Gear Database

QHY533C

QHY

QHY533C is a square one-inch class one-shot color astronomy camera for deep-sky imaging with a simpler color workflow.

camera midrange
QHY533C

Best Current Offer

Cloud Break Optics logo
Cloud Break Optics
In stock
$1,199.00

Specifications

Sensor

Sensor model
SONY IMX533 M / SONY IMX533 C
Sensor type
Mono / Color
Color / mono
Color
Sensor size
1 inch
Megapixels
9 MP
Resolution
9MP
Pixel size
3.76 µm x 3.76 µm
Max frame rate
USB3.0 Port: Full Resolution 27FPS @8BIT 18FPS @16BIT
Shutter
Electronic Shutter
ADC
Native 14-bit A/D
Read noise
1.3 to 3.4e-
Full well
58 ke-
Exposure range
30us-3600sec

Specifications

Weight
845 g

Cooling

Cooling
Two-stage TEC cooler Less than 1S lower than ambient temperature -30C in continuous mode More
Sensor window
AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating

Mechanical

Interface
USB3.0

Sensor / electronics

Back focus
14 mm

Astrophotography Fit

A cooled one-shot color camera best used where its sensor size and workflow match the telescope and calibration plan.

QHY533C is a midrange one-shot color camera aimed at deep-sky imaging with a simpler color workflow.

As a color camera, it keeps the capture workflow simpler than a mono rig. It works especially well when you want one camera for broadband targets plus a dual-band filter for emission nebulae under light pollution.

For high-frame-rate work, pair it with a long focal length telescope, an ADC when planets are low, and capture software that can record short exposures quickly. It is less satisfying as the only deep-sky camera unless the target scale and sensor size make sense.

Best paired with

  • Corrected refractors, RASA/HyperStar-style systems, or other well-matched astrographs
  • UV/IR-cut and dual-band nebula filters for one-shot color imaging
  • Reliable GoTo mount, autofocus, and dark/flat calibration workflow

Not recommended for

  • Imagers committed to full SHO/LRGB mono workflows
  • Optical tubes with corrected image circles smaller than the camera sensor
  • Very casual visual-only users who do not plan to process image data

Where To Buy

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Retailer Price Availability View Offer
Cloud Break Optics logo
Cloud Break Optics
Cloud Break Optics
$1,199.00
In stock
Updated 5/11/2026
View Offer - $1,199.00