Beginning with driver version 2021.11.28, this camera will no longer support Windows XP, and 7. It is fully compatible with Win 8, 10 AND 11.
The StarShoot G26 APS-C Color Imaging Camerais Orion's largest CMOS camera offered. Built around the Sony IMX571 CMOS chip, the G26 offers a 28.3mm diagonal sensor, with 3.76 micron pixels, 80% QE, and a full resolution topping out at a whopping 6224x4168 pixels.
But the size of the chip is perhaps the least impressive of the specs for this incredibly sensitive camera. The IMX571 CMOS chip produces an incredible dynamic range in your images, with smooth transitions in brightness and amazing contrast due to the 16-bit sensor with a full well capacity of 51ke. Unlike most CMOS cameras on the market, the IMX571 chip produces ZERO amp glow! Because of this and the low level of noise present in the chip, you may even decide to skip shooting those dark calibration frames! There is a "signature" amp glow on the upper right edge of images taken with the G10 IMX294 chip, which is normally processed out when shooting and subtracting dark frames. Since the G26 has no amp glow to begin with, you're that much closer to a fully calibrated image straight off of the camera!
The APS-C format chip in the StarShoot G26 provides an even bigger field of view compared with the smaller 4/3" format chips in Orion's G10, G16, and G21 lines. This provides you more opportunities for the perfect image composition in your photographs. Additionally, with 26 million pixels at 3.76 microns each, there is an exceptional amount of resolution inherent in this camera, both for deep-sky and solar system imaging.
The StarShoot G16 APS-C features a two-stage regulated thermo-electric cooler with fan, capable of reaching ~35° C below ambient temperature. A built-in dew heater protects against dew forming at such low temperatures. The USB 3.0 interface provides super fast frame rates and download speeds. The camera electronics are powered by the USB 3.0 port and the TE cooler is powered by an included AC adapter, though any 12v 3amp external battery source will work as well.
A standard T-thread is cut into the front opening of the camera, and with an included 2" nozzle, you can attach the G26 camera to most all telescope configurations, including coma correctors, flatteners, and off-axis guiders. With a built in two-port USB 2.0 hub, your guide camera and other USB accessories can be wired directly to the G26, which means you'll only have the one USB cable running to your laptop, making cable clutter a non-issue!
Compatible with Windows 8/10/11, the camera includes a hard case, along with free control and image acquisition software. And best of all, the StarShoot G26 is ASCOM compatible, meaning you can use most dedicated astro-imaging software on the market to unlock the full potential of your new StarShoot G26 APS-C Color Imaging Camera!
