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Main page▹Product Overview▹Astronomical cameras	« 1 2 3 »	18.3.2025

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Gx cameras articles

Moravian Instruments Filter Wheels	18.3.2025

Astronomical cameras with silicon-based monochrome sensors are sensitive to a wide range of wavelengths, spanning from near ultra-violet (UV) to near infra-red (IR) light. If it is desired to capture only a portion of such a spectral range, it is necessary to place a color filter in front of the sensor. This is why Moravian Instruments cameras are designed to operate with a wide range of Moravian Instruments filter wheels.

New C1+9000 camera with IMX533 CMOS sensor	26.9.2024

Small and cute from the outside, powerful imaging and research tool from the inside. The C1+9000 camera employs the same IMX533 CMOS sensor like its bigger brother C2-9000, but in a smaller and lighter, symmetrical body. Sensor size approximately 11 × 11 millimeters perfectly fits small telescopes, and 9 MPx resolution can utilize even the high quality optics. Camera superb sensitivity, exceptional dynamic range, very low read noise and dark current are appreciated also by the advanced astro-imagers as well as researchers demanding the best possible data.

C2 cameras with Global Shutter CMOS Sensors now available with GPS receiver	17.9.2024

GPS satellite signal receivers provide not only location information, but also can be a source of very precise (sub-microsecond) timing information. Integration of the GPS receiver with an astronomical camera thus allows very precise timing of exposures. Now the GPS receiver module is available also for C2 cameras with global-shutter CMOS sensors, which are particularly suitable for application requiring precise exposure timing, like occultation observations etc.

The new line of Standalone Filter Wheels	6.3.2025

As opposite to the External Filter Wheels, which are both powered and controlled from a camera, the new line of Standalone Filter Wheels are fully independent on the used camera. They can be used with any other camera or without a camera at all, but they require own 12 V DC power line as well as the USB data connection to the host PC to operate.

Introducing new C0 and C1 v3 cameras	6.3.2025

The C1 series of small CMOS cameras proved to be sensitive and reliable auto-guiders, which can also capture beautiful images of Sun, Moon and planets. And sometimes even images of deep-sky wonders. Now, in newly introduced version 3, the C1 cameras are even shorter and lighter. What's more, the new C0 cameras employ even smaller and lighter body than C1, but at the cost of lacking sensor air cooling.

New C5S Cameras with Symmetrical Design	6.3.2025

The line of C5 cameras, employing the latest extra-large Sony IMX rolling shutter sensors with up to 150 MPx resolution, was extended with a symmetrical C5S models, intended for the usage in the primary focus of reflecting telescopes. Virtually all characteristics of the C5S cameras correspond to the asymmetrical C5A models. The only differences are the camera head design with the sensor centered around the head axis and the lack of the mechanical shutter, which limitation is imposed by the symmetrical design.

C3 series and C2-9000 cameras with GPS receiver module	6.3.2025

GPS satellite signal receivers provide not only location information, but also can be a source of very precise (sub-microsecond) timing information. Integration of the GPS receiver with an astronomical camera thus allows very precise timing of exposures. Geographic location data, also available to the control software through specific commands, is an added bonus. The new variants of C3 as well as C2-9000 cameras can now be supplemented with a GPS receiver. The GPS module port on C2 and C3 cameras is identical to the one used on C1× and C5 cameras, so all Moravian Instruments camera lines use the same GPS receiver modules.

New Off-Axis Guider Adapter for C5 Cameras	6.3.2025

The C5 cameras are equipped with particularly large sensors, which impose quite big demands for the field of view — the used optics must be able to create high quality picture far from the optical axis. Off-axis guider adapters (OAG) further increase the demands for the size of the field. OAG incorporates a small diagonal mirror, reflexing the incoming light to the guider port, where is the guiding camera attached. And this mirror must be located far enough from the optical axis not to shield the imaging sensor from incoming light. Increased demands for the optics is the reason we did not introduce the C5-OAG together with C5 cameras. But users asked for it, so we introduce it now.

