The QHY294M Pro camera is a 4/3" back-side illuminated, 2 stage TE cooled camera with a Sony IMX492 sensor. It has a dual operation mode, allowing it to operate in either 11.7 megapixel mode with 4.63 micron pixels, or in 46.8 megapixel mode with 2.315 micron pixels. This dual mode of operation makes the camera suitable for use with a range of focal length scopes, selecting the appropriate readout mode for ideal sampling scale, i.e. small pixel full resolution mode for shorter focal lengths, and 2x2 binned mode for longer focal lengths.

It's fair to say that this camera is an example of the kind of equipment I have been very excited about since starting in this hobby, so when I had a milestone birthday approaching and several people wanted to know what gifts I would like I was delighted that so many were happy to make a contribution which allowed me to buy this, along with the other accessories necessary to make best use of it, i.e. a motorised filter wheel and set of optical filters.

The first images captured with this camera were certainly not perfect, but its potential was clear to me instantly. After ironing out some of the niggles with my new set up, I am really excited for what I might capture in the next imaging season when dark nights return after summer.

To learn more about this camera, please visit the QHYCCD website.