Offer: TS-Optics ToupTek Color Astro Camera 294CP Sony IMX294 Sensor D=23.2 mm

TS 294CP Color Astro Camera of the latest Generation

The camera with the powerful Sony IMX294 sensor allows astrophotography on a very high level. This modern sensor can be used for all areas of astrophotography. The 4.3-µm pixels make this camera an all-rounder with highest sensitivity for short exposure times.

Another advantage is the sensational light sensitivity. The QE of 80% by the BACK ILLUMINATION technology already allow deep astro images with short exposure times. This makes the camera very well suited for deep sky photography.

The "single-shot" color camera offers more convenience compared to monochrome cameras. Not everyone wants to use the laborious L-RGB process for beautiful colored nebula images or planetary images. The color cameras offer you the possibility to get beautiful images without changing filters. But in direct comparison to the DSLR camera, the color camera convinces with a disproportionately higher light sensitivity, a smoother image and much more depth. Stars do not burn out as quickly.

Back-illumination technology:

Sony´s back-illuminated CMOS imaging sensor improves sensitivity and noise reduction - key factors in improving image quality - by changing the basic pixel structure from front- to back-illuminated. The advantages of CMOS image sensors, such as low power consumption and high operating speed, have been retained.

The back illumination improves the light acquisition and increases the amount of light at the same time. This makes significantly shorter exposure times possible and leads to an improved quantum efficiency of 80 %.

Sony has developed a unique photodiode structure and on-chip lens optimized for backside-exposed structures, this results in higher sensitivity and lower random noise without light by reducing noise, dark current and defective pixels compared to the conventional front-side-illuminated structure.

Optimal support before and after purchase through Teleskop-Service

Through many years of experience, we can offer you optimal advice and also a very good after-sales service. We can perform almost all services at our premises. For a professional service we have among other things also a clean cabinet, where we can carry out repairs, cleaning etc. under dust exclusion.

Connection to correctors with M48 thread and 55 mm working distance with filter change

Most coma correctors or field flatteners for refractors have 55 mm working distance and an M48x0.75 thread on the camera side. Here you will find an interesting suggestion for the connection. The camera has a back focus of 17.5 mm from the T2 female thread. The adapters are from the camera to the corrector:

1. TSFSLM48T2 - filter drawer with T2 connection on the camera side and M48 thread on the telescope side.
2. TSVF220 - 20 mm M48 extension.
Total 55.5 mm flange focal distance - the 0.5 mm compensates well for the glass path of the filter - spot landing!!!

The manufacturer of the camera is ToupTek

As one of the largest manufacturers of professional cameras for digital photography, ToupTek brings the necessary knowledge for cameras that just work. Teleskop Service receives the cameras directly from the manufacturer, we are in direct contact with ToupTek to provide you with first class service.

Product video

Teleskop-Service has made an overview video for ToupTek´s cameras:

Informative PDF files about the TS-Optics/ToupTek cameras

We have made two helpful PDFs about some cameras from TS-Optics.

The first one gives general information about many cameras, it is in German language and can be downloaded here.
The second PDF lists information about some camera sensors, you can download it here.

Driver and Software

ToupTek provides drivers and software for this camera, you can download them here.

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.

Safety informations: PDF Download