QHY268M-PH Monochrome Cooled Astronomy Camera
Available on backorder
Key Features
- Sony IMX571 Back-Illuminated (BSI) Monochrome CMOS Sensor
- 26 Megapixel APS-C Sensor
- Native 16-bit ADC with High Quantum Efficiency BSI Technology
- Ultra-Low Read Noise and High Full-Well Capacity
- Dual-Stage TEC Cooling System
- Zero Amplifier Glow Technology
- 1GB DDR3 Image Buffer Memory
- Built-In Anti-Dew Heater & Humidity Sensor
- USB 3.0 High-Speed Interface
- Optimized for LRGB and Narrowband Imaging
- Professional Deep-Sky Imaging Camera
Description
QHYCCD QHY268M-PH Monochrome Cooled Astronomy Camera
The QHYCCD QHY268M-PH is a professional monochrome cooled astronomy camera designed for advanced deep-sky astrophotography. Combining the highly sensitive Sony IMX571 back-illuminated (BSI) APS-C CMOS sensor with QHYCCD’s advanced cooling technology, true 16-bit ADC, ultra-low read noise, and zero amplifier glow, the QHY268M-PH delivers exceptional image quality for demanding astronomical imaging projects.
With 26 megapixels, 3.76 μm pixels, and a 23.5 × 15.7 mm APS-C sensor, this camera offers an excellent balance between resolution, sensitivity, field of view, and telescope compatibility. It is an ideal choice for astrophotographers who want professional monochrome performance but do not necessarily require a full-frame sensor like the QHY600PH-M.
Sony IMX571 Back-Illuminated Monochrome Sensor
At the heart of the QHY268M-PH is the Sony IMX571 monochrome BSI CMOS sensor, one of the most respected sensors used in modern astronomical cameras.
The APS-C format sensor measures approximately 23.5 × 15.7 mm and provides 26 megapixels of resolution, with an effective resolution of approximately 6252 × 4176 pixels. The relatively small 3.76 μm pixel size provides excellent sampling performance with a wide range of telescopes and focal lengths. The APS-C format provides a generous field of view while avoiding some of the challenges of illuminating very large full-frame sensors. This makes the QHY268M-PH compatible with a wide variety of refractors, reflectors, and astrographs.
Why a Monochrome Camera?
The QHY268M-PH uses a monochrome sensor, meaning it does not have a built-in Bayer color filter array like conventional color cameras.
This design provides several advantages for serious astrophotography:
- Higher sensitivity because every pixel can capture all incoming wavelengths.
- Better performance with narrowband filters.
- Greater flexibility in image processing.
- Superior control over individual color channels.
When combined with a motorized filter wheel and LRGB filters, the camera can capture separate luminance, red, green, and blue channels to produce highly detailed color images.
It is also ideal for narrowband astrophotography using filters such as:
- H-alpha
- OIII
- SII
These filters allow astrophotographers to reveal faint structures in emission nebulae that are difficult or impossible to capture with ordinary color cameras.
Native 16-Bit ADC for Smooth Image Processing
One of the major advantages of the Sony IMX571 sensor is its native 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion.
Unlike many cameras using lower-bit ADC systems, the QHY268M-PH can record 65,536 levels of grayscale information, providing smoother tonal transitions and greater flexibility when stretching images during post-processing. This is particularly important for deep-sky imaging, where very weak signals from distant galaxies and nebulae must often be strongly enhanced during processing.
High Quantum Efficiency and Low Noise Performance
The backside-illuminated (BSI) design improves the sensor’s ability to collect incoming photons by placing the light-sensitive area closer to the incoming light. Combined with very low read noise of approximately 1.1–3.5 electrons, the QHY268M-PH can capture extremely faint astronomical details while maintaining excellent signal quality.
This makes it especially suitable for:
- Faint nebulae
- Distant galaxies
- Narrowband imaging
- Long-exposure deep-sky photography
High Full-Well Capacity and Wide Dynamic Range
The QHY268M-PH provides a high full-well capacity of more than 51,000 electrons in standard mode and up to approximately 80,000 electrons in Extended Full Well Mode.
A larger full-well capacity allows the camera to capture a wider range of brightness levels before pixels become saturated.
