Imaging Source

The Next Generation of Astronomy Cameras

For 20 years, we have been manufacturing rugged, high-quality products in the imaging field. Now, The Imaging Source is pleased to introduce our line of cameras to the astronomy community.

Sample Images

DMK Astrotrak Software

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DMK 21AU04.AS Mono
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  • Monochrome USB camera without IR cut filter
  • 1/4" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 640 x 480
  • Max. 60 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount
  • Software included

    • Up to 60 frames per second

    With 60 fps, the monochrome astronomy camera DMK 21AU04.AS is the fastest within its category. It is ideally suited to black and white astrophotography, in which very fast image sequences are captured. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.

    Monochrome Sony® CCD

    The astro CCD camera DMK 21AU04.AS uses the monochrome progressive scan CCD ICX098BL from Sony®. With its 1/4" format, the CCD produces a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Thanks to its unsurpassed quality, the ICX098BL is often used in industrial image processing applications.

    No compression, no filter

    The CCD camera DMK 21AU04.AS does not use compression, nor does it have an IR cut filter, a color filter or an electronic filter. Thus, the camera produces very true-to-life captures of the night sky.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    The astronomy camera DMK 21AU04.AS generates a high rate of uncompressed monochrome images. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a USB 2.0 connector.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS.

    DBK 21AU04.AS Colour
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  • Color USB camera without IR cut filter
  • 1/4" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 640 x 480
  • Max. 60 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount
  • Software included

    • Up to 60 color frame per second

    The astronomy camera DBK 21AU04.AS outputs up to 60 color images per second. It is therefore ideally suited to methods in astrophotography that require high frame rates. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.

    Fast display of color images

    The raw data (8 bit/pixel, RAW format) from the color CCDs require some post-processing. This is taken care of in the color interpolation process: Raw data is converted into one of many commonly used color formats. This requires at least 16 bits per pixel and thus, broader bandwidth during transfer. Color interpolation in the astro CCD camera DBK 21AU04.AS can be switched off, thus 60 color images per second can be transfered. Color interpolation can then be carried out on the host PC, with the shipped software IC Capture.AS. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.

    Sony® color CCD

    The CCD camera DBK 21AU04.AS deploys the Sony® color CCD ICX098BQ. The format of this CCD is 1/4". The chip outputs data using progressive scan at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Thanks to the high quality of this CCD, it is often deployed in medical image processing applications.

    No IR cut filter

    Although the astro CCD camera DBK 21AU04.AS has a color CCD, it does not have an IR cut filter. It is therefore possible that users of this astro CCD camera can fit their own filters, thus being able to set it up to their own requirements.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    The astro CCD camera DBK 21AU04.AS outputs uncompressed color images in fast sequences. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a USB 2.0 connector.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS.

    DFK 21AU04.AS Colour With IR cut filter
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  • Color USB camera with IR cut filter
  • 1/4" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 640 x 480
  • Max. 60 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount
  • Software included

    • Up to 60 color frame per second

    With up to 60 fps, this astro CCD cameras is ideally suited to color astrophotography, in which very fast sequences of images are captured. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.

    Fast display of color images

    IC Capture.AS performs color interpolation on the raw color data (RAW format) from the CCD chip. This reduces the load on the camera processor. Should, on the other hand, the camera be installed on a host PC in which the CPU is not particularly fast, color interpolation can be performed by the camera itself. In this case, the maximum refresh rate is 30 fps. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.

    Sony® color CCD

    The astronomy camera DFK 21AU04.AS uses a modern color CCD chip (ICX098BQ, progressive scan, manufactured by Sony®). It outputs a resolution of 640 x 480 pixel at a 1/4" format. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. The high quality of the CCD chip also permits its deployment in scientific image processing applications.

    IR Cut Filter

    The CCD camera DFK 21AU04.AS is equipped with an IR cut filter that blocks wavelengths above 700nm. Thus, its properties are similar to those of the human eye.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    The astronomy camera DFK 21AU04.AS generates a fast stream of uncompressed color images. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a USB 2.0 connector.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS

    DBK 31AU03.AS Colour
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  • Color USB camera without IR cut filter
  • 1/3" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 1024 x 768
  • Max. 30 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount
  • Software included

    • High resolution, fast refresh rate

    The astronomy camera DBK 31AU03.AS combines a high resolution, fast refresh rate and a low price. Therefore, it is ideally suited to amateur astronomers wishing to deploy a mega pixel camera. Using the shipped software - IC Capture - you can save the captured images to lossless and uncompressed AVI files.

    Fast display of color images

    For the visualization of the raw data from the color CCD (RAW format), the data stream must be post processed (color interpolation). Interpolated color images require much more bandwidth to transfer than original RAW images. Color interpolation in the CCD camera DBK 31AU03.AS can be switched off and thus 30 color frames per second can be transfered. In this case, the images are color interpolated on the host PC with the shipped software IC Capture.AS. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.

    Sony® color CCD

    The astro CCD camera DBK 31AU03.AS is fitted with the color CCD ICX204AK, manufactured by Sony®. The resolution of the CCD is 1024 x 768 pixel at a format of 1/3". Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Due to the high quality of the ICX204AK, it is often used in medical image processing applications.

    IR Cut Filter

    Color cameras that do not possess a color filter offer users a large degree of flexibility: Filters may be added as required by a specific application. Therefore, we ship the astronomy camera DBK 31AU03.AS without an IR cut filter.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    The astro CCD camera DBK 31AU03.AS outputs high resolution images in a fast sequence. In order to transfer these large amounts of data to the host PC, a very fast bus is required - USB 2.0.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS

    DFK 31AU03.AS Colour With IR cut filter
    !
  • Color USB camera with IR cut filter
  • 1/3" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 1024 x 768
  • Max. 30 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount
  • Software included

    • High resolution, fast refresh rate

    Three characteristics make the astronomy camera DFK 31AU03.AS an ideal tool for color astrophotography: high resolution, fast refresh rate and a low price. Using the shipped software - IC Capture - you can save