Cameras

ToupTek Astro ATR585M

Monday, February 24, 2025

The ToupTek Astro ATR585M is a monochrome astrophotography camera featuring the Sony IMX585 sensor, two-stage TEC cooling, zero amp-glow, adjustable anti-dew heating, and USB 3.0 connectivity, making it suitable for capturing deep-sky and planetary images with high detail.

The ToupTek ATR585M is a monochrome camera designed for astrophotography. It uses the Sony IMX585 sensor, which has features that make it suitable for capturing deep-sky objects and planets. This camera is sold at a base price of $599, and it requires an external power supply within the range of 11-14V to function properly.

ToupTek Astro ATR585M

The ATR585M camera includes the Sony IMX585 sensor, known for its ability to capture images with minimal noise. The sensor supports high dynamic range (HDR) mode and is designed to function without amp-glow, which helps improve image quality. This makes it suitable for astrophotographers who need clean images with minimal unwanted light interference. The pixel size of this sensor allows for capturing details at a high resolution, which can be useful for imaging faint deep-sky objects or planetary details.

This camera includes a two-stage Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) system. This system helps lower the sensor temperature by up to 45 degrees Celsius below the surrounding temperature. The cooling module includes an electric fan that assists in heat dissipation. This cooling capability allows for longer exposure times, up to one hour, without significant sensor noise. Even in warmer weather, the camera remains functional with cooling temperatures between -5°C to -10°C. The cooling system helps to stabilize the sensor performance, which is useful for long-exposure imaging.

The ATR585M camera requires a 12V 3A DC power supply. It is recommended to use the adapter included with the camera or a lithium-ion battery that provides a stable output within the required voltage range. Unstable power sources or power supplies with incorrect specifications could impact the camera's ability to function properly or even cause damage.

The ATR585M has built-in anti-dew technology. This system uses a heating element to prevent condensation from forming on the sensor window. The heater consumes about 5 watts of power and can be turned off through software to conserve energy. Users can select from four different heating levels to adjust the amount of heat applied, depending on the environmental conditions. This feature ensures that the camera remains clear of moisture, which is important for maintaining image quality in humid or cold conditions.

The camera includes a USB 3.0 connection for fast data transfer. It is compatible with various astrophotography software programs, making it easy to integrate into different imaging setups. The camera supports standard mounting and can be used with filter wheels and other astrophotography accessories.

The ATR585M is suitable for deep-sky astrophotography as well as planetary imaging. It can be used with different telescope setups, including refractors, reflectors, and catadioptric telescopes. The zero amp-glow feature allows for better image quality in both long and short exposures. The cooling system ensures that noise remains low, even in extended imaging sessions. The HDR mode provides improved contrast, which can be helpful in capturing a wider range of brightness levels in a single image.

The ATR585M is available in two colors: blue and black. Buyers can choose between different cable plug options, including Euro, US, and UK plugs. In addition to the standalone camera, ToupTek offers a bundle that includes an automated filter wheel (AFW 8X1.25”) and a set of 1.25” LRGBSHO filters. This bundle is available at an early bird price for a limited time.

The ATR585M is a camera designed for astrophotographers looking for a monochrome imaging solution. It features a high-performance sensor, an advanced cooling system, and anti-dew technology. It is compatible with various accessories and software, making it a flexible choice for different imaging setups. With its range of features, the ATR585M provides an option for those interested in deep-sky and planetary photography.

ToupTek Astro | Installation of ATR series cameras, Filter Wheel and OAG

ToupTek Astro ATR585M specifications

Sensor: Sony IMX585 monochrome CMOS sensor
Optical Format: 1/1.2 inch
Resolution: 8.3 megapixels
Pixel Size: 2.9 micrometers
Cooling System: Two-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) with controllable electric fan
Temperature Reduction: Operates up to 45°C below ambient temperature
Exposure Time: Up to 1 hour
Amp-Glow: Zero amp-glow design
Anti-Dew Technology: Integrated heating function consuming approximately 5 watts, adjustable via software
Memory Buffer: 512MB DDR3
Power Supply: Requires 12V 3A DC power supply
Interface: USB 3.0 with 5Gbps bandwidth
Color Options: Blue or Black
Package Options: Camera only or Camera with AFW 8x1.25" filter wheel and 1.25" LRGBSHO filters

Cuiv's review of the Touptek ATR 585 Monochrome camera

This camera has been generating buzz as a potential "PRO" alternative to the QHY Minicam 8, and I was eager to understand its features and performance.

The Touptek ATR 585M is built around Sony's IMX585 monochrome sensor. This sensor is celebrated for its high sensitivity, especially in the red spectrum, making it ideal for capturing narrowband emissions like Hydrogen-alpha (Hα) and Sulfur II (SII). The sensor boasts a 1/1.2-inch optical format with a resolution of 8.3 megapixels and a pixel size of 2.9 micrometers. This combination ensures detailed and high-quality images of celestial objects.

Key features

Cooling System: The camera is equipped with a two-stage thermoelectric cooler (TEC). Touptek claims it can achieve cooling up to 45°C below ambient temperature. In his tests, Cuiv managed to reach approximately 42-43°C below ambient, which is still impressive. Effective cooling is crucial in astrophotography to reduce thermal noise during long exposures.
Integrated Dew Heater: A standout feature is the built-in dew heater. This prevents condensation on the sensor window, a common issue during nighttime observations. Many cameras in this category lack this feature, making the ATR 585M particularly user-friendly.
USB Hub: The camera includes a USB 2.0 hub with two ports. This allows astronomers to connect additional devices, such as an electronic filter wheel or an auto-focuser, directly to the camera. This setup reduces cable clutter and simplifies the imaging rig.
Gain Control: Cuiv emphasized the camera's manual control over conversion gain. Users can switch between Low Conversion Gain (LCG) and High Conversion Gain (HCG) modes. This flexibility allows for optimization based on specific imaging requirements, offering better control over read noise and dynamic range.

While the QHY Minicam 8 offers an integrated system with proprietary filters, the Touptek ATR 585M provides more flexibility. It accommodates standard 36mm unmounted or 1.25-inch mounted filters, allowing users to choose and upgrade filters as needed. Additionally, the narrower bandpass filters (3.5nm for Hα and 4nm for SII and OIII) available for the ATR 585M are advantageous for imaging in light-polluted areas.

Cuiv shared his imaging results using the ATR 585M paired with Touptek's narrowband filters. Targets like the Horsehead Nebula and the Rosette Nebula were captured with remarkable detail. The high sensitivity of the IMX585 sensor, combined with the narrowband filters, allowed for clear and detailed images even under the light-polluted skies of Tokyo.

One point to note is the camera's price. The ATR 585M, combined with the filter wheel and filters, totals approximately $1,517. This is higher than the QHY Minicam 8, but the added flexibility, advanced features, and performance may justify the investment for serious astrophotographers.

The Touptek ATR 585 Monochrome camera stands out as a versatile and high-performance option for astrophotographers. Its combination of advanced features, flexibility in filter choices, and impressive imaging capabilities make it a compelling alternative to other cameras in its class. Cuiv's detailed review provides valuable insights for anyone considering this equipment for their astrophotography endeavors.