QSI Mono Astro Camera 760W7 cooled, sensor D=43.3 mm, pixel size 3.76 µm, filter wheel with 7 positions

QSI Monochrome Astro Camera 760W7 cooled, sensor D=43.3 mm, pixel size 3.76 µm, filter wheel with 7 positions

For nearly 20 years QSI has been synonymous with high-quality desirable cameras for astronomers. Now in 2024 they proudly announce the 700 Series.

In two decades, much has changed beyond recognition. Sensors are now back-illuminated CMOS with native 16-bit digitisation. QE can be amazing 90% and readout is a speedy 120 million pixels per second over USB3, a performance that once was unimaginable. What is maintained by QSI´s newest cameras is the integrated design, attention to detail, and bulletproof reliability.

In the design of the 700 series they have taken their best technology. Filterwheels are mechanically indexed to ensure the most precise location for perfect flat fields. The fused silica window is dew resistant and is coated on both sides with high transmission anti-reflective coating to minimise halos. The cameras use a highly efficient 2-stage Peltier cooler that draws less current and delivers more cooling than some other cameras.


Good storage is an important preventive measure against dew and also extends the service life:

After use, put the camera straight into the TS Protect Case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel absorbs the moisture from the camera. At the same time, the penetration of moist room air is prevented. Dry storage can even partially regenerate the small desiccant tablets in cooled cameras. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimum condition. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.

The cameras are not airtight, so if the camera remains on the telescope, it is exposed to moisture. The small amount of desiccant in the camera can protect the sensor and the inside of the protective glass from moisture for the duration of the exposure, but not for days on end. Moisture problems can be the result. A simple trick is to stretch a plastic bag around the focuser to which the camera is attached so that no air can get in. Silica gel is placed in a small cloth bag inside the plastic bag. This will also create a "dry climate zone" for the camera on the telescope. This allows you to leave the camera on the telescope for a few days for an imaging session lasting several days.

In the medium and long term, however, this is no substitute for proper storage in an airtight case with silica gel.

First light from QSI´s astrophotography expert

Vince Bygrave, QSI´s in-house astrophotography expert, captured a first light image of the North America Nebula, which we are posting here as the first evidence of this camera´s capabilities:

Object: North America Nebula (NGC 7000)

Photographer: Vince Bygrave (England)
Location/circumstances: Suburban back garden in the UK with a half-size waxing moon
Telescope: Takahashi 106 FSQ f/5
Filter: H-alpha, 7 nm
Camera: QSI 760 with 7 position filter wheel
Guiding: Off-axis guider
Guiding camera: Atik GP guiding camera
Exposure: 24x 5-min subs, 2 h in total

Safety informations: PDF Download