" and M42×0.75 (T-thread) adapters. Exposures span 32µs to 2000 s. The published weight is 150 g.

Recommended Uses

• High-resolution lunar and planetary imaging behind a Barlow or long-focal-length scope.
• Near-IR and IR-pass planetary imaging.
• Solar imaging with a suitable solar filter or dedicated solar scope.
• Autoguiding through the ST4 port.

Compatibility & Accessory Notes

The camera connects through 1.25" nosepiece or M42×0.75 threads and fits any telescope with those interfaces. Planetary imaging usually adds a Barlow or telecentric to reach f/15–f/25. Capture is over USB3.0 with common software, and the ST4 port accepts a standard autoguide cable.

Good to Know Before You Order

• Built for speed: this uncooled small-sensor camera is optimized for the Moon, planets and Sun, not long-exposure deep-sky imaging.
• USB3.0 for full frame rates: USB2.0 works but caps throughput.
• A Barlow helps on planets: reaching a good image scale on the planets usually means adding a Barlow or telecentric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

No. It threads onto a 1.25" or M42 connection, installs its driver, and appears in your capture software.

What is it best used for?

High-frame-rate imaging of the Moon, planets and Sun, plus autoguiding.

How does it compare to the original Mars-C?

The IMX662 offers a much deeper full-well and lower dark current than the IMX462, giving more dynamic range and cleaner longer captures while keeping the near-IR sensitivity.

Can I use it for deep-sky astrophotography?

It is not intended for long-exposure deep-sky work; it is built for bright solar-system targets.

Does it autoguide?

Yes, through its ST4 port with a suitable guide scope.

Bottom Line

In short: a sensitive, near-IR-capable 1/2.8" colour planetary camera with a deep 54k e⁻ full-well and high frame rates, ideal for the Moon, planets and Sun and usable as an autoguider through standard 1.25" and M42 threads.