Gear Database

QHY5III715C

QHY

QHY5III715C is a compact guide and planetary camera for keeping long-exposure rigs locked onto a star.

camera budget
QHY5III715C

Best Current Offer

Cloud Break Optics logo
Cloud Break Optics
In stock
$229.00

Specifications

Overview

Camera type
Color planetary / guide camera

Sensor

Sensor
Sony IMX715 CMOS / 1/2.8-inch
Megapixels
8.29 MP
Resolution
3840 x 2160 (8.29 MP)
Pixel size
1.45 um
Color / mono
Color

Use

Primary use
Small-pixel planetary imaging and guiding

Specifications

Interface
USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C
Weight
90 g

Sensor / electronics

Sensor
Sony IMX715
Pixel size
1.45 um
Resolution
3840 x 2192
Full well
5700 e-
Read noise
0.87-2.17 e-
Back focus
17mm

Astrophotography Fit

Best for short guide scopes and lightweight refractor rigs that need simple autoguiding.

QHY5III715C 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

  • 30-50 mm guide scopes on short refractors
  • Portable GoTo mounts needing basic autoguiding
  • ASIAIR or laptop-based capture workflows

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

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Retailer Price Availability View Offer
Cloud Break Optics logo
Cloud Break Optics
Cloud Break Optics
$229.00
In stock
Updated 5/11/2026
View Offer - $229.00