TS ToupTek AE676 AstroEye USB3.0 Monochrome Astronomy Camera with Sony IMX676 Sensor - D=10 mm, air-cooled
The AE676M is a versatile, high-performance astronomy camera designed for a wide range of applications in astrophotography, including photography of planets, the Moon, the Sun, deep-sky objects, meteors, and the Milky Way.
Powered by the Sony IMX676 monochrome CMOS sensor, the AE676M combines full-spectrum sensitivity, Bayer-free pixel-level sharpness, NIR (Near-Infrared) penetration, and an ultra-compact design. Built to effortlessly master high-resolution solar/lunar mosaics, narrow-band deep-sky imaging, and NIR planetary photography.
Key Advantages: Sony IMX676 monochrome CMOS Sensor: 1/1.6" square sensor with 12.5 MP high resolution (3536x3536 pixels) Very high detail resolution: 2.0 µm pixel size Full-Spectrum & Ultra-High NIR QE: Maintains 80%-88% high response at 800-850 nm. Magnetic Detachable Cooling Fan Module: Switch between zero-vibration constant temperature mode and enhanced cooling mode Built-in 512 MB DDR3 Cache: Stable data transfer with no frame drops, even under bandwidth limitations Native 12-bit ADC + 16-bit HDR output: Preserves fine details and dynamic range, but also allows for faster capturing HCG/LCG/HDR Gain Modes: Flexible optimization for different imaging targets High Compatibility: Works with photography tripods, telescopes, guide scopes and wide-angle lensesWhat Can You Capture with AE676MFrom planetary imaging and lunar details to deep-sky objects, meteors, Milky Way, and all-sky monitoring, AE676M is a beginner-friendly multi-purpose astronomy camera designed for exploring endless astrophotography possibilities.
Square Sensor for Flexible FramingAE676M features a 1/1.6" square sensor, eliminating the hassle of aligning different aspect ratios. It offers the benefits of:
Easier mosaic stitching without cropping Faster post-processing workflow Better framing flexibilityAE676M is especially well-suited for all-sky monitoring, meteor detection and Milky Way photography. The square format also pairs perfectly with fisheye and wide-angle lenses, maximizing image coverage.
Exceptional H-alpha & Near-Infrared SensitivityPowered by STARVIS 2 technology, the AE676M delivers over 95% relative response efficiency across the 600-750 nm range, maximizing the capture of H-alpha-rich targets, including solar prominences, flares, and emission nebula details.
Its outstanding sensitivity beyond 800 nm in the near-infrared spectrum enables stunning infrared Milky Way imaging through light pollution when paired with IR825/850 filters. Combined with narrowband filters, it provides efficient deep-sky signal acquisition even in light-polluted urban environments.
AR-Coated Protective Window for Maximum TransmissionAE676M features a dual-sided AR-coated optical window:
Reduces reflections and light loss Protects against dust and physical damage Enhances transmission across 400-1100 nm wavelengthsWhen paired with a long-pass filter starting at around 825 nm, such as the supplied ToupTek LP825, a TSIR850, the ASI850IRpass, or the Antlia IR850, it allows stunning infrared Milky Way imaging.
Modular Magnetic Cooling System for Flexible UseFeatures a magnetic detachable rear cooling fan module for quick installation and removal. Single-stage TEC cooling combined with precision multi-channel heat dissipation supports long exposures while reducing thermal noise.
Fanless Constant Temperature Mode: PID temperature control algorithm enables precise cooling up to 5 °C below ambient. With ±0.1 °C stability and zero vibration, it´s ideal for long focal length telescopes requiring absolute sharpness. With the magnetic fan attached, sensor temperatures drop by up to 20°C below ambient, greatly suppressing thermal noise during extended exposures and improving dark frame calibration.*Tested under long-exposure conditions at 25 °C ambient temperature with proper ventilation. Actual performance may vary depending on environmental conditions and exposure duration.
Native 12-bit ADC & Hardware ROICapture 12-bit images natively with software binning from 1×1 to 8×8 and hardware binning from 1×1 to 2×2. Hardware ROI allows frame rates up to 993 FPS at reduced resolution (8-bit mode), making it perfect for high-speed planetary and solar/lunar detail capture.
Stable Performance with 512 MB DDR3 CacheEquipped with a 512 MB DDR3 buffer, AE676M ensures stable data transfer and helps prevent frame drops even under bandwidth limitations. Read noise is as low as 1.01 e
- for clean backgrounds, while the 69.7 dB dynamic range preserves details in both bright and dark areas.
Seamless Multi-Mode SwitchingThe AE676M supports switching between HCG, LCG, and HDR modes, allowing independent selection according to different targets:
HCG Mode: Reduces readout noise while keeping high dynamic range for faint deep-sky object imaging and guiding. LCG Mode: Prevents overexposure on bright targets while preserving highlights, ideal for bright targets. HDR Mode: Combines HCG´s low noise with LCG´s high full-well capacity for maximum dynamic range (16-bit output).Flexible Mounting OptionsSupports 1.25" barrel, CS mount, C mount, M42M and M42F interfaces for different optical systems and imaging accessories.
Software CompatibilitySeamlessly connect via the StellaVita App, ToupSky software, or use ASCOM, INDI, and DirectShow SDKs for broad third-party software integration.
Drivers and SoftwareToupTek provides drivers and software for this camera, you can
download them from here.