The QSI 660 offers excellent sensitivity with a peak QE of over 75%. This sensitivity is paired with wide dynamic range, dual read rates, and low noise. The 660 series is well suited for a wide range of applications including planetary and deep sky imaging. The 660ws features both a mechanical shutter and 5 position, integrated filter wheel.
The QSI 600 Series builds on the foundation of the popular QSI 500 Series. Dual read rates of up to 8 MHz with high-speed USB 2.0 and full 16-bit output allow 600 Series cameras to produce high quality images with high frame rates, extremely wide dynamic range, excellent linearity and exceptionally low noise. Cooling on the 600 Series is achieved with a custom 2-stage TEC supporting regulated cooling to greater than 45C, or greater than 50C with the optional Liquid Heat Exchanger.
The superb imaging performance of 600 Series cameras is encased in a sleek, compact design with outstanding power efficiency and investment protecting upgradeability. With precision fit and engineering, and with a luxurious finish - the attention to detail will surpass your highest expectations.
About the Sony ICX694 Sensor
Larger than the 628 series of cameras (with a pixel array of 2758x2208) but with the same pixel size of 4.54 microns, the Sony ICX694 housed inside the 660 series provides exceptionally high resolution. Coupling high sensitivity across the visual band, low noise and peak QE (quantum efficiency) of 77% at 560nm creates a camera capable of capturing star clusters and deep sky objects in ultra smooth high definition. This sensor has anti-blooming protection and a fast electronic shutter capable of exposures as short as .0001 seconds. Micro lenses cover the surface of the CCD to focus the light into each 4.54???m pixel to maximize optical response.
Features:
Image Size: diagonal 15.99mm (type 1)
Transfer Method: Progressive scan interline transfer.
Total # of Pixels: 2838 x 2224, approximately 6.31M pixels
# of Effective Pixels: 2758x2208, approximately 6.09M pixels
# of Active Pixels: 2750x2200, approximately 6.05M pixels
Unit Cell Size: 4.54 microns square
Optical Blacks: 40 pixels horizontal, 8 pixels vertical per channel
Number of Dummy Bits: 1 per channel horizontal, none vertical
Horizontal Drive Frequency: 54MHz
Package: 68 pin Ceramic PGA
QSI 600 Series Body Design
Small and sleek, the QSI 600 series is nearly small enough to hide behind a CD-ROM. Refined design with precision machined and fit parts, the cameras are also striking in a metallic black and blue finish. With the goal of maintaining as shallow of a depth as well as overall size, the shutter and filter wheel (where included) have been placed very near to the image sensor. This results in minimized backfocus and as compact of a body as function will allow. This reduced design also results in great stability thanks to a shortened moment-arm. The motion control electronics are actually buried in the 0.12" thick shutter/filter mounting plate to reduce depth further. Pulling the cooling fans and heatsinks into the body resulted in another significant reduction in depth. Finally, having all electrical cables and the optional liquid heat exchanger recirculation hoses exit the body in the same direction and perpendicular to the optical axis insured an interference-free fit in tight spaces. Each body is machined out of aircraft-grade aluminum, finely finished with a corrosion resistant anodized finish and stainless steel hardware.
The 660ws features the medium body profile which is both lightweight and compact while allowing enough room to house a 5 position filter wheel. At 2 pound 8 ounces and only 2.5" deep, all of the QSI 600 cameras (with the exception of 8 position filter wheel models) are a mere 4.45" square. Their compact design also ensures that a QSI 600 camera will not weigh your setup down, meaning less counterbalance is required and focusers perform better with less stress.