ToupTek G3CMOS178C Planetary Camera – Sony IMX178 Colour

The ToupTek G3CMOS178C is a high-performance air-cooled colour planetary camera built around the Sony IMX178 sensor with Bayer colour filter. Delivering 3096×2080 pixels at 2.4 µm pixel size, the G3CMOS178C captures rich natural colour planetary images at high resolution without requiring separate R, G, B filter sets — making it an ideal entry point for colour planetary and lunar imaging.

Who Is This Product Best For?

The G3CMOS178C is ideal for beginner to intermediate planetary imagers who want high-resolution one-shot colour results for planets, the Moon, and solar imaging (with appropriate filter). It is also a capable option for daytime terrestrial imaging and nature photography through telescopes.

Why Choose This Product?

• Sony IMX178 Colour Sensor: 3096×2080 pixels, 2.4 µm pixel size — rich natural colour at high resolution for planetary and lunar captures.
• USB 3.0 High-Speed Interface: Supports high frame rates for lucky imaging stacking.
• One-Shot Colour: No filter sets required — captures colour in a single pass.
• Compact 1.25" Barrel Body: Works with any standard focuser or Barlow lens.
• Compatible Software: SharpCap, FireCapture, AutoStakkert, NINA, and ASCOM/INDI.

Recommended Uses

• One-shot colour high-speed planetary imaging
• Lunar surface colour imaging
• Solar imaging with proper solar filter
• Daytime terrestrial digiscoping through telescopes

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• 1.25" barrel; compatible with standard focusers and Barlow lenses
• Compatible with INDI, ASCOM, SharpCap, and FireCapture

Important Limitations

• Air-cooled only — not suitable for deep sky long-exposure imaging
• Colour Bayer sensor — less sensitive per pixel than monochrome IMX178 variants

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this compare to the G3CMOS178M?
The G3CMOS178C delivers natural one-shot colour without filter sets. The G3CMOS178M is monochrome and requires LRGB or planetary filter sets for colour, but delivers higher per-pixel sensitivity.

Is this good for beginners?
Yes — the one-shot colour operation makes this a simpler and more beginner-friendly planetary camera than the monochrome version.

Our Recommendation

The ToupTek G3CMOS178C is an excellent one-shot colour planetary camera for beginners to intermediate imagers who want high-resolution colour results without the complexity of filter-based monochrome imaging. A great first planetary camera for the serious amateur.