Player One Astronomy
Apollo 428M MAX (IMX428) USB3.0 Mono Camera
Focus on Solar Imaging!
The Apollo 428M MAX is part of Player One’s world-first solar camera series, specifically designed for solar photography. Featuring Sony sensors with global shutters, the Apollo series delivers unparalleled performance for capturing high-quality solar images. With the powerful IMX428 1.1" monochrome sensor, this camera offers 4.5μm pixel size and 25Ke well depth—perfect for detailed solar imaging.
Power Supply Note: Power supply not included in the camera package. Purchase a high-quality 12V 5A power supply here.
Product Highlights:
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Sony Pregius 3rd Generation Technology: Provides high resolution and sensitivity, making it perfect for solar imaging and space object tracking.
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Large 1.1" Format Sensor: The IMX428 sensor offers almost twice the size of the classic IMX174 chip, delivering 4x resolution compared to the Apollo-M MAX.
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Multiple BIN Modes:
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MONO8 hardware BIN2: 10-bit ADC, up to 135 FPS, with well depth up to 100Ke.
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MONO16 hardware BIN2: 12-bit ADC, up to 109 FPS.
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MONO16 software BIN2: 14-bit data depth, up to 51 FPS.
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HCG Mode: Automatically activates at Gain ≥70, reducing readout noise to 2.4e and increasing dynamic range. At 450 gain, the readout noise drops to 1.4e.
No Banding Issues: IMX428’s smooth imaging eliminates row noise issues, common in other cameras like IMX174 or IMX178, ensuring seamless image quality without banding effects. Perfect for capturing solar details in any focal ratio or imaging scenario.
Active Cooling System (ACS): Designed for large-format planetary and solar cameras, ACS provides better temperature control, keeping the camera just 7°C above ambient temperature for efficient solar imaging in daylight.
Passive Cooling System: A built-in Passive Cooling System effectively dissipates heat from the global shutter sensor, ensuring reliable performance even in daylight imaging sessions.
256M DDR3 Cache: Player One cameras feature DDR3 cache to stabilize data transmission and reduce readout noise, allowing the camera to perform optimally, even when connected to USB 2.0.
DPS Technology (Dead Pixel Suppression): The DPS technology analyzes dark frames to suppress dead pixels by using surrounding active pixels for a median value, ensuring clean, high-quality images.
USB3.0 Data Port: Supports high-speed data transmission up to 51 FPS in 12-bit RAW16 mode, making it perfect for real-time solar imaging. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to use a high-quality solid-state drive.
Sensor Tilt Plate: The 2nd Gen Sensor Tilt Plate allows users to adjust for field curvature, eliminating Newton rings for a smoother solar image.
Safety Features: Equipped with overvoltage and overcurrent protection mechanisms, the Apollo 428M MAX ensures the safety of your camera and equipment.
Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, the Apollo 428M MAX brings unparalleled precision and quality to your solar imaging sessions!
Specifications
Software and Docs
For detailed drivers, manuals, and tutorials:
