ToupTek G3M178C Planetary Color Astronomy Camera - Extended Length Version

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- Sony IMX178 color CMOS sensor with STARVIS and Exmor R technology for sharp, detailed planetary imaging
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance with up to 58.6 FPS at full resolution in 8-bit mode
- Includes an IR-cut filter for accurate color reproduction during planetary, lunar, and solar imaging
- Extended-length is specifically desgined for compatibility with Off-Axis Guiders (OAGs). The shorter flange distance provides more back-focus adjustment space, making it much easier to achieve focus across a broader range of OAG
ToupTek G3M Series Planetary Cameras
The planetary camera G3M178C adopts SONY STARVIS and Exmor R technologies, making it ideal for astronomical photography, microscopy, industrial vision, and more. Featuring an extremely low readout noise, high sensitivity, and a 14-bit ADC back-illuminated CMOS sensor, the G3M178C delivers high-resolution astronomical images with exceptional detail and color fidelity. The camera also includes an IR-cut filter to help ensure accurate color reproduction for planetary, lunar, and solar imaging applications.




Sony STARVIS & Exmor R Technology
G3M178C features Sony's advanced STARVIS and Exmor R technologies, delivering exceptional low-light sensitivity and high image quality. The back-illuminated sensor structure maximizes light collection efficiency, achieving over 81% quantum efficiency. With a sensitivity of 425mv at 1/30s, this camera excels in capturing faint celestial details even under challenging conditions.


High-Speed Data Transfer
With USB 3.0 connectivity, G3M178C delivers stable high-speed data transfer, achieving up to 58.6 FPS at full resolution in 8-bit mode. This high frame rate capability is essential for lucky imaging techniques, allowing you to capture hundreds or thousands of frames quickly to select and stack only the sharpest images affected least by atmospheric turbulence.


Ultra-Low Noise Performance
G3M178C achieves remarkably low read noise of just 1.4e⁻ at high gain settings, ensuring clean images even when pushing the camera's sensitivity limits. This exceptional noise performance, combined with the high full well capacity of 10.7ke⁻, provides an impressive dynamic range of 82dB, allowing you to capture both bright planetary features and subtle atmospheric details in a single exposure.


OAG Compatibility
The extended-length version supports OAGs from third-party brands ( when used with a guide camera). It's elongated design provides greater adjustable range while maintaining the original sensor flange distance.


Spectral Sensitivity
The G3M178C sensor offers excellent spectral response across the visible spectrum from 380-690nm (with IR-cut filter). The optimized color filter array ensures accurate color reproduction while maintaining high sensitivity, making it ideal for capturing the subtle hues of planetary features and lunar landscapes.


14-bit ADC & High Resolution
G3M178C features a native 14-bit ADC providing 16,384 levels of tonal gradation, ensuring smooth transitions and preserving subtle details in your astronomical images. With 6.2 megapixels (3040×2048 resolution), the camera captures fine planetary features and lunar craters with exceptional clarity. The camera also supports hardware ROI for increased frame rates when focusing on specific regions of interest.
Specifications
-
Sensor Model: Sony IMX178 Color Back-Illuminated CMOS
-
Sensor Size: 1/1.8-inch (8.92 mm / 0.35 in diagonal)
-
Image Area: 7.4 mm x 5.0 mm (0.29 in x 0.20 in)
-
Resolution: 6.2 Megapixels (3040 x 2048)
-
Pixel Size: 2.4 μm x 2.4 μm
-
ADC Bit Depth: 14-bit
-
Quantum Efficiency: > 81%
-
Full Well Capacity: 10.7ke
-
Read Noise: 1.4e to 2.2e
-
Dynamic Range: 82 dB
-
SNR Max: 40 dB
-
G Sensitivity: 425 mv with 1/30s
-
Spectral Range: 380–690 nm (with IR-cut filter)
-
Maximum Frame Rate (14-bit): 29.1 FPS @ 3040 x 2048
-
Maximum Frame Rate (8-bit): 58.6 FPS @ 3040 x 2048
-
Exposure Time Range: 0.1 ms – 3600 s
-
Gain Range: 1x – 100x
-
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
-
Data Interface: USB 3.0 / USB 2.0
-
Back Focus Distance: 12.5 mm (0.49 in) with CS-mount
-
Camera Dimensions: 37 mm Diameter, 72.4 mm Height (1.46 in Diameter x 2.85 in Height)
-
Weight: 70 g (2.47 oz)
-
Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Mac OS X, Linux
-
SDK Support: Native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, Twain
Mechanical Diagrams






Performance Curve Analysis




Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: China
ToupTek G3M Series Planetary Cameras
The planetary camera G3M178C adopts SONY STARVIS and Exmor R technologies, making it ideal for astronomical photography, microscopy, industrial vision, and more. Featuring an extremely low readout noise, high sensitivity, and a 14-bit ADC back-illuminated CMOS sensor, the G3M178C delivers high-resolution astronomical images with exceptional detail and color fidelity. The camera also includes an IR-cut filter to help ensure accurate color reproduction for planetary, lunar, and solar imaging applications.




