Player One NEPTUNE-C (SKU: POA-NEPTUNE-C ) is the first generation of the Neptune series color planetary camera. The Sony IMX178 COLOR sensor (1/1.8″ format, 3096 × 2080 px) combines high STARVIS sensitivity, very low readout noise and 6.4 MP resolution with a small 2.4 µm pixel - ideal for lucky imaging of the Moon, Sun (with filtration) and planets at short focal lengths. The USB-C 3.0 interface and 256 MB DDR-III buffer guarantee smooth recording up to 60 fps in full RAW10 resolution without dropping frames.

NEPTUNE-C Key Features

• Sony IMX178 COLOR sensor – 3096 × 2080 px (6.4 MP), pixel 2.4 µm
• STARVIS technology – QE ≈ 80%, no amp-glow
• speed up to 60 fps (RAW10) in full frame, 200 fps at ROI 640 × 480
• full well 15 ke-, reading noise < 1.5 e- (HCG mode)
• 256 MB DDR-III buffer – continuous bursts without frame loss
• Super AR Plus window – max. transmission 350–1000 nm, minimal reflections
• passive PCS radiator with the possibility of connecting active ACS cooling
• USB-C 3.0 interface (400 MiB/s) + autoguider port ST-4 (RJ-12)
• threads: internal M42 × 0.75 + nose 1.25″ – back-focus 12.5 mm, compatible with SFT tilter and FD MINI drawer

Technical specification

• matrix: Sony IMX178 COLOR, CMOS, rolling-shutter
• format / diagonal: 1/1.8″ (9.0 mm), area 7.4 × 5.0 mm
• resolution: 3096 × 2080 px (6.44 MP)
• pixel size: 2.4 µm
• ADC: 12 bit / 10 bit (RAW)
• full well: 15 ke- (gain 0)
• reading noise: 0.9 – 2.8 e- (HCG → LG)
• max. FPS: 60 fps @ RAW10, 200 fps @ 640 × 480
• exposures: 32 µs – 1000 s
• Buffer: 256MB DDR-III
• back-focus (with 1.25″ nose): 12.5 mm
• dimensions / weight: Ø 66 mm × 32 mm / 180 g
• cooling: PCS passive (radiator); compatible ACS module
• Power supply: 5V DC from USB-C (≤ 0.45A)
• compatibility: Windows 7/10/11 (ASCOM), macOS, Linux (INDI)

Neptune-C is a great solution for lovers of fast color astrophotography. High sensitivity, lack of amp-glow artifacts and high frame rate make it an ideal tool for recording dynamic phenomena in planetary atmospheres, fine lunar structures and photosphere granulation - especially in combination with IR-pass 685/850 nm and Photosphere 10 nm filters.