Planetary lucky imaging
58.6 fps capture supports frame selection and stacking for Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus.
Planetary and guide
G3M178M
ToupTek G3M178M is a planetary astronomy camera using the IMX178 sensor, with 6.2 MP (3040 × 2048), 2.4 µm pixels and 58.6 fps. Designed for planetary lucky imaging, lunar surface imaging, narrowband and near-infrared imaging. Available from Precisometer for professional astronomy systems in the Benelux.
- Sensor
- Sony IMX178 monochrome CMOS
- Sensor Type
- STARVIS back-illuminated monochrome CMOS
- Resolution
- 6.2 MP (3040 × 2048)
- Pixel Size
- 2.4 µm
- Frame Rate
- 58.6 fps
- Interface
- USB 3.0
Applications & selection
G3M178M applications
Lunar surface imaging
2.4 µm pixels and 6.2 MP (3040 × 2048) resolution support detailed lunar mosaics and close-up imaging.
Narrowband and near-infrared imaging
380–1100 nm monochrome response supports filter-based seeing control and contrast enhancement.
Solar imaging with approved filtration
Can be used for solar capture only with an appropriate certified solar filter and safe observing setup.
When to choose this camera
Choose the G3M178M when 58.6 fps acquisition, 2.4 µm sampling and the IMX178 sensor match your telescope's focal length and seeing conditions.
Specifications
G3M178M
32 specification rows
The G3M178M is an astronomy camera in the G3M planetary / guide series, built around a Sony IMX178 monochrome CMOS sensor, 6.2 MP (3040 × 2048) resolution, 2.4 µm pixels, frame rates up to 58.6 fps, a USB 3.0 interface. It suits planetary and guide where reliable imaging performance and interface compatibility matter.
Sensor & Imaging
| Model | G3M178M |
|---|---|
| Status | Current |
| Application | Planetary and guide |
| Sensor | Sony IMX178 monochrome CMOS |
| Sensor Type | STARVIS back-illuminated monochrome CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.8-inch, 7.4 × 5.0 mm |
| Resolution | 6.2 MP (3040 × 2048) |
| Pixel Size | 2.4 µm |
| Shutter Type | Rolling shutter |
Performance
| Frame Rate | 58.6 fps |
|---|---|
| ADC | 14-bit |
| Peak QE | >81% |
| Dynamic Range | 82 dB |
| Read Noise | 2.2–1.4 e⁻ |
| Full Well | 10.7 ke⁻ |
| Spectral Range | 380–1100 nm |
Interface & Thermal
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Mount | 1.25-inch telescope nosepiece / C-mount |
| Cooling | Passive cooling |
Additional Published Specifications
| Sensor Diagonal | 8.92mm |
|---|---|
| Maximum SNR | 40dB |
| Protective Window | IR/AR |
| Color Filter Array | RGGB |
| Maximum Frame Rate (USB 3.0) | 14-bit: 29.1 FPS @ 3040×2048 8-bit: 58.6 FPS @ 3040×2048 |
| Exposure Time Range | 0.1ms - 3600s |
| Gain Range | 1× - 100× |
| Camera Adapter | Standard 1.25" for telescope connection Standard C adapter for industrial lens |
| Back Focus Distance | 17.5mm with C adapter 12.5mm with CS adapter (optional) |
| Camera Dimensions | Diameter 37mm × Height 72.4mm |
| Weight | 70 grams |
| Supported OS | Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 Mac OS X, Linux |
| SDK Support | Native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python Java, DirectShow, Twain, etc. |
Technical media
Performance graphs and technical drawings
Official sensor-response, performance, and mechanical imagery for the G3M178M.
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.
Other cameras on the IMX178 sensor
The IMX178 appears in 14 models across the catalogue, differing in cooling, shutter, interface and colour filter. Compare them side by side before settling on a variant.
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