Up to 60 color frame per second

With up to 60 fps, this astro CCD cameras is ideally suited to color astrophotography, in which very fast sequences of images are captured. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.

Fast display of color images

IC Capture.AS performs color interpolation on the raw color data (RAW format) from the CCD chip. This reduces the load on the camera processor. Should, on the other hand, the camera be installed on a host PC in which the CPU is not particularly fast, color interpolation can be performed by the camera itself. In this case, the maximum refresh rate is 30 fps. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.

Sony® color CCD

The astronomy camera DFK 21AU04.AS uses a modern color CCD chip (ICX098BQ, progressive scan, manufactured by Sony®). It outputs a resolution of 640 x 480 pixel at a 1/4" format. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. The high quality of the CCD chip also permits its deployment in scientific image processing applications.

IR Cut Filter

The CCD camera DFK 21AU04.AS is equipped with an IR cut filter that blocks wavelengths above 700nm. Thus, its properties are similar to those of the human eye.

Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

The astronomy camera DFK 21AU04.AS generates a fast stream of uncompressed color images. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a USB 2.0 connector.

Shipped software for Windows®

This camera ships with the camera driver and the control software IC Capture.AS. To learn more about these software products, please take a look at the software section:

• Included Software

Camera Parameter	Parameter Value
Product Code	DFK 21AU04.AS
Type	color USB camera with IR cut filter
Connection	USB
Manufacturer	The Imaging Source
Sensor	CCD
Type	progressive scan
Sensor specification	Sony ICX098BQ  PDF
Format	1/4"
Resolution	640 x 480 pixel
Dynamic range	8 bit
Exposure time	1/10000 s to 60 minutes
Gain	0 dB to 36 dB
FPS @ Max resolution	60 fps
Video formats @ Frame rate	640 x 480, BY8 (RAW) @ 60, 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps 640 x 480, UYVY @ 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps
Lens mount	C/CS mount
Supply voltage	4.5 V to 5.5 V via the cable
Current consumption	approx 500 mA @ 5 VDC
Dimensions (H x W x L)	50.6 mm x 50.6 mm x 50 mm
Mass	265 g
Max. temperature (operation)	-5 °C to 45 °C
Max. temperature (storage)	-20 °C to 60 °C
Max. humidity (operation)	20 % to 80 %
Max. humidity (storage)	20 % to 95 %