Sony STARVIS & Exmor R Technology
G3M178C features Sony's advanced STARVIS and Exmor R technologies, delivering exceptional low-light sensitivity and high image quality. The back-illuminated sensor structure maximizes light collection efficiency, achieving over 81% quantum efficiency. With a sensitivity of 425mv at 1/30s, this camera excels in capturing faint celestial details even under challenging conditions.


High-Speed Data Transfer
With USB 3.0 connectivity, G3M178C delivers stable high-speed data transfer, achieving up to 58.6 FPS at full resolution in 8-bit mode. This high frame rate capability is essential for lucky imaging techniques, allowing you to capture hundreds or thousands of frames quickly to select and stack only the sharpest images affected least by atmospheric turbulence.


Ultra-Low Noise Performance
G3M178C achieves remarkably low read noise of just 1.4e⁻ at high gain settings, ensuring clean images even when pushing the camera's sensitivity limits. This exceptional noise performance, combined with the high full well capacity of 10.7ke⁻, provides an impressive dynamic range of 82dB, allowing you to capture both bright planetary features and subtle atmospheric details in a single exposure.


OAG Compatibility
The extended-length version supports OAGs from third-party brands ( when used with a guide camera). It's elongated design provides greater adjustable range while maintaining the original sensor flange distance.


Spectral Sensitivity
The G3M178C sensor offers excellent spectral response across the visible spectrum from 380-690nm (with IR-cut filter). The optimized color filter array ensures accurate color reproduction while maintaining high sensitivity, making it ideal for capturing the subtle hues of planetary features and lunar landscapes.


14-bit ADC & High Resolution
G3M178C features a native 14-bit ADC providing 16,384 levels of tonal gradation, ensuring smooth transitions and preserving subtle details in your astronomical images. With 6.2 megapixels (3040×2048 resolution), the camera captures fine planetary features and lunar craters with exceptional clarity. The camera also supports hardware ROI for increased frame rates when focusing on specific regions of interest.
Specifications
-
Sensor Model: Sony IMX178 Color Back-Illuminated CMOS
-
Sensor Size: 1/1.8-inch (8.92 mm / 0.35 in diagonal)
-
Image Area: 7.4 mm x 5.0 mm (0.29 in x 0.20 in)
-
Resolution: 6.2 Megapixels (3040 x 2048)
-
Pixel Size: 2.4 μm x 2.4 μm
-
ADC Bit Depth: 14-bit
-
Quantum Efficiency: > 81%
-
Full Well Capacity: 10.7ke
-
Read Noise: 1.4e to 2.2e
-
Dynamic Range: 82 dB
-
SNR Max: 40 dB
-
G Sensitivity: 425 mv with 1/30s
-
Spectral Range: 380–690 nm (with IR-cut filter)
-
Maximum Frame Rate (14-bit): 29.1 FPS @ 3040 x 2048
-
Maximum Frame Rate (8-bit): 58.6 FPS @ 3040 x 2048
-
Exposure Time Range: 0.1 ms – 3600 s
-
Gain Range: 1x – 100x
-
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
-
Data Interface: USB 3.0 / USB 2.0
-
Back Focus Distance: 12.5 mm (0.49 in) with CS-mount
-
Camera Dimensions: 37 mm Diameter, 72.4 mm Height (1.46 in Diameter x 2.85 in Height)
-
Weight: 70 g (2.47 oz)
-
Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Mac OS X, Linux
-
SDK Support: Native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, Twain
Mechanical Diagrams






Performance Curve Analysis




- 1x Camera Body
- 1x USB 3.0 Data Cable (2m, Type-A to Type-B)
- 1x ST4 Guide Cable (2m)
- 1x 1.25" Nosepiece
- 1x Quick Start Guide
- Sony IMX178 color CMOS sensor with STARVIS and Exmor R technology for sharp, detailed planetary imaging
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance with up to 58.6 FPS at full resolution in 8-bit mode
- Includes an IR-cut filter for accurate color reproduction during planetary, lunar, and solar imaging
- Extended-length is specifically desgined for compatibility with Off-Axis Guiders (OAGs). The shorter flange distance provides more back-focus adjustment space, making it much easier to achieve focus across a broader range of OAG
ToupTek G3M Series Planetary Cameras
The planetary camera G3M178C adopts SONY STARVIS and Exmor R technologies, making it ideal for astronomical photography, microscopy, industrial vision, and more. Featuring an extremely low readout noise, high sensitivity, and a 14-bit ADC back-illuminated CMOS sensor, the G3M178C delivers high-resolution astronomical images with exceptional detail and color fidelity. The camera also includes an IR-cut filter to help ensure accurate color reproduction for planetary, lunar, and solar imaging applications.




Sony STARVIS & Exmor R Technology
G3M178C features Sony's advanced STARVIS and Exmor R technologies, delivering exceptional low-light sensitivity and high image quality. The back-illuminated sensor structure maximizes light collection efficiency, achieving over 81% quantum efficiency. With a sensitivity of 425mv at 1/30s, this camera excels in capturing faint celestial details even under challenging conditions.


High-Speed Data Transfer
With USB 3.0 connectivity, G3M178C delivers stable high-speed data transfer, achieving up to 58.6 FPS at full resolution in 8-bit mode. This high frame rate capability is essential for lucky imaging techniques, allowing you to capture hundreds or thousands of frames quickly to select and stack only the sharpest images affected least by atmospheric turbulence.


Ultra-Low Noise Performance
G3M178C achieves remarkably low read noise of just 1.4e⁻ at high gain settings, ensuring clean images even when pushing the camera's sensitivity limits. This exceptional noise performance, combined with the high full well capacity of 10.7ke⁻, provides an impressive dynamic range of 82dB, allowing you to capture both bright planetary features and subtle atmospheric details in a single exposure.


OAG Compatibility
The extended-length version supports OAGs from third-party brands ( when used with a guide camera). It's elongated design provides greater adjustable range while maintaining the original sensor flange distance.


Spectral Sensitivity
The G3M178C sensor offers excellent spectral response across the visible spectrum from 380-690nm (with IR-cut filter). The optimized color filter array ensures accurate color reproduction while maintaining high sensitivity, making it ideal for capturing the subtle hues of planetary features and lunar landscapes.


14-bit ADC & High Resolution
G3M178C features a native 14-bit ADC providing 16,384 levels of tonal gradation, ensuring smooth transitions and preserving subtle details in your astronomical images. With 6.2 megapixels (3040×2048 resolution), the camera captures fine planetary features and lunar craters with exceptional clarity. The camera also supports hardware ROI for increased frame rates when focusing on specific regions of interest.
Specifications
-
Sensor Model: Sony IMX178 Color Back-Illuminated CMOS
-
Sensor Size: 1/1.8-inch (8.92 mm / 0.35 in diagonal)
-
Image Area: 7.4 mm x 5.0 mm (0.29 in x 0.20 in)
-
Resolution: 6.2 Megapixels (3040 x 2048)
-
Pixel Size: 2.4 μm x 2.4 μm
-
ADC Bit Depth: 14-bit
-
Quantum Efficiency: > 81%
-
Full Well Capacity: 10.7ke
-
Read Noise: 1.4e to 2.2e
-
Dynamic Range: 82 dB
-
SNR Max: 40 dB
-
G Sensitivity: 425 mv with 1/30s
-
Spectral Range: 380–690 nm (with IR-cut filter)
-
Maximum Frame Rate (14-bit): 29.1 FPS @ 3040 x 2048
-
Maximum Frame Rate (8-bit): 58.6 FPS @ 3040 x 2048
-
Exposure Time Range: 0.1 ms – 3600 s
-
Gain Range: 1x – 100x
-
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
-
Data Interface: USB 3.0 / USB 2.0
-
Back Focus Distance: 12.5 mm (0.49 in) with CS-mount
-
Camera Dimensions: 37 mm Diameter, 72.4 mm Height (1.46 in Diameter x 2.85 in Height)
-
Weight: 70 g (2.47 oz)
-
Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Mac OS X, Linux
-
SDK Support: Native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, Twain
Mechanical Diagrams






Performance Curve Analysis




Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: China
- 1x Camera Body
- 1x USB 3.0 Data Cable (2m, Type-A to Type-B)
- 1x ST4 Guide Cable (2m)
- 1x 1.25" Nosepiece
- 1x Quick Start Guide

ToupTek G3M178C Planetary Color Astronomy Camera - Extended Length Version
