ToupTek Astro-G 225C color camera

The ToupTek Astro-G 225C colour camera, with its high sensitivity (QE>75%), is primarily useful as a guide camera, but it can also be used for planetary photography (planetary video).

The 1.3-megapixel camera, equipped with a Sony IMX225 sensor, produces very clear and noise-free images even at shorter exposure times thanks to low readout noise. If you want even better results, you should opt for the higher frame rate models from ToupTek.

The medium pixel size of 3.75 μm guarantees the capture of fine detail, while the 12-bit output allows the capture of 4096 rich shades. The camera has a built-in UV/IR filter to prevent distracting fish from forming in the images.

A 1.25" filter can be used with the C-mount/1.25" adapter included in the standard package. Thanks to the basic C-mount end, you can optionally use your camera directly with C-mount lenses (and even use it as a microscope camera with the right adapter).

The ToupTek Astro-G 225C colour camera has a USB 2.0 connection and can record video at the highest 1280 x 960 pixels resolution at 30 frames per second.

There's a range of free software available to download from the internet for image capture, SharpCap and FireCapture are particularly recommended for Windows, but the manufacturer's own software (ToupSky) is also great for use. The popular PHD2 software also supports the camera, while the use of the ASCOM driver gives the device even broader support. The camera can be used with Windows, Linux and even Macintosh operating systems.

Factory package contents:

• ToupTek Astro-G 225C colour camera
• ST-4 cable (2 m)
• USB cable (2 m)
• C-thread / 1.25" adapter