Up to 60 color frame per second
The astronomy camera outputs up to 60 color images per second. It is therefore ideally suited to methods in astrophotography that require high frame rates. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.
Fast display of color images
The raw data (8 bit/pixel, RAW format) from the color CCDs require some post-processing. This is taken care of in the color interpolation process: Raw data is converted into one of many commonly used color formats. This requires at least 16 bits per pixel and thus, broader bandwidth during transfer. Color interpolation in the astro CCD camera can be switched off, thus 60 color images per second can be transfered. Color interpolation can then be carried out on the host PC, with the shipped software IC Capture.AS. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.
Sony color CCD
The CCD camera deploys the Sony color CCD ICX098BQ. The format of this CCD is 1/4". The chip outputs data using progressive scan at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Thanks to the high quality of this CCD, it is often deployed in medical image processing applications.
No IR cut filter
Although the astro CCD camera has a color CCD, it does not have an IR cut filter. It is therefore possible that users of this astro CCD camera can fit their own filters, thus being able to set it up to their own requirements.
Fast data transfer via FireWire
The astro CCD camera outputs uncompressed color images in fast sequences. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a FireWire connector.
Shipped software for Windows
This camera ships with the camera driver and the control software IC Capture.AS.