New version of the C1× camera with Trigger input and GPS module	12.10.2023

GPS satellite signal receivers provide location information and also very precise (sub-microsecond) timing information. Integration of the GPS receiver with an astronomical camera thus allows very precise timing of exposures. Geographic location data, also available to the control software through specific commands, is an added bonus. The GPS receiver module port on the new C1× cameras is identical to the port of the C5 cameras, so both camera lines use the same receiver modules. What's more, the new C1× cameras also contain trigger input port, which allows external devices to determine start of exposures. This functionality can be used for precise exposure timing from external signal source and/or for synchronized exposures of multiple cameras etc.

New C2-9000 Camera with IMX533 CMOS sensor	6.3.2025

The C2-9000 is a perfect starter camera for any serious beginner, regardless if he or she aims to capture beautiful images of deep-sky objects or to acquire serious data for astronomical research. With the sensor size approximately 11 × 11 millimeters, C2-9000 does not demand latest correctors and flatteners, it perfectly works even with common optics. But C2-9000 is not for beginners only, it grows with the user and its high sensitivity, exceptional dynamic range, low read noise and dark current are appreciated also by the most advanced astro-imagers as well as researchers demanding the best possible data. Compact yet robust, time-proven body of the C2 camera allows for all-containing device with mechanical shutter and internal filter wheel, very efficient and regulated sensor cooling and extremely fast USB3 connection. Options do not end here — C2-9000 can integrate with external filter wheels with up to 12 filer positions, OAG adapters, Nikon and Canon bayonets and numerous other telescope interface standards.

C5 Series CMOS Cameras	6.3.2025

C5 camera series is designed to accommodate the latest generation of extremely large Sony IMX CMOS sensors with 100 and 150 MPx resolution and diagonal dimension up to 67 mm. Many of the used sensor properties share the exceptional features of the sensors used in the C3 series, including the 3.76 μm pixel size with the full-well capacity exceeding 50 ke-, very high quantum efficiency thanks to back-illuminated design and very low dark current. C5 sensors also offer 16 bit digitization, perfectly linear response to light and exceptionally low read noise. Despite very large sensors, the C5 camera head dimensions are the same like the Enhanced Cooling variants of the C3 and C4 series. All these features make C5 cameras the ultimate devices for both aesthetic astro-photography as well as astronomical research.

C1× Series CMOS Cameras	6.3.2025

C1× cameras employ the same sensors like the C3 series — latest generation of Sony APS and Full-Frame (24 × 36 mm) CMOS sensors, offering exceptional quantum efficiency thanks to back-illuminated design and very low dark current. Despite relatively small pixels, full-well capacity exceeds 50 ke-, rivaling cameras with much greater pixels. Combined with full 16 bit digitization, perfectly linear response to light and exceptionally low read noise, these cameras are suitable for both aesthetic astro-photography as well as astronomical research. At the same time the C1× camera head is designed to be symmetrical, with as small front cross-section as possible.

C3 Series CMOS Cameras	6.3.2025

C3 cameras employ the latest generation of Sony IMX CMOS sensors, offering exceptional quantum efficiency thanks to back-illuminated design and very low dark current. Despite relatively small pixels, full-well capacity exceeds 50 ke-. Combined with full 16 bit digitization, perfectly linear response to light and exceptionally low read noise, these cameras are suitable for both aesthetic astro-photography as well as astronomical research. Sensor formats from APS to photographic full-frame (24 × 36 mm) ensure wide field of view and optimally utilize capabilities of the optical systems most commonly used by amateur astronomers.

C4 Series CMOS Cameras	6.3.2025

The C4-16000 cooled scientific CMOS camera sensors offer the same geometry like the CCDs in the famous G4-16000 cameras — sensor size 37 × 37 mm, 9 μm pixels and 16 MPx (4k × 4k) resolution. Also the mechanical design of C4 cameras inherits from G4 Mark II cameras, which makes the C4 camera line fully compatible with vast range of telescope adapters, off-axis guider adapters, filter wheels, Camera Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras etc.

