QHYCCD QHY5111462C colour camera

Impressively premium sensor sophistication in a pocket-sized package

- CHRIS GRIMMER

Weighing in at under 100g, the QHY5|||462C is a colour planetary camera that is also available as W a mono version. It is certainly one of the more compact cameras in QHYCCD's collection, but this mini camera comes with some big features. Arriving in a single box, the QHY5|1|1462C was nestled in a neat metal box not unlike an old-fashioned biscuit tin. Within, we found it well-secured in thick padded foam, with accessories including adaptors and filters stored snugly underneath. Inspecting the camera revealed it to be about the same width as a 1.25-inch eyepiece and a mere 80mm long.

Finished in a striking blue and with no plastic to be seen, the camera build was solid and very well-made, creating an excellent first impression. Positioned on the back of the camera and taking up most of the space is a USB 3.0 connector. The accompanying accessories include a USB 3.0 cable, focus locking ring, 1.25-inch infrared (IR)/ultraviolet (UV) blocking filter and a 1.25-inch 855nm IR pass filter.

STARVIS sensor

The QHY5III462C utilises the sixth-generation Sony 2.1MP IMX462 STARVIS CMOS back-illuminated sensor. Being 'back-illuminated' means that the wiring structure within the sensor is below the photosensitive layer and doesn't block the path of any light. This, combined with Sony's new Super High Conversion Gain (SHCG) technology, produces a higher voltage from fewer photon results in a sensor that is extremely sensitive in low light.