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How do we rate the condition of our Used Altair GPCAM2 290C Colour Guide Imaging EAA Camera
Condition - Excellent – Light Signs of use. Optics clean from scratches.
Included Accessories - Lens Cap, USB Cable, Sync Cable
MPN - ALTAIRGP290C || Clifton's Code – 14141850
About the Used Altair GPCAM2 290C Colour Guide Imaging EAA Camera
The Altair GPCAM2 290C Colour camera has the sought after Sony Exmor IMX290 CMOS sensor, with high sensitivity, and extremely low read noise, which alongside the IMX224 is possibly the lowest of any similar sized sensor. *
It can be used for solar, planetary, lunar lucky imaging as well as long exposure deepsky imaging, and of course video astronomy. Time-lapse all-sky imaging (with optional meteor lens) is fully supported in the software. Amp glow is very well suppressed making this sensor a particularly good choice for deepsky imaging or video astronomy.
The SONY Exmor IMX290 Color CMOS sensor has very low read noise, with 2.9 micron pixels and a large 1920x1080 array giving 2.07 megapixels. It is also BSI, or backside illuminated and carries the STARVIS rating.
Onboard buffering gives USB data transfer speeds significantly higher than the GPCAM1 series, pushing the USB2.0 format to the limit, yet within a stable envelope. This almost completely eliminates dropped frames, corrupted video, and enables faster more consistent frame rates, even with less powerful notebook computers.
The casing has an external heat sink surface, which dissipates heat generated by the electronics, reducing thermal noise.
The USB2.0 connector is the high strength type - the highest quality component of it's type on the market. This is much more reliable than the micro-USB connectors found on smartphones (we all know how those loosen up over a short time!).
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 www.altairastro.help (opens new window)
Sensor & performance specifications:
ALTAIRGP290C: SONY Exmor IMX290 Color CMOS sensor with STARVIS back illumination technology (BSI)
Sensor Size: 1/2.8" diagonal 6.46mm
Exposure duration shortest/longest:
Video mode: 0.105ms (0.000105 secs) / 5000ms (5 seconds)
Trigger mode: 0.105 ms (0.000105 secs) / 1000 secs (16.66 minutes)
Bit depth: 8bit & 12bit modes switchable
Pixel size microns: 2.9x2.9 um
Resolution in pixels: 1920x1080 (2.07mp active pixels)
Recording System: Still Image & Video
Region Of Interest (ROI): Supported
Approx. Max frame rates (assuming computer Bus and Hard Drive operating at full bandwidth)*:
8 bit mode:
1920x1080 17.5FPS
640x480 37.2FPS ROI
320x240 56.3FPS ROI
12 bit mode - approx 50% of above.
* Based on average user reports. May be revised as we get more data. The shorter the exposure duration, the faster the frame rate. An expensive PC does not guarantee a fast frame rate.
Readout: Progressive Scan
Shutter: Electronic Rolling Shutter
Read noise: TBC, not provided by sensor manufacturer.
Software & OS support:
Drivers & AltairCapture software download (Windows only): www.altairastro.help (opens new window).
Driver support: PHD2, AltairCapture, SharpCap, (Windows DirectShow)
AltairCapture OS support: Win Vista/ 7/ 8/ 10 (32 & 64 bit)
SharpCap is also fully supported and tested with native drivers.
USB Port & Cable: 2.0 USB, 2m cable
ST4 Port & Cable: Standard ST4 Opto-Isolated, 1.5m cable, iOptron, Celestron, Skywatcher SynScan GOTO.
Camera Format:
Cooling: Air-Cooled large surface area camera body.
Camera body length: 70 mm total length including CS-Mount
Weight grams: 70 g (camera net weight)
Colour Camera: AR-coated UV/IR blocking filter 380-650nm wavelength transmission
Back-focus & Adaptor compatibility:
Optical Window is removable to reveal female C-Mount thread
Camera body thread: C/CS-Mount female thread allows direct attachment of CS-Mount lens (12.5mm sensor to flange distance). It is possible to connect a C-Mount lens (17.5mm sensor to flange distance) with an optional 5mm extension.
Astro filter thread adaptor: Included, 1.25" OD, Female thread
Push fit Barrel OD: Standard Astro format 1.25 OD eyepiece-barrel
Sensor surface distance from flat end of C-Mount adaptor: 17.58 mm
Sensor surface distance from flat end of 20mm 1.25 Astro adaptor: 37.58 mm
Operating environment conditions:
Power consumption:
Standby 0.315w
Running 0.875w
Max operating temp: 50 °C
Lowest operating temp: -10 °C
Max operating humidity: 80 % RH
Power source in Volts: 5V DC (via USB cable)
Windows PC Hardware Requirements:
Minimum CPU: Equal to Intel Core2 2.8GHz or Higher
Minimum Memory: 2GB or More
USB port: USB2.0 High-speed Port
Monitor Display: 17" or Larger
Used Quality Equipment
Buy with confidence from Clifton Cameras. All our used items are individually checked and rated by our team of experts. 6 Month Warranty included.