C1+7000 and C2-7000 cooled CMOS cameras replace the G2-1600 CCD camera in research applications	6.3.2025

New cooled CMOS cameras C1+7000 and C2-7000 offer quite large pixels of 4.5 μm, especially compared to majority of other CMOS based cameras available. As CCD sensors, often employing much bigger pixels, are no longer available, even relatively small increase in pixel size of a CMOS sensor significantly increases some key parameters like dynamic range (pixel area and thus also a number of electrons each pixel can accommodate corresponds to the square of pixel dimension).

C1+ Series CMOS Cameras	6.3.2025

C1+ camera models are designed to fulfill the gap between small and lightweight C1 models, intended as Moon and planetary cameras and auto-guiders, and C2 cameras, equipped with active sensor cooling and mechanical shutter and thus intended for more serious astronomical imaging and research. C1+ cameras are able to work as C1 ones, only being somewhat heavier and bulkier, and at the same time C1+ can replace the C2 models, only with slightly less cooling performance and lack of mechanical shutter.

C2 Series CMOS Cameras	6.3.2025

The cooled C2 series CMOS cameras were developed for imaging under extremely low-light conditions in astronomy, microscopy and similar areas. Mechanical design of this series inherits from earlier CCD-based G2 Mark II cameras, which makes the C2 series fully compatible with vast range of telescope adapters, off-axis guider adapters, internal or external filter wheels, Camera Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras etc.

C0 and C1 Series CMOS Cameras	6.3.2025

The C0 and C1 series cameras with global shutter CMOS sensors were designed to be small, lightweight imagers for Moon and planets and for automatic telescope guiding. With proper image calibration, these cameras provide surprisingly good results also in entry-level deep-sky imaging. The used CMOS sensors response to light is linear up to very close to saturation point. So, the C0 and C1 cameras can be used for some entry-level scientific applications for instance in the variable star research etc.

New adapters for C1 cameras — T-thread, M48 × 0.75, Canon EOS and Nikon bayonets	1.9.2020

C1 cameras can be newly equipped with adapters for Canon EOS and Nikon bayonet photographic lenses in addition to already announced adapters with M42 × 0.75 (T-thread) and M48 × 0.75 threads with 55 mm Back Focal Distance. Similarly to threaded adapters, bayonet lens adapters are attached to combined M42 × 0.75/CS-mount adapter on the C1 camera body. So, they are not compatible with C1 cameras with CS-mount adapter only.

New T-mount adapter for C1 cameras	19.11.2019

Small, uncooled CMOS cameras of the C1 series (as well as G1 series with CCD sensors) are traditionally equipped with CS-mount threaded adapter. This adapter allows usage of wide variety of CCTV lenses with CS-mount (and with the help of simple 5 mm thick ring also with C-mount). CS-to-1.25" barrel adapter, supplied with every camera, enables using of these cameras with virtually any telescope instead of standard 1.25" eyepiece. But 1" diameter of the CS-mount thread is a limiting factor for newly introduced C1-12000 camera with large sensor. So, new adapter, combining both CS-mount and T-mount threads, was introduced for all C1 cameras.

Back Focal Distance of Gx Mark II cameras	6.3.2025

Gx Mark II cameras are available in many variants — individual G2, G3 and G4 series offer camera integration with internal or external filter wheels, Off-Axis Guider adapters, various threaded adapters as well as standard Canon EOS and Nikon lens bayonet adapters etc. One of the distinguishing feature of Mark II cameras is the telescope/lens adapter interface allowing precise adjustment of optical axis (sensor tilt). Despite the vast variability and many options, the Gx Mark II camera system was designed to maintain adapter-specified back focal distance of adjustable adapters on all camera variants.

G3 Mark II cameras	26.11.2020

G3 CCD cameras offer all essential astronomical camera features like great sensitivity, low noise, efficient and regulated cooling, robust design, rich set of accessories and software support and especially large sensor area for affordable price. And Mark II series of G3 cameras inherits all these features, but brings some significant enhancements, like much faster download speeds and adjustable (tiltable) telescope adapters.

G4 Mark II cameras	26.11.2020

G4 Mark II cameras inherited all proven design concepts and features from the previous generation, like precise electronics providing uniform frames and extremely low read noise, efficient regulated CCD cooling, reliable mechanical shutter, modular mechanical construction ensuring compatibility with wide variety of accessories including off-axis guider adapters, external filter wheels, Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras etc. But Mark II cameras bring some important enhancements, like much faster download speeds and adjustable (tiltable) telescope adapters.

