QHYCCD 5III678M Monochrome Astronomy Camera


Overview
Extended Near Infrared Sensitivity
The latest generation of sensors, such as the Sony IMX462 used in the QHY5III462 camera, features a physically deeper photodiode pixel well. This design allows photons with longer wavelengths, particularly red and near-infrared (NIR) light, to penetrate further into the substrate. As a result, the sensor demonstrates significantly enhanced sensitivity to both visible and NIR light, achieving nearly equal peak quantum efficiency in both ranges. This makes it especially useful for planetary imaging applications, including those using methane filters around 880nm.
QHY5III Series V2 Introduction
512MB DDR3 Buffer

The QHY5III (Ver. 2) series cameras come equipped with a substantial 512MB DDR3 image buffer. This memory significantly reduces the load on computer transmission during planetary imaging, where rapid data handling is crucial. Compared to some deep-sky astrophotography cameras on the market that only offer 256MB, this represents a notable performance upgrade.
New Front-End Design with Improved Compatibility

The QHY5III (Ver. 2) series features a redesigned front-end with enhanced compatibility. While the QHY5III200M is often cited as an example, all V2 cameras share this design approach.

The back focal length (BFL) is only 8mm, enabling easy compatibility with off-axis guiders (OAGs). The included top adapter has standard 1.25-inch filter threads, and the top glass can be easily swapped.

One key advantage of the replaceable top glass is the flexibility it offers when using lenses. Users can attach a 1.25-inch to CS adapter for CS-mount lenses or a second adapter to accommodate C-mount lenses. Both adapters are standard with all V2 cameras.

Additionally, a 1.25-inch filter wheel adapter is available to connect mono planetary cameras with the QHYCFW3-S filter wheel.
USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C Interface
The entire QHY5III (Ver. 2) lineup utilizes the USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C interface, replacing the older USB 3.0 Type-B port. The Type-C interface offers improved durability and greater flexibility. However, due to the wide availability of subpar Type-C cables, it is highly recommended to use the official QHYCCD Type-C cable. If a third-party cable is used, it should be of verified high quality to avoid malfunction.
Universal Guiding Interface
The custom guide interfaces used in earlier QHY planetary and guiding cameras have been replaced with a standard ST-4 compatible port. This change allows users to source inexpensive replacement guiding cables easily, eliminating the concern of proprietary connectors.
Indicator LED
All QHY5III (Ver. 2) cameras are equipped with a multi-color status indicator LED on the rear of the body. During normal operation, the indicator remains off, ensuring no stray light contaminates imaging. In abnormal conditions, the LED lights up in different colors to help users quickly identify the issue.
QHY5III678M/C Specifications 
| Specification |
Details |
| Model |
QHY5III678M/C |
| Image Sensor |
Sony IMX678 |
| Mono/Color Options |
Both Available (Mono & Color) |
| Sensor Technology |
BSI (Back-Illuminated) |
| Sensor Size |
1/1.8 inch |
| Pixel Size |
2.0μm × 2.0μm |
| Effective Resolution |
3856 × 2180 (8.4 Megapixels) |
| Full Well Capacity |
9 ke⁻ |
| Read Noise |
0.57 e⁻ to 3.3 e⁻ |
| A/D Conversion |
12-bit (Output as 16-bit & 8-bit) |
| Built-in Image Buffer |
512MB DDR3 Memory |
| Full Frame Rate |
43 FPS @ 8-bit, 22 FPS @ 16-bit |
| ROI Frame Rates |
• 1080 lines: 85 FPS @ 8-bit, 43.5 FPS @ 16-bit
• 640 lines: 140 FPS @ 8-bit, 71 FPS @ 16-bit
|
| Exposure Time Range |
11 μs – 900 sec |
| Shutter Type |
Electronic Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface |
USB 3.0 Type-C |
| Guide Port |
Standard ST-4 |
| Telescope Interface |
1.25", CS and C-Mount |
| Optical Window |
AR Coated Glass (Mono), IR-Cut (Color) |
| Extra Filter |
IR850nm Filter Included |
| Back Focal Length |
17 mm (with adapter), 8 mm (without) |
| Weight |
90 g |
Curves 




Mechanical Dimensions

Accessories
