The Sony IMX411 and IMX461 sensors with 150 MPx and 100 MPx resolution, used in both asymmetrical C5A and symmetrical C5S cameras, represent the state-of-the-art in visible-light detection technology. The 3.76 μm pixels offer exceptional full-well capacity exceeding 50 ke- (relative to the pixel area). The absolute quantum efficiency approaches 90% thanks to back-illuminated design. Very low dark current is ensured by the advanced power saving features. These sensors also offer full 16 bit digitization, perfectly linear response to light and exceptionally low read noise. All these features make the C5 cameras the ultimate choice for both astronomical research as well as aesthetic astro-photography.

The main purpose of the symmetrical C5S variant design is not to exceed the central obstruction of reflecting telescopes with the camera located in the primary focus. The asymmetrical variant typically overhang the central obstruction of smaller telescopes (with ~0.4 m primary mirror diameter), despite the central obstruction of wide-field telescope is rather big. Telescopes with greater primary mirror (~0.6 m and more) typically have a central obstruction big enough to accommodate even the asymmetrical C5A cameras.

Both C5A and C5S camera lines are compatible with the XL-sized external filter wheel. However, if the filter wheel is used, the symmetrical design of the C5S is not beneficial at all. The front cross-section of the asymmetrical C5A with filter wheel is smaller than is the case of the symmetrical C5S and the filter wheel.

As is the case of the C5A cameras, also the C5S can be equipped with GPS receiver module, ensuring exposure timing with sub-microsecond precision. However, all symmetrical C5S cameras also offer a hardware trigger input, similar to C1× cameras. This input allows to starting of exposure by the external hardware, used for instance to synchronize exposures from multiple cameras etc.

For more details about the C5 camera line, visit the C5 camera product page.