QHY5III678C
QHY
QHY5III678C is a compact guide and planetary camera for keeping long-exposure rigs locked onto a star.
Best Current Offer
Specifications
Overview
- Camera type
- Color planetary / guide camera
Sensor
- Sensor
- Sony IMX678 CMOS / 1/1.8-inch
- Megapixels
- 8.29 MP
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160 (8.29 MP)
- Pixel size
- 2 um
- Color / mono
- Color
Use
- Primary use
- High-resolution planetary imaging and guiding
Specifications
- Interface
- USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C
- Weight
- 90 g
Sensor / electronics
- Sensor
- Sony IMX678
- Pixel size
- 2 um
- Resolution
- 3856 x 2180
- Full well
- 9000 e-
- Read noise
- 0.57-3.3 e-
- Back focus
- 17mm
Astrophotography Fit
Best for off-axis guiding or guide scopes where a larger, more sensitive sensor improves star selection.
QHY5III678C is a small astronomy camera that can guide, and in many cases double as a lunar or planetary camera. Mono sensors are usually preferred for guiding sensitivity; color guide cameras make more sense when planetary use is also part of the plan.
For long focal length telescopes, sensor size matters because an off-axis guider sees a small, off-center slice of the field. For short refractors, a modest guide scope and a smaller guide camera are often enough.
Best paired with
- Off-axis guiders on SCTs, RCs, and longer refractors
- Mounts running PHD2, ASIAIR guiding, or similar software
- Rigid threaded guide paths with repeatable focus
Not recommended for
- Using as the primary camera for large deep-sky targets
- Loose finder-shoe guide scopes on long focal length rigs
- Expecting guiding to fix poor polar alignment, flexure, or mount overload
Where To Buy
Some links on this page are affiliate links. Prices and availability are pulled automatically from each retailer and updated daily.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | View Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Break Optics Cloud Break Optics | $399.00 | In stock Updated 9/19/2026 | View Offer - $399.00 |
Price History
Chronological retailer pricing with out-of-stock points shown at reduced opacity.