Altair Hypercam 183C PRO Colour Astronomy Imaging Camera

Further details

Easier than a DSLR and no "astro modding" required:
The Hypercam 183c pro is much easier to use and focus than a DSLR camera, thanks to the live preview mode in AltairCapture and SharpCap software. You can see a tiny star clearly in real-time, because there is no video compression. 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, no mirror to lock up, and a "true" RAW mode output. You get what this Sony sensor sees uncompromised by features you do not need or want for dedicated astro-imaging..

The PRO Version has the following features:
4GB DDR3 RAM Memory Buffer for better performance with mini-PCs
Temperature sensor, with data available in realtime
ROI (Region of Interest) for cropped higher speed solar, lunar and planetary imaging.
4K Mode (cropped).
Binning.
Amp glow reduction.
Fan-cooled on-sensor internal heatsink, powered though USB cable, so no 12v power supply required.

Temperature sensor which writes the temperature on the .FITS file and is available in realtime through ASCOM / AltairCapture and SharpCap PRO (free with camera)

4K High resolution mode compatible with 4K Television (cropped)

ROI Region of Interest for high speed solar, lunar and planetary imaging by using part of the sensor

Why buy an Altair camera with so many brands out there?
Altair cameras boast many unique features that set them apart from competing brands, a dedicated user group with unrivalled support backed by constantly evolving software and drivers. Superior construction with a CNC machined body designed for cooling and precise optical alignment. A particularly relevant difference is the USB socket, Altair cameras use an industry standard robust socket that is both secure and reliable unlike micro USB phone type sockets that are notoriously troublesome

SPECIAL OFFER
FREE 1 YEAR SharpCap PRO License with all Altair Hypercam Cameras! Just download the latest SharpCap, connect your camera, register when the screen pops up and sign up for your free license. Sharpcap PRO has the amazingly accurate guidescope polar alignment routine, focus assistance, live flat field subtraction and many more great features to make deepsky, EAA or solar system imaging that much easier

Low read noise.
The Sony IMX183 CMOS sensor has very low read noise, wide dynamic range, and high sensitivity. The IMX183 ExmorR rated Back Illuminated Sensor has high-sensitivty, low dark current, no smear, and excellent anti-blooming charateristics. BSI technology moves the sensor circuitry behind the pixel, so unlike conventional sensors the light path is not blocked, resulting in higher efficiency.

Try deep-sky "lucky" imaging.
Short exposures stacked take advantage of high resolution sensors with 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 dymanic range. Long cumulative exposure times of many hours can be achieved with modest equipment. The result is a smoother, sharper image, while suppressing any residual amp glow.

Great for refractors.
With a pixel size of 2.4um, and a sensor size of 16.05 x 12.61mm, the Hypercam IMX183C is best suited for imaging at F7 or faster speeds, and performs extremely well an Altair refractor, and say an 0.8sx focal reducer.

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. Time-lapse all-sky imaging or video is easy with a DSLR lens and optional Hypercam Lens Adapters (product code: CLA-EOS or CLA-NIKON).

To sum it up, the most desirable features of the Hypercam IMX183 camera are:

1" diagonal (15.86mm) SONY Exmor R Back Side Illuminated IMX183 Color CMOS sensor

20mp resolution with 5440 x 3648 active pixels in a 16.05mm x 12.61mm array

Extremely low read noise enabling deepsky lucky imaging and very smooth image quality.

Amp glow reduction technology onboard reduces amp glow, reduces noise, and increases contrast.

High Dynamic Range with 12 bit ADC to 16bit output .FITS files in RAW mode, for beautiful deepsky images.

Pure RAW mode and "digital" RGB output modes for better post processing:
The Hypercam sensor ADC can 12bit RAW files, which are stretched to 16 bit. In RAW mode analog (on-sensor) gain is used for ultra low read-noise images. Because the output is completely "RAW" in analog mode, there is no partial "downstream digitial" processing like with a DSLR or other cheaper Chinese cameras of similar design, resulting in true RAW mode for the best deepsky performance. True RAW mode allows greater flexibility and consistency in processing large stacks of frames for deepsky "lucky" imaging, where the camera's low read noise can be taken advantage of. Either .FITS image or .SER video files are captured in their purest form for later processing in your software of choice. Of course for Video Astronomy / EAA use, you can select RGB Mode and capture .AVI files, or just view the screen with full access to white balance, gamma, contrast and histogram controls, just like any other camera.

USB3.0 speed and USB2.0 reliability:
USB3.0 and on-board memory buffering give much faster transfer speeds than USB2.0 cameras, however, if like most imagers, you prefer to use longer and more flexible USB2.0 cables for better tracking and reliability with a USB2.0 hub, no problem! The Hypercam is completely compatible with USB2.0 protocol. Just install the software, and off you go!

Wide operating system and USB compatibility:
Although the Hypercam is a USB3.0 camera, it is also fully compatible with USB2.0 ports when a longer cable and less speed are required, for example in deepsky or video astronomy using the live stacking features in AltairCapture or Sharpcap. Windows 7 to Windows 10 software is widely supported by AltairCapture in 64bit mode (see technical info for details).

Autoguiding:
The camera has an ST4 auto-guiding port, and can be used to auto-guide with mounts from all the major manufacturers supporting ST4 format, including iOptron, Celestron and Skywatcher. The IMX183 is more than sensitive enough for autoguiding.

Fan cooling:
The Hypercam is cooled with and internal low vibration fan. The fan can be switched on or off and the speed controlled in AltairCapture and SharpCap. Cool air is drawn in through the vents at the side of the casing, over a large internal heat-sink. The heat-sink is connected directly with the sensor board just like a computer CPU. The free flow of air through the casing cools not only the sensor, but all the internal electronics boards. Cooling is especially desirable for long exposure imaging to reduce thermal noise. Some camera casings get uncomfortably hot during a solar imaging session, and the sensor can reach around 60 or even 70 degrees. This can cause the electronics to become glitchy and unreliable. The Hypercam is designed for consistent, reliable solar imaging with a solar filter and diagonal or Altair Solar Wedge. With the fan running, the Hypercam casing will always remain cool.

Included in the box:
Camera body with internal cooling fan, heat-sink, and front female M42x0.75mm T-Thread interface (17.5mm backfocus).
1.8m High-speed USB3.0 cable.
1.5m ST4 guide cable.
2" OD Nosepiece with standard 2" M48x0.75mm filter thread on the front. (code ALTAIRH-2IN).
C-Mount insert ring (for C-Mount lenses requiring 17.5mm back-focus) is included.
Built-in UV-IR Blocking Filter, AR coatings. (Removable for sensor cleaning).
Plastic screw-on dust cap.
Allen key for removing the C-Thread insert.
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 cameras.altairastro.com (opens new window)

Sensor & performance specifications:
ALTAIRH183C: SONY Exmor R BSI IMX183 Color CMOS sensor
Sensor Size: 1" diagonal (15.86mm)
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
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

Software & OS support:
Drivers & AltairCapture software download Download Altair Camera Drivers Here
Driver support: PHD2, AltairCapture, SharpCap
AltairCapture OS support: Win XP 32bit / Vista/ 7/ 8/ 10 (32 & 64 bit)
NOTE: Windows 10 is recommended for best USB performance, with 2013 or later USB host controller v1.0 or later.
SharpCap (a 3rd party application) is also fully supported and tested with native drivers.
USB Port & Cable: 3.0 USB Cable, 1.8m cable (USB2.0 also supported at low frame rates).
ST4 Port
Windows PC Hardware Requirements for best performance:
Minimum CPU: Equal to i5 or Higher
Minimum Memory: 8GB or More
USB port: USB2.0 High-speed Port or USB3.0 High-speed Port (best performance).
Please note: Some laptops and touchscreen notebooks may not have adequate USB throughput.


Please Download Altair Camera Drivers Here Before plugging in the camera

Delivery charge £5.95

Reviews

  WOW!! GREAT CAMERA. THANK YOU   BEING NEW AT ASTRO PHOTOGRAPHY , SOUGHT ADVICE FROM HARRISONS FOR A GOOD QUALITY CMOS CAMAMERA FOR MY NEWLY AQUIRED MEADE LX90. FIRST NIGHT OUT AND THIS CAMERA HAS NOT ONLY GIVEN ME GREAT SHOTS OF THE MOON & MARS BUT A STUNING IMAGE OF THE ORION NEBULA , SOMTHING I DID NOT EXPECT ON FIRST ATTEMPT.  (29/12/2020) MARK - MERSEYSIDE

  Altair 183C pro  Haven’t used it much so far due to weather, of the photos I’ve taken I’m very impressed with, can’t wait to have more time and better weather conditions. This is much better than my DSLR. Great service from Harrison’s, Thanks guys.   (10/10/2019) John - Scotland

    Quick delivery,great advice,superb camera. Thank you Harrison telescopes. Martin.   (15/12/2017) martin - wolverhampton

  Quick Repsonse  Very happy with the product and the service, I did email other sites but was amazed they didn't respond. Ed replied straight away and answered several queries just as quickly. Camera came a few days later just in time for a break in the clouds!   (03/12/2017) Gordon - Derby

  Well Made - good value  The Camera is well made and feels quality with is all metal housing. Easy to setup and start capturing images using Sharpcap. I have been using the camera for 2 months. My DSO images are getting better with each session as I become familiar with the software and processes.   (18/08/2017) Neil L - Bridgend, South Wales

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