Deep-sky astrophotography
Two-stage TEC, ΔT ≥42 °C helps control thermal noise during long exposures of galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.
Deep-sky cooled
ATR294C
ToupTek ATR294C is a cooled deep-sky camera using the IMX294 sensor, with 11.6 MP (4128 × 2808), 4.63 µm pixels and 33 fps. Designed for deep-sky astrophotography, one-shot colour deep-sky imaging, high-resolution galaxy and lunar imaging. Available from Precisometer for professional astronomy systems.
- Sensor
- Sony IMX294 color CMOS
- Sensor Type
- Back-illuminated 4/3-inch color CMOS
- Resolution
- 11.6 MP (4128 × 2808)
- Pixel Size
- 4.63 µm
- Frame Rate
- 33 fps
- Interface
- USB 3.0
Application context
Why this design is used
Choose the ATR294C when your telescope and target benefit from 4/3-inch, 19.11 × 13.0 mm sensor coverage, 4.63 µm sampling, two-stage TEC, ΔT ≥42 °C and 380–690 nm response.
One-shot colour deep-sky imaging
The colour IMX294 sensor captures broadband targets without a separate LRGB filter sequence.
High-resolution galaxy and lunar imaging
4.63 µm pixels balance image scale and detail for appropriately matched telescope focal lengths.
Photometry and time-series imaging
14-bit acquisition, 84.4 dB dynamic range and regulated cooling support repeatable quantitative observations.
Specifications
ATR294C
32 specification rows
The ATR294C is an astronomy camera in the ATR DSO cooled series, built around a Sony IMX294 color CMOS sensor, 11.6 MP (4128 × 2808) resolution, 4.63 µm pixels, frame rates up to 33 fps, a USB 3.0 interface. It suits deep-sky cooled where reliable imaging performance and interface compatibility matter.
Sensor & Imaging
| Model | ATR294C |
|---|---|
| Status | Current |
| Application | Deep-sky cooled |
| Sensor | Sony IMX294 color CMOS |
| Sensor Type | Back-illuminated 4/3-inch color CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 4/3-inch, 19.11 × 13.0 mm |
| Resolution | 11.6 MP (4128 × 2808) |
| Pixel Size | 4.63 µm |
| Shutter Type | Rolling shutter |
Performance
| Frame Rate | 33 fps |
|---|---|
| ADC | 14-bit |
| Peak QE | >80% |
| Dynamic Range | 84.4 dB |
| Read Noise | 4.1–0.87 e⁻ |
| Full Well | 64 ke⁻ |
| Spectral Range | 380–690 nm |
Interface & Thermal
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Mount | M42 / M54 astronomy adapters |
| Cooling | Two-stage TEC, ΔT ≥42 °C |
Additional Published Specifications
| Legacy Model Name | ATR3CMOS10300KPA |
|---|---|
| Sensor Diagonal | 23.1mm |
| LCG Read Noise | 4.1-3.38 e- |
| Maximum SNR | 48dB |
| Frame Buffer | 512MB |
| Sensor Chamber Window | Adjustable heating window |
| Back Focal Distance | 17.5mm/12.5mm |
| Protective Window | IR/AR |
| Color Filter Array | RGGB |
| Gain Modes | HCG (High Conversion Gain) / LCG (Low Conversion Gain) |
| DDR3 Buffer | 512MB |
| Max Exposure | Up to 1 hour |
| Power Supply | DC 12V / 3A |
Technical media
Performance graphs and technical drawings
Official sensor-response, performance, and mechanical imagery for the ATR294C.
System integration
Integration and compatibility
Use these checks to connect ATR294C to the surrounding optical, mechanical and control system. Every value shown is taken from this model's own specification record.
- Lens and microscope interface
- Mount: M42 / M54 astronomy adapters
- Use a lens image circle that covers the sensor and check flange distance before adding C/CS, F-mount or M42 adapters.
- Sensor and sampling
- Sensor: Sony IMX294 color CMOS · Sensor Type: Back-illuminated 4/3-inch color CMOS
- Match pixel pitch to the diffraction-limited spot the optics deliver. Sampling finer than the optics resolve multiplies data volume without adding information; sampling coarser discards resolution you have paid for.
- Interface and data rate
- Frame Rate: 33 fps · Interface: USB 3.0
- Confirm the host can sustain the interface bandwidth continuously, not in burst. A camera that outruns the write path stalls acquisition rather than dropping quietly to a lower rate.
- Cooling and noise floor
- Dynamic Range: 84.4 dB · Read Noise: 4.1–0.87 e⁻
- Judge these figures at the exposure time you will actually use. Cooling matters where dark current accumulates over seconds; read noise dominates short exposures where it never does.
Technical FAQ
Integration questions for ATR294C
What lens mount is required for the ATR294C?
Mount: M42 / M54 astronomy adapters. Use a lens image circle that covers the sensor and check flange distance before adding C/CS, F-mount or M42 adapters.
What sensor and pixel pitch does the ATR294C use?
Sensor: Sony IMX294 color CMOS · Sensor Type: Back-illuminated 4/3-inch color CMOS. Match pixel pitch to the diffraction-limited spot the optics deliver. Sampling finer than the optics resolve multiplies data volume without adding information; sampling coarser discards resolution you have paid for.
How does the ATR294C connect to the acquisition computer?
Frame Rate: 33 fps · Interface: USB 3.0. Confirm the host can sustain the interface bandwidth continuously, not in burst. A camera that outruns the write path stalls acquisition rather than dropping quietly to a lower rate.
What is the noise performance of the ATR294C?
Dynamic Range: 84.4 dB · Read Noise: 4.1–0.87 e⁻. Judge these figures at the exposure time you will actually use. Cooling matters where dark current accumulates over seconds; read noise dominates short exposures where it never does.
Need help choosing?
Tell us your sensor, resolution, spectral range, frame-rate, interface, and software requirements and we will confirm the matching configuration and lead time.
Model selection
Nearby series comparison
Compare ATR294C with the closest available models in the ATR DSO cooled family.
| Selection parameter | ATR294C (current) | ATR2600M | ATR294M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Sony IMX294 color CMOS | Sony IMX571 monochrome CMOS | Sony IMX492 monochrome CMOS |
| Resolution | 11.6 MP (4128 × 2808) | 26 MP (6224 × 4168) | 11.6 MP (4128 × 2808) |
| Sensor size | 4/3-inch, 19.11 × 13.0 mm | APS-C, 23.4 × 15.7 mm | 4/3-inch, 19.11 × 13.0 mm |
| Pixel size / frame rate | 4.63 µm | 3.76 µm | 4.63 µm |
Other cameras on the IMX294 sensor
The IMX294 appears in 9 models across the catalogue, differing in cooling, shutter, interface and colour filter. Compare them side by side before settling on a variant.
Related astronomy cameras
Compare the ATR294C with other ATR DSO cooled models and astronomy cameras in the range.
- ATR992MATR DSO cooled · Astronomy CamerasDeep-sky cooled
- ATR2110CATR DSO cooled · Astronomy CamerasDeep-sky cooled
- ATR2600MATR DSO cooled · Astronomy CamerasDeep-sky cooled
- ATR2600CATR DSO cooled · Astronomy CamerasDeep-sky cooled
- ATR183MATR DSO cooled · Astronomy CamerasDeep-sky cooled
- ATR183CATR DSO cooled · Astronomy CamerasDeep-sky cooled