This is useful when photographing objects containing both very bright and very faint details, such as:
- Galaxy cores surrounded by faint outer structures
- Bright stars within nebulae
- High dynamic range astronomical scenes
Advanced Cooling System
Long-exposure astrophotography requires precise temperature control to reduce thermal noise.
The QHY268M-PH features a two-stage TEC cooling system capable of reducing the sensor temperature by approximately 35°C below ambient temperature during long exposures.
By lowering the sensor temperature, the camera significantly reduces dark current and thermal noise, allowing cleaner images and more consistent calibration frames.
Zero Amplifier Glow Technology
The QHY268M-PH incorporates Zero Amplifier Glow technology, eliminating unwanted bright patterns that can appear in some CMOS cameras during long exposures.
This is especially valuable for deep-sky imaging, where exposures of several minutes are common and even small artifacts can affect image quality.
2CMS Advanced Readout Modes
QHYCCD has included its advanced 2CMS readout technology in the QHY268M-PH.
These modes allow the camera to optimize performance according to the imaging target by balancing:
- Lower read noise
- Higher dynamic range
- Increased sensitivity
This flexibility allows astrophotographers to select the most suitable camera mode depending on the object being photographed and the imaging conditions.
1GB DDR3 Internal Buffer Memory
The QHY268M-PH includes 1GB DDR3 image buffer memory to improve data transfer stability.
The large buffer helps manage the high data output from the 26MP sensor and reduces interruptions during imaging sessions, especially when capturing many exposures in sequence. Images are transferred through a high-speed USB 3.0 interface for reliable operation.
Anti-Dew Protection and Optical Window
The camera includes a built-in anti-dew heater to help prevent condensation on the optical window during cold and humid nights. The optical window features a high-quality AR+AR multi-layer anti-reflection coating, which improves light transmission and minimizes unwanted reflections.
Designed for LRGB and Narrowband Astrophotography
The QHY268M-PH is designed for astrophotographers who want maximum control over their imaging workflow.
A typical advanced setup includes:
- QHY268M-PH camera
- Motorized filter wheel
- LRGB filters
- Narrowband filters (H-alpha, OIII, SII)
- Accurate equatorial mount
- Dedicated astrophotography telescope
With this combination, users can create highly detailed images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
What Is the QHY268M-PH Used For?
The QHY268M-PH is primarily designed for deep-sky astrophotography, including:
- Galaxies
- Emission nebulae
- Reflection nebulae
- Planetary nebulae
- Star clusters
- Wide-field deep-sky imaging
- LRGB imaging
- Narrowband imaging
It can also be used for advanced astronomical research applications where high-quality monochrome imaging is required.
Who Should Buy the QHY268M-PH?
The QHY268M-PH is designed for experienced astrophotographers and serious enthusiasts who want to build a high-quality imaging system.
It is an excellent choice for users who:
- Want the advantages of a monochrome camera.
- Plan to use LRGB or narrowband filters.
- Need active cooling for long exposures.
- Want professional image quality without moving to a larger and more expensive full-frame camera.
- Own a telescope system well suited to an APS-C sensor.
Compared with the QHY600PH-M, the QHY268M-PH uses a smaller APS-C sensor and lower resolution, but it offers a more compact and affordable solution while retaining many professional features.
A Powerful APS-C Camera for Serious Astrophotography
The QHYCCD QHY268M-PH combines the performance of the Sony IMX571 monochrome BSI sensor with QHYCCD’s advanced cooling, electronics, and imaging technologies.
Its combination of 26MP resolution, true 16-bit output, ultra-low noise, high dynamic range, zero amplifier glow, and excellent narrowband capability makes it a powerful tool for capturing detailed images of the universe.
For astrophotographers looking for a professional monochrome camera that offers outstanding performance, compatibility, and value, the QHY268M-PH is an excellent foundation for an advanced deep-sky imaging system.
Key Features of QHYCCD QHY268M-PH Monochrome Cooled Astronomy Camera
- Sony IMX571 Back-Illuminated (BSI) Monochrome CMOS Sensor – Provides excellent sensitivity, low noise, and high dynamic range for professional deep-sky astrophotography.
