Cameras

ATR2600C astronomy camera from ToupTek Astro reviewed

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Astrophotographer Damon Scotting reviews the ToupTek Astro ATR2600C camera, noting its strong cooling, impressive image quality, and affordability vs. the ZWO ASI 2600 MC. Despite a minor dust cover flaw, he commends ToupTek's innovation and excellent customer service.

In a recent review, astrophotographer Damon Scotting shared his insights on the ToupTek ATR2600C, a cooled deep-sky color camera that has been making waves in the astronomy community. Scotting's detailed evaluation, presented in his video, positions the ATR2600C as a viable alternative to the highly regarded ZWO ASI 2600 MC Pro. His comparison emphasized both the technical prowess and affordability of the ToupTek model, shedding light on the camera’s potential to disrupt the astrophotography market.

ATR2600C astronomy camera from ToupTek Astro reviewed by Damon Scotting

Scotting began by noting the ATR2600C’s impressive specifications, highlighting its use of the Sony IMX571 sensor—an APS-C format that has become a favorite among astrophotographers for its sensitivity and image quality. The 16-bit camera, boasting a resolution of 26 megapixels, offers images with rich detail and wide dynamic range. With pixel dimensions of 3.76µm, it aligns closely with the ASI 2600 MC, a similarity Scotting used as the foundation for his comparison. He was particularly impressed with ToupTek's ability to maintain competitive image quality at a more affordable price point, especially in the UK market.

One of the standout features of the ATR2600C, according to Scotting, is its highly effective cooling system. The camera’s two-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) allows the sensor to operate up to 42 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, ensuring stable performance during long exposures. Scotting praised the rapid cooling capabilities of the ATR2600C, stating that it reached -10°C in just 22 seconds—significantly faster than its ZWO counterpart. This feature, he suggested, makes it a time-saving tool for astrophotographers who want to maximize their imaging sessions.

The ATR2600C’s low noise and zero amp-glow performance

The ATR2600C’s low noise and zero amp-glow performance also garnered praise from Scotting. These characteristics contribute to cleaner, sharper images, especially during high exposure times, with the camera’s readout noise as low as 0.883 electrons in high gain mode. The built-in anti-dew technology, which prevents condensation on the sensor through adjustable heating, was another feature Scotting highlighted as both innovative and practical. This combination of features, along with a native 16-bit ADC that offers 14 stops of dynamic range, makes the ATR2600C an attractive choice for deep-sky astrophotographers seeking high precision and stability.

The camera's dust cover, a simple rubber cap, was a disappointment

While Scotting was largely positive about the ATR2600C, he did point out a few drawbacks. The camera's dust cover, a simple rubber cap, was a notable disappointment. He compared it to the solid screw-on cap used by ZWO, criticizing ToupTek’s choice as being less effective at keeping dust and debris out of the camera’s interior. Though this may seem like a minor flaw, Scotting emphasized that such details could impact long-term durability and ease of use in field conditions.

Despite this critique, Scotting found the overall build quality of the ATR2600C to be excellent, on par with established brands like ZWO and Player One. He expressed particular enthusiasm for ToupTek’s willingness to innovate, mentioning their upcoming “Astro Station” device—a versatile alternative to the ZWO ASIAir that aims to be compatible with a wider range of equipment. Scotting saw this as a promising move by ToupTek, potentially opening up more options for users who prefer flexibility in their astrophotography setups.

ToupTek’s customer service also earned high marks from Scotting. He noted that his ATR2600C was delivered from China in just three days, praising the company’s responsiveness and professionalism. His positive experience extended beyond the ATR2600C to other products in ToupTek’s lineup, including their electronic focuser, which he found both reliable and reasonably priced.

The ATR2600C is a high-quality camera, but it might be out of reach for some due to its price

Scotting concluded his review by acknowledging that while the ATR2600C is a high-quality camera, it might still be out of reach for some due to its price. However, he reassured viewers that ToupTek’s range of cameras offers several cost-effective alternatives, making advanced astrophotography more accessible to a broader audience. In his view, ToupTek’s combination of solid engineering, competitive pricing, and ongoing innovation makes it a brand worth watching, particularly with the anticipated release of the Astro Station. Scotting positioned the ATR2600C as a camera that effectively balances quality and value, challenging the dominance of more well-known brands while delivering professional-grade performance for deep-sky imaging. As the astrophotography community continues to evolve, ToupTek’s offerings, including the ATR2600C, appear poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the field.