Discover the wonders of the universe with the Altair Hypercam PRO TEC 183C Color CMOS Camera, equipped with 4 GB RAM for lightning-fast performance! Capture breathtaking celestial images with this cutting-edge astrophotography camera, featuring high-resolution color capabilities and advanced noise reduction technology. Unleash your astronomical creativity and explore the cosmos like never before. Elevate your stargazing experience with the power of Altair Hypercam PRO TEC 183C – your gateway to the stars!

NEW: Armoured case included at normal price!

NOTE: You will get either an EU Plug, UK Plug or USA Plug depending on shipping location.

The Hypercam 183C PRO TEC Cooled camera is the next step when it comes to astro-imaging, with the 20mp Sony IMX183 sensor, amp glow reduction and high sensitivity, for extremely smooth, detailed images. 

The IMX183 is one of the most sensitive Back Side Illuminated BSI sensors available, with very low read noise, suitable for both deepsky and solar system imaging with ROI.

The PRO TEC COOLED Version has the following features:

• Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) max -45C below ambient temperature*
• Temperature sensor, with data available in realtime.
• Heated optical window to prevent dewing and fogging.
• Internal, replaceable, rechargeable dessicant cartridge, plus one spare.
• Two extra USB2.0 ports and internal USB2.0 hub to connect filter wheel and guide camera.
• ROI (Region of Interest) for cropped higher speed solar, lunar and planetary imaging.
• 4K Mode (cropped).
• Binning.
• Amp glow reduction.
• * Separate 12v power supply included to power TEC with choice of USA, EU or UK Plug socket.

SPECIAL OFFER! FREE 1 YEAR SharpCap PRO License! Includes ultra-accurate polar alignment assist, deepsky CMOS exposure time optimisation assist, live stacking for EAA/Video astronomy, live darkframe and flat frame subtration.

Click here for more SC PRO features. Just download the latest SharpCap, connect your Altair Astro camera, and register your free SharpCap PRO license!  Download SharpCap 3.0+ now to take advantage of this special offer.

Easier than a DSLR and no "astro modding" required: Hypercam is much easier to use and focus than a DSLR, thanks to the live preview mode which shows uncompressed video at full resolution. You can see a tiny star-point clearly in real-time, because there is no video compression like with a DSLR video stream. Unlike a DSLR, there's no need to modify your camera to capture detail in red hydrogen wavelengths, because it has no red blocking filter in the way. There are no clumsy power connectors which drop out easily, no firmware to fight with your software, no mirror to lock up, and a "true" uncompressed RAW mode output. You get exactly what this Sony sensor "sees" from without alterations.

TEC cooling: Cooling reduces random thermal noise during long exposure imaging. The internal Thermoelectric cooling system (TEC) unit is controlled with your imaging apps, allowing you to set the temperature (which is recorded in the .FITs file header). The Hypercam is designed for consistent, reliable deepsky imaging at up to -45 below ambient temperature. For the IMX183 Sensor, the most appropriate cooling temperature at gain 400 is approx. 10/15°C Absolute, beyond which, no real gains are made.

Anti-fogging heated optical window. Every precaution has been taken to address the most common issues with cooled cameras. The optical window is warmed by special heaters to stop fogging and condensation at low temperatures. To inhibit sensor-frosting, the sensor chamber is sealed, and dry air purged during assembly in a special atmosphere. The sensor chamber has a replaceable stainless steel desiccant cartridge with spare. The dessicant cartridge can be recharged by placing it in an oven at 120C for a couple of hours after removing the mini O-ring.

Low read noise BSI sensor. The Sony IMX183 CMOS sensor is ExmorR rated, and Back Illuminated (BSI). BSI technology moves the sensor circuitry behind the pixel, so unlike conventional sensors the light path is not blocked, resulting in higher quantum efficiency than a traditional CCD sensor. Read noise is low, and there is no smear or blooming on bright stars.

Try deep-sky "lucky" imaging. The low read noise lets you stack shorter exposures to take advantage of the low read noise, reducing atmospheric aberrations and tracking errors or wind vibration. The more frames you stack, the smoother the image becomes, and the higher the cumulative dynamic range. In this way, long cumulative exposure times of many hours can be achieved with modest equipment. The result is a smoother, sharper image with more detail.

Video Astronomy/EAA Friendly. The Hypercam IMX183 sensor is not only desirable for Deepsky Imaging - it's also great for Video Astronomy or "EAA" Electronically Assisted Astronomy. All thanks to the 20mp resolution, high sensitivity, and amp glow reduction technology. What's more you can use the Live Stacking features in the AltairCapture software or SharpCap PRO. All-sky time-lapse imaging or video is easy with a DSLR lens and optional Hypercam Lens Adapters (product code: CLA-EOS or CLA-NIKON).

Specifications

ALTAIRH183C: SONY Exmor R BSI IMX183 Color CMOS sensor
Sensor Size: 5440 x 3648 active pixels in a 13.2mm x 8.8mm, 15.86mm diagonal array (16.05mm x 12.61mm physical sensor size). (Commonly referred to as 1" format).
Sensor QE / Quantum Efficiency: approx. 84% excluding Bayer filters
Readout: Progressive Scan
Shutter: Electronic Rolling Shutter
Exposure duration shortest/longest: 0.264 ms (0.000264 secs) / 5 secs (Video Mode)
0.264 ms (0.000264 secs) / 1000 secs (Trigger Mode)
Bit depth: 8bit & 12bit mode switchable
Pixel size microns: 2.4 x 2.4 um
Resolution in pixels: 5440x3648
Recording System: Still Picture and Video
Region of Interest (ROI) support: Yes
Approx. Max frame rates (assuming computer Bus operating at full bandwidth)*:
8bit mode:
5440x3648 17.5FPS
2736x1824 50FPS
1824x1216 60FPS
12bit mode:
Approx. 60% ~98% of above depending on host device.
* Based on average user reports. May be revised as we get more data. The shorter the exposure duration, the faster the frame rate. An expensive PC does not guarantee a fast frame rate because board architecture varies.

What's in the box?

Camera body with internal cooling fan, heat-sink, and front female M42x0.75mm T-Thread interface (17.5mm backfocus).
Onboard 2port powered USB 2.0 hub (USB3.0 input, 2x USB2.0 ports output).
12v Power supply for use in TEC mode (camera will work in fan mode without it too).
1.8m High-speed USB3.0 cable. (Camera is also USB2.0 compatible).
2" OD Nosepiece with standard 2" M48x0.75mm filter thread on the front. (code ALTAIRH-2IN).
Built-in UV-IR Blocking Filter, AR coatings. (Removable for sensor cleaning).
Silicon dust cap.
Included waterproof impact armour case with foam interior to hold camera and accessories.
Note: This camera does not come with software in the box. To operate the camera you will need to download the latest camera drivers at www.altairastro.help (opens new window)