- 26 Megapixel APS-C Sensor – Features a 23.5 × 15.7 mm imaging area with 3.76 μm pixels, offering an excellent balance between resolution and sensitivity.
- Native 16-bit ADC – Delivers 65,536 levels of grayscale for smooth tonal transitions and maximum flexibility during image processing.
- High Quantum Efficiency BSI Technology – The backside-illuminated sensor improves photon collection efficiency, making it ideal for capturing faint astronomical targets.
- Ultra-Low Read Noise – Achieves read noise as low as approximately 1.1 e⁻, allowing the camera to record very weak signals from deep-sky objects.
- High Full-Well Capacity – Provides more than 51,000 electrons in standard mode and over 80,000 electrons in Extended Full Well Mode for excellent dynamic range.
- Dual-Stage TEC Cooling System – Reduces sensor temperature up to approximately 35°C below ambient, minimizing thermal noise during long exposures.
- Zero Amplifier Glow Technology – Eliminates unwanted amplifier glow during long-exposure imaging for cleaner astrophotography results.
- 1GB DDR3 Image Buffer Memory – Ensures stable high-speed data transfer and smoother image acquisition with the 26MP sensor.
- Advanced Readout Modes (2CMS Technology) – Provides different operating modes to optimize between low noise, high dynamic range, and sensitivity.
- True RAW Image Output – Provides unprocessed sensor data for maximum flexibility in professional astrophotography and scientific imaging workflows.
- Electronic Rolling Shutter – Provides reliable operation for long-exposure astronomical imaging.
- Built-In Anti-Dew Heater & Humidity Sensor – Helps prevent condensation and protects the sensor chamber from moisture. (Humidity sensor available on QHY268M.)
- AR+AR Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Optical Window – Improves light transmission and reduces unwanted reflections.
- USB 3.0 High-Speed Interface – Enables fast transfer of high-resolution astronomical images.
- M54/M48 Telescope Connection Support – Compatible with various telescope imaging systems using appropriate adapters.
- Optimized for LRGB and Narrowband Imaging – The monochrome sensor is ideal for use with filter wheels and LRGB, H-alpha, OIII, and SII filters.
- Professional Deep-Sky Imaging Camera – Designed for capturing galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and other faint astronomical objects.
Mechanical Dimensions
| Model | QHY268M/C PH |
| CMOS Sensor | SONY IMX571 |
| Mono/Color | Both Available |
| FSI/BSI | BSI |
| Pixel Size | 3.76μm*3.76μm |
| Effective Pixel Area | 6252*4176 |
| Total Pixel Area | 6280*4210 (include optical black area and overscan area) |
| Effective Pixels | 26 Megapixels |
| Sensor Size | APS-C |
| A/D | Native 16-bit (0-65535 greyscale) A/D |
| Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) | Standard Mode 51ke- Extended Full Well Mode 80ke- |
| Frame Rates | Full Resolution:
6.8FPS@8bit, 6FPS@16bit in 12 bit High Speed Mode: 8-bit, (12-bit out), 14.5fps max ROI: 2048lines, 13.6FPS@8bit, 11.5FPS@16bit |
| Readout Noise | 1.1e- to 3.5e- (5.3e- to 7.4e- in Extended Full Well Mode) |
| Dark Current | 0.0005 e-/pixel/sec@-20℃， 0.001 e-/pixel/sec@-10℃ |
| Exposure Time Range | 30μs-3600sec |
| Recommend Gain* | 30 (PH Mode, or Extended Full Well Mode) 56 (High Gain Mode) *Learn more at the introduction of “Readout Modes”. |
| Amp Control | Zero Amplifer Glow |
| Shutter Type | Electronic Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 |
| Built-in Image Buffer | 1GB DDR3 Memory Buffer |
| Cooling System | Dual Stage TEC cooler: – Long exposures (> 1 second) typically -35℃ below ambient – Short exposure (< 1second) high FPS, typically -30℃ below ambient（Test temperature +20℃） |
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating |
| Telescope Interface | Support M54 or M48 (Combined with adapters ) |
| Back Focal Length | 14.5mm（±0.2） |
| Anti-Dew Heater | Available |
| Humidity Sensor | Available in QHY268M only |
| Firmware/FPGA remote Upgrade | Available via Camera USB port |
| Weight | 810g |
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