QHY miniCAM8 camera review

ScopeTrader's quick take on the miniCAM8 reveals a compact yet high-performance imaging system, designed for both deep space and planetary photography. Despite its small form, this camera doesn't compromise on essential features like sensor quality and cooling. Built around Sony’s IMX585 8 MP sensor, the miniCAM8 offers superior near-infrared sensitivity and impressive dynamic range, making it a standout option for astrophotography. With a dual-stage TE cooling system capable of achieving a temperature difference of -45℃ from ambient, it ensures clean, high-quality images even during long exposures.

QHY miniCAM8 camera

In addition to its cooling capabilities, the miniCAM8 boasts an 8-position filter wheel for comprehensive imaging options, including LRGB and narrowband filters. Its “Linearity HDR” mode further enhances image quality by providing a dynamic range of up to 46,300:1, equivalent to 93 dB. This mode, combined with its zero amplifier glow technology, guarantees clear, noise-free images. The camera's anti-dew design ensures reliable performance, even in challenging conditions, with a built-in dew heater and humidity control features to prevent condensation.

QHY miniCAM8 camera specifications

• Sensor: Sony IMX585, 1/1.2 inch BSI CMOS
• Resolution: 8 MP (3856 x 2180 pixels)
• Pixel Size: 2.9μm x 2.9μm
• Full Well Capacity: 54 ke-
• Readout Noise: 0.76 – 7.8 e-
• Peak Quantum Efficiency: Mono: 92% | Color: R: 82%, G: 87%, B: 75%
• Dynamic Range: 46,300:1 (93 dB, 15.5 stops)
• A/D Conversion: Dual 12-bit, output as 16-bit
• Frame Rate: Full Resolution: 41.5 FPS @ 8-bit, 23.5 FPS @ 16-bit
• Frame Rate: ROI (1080 Lines): 82 FPS @ 8-bit, 47 FPS @ 16-bit
• Frame Rate: ROI (640 Lines): 177 FPS @ 8-bit, 105 FPS @ 16-bit
• Exposure Range: 11μs to 900 sec
• Shutter Type: Electronic Rolling Shutter
• Built-in Image Buffer: 512MB DDR3
• Interface: USB 3.0, 1.25-inch telescope interface
• Filter Wheel: 8-position carousel
• Cooling System: Dual-stage TEC, -45℃ below ambient for long exposures
• Weight: 480g
• Optic Window: AR+AR coating
• Back Focal Length: 17.5mm
   

The miniCAM8’s standout features include its exceptional cooling system, which ensures thermal stability during long exposures. The dual-stage TEC cooler helps maintain a temperature difference of -45℃ from ambient, minimizing noise and maximizing sensor performance. The inclusion of an 8-position filter wheel allows for versatile imaging options, while the high sensitivity of the IMX585 sensor ensures that even faint celestial objects are captured with clarity. Additionally, the camera’s anti-dew technology prevents condensation, making it reliable for extended sessions. With the unique "Linearity HDR" mode, it also delivers stunning images with smooth color gradations and high dynamic range, perfect for both deep space and planetary imaging.

Filter wheel and filter installation

Cuiv the Lazy Geeks recently reviewed the QHY miniCAM8 camera and filters, highlighting its features, strengths, and areas of improvement. This product offers a unique approach to affordable astrophotography, particularly for beginners looking to enter monochrome imaging. The camera is designed to simplify the process of astrophotography by offering a cooled monochrome camera with an integrated filter wheel. This reduces the cost and complexity typically associated with monochrome imaging, where users would normally need to purchase additional components like a filter wheel and separate filters.

The Minicam 8 camera uses the popular 585 sensor, available in both monochrome and color versions. Cuiv appreciated the sensor's small pixel size, which allows for a good pixel scale when used with smaller telescopes. He pointed out that monochrome cameras, though more cumbersome and expensive, tend to produce better image quality than their color counterparts, as they gather more signal and have a better signal-to-noise ratio for the same exposure time. The integration of the filter wheel in the Minicam 8, along with tiny but effective filters, makes it a compelling option for those looking to produce high-quality astrophotography images without breaking the bank.

Cuiv noted the camera's affordability, with the monochrome version, complete with the necessary filters, priced at $799 (or around $670 on sale). The color version, which comes with a set of filters, is priced at $699, while the naked versions (without filters) are available for $599. These prices are significantly lower than many other dedicated cooled astrophotography cameras, making the Minicam 8 an attractive option for budget-conscious astronomers.

The provided filters, which include luminance, red, green, blue, sulfur 2, hydrogen alpha, and oxygen 3, are made by well-regarded filter manufacturer Shim, ensuring quality. Cuiv tested the filters and found them to be well-centered and within acceptable specifications, particularly noting that the narrowband filters performed well for emission nebulae imaging. He did mention that the filter wheel’s direction could not be easily reversed in software like Nina, which could be a minor inconvenience for users.

How the filter wheel works

One of the key features of the Minicam 8 is its compact size, made possible by the use of smaller filters that are designed specifically for this camera. This integration helps keep costs down while maintaining image quality. Cuiv was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the design, which includes an M48 adapter, a desiccant stick for dehumidifying, a magnetic screwdriver for easy filter installation, and a set of tweezers for handling the small filters. However, he pointed out that the filters used in the camera are not standard sizes, meaning users will need to rely on QHY for future filter purchases, which could limit future upgrade options.

Results on Horsehead

While the Minicam 8 has many strengths, Cuiv did identify a few drawbacks. The most notable was the fan, which operates at full speed as soon as the camera is powered on. He found the constant noise of the fan, particularly during indoor testing, to be somewhat distracting. However, he acknowledged that this issue would not be noticeable when the camera is used outdoors in an actual astrophotography setting.

Cuiv found the QHY miniCAM8 to be a well-designed and affordable entry into the world of monochrome astrophotography. Its integrated filter wheel, compact size, and low price point make it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate astrophotographers. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the fan noise and the use of non-standard filters, the camera's overall performance and value make it a standout option in the budget astrophotography market.

This makes MONOCHROME imaging AFFORDABLE - and EASY! QHY Minicam 8 camera/filters review + tutorial

QHY miniCAM8 website