1
of
5
Loading...
Quick Specs
G3M178M
IMX178 High-Speed USB 3.0 Mono Planetary Camera
Regular price
$259.00
Unit price
Shipping calculated at checkout.
G3M178M - Standard Version is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Free Shippingon orders over $179
2-year warrantyfor peace of mind
Import taxescovered
Compatibility / Requirements
Compatibility / Requirements
The Standard Version uses a C-mount for standard accessories and telescopes. The Extended Version uses a CS-mount with a shorter flange focal distance for broader OAG compatibility. Both versions accept 1.25-inch filters when connected through a 1.25-inch extender.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping options and checkout-calculated delivery details are shown before payment.
Warranty and Support
Warranty and Support
For setup support, software downloads and warranty service, contact ToupTek Astro support with your order information.
Reviews (1)
Reviews (1)
Full Specifications
Full Specifications
G3M178M - Standard Version is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Meet G3M178M
Exceptional Dynamic Range & High-Resolution Monochrome Performance
Powered by Sony’s advanced IMX178 monochrome sensor, the G3M178M delivers high-resolution 6.2MP imaging with an outstanding 82dB dynamic range. Unrestricted by a Bayer color filter array, this monochrome camera captures 100% of incoming light across visible and NIR wavelengths—dramatically boosting image contrast and detail for fine planetary, lunar, and solar targets.
G3M178M Planetary Camera Performance Analysis
Mono VS Color
Which Do You Need For Planetary Imaging?
One-Shot Color (OSC) Planetary Cameras
Equipped with an RGB Bayer filter array, One-Shot Color planetary cameras capture true-color planetary videos in a single sequence without requiring filter wheels or costly filter sets. While highly efficient for fast-rotating planets like Jupiter, Bayer interpolation causes physical resolution and sensitivity losses, as pixels are split between red, green, and blue light collection.
Monochrome Planetary Cameras
Monochrome planetary cameras capture raw light across 100% of the pixel array with no Bayer filter losses, delivering maximum spatial resolution, superior SNR, and razor-sharp surface details. Although producing true-color LRGB images requires capturing sequential RGB streams using a filter wheel, the sensor's extreme sensitivity enables shorter exposure times to freeze atmospheric turbulence. It also unlocks specialized imaging using CH4 (Methane), UV, and IR-Pass filters for advanced planetary, lunar, and solar details.
Unlocking Planetary Details
NIR Imaging & Atmospheric Penetration
Saturn by TritonYung
Paired with an 850nm IR-Pass or 890nm Methane (CH4) filter, the G3M678M isolates deep atmospheric structures on Jupiter and Saturn, revealing subtle cloud dynamics invisible in standard light.
Why Choose G3M Series Planetary Camera
512MB DDR3 High-Speed Buffer & Sony STARVIS 2 Technology
Built on Sony’s next-generation STARVIS 2 back-illuminated technology, the sensor features reduced dark current, lower readout noise, and higher dynamic range. Coupled with an onboard 512MB DDR3 high-speed RAM buffer, the G3M series guarantees smooth, frame-drop-free data transfer while preventing sensor heating and buffer-induced artifacts during long recording sequences.
Zero Amp-Glow
The G3M series features advanced circuit architecture that completely eliminates amp-glow at the hardware level. Whether shooting high-frame-rate planetary videos at high gain or longer exposures for autoguiding, your raw frames remain clean, pristine, and artifact-free.
2-in-1 Versatility: Planetary & Guiding
Why buy two cameras when one can do it all? G3M series serves as high-end planetary cameras while doubling as ultra-sensitive auto-guiding cameras for deep-sky astrophotography setups.
Compatible with OAG and Guide Scope
Featuring a standard 1.25" form factor, the G3M series planetary camera seamlessly fits into standard 1.25" focusers, guide scopes, and Off-Axis Guiders (OAGs) from ToupTek Astro and third-party brands, making it an effortless upgrade for any astrophotography imaging train.
Standard & Extended Versions
The Standard Version uses a C-mount for standard accessories and telescopes. The Extended Version uses a CS-mount with a longer front barrel and shorter flange focal distance for broader OAG compatibility. Both versions accept 1.25-inch filters when connected through a 1.25-inch extender.
What's in the Box
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the G3M series and GPM series cameras?
G3M is ToupTek Astro's planetary camera series, designed primarily for high-frame-rate planetary, lunar, and solar imaging. GPM is the guide camera series, designed primarily for autoguiding. Both series can also support selected near-infrared imaging workflows, so choose G3M when high frame rate is the priority and GPM when guiding is the primary task.
What accessories are needed for infrared Milky Way imaging with G3M/GPM cameras?
For infrared Milky Way imaging, prepare an IR-sensitive G3M or GPM camera, a compatible lens, an infrared-pass filter, a stable tripod or support, a laptop, smartphone, or compatible controller for image acquisition, and the required USB data cable. For a G3M camera, remove the front C-mount or CS-mount ring, then install the LP825 filter CS-adapter ring together with the lens.
What is the difference between the Standard Version and Extended Version?
The Standard Version uses a C-mount for standard accessories and telescopes. The Extended Version uses a CS-mount with a longer front barrel and shorter flange focal distance for broader OAG compatibility. Both versions accept 1.25-inch filters when connected through a 1.25-inch extender.