G2 Mark II cameras	26.11.2020

The cooled G2 series Mark II CCD cameras were developed for imaging under extremely low-light conditions in astronomy, microscopy and similar areas. Design of this series inherits from earlier G2 Mark I cameras but brings some significant enhancements. G2 cameras employ precise electronics providing uniform frames and extremely low read noise limited only by CCD detector itself. Modular mechanical construction allows various camera variants to be combined with rich set of accessories, including telescope adapters, off-axis guider adapters, internal or external filter wheels, Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras etc.

Gx Cameras Mark II	1.9.2020

Gx series of cooled astronomical cameras evolved through many revisions, each bringing improvements, new features or just more aesthetic design. We are proud these cameras are now used to capture state-of-the-art astrophotographs (just see our Gallery section) as well as to acquire professional-grade research data. Now we introduce redesigned cameras with important enhancements, so they deserve denotation Mark II.

Interfacing G3 and G4 cameras with 3" coma-correctors	18.1.2018

Fast Newtonian telescopes provide excellent price/performace ratio. They offer greatest aperture for the money, because their optical design if very simple, elegant and efficient. When a Newtonian telescope is build from high quality component (Pyrex mirrors, carbon tube, robust mirror holders and focuser, ...), they are hard to beat by any other optical design. The only problem remains — parabolic mirror creates perfect image on the optical axis only, aberration called coma distorts the image as the field of view increases. Fortunately advanced refracting correctors eliminate this aberration and help to make Newtonian the perfect wide-field instrument.

Dovetail mount adapter for Gx cameras	23.5.2017

While the Gx cameras are firmly attached to the telescope focuser in most cases, sometimes they are used with photographic lenses, which lack any means for attachment to the telescope mount. While the G2 camera body offers standard “tripod thread”, larger G3 and G4 models did not allow for such threaded hole due to internal arrangement of CCD cold chamber. But we slightly redesigned the G3 and G4 front shell as a response to request from our users and introduced two standard 1/4" threaded holes close to the edges of the camera top side. These holes can be used to attach new 1.75" dovetail adapter (Vixen standard) for safe attachment of camera head to almost any telescope mount.

Gx CCD cameras now available with a slight touch of color	18.1.2018

It is always encouraging when we realize that our users love their Gx cameras, that they are not only satisfied with their state-of-the-art performance and functionality, but they also appreciate the industrial design and manufacturing quality. Still, many users, in particular among the amateur astronomer's community, appreciate also the aesthetics of their equipment — color anodized parts of mounts, telescopes or focusers are good examples. Despite the camera head dimensions and shape are constrained by its features, we always took care to achieve the clean and functional design. Now we decided to offer variants of our G2, G3, and G4 cameras with a slight color touch to allow users to unify the camera appearance with the rest of their setup.

8-positions XS external filter wheel for G2 cameras	18.1.2018

The smallest XS variant of the external filter wheel for G2 cameras offers 7 positions for unmounted D36 mm filters. Because filters are further from the sensor in the case of external filter wheel compared to internal filter wheel, greater filter diameter allows usage of the G2-8300 camera with largest sensor within G2 series to be used with fast optics without vignetting. But other models of the G2 series contain smaller sensors and they can work D31 mm filters. A possibility to build a new variant of the XS external filter wheel for D31 mm filters occurred. Smaller filter diameter allows increasing of the number of filter positions from 7 to 8, despite the external filter wheel dimensions remain unchanged..

Connect the Gx Camera through WiFi network	18.1.2018

The Gx Camera Ethernet Adapter allows connection of up to four Gx cameras of any type over an Ethernet. Because the communication is handled over the TCP/IP network, the distance between camera and the host PC is virtually unlimited. The Ethernet port of the adapter device can be attached to arbitrary WiFi bridge device to access attached cameras wirelessly. However, such solution needs another box (the Ethernet/WiFi bridge device) with another power supply etc. This is why the Gx Camera Ethernet Adapter firmware was extended with support for USB/WiFi interfaces.

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