{"product_id":"touptek-g3cmos178m-planetary-camera-sony-imx178-monochrome","title":"ToupTek G3CMOS178M Planetary Camera – Sony IMX178 Monochrome","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eToupTek G3CMOS178M\u003c\/strong\u003e is a high-performance air-cooled monochrome planetary camera built around the Sony IMX178 sensor. With its high resolution of 3096×2080 pixels and small 2.4 µm pixel size, the IMX178 is particularly well-suited for capturing fine planetary detail at moderate focal lengths, and also works well as a monochrome guide camera or for lunar surface imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho Is This Product Best For?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe G3CMOS178M is ideal for intermediate to advanced planetary imagers who want high-resolution monochrome planetary captures. It also functions well as a guide camera for precision autoguiding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose This Product?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSony IMX178 Monochrome Sensor:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3096×2080 pixels, 2.4 µm pixel size — high resolution for fine planetary detail at moderate focal lengths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB 3.0 High-Speed Interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e High frame rate capability for lucky imaging stacking workflows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact 1.25\" Barrel Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrates seamlessly with any standard focuser or Barlow lens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for planetary imaging, lunar detail, solar imaging (with filter), and precision autoguiding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible Software:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with SharpCap, FireCapture, PHD2, NINA, and ASCOM\/INDI drivers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-resolution monochrome planetary and lunar imaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolar imaging with a proper solar filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrecision autoguiding for astrophotography setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1.25\" barrel; fits standard focusers and Barlow lenses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonochrome sensor — use with planetary filter sets for colour results\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with INDI, ASCOM, SharpCap, FireCapture, and PHD2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Limitations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAir-cooled only — not suited for deep sky long-exposure imaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonochrome — requires planetary filter sets for colour planetary imaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this camera be used as a guide camera?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — the G3CMOS178M works well as a guide camera with PHD2 and other guiding software via its ST4 or USB interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the IMX178 compare to the IMX174?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe IMX178 offers higher resolution (more pixels) with a smaller pixel size, making it better suited for capturing fine detail at shorter focal lengths. The IMX174 has somewhat larger pixels and better per-pixel sensitivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Recommendation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ToupTek G3CMOS178M is a versatile monochrome camera for intermediate to advanced imagers who want high resolution for planetary detail capture and the flexibility to use it as a guide camera. An excellent value for its sensor quality and USB 3.0 performance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ToupTek Astro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53400313266287,"sku":"G3CMOS06300KMA","price":637.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/planetary_cameras_444b6109-f33d-4bc7-9f81-13af3c8c4ce8.webp?v=1782324552","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/products\/touptek-g3cmos178m-planetary-camera-sony-imx178-monochrome","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}