ToupTek G3M178M Planetary Monochrome Astronomy Camera - Extended Length Version
- This item is currently on backorder from the manufacturer.
- Orders are fulfilled in the order they are received once inventory arrives.
Stock count is accurate & shown in real time.
- This item is out of stock.
- Sign up for back-in-stock alerts to be notified when this item becomes available (account login required).
- This item is out of stock.
- Sign up for back-in-stock alerts to be notified when this item becomes available (account login required).
Contiguous US / Lower 48:
Free shipping applies to orders over $50 using our chosen carrier/method. Faster paid options are available at checkout.
Alaska, Hawaii & US Territories:
Free shipping applies to many—but not all—products. Enter your ZIP code in cart or upon checkout to confirm options and costs.
International:
International orders do not qualify for free shipping. Shipping, duties, brokerage, tariffs, and taxes are the customer’s responsibility. Some items may be restricted due to export, size, or manufacturer limitations.
- Sony IMX178 mono 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
- AR (Anti-Reflection) protective glass to maximize light transmission
- 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 and guiding camera G3M178M adopts SONY STARVIS 2 and Exmor R back-illuminated technologies, making it ideal for high-resolution astronomical photography, auto-guiding, and microscopy. Featuring an extremely low readout noise, high sensitivity, and a 14-bit ADC, the G3M178M delivers exceptional deep-sky, lunar, and planetary detail. By eliminating the Bayer color filter array, this monochrome sensor achieves 100% pixel utilization for maximum resolution and sharpness. The camera also includes a high-transmission AR-coated protective window to ensure maximum light throughput across the entire spectral range.
Sony STARVIS & Exmor R Technology
G3M178M 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, G3M178M 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
G3M178M 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.
14-bit ADC & High Resolution
G3M178M 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 Mono 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: 380–1100 nm (Monochrome spectrum without built-in IR-cut filter color balancing)
-
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 x 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 and guiding camera G3M178M adopts SONY STARVIS 2 and Exmor R back-illuminated technologies, making it ideal for high-resolution astronomical photography, auto-guiding, and microscopy. Featuring an extremely low readout noise, high sensitivity, and a 14-bit ADC, the G3M178M delivers exceptional deep-sky, lunar, and planetary detail. By eliminating the Bayer color filter array, this monochrome sensor achieves 100% pixel utilization for maximum resolution and sharpness. The camera also includes a high-transmission AR-coated protective window to ensure maximum light throughput across the entire spectral range.
Sony STARVIS & Exmor R Technology
G3M178M 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, G3M178M 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
G3M178M 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.
14-bit ADC & High Resolution
G3M178M 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 Mono 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: 380–1100 nm (Monochrome spectrum without built-in IR-cut filter color balancing)
-
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 x 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 mono 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
- AR (Anti-Reflection) protective glass to maximize light transmission
- 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 and guiding camera G3M178M adopts SONY STARVIS 2 and Exmor R back-illuminated technologies, making it ideal for high-resolution astronomical photography, auto-guiding, and microscopy. Featuring an extremely low readout noise, high sensitivity, and a 14-bit ADC, the G3M178M delivers exceptional deep-sky, lunar, and planetary detail. By eliminating the Bayer color filter array, this monochrome sensor achieves 100% pixel utilization for maximum resolution and sharpness. The camera also includes a high-transmission AR-coated protective window to ensure maximum light throughput across the entire spectral range.
Sony STARVIS & Exmor R Technology
G3M178M 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, G3M178M 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
G3M178M 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.
14-bit ADC & High Resolution
G3M178M 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 Mono 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: 380–1100 nm (Monochrome spectrum without built-in IR-cut filter color balancing)
-
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 x 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 G3M178M Planetary Monochrome Astronomy Camera - Extended Length Version