The QHY5III715C is a high-resolution, back-illuminated color astronomy camera engineered with extremely low read noise. Its 1/2.8-inch format sensor provides stunning 4K resolution, featuring 1.45μm pixels. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for use with compact, short focal length refractors.
As part of the QHY5III Series Version 2 lineup, the 715C integrates all the latest improvements and technological enhancements of this camera generation.
The QHY5III715C offers ultra-high definition performance through its advanced back-illuminated color sensor and ultra-low read noise. Sharing the same sensor format (1/2.8”) as the QHY5III462C, this model stands out with a 4x pixel increase—delivering full 4K resolution with minute 1.45μm pixel size.
This configuration makes the QHY5III715C an ideal companion for small-aperture, wide-field refractors. Thanks to the small pixel size, users can achieve sub-arcsecond image scales with telescopes as short as 300mm (12 inches) in focal length. Furthermore, the camera is built upon the upgraded QHY5III Series Ver. 2 architecture (details below).
This latest sensor generation features deeper photodiode wells, enabling longer wavelengths (especially red and near-infrared) to penetrate deeper into the silicon, dramatically boosting NIR sensitivity. This results in nearly equal response in both visible and NIR bands.
All planetary and guiding cameras in the QHY5III (Version 2) lineup come equipped with a 512MB DDR3 image buffer. This feature significantly reduces data transfer load on the connected computer—especially beneficial during planetary imaging sessions where high data volumes must be written quickly. By contrast, many currently available deep-sky imaging cameras offer only 256MB of onboard memory.
Thus, the inclusion of 512MB DDR3 RAM in the latest 5III (Version 2) models marks a considerable improvement in performance.
The front-end assembly of the Ver. 2 cameras has been completely reworked for broader compatibility. Although illustrated using the QHY5III200M, this modular front-end is consistent across all Ver. 2 cameras.
With an ultra-short 8mm back focal length (BFL), users can easily integrate the camera with Off-Axis Guiders (OAGs). The default top adapter supports standard 1.25-inch threading and accommodates 1.25-inch filters.
In addition, the camera’s protective window is user-replaceable. This feature allows filter installation even when pairing the camera with a lens. Users can add a 1.25”-to-CS adapter for CS-mount lenses or stack a CS-to-C adapter to support C-mount lenses. Both adapters are included by default with Ver. 2 cameras.
Also available is a 1.25-inch filter wheel adapter, ideal for combining mono planetary cams with the QHYCFW3-S filter wheel.
All QHY5III Ver. 2 cameras now come equipped with the USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C port. Compared to the older USB 3.0 Type-B connector, the Type-C standard offers a longer lifespan and more flexible connectivity options.
Replacing the proprietary connectors used in previous models, all Ver. 2 cameras now include a standard ST-4 compatible guide port. This upgrade makes it easier and cheaper to source replacement guiding cables if the original one is lost or damaged.
The Ver. 2 series now includes a multi-color LED indicator on the rear panel. During standard operation, the LED remains off, eliminating stray light. If the camera experiences an issue, the LED illuminates in specific colors to help identify the problem.
Saturn
Captured by: Michael Wong
Equipment Used: QHY5III715C Camera + Celestron EdgeHD 14”
【Moon – First Light with QHY5III715C】
Photographer: 飞翔的荷兰者
Telescope: Celestron C8HD
Camera: QHY5III715C
Frames Captured: 2000
Exposure Time: 6ms per frame
Stacked Percentage: 37%
【AR3282 on the Solar Photosphere】
Imaging by: Lu Yue & Guo Chenyang
Camera: QHY5III715C
Telescope: Sharpstar 107PH APO
Additional Optics: Herschel Wedge
Technical Specifications
Specification
Details
Model
QHY5III715C
Sensor
Sony IMX715 (Color, BSI)
Sensor Size
5.6mm × 3.2mm
Pixel Size
1.45μm × 1.45μm
Resolution
3840 × 2192 (8.4 Megapixels)
Full Well Capacity
5.7 ke-
Read Noise
0.87e⁻ – 2.17e⁻
A/D Conversion
12-bit (Output as 16-bit and 8-bit)
Built-in Buffer
512MB DDR3 Memory
Full Frame Rate
42 FPS @ 8-bit, 23 FPS @ 16-bit
ROI Frame Rate
1920 Lines: 83 FPS @ 8-bit, 47 FPS @ 16-bit
640 Lines: 99 FPS @ 8-bit, 99 FPS @ 16-bit
Exposure Time
11μs – 900 sec
Shutter Type
Electronic Rolling Shutter
Computer Interface
USB 3.0 Type-C
Guide Port
ST-4 Standard
Telescope Interface
1.25", CS-Mount, C-Mount
Optical Window
AR-Coated Glass
Extra Filter
Not Included
Back Focal Length
17mm (with adapter), 8mm (without adapter)
Weight
90g
Curves
