The ToupTek ATR 2600M monochrome cooled camera is very similar to the ZWO ASI 2600 MM Pro monochrome cooled camera, as both products are built around the same Sony back-illuminated sensor. Its efficient built-in Peltier cooler can reduce the sensor temperature, which rises during long exposures, by up to 42°C below ambient temperature. Cooling reduces image noise to the lowest possible level. To compensate for its high cooling capacity, the camera also features an anti-dew heater.
The APS-C-sized, 26-megapixel Sony IMX571 sensor is firmly in the premium category. Its dimensions match those of sensors used in popular DSLR cameras, but it offers significantly higher sensitivity. Its 16-bit ADC output delivers an exceptional tonal range and also makes post-processing easier in images containing fainter areas.
With many cameras, long-exposure images often showed "amp glow", which could only be corrected during post-processing. The ToupTek ATR 2600M monochrome cooled camera enables low-noise long-exposure imaging while eliminating the "amp glow" effect associated with high gain settings. Its internal 512 MB DDR3 memory buffer makes a major contribution to this performance and ensures stable data transfer.
With its 28.3 mm image circle, the ToupTek ATR 2600M monochrome cooled camera sensor is ideal for wide-field deep-sky imaging, further supported by its high sensitivity (QE>80%). As the camera has no built-in UV/IR filter, it remains sensitive to these wavelengths as well.
In addition to still images, the camera can also record video when used as a planetary camera. At maximum resolution (6224 x 4168 pixels), video is recorded at 6.8 fps (frames per second). At the lower resolution of 2064 x 1386, speeds of up to 63 fps are available, which is exceptionally high for this resolution. The rear panel features one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, and a 12 V DC socket. A row of status LEDs indicates the camera's operating status.
Numerous free image capture applications are available online. For Windows, we particularly recommend SharpCap and FireCapture, although the camera also works excellently with the manufacturer's own ToupSky software. The popular PHD2 software also supports the camera, while the ASCOM driver provides even broader device compatibility. The camera can be used with Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems.
Package contents:
- ToupTek ATR 2600M colour cooled camera
- Mains power supply + cable
- 12.5 mm T2 adapter (starter adapter for 12.5 mm back focus)
- 16.5 mm T2-M48 adapter
- 21 mm T2 extension adapter
- USB 3.0 cable (1.5 m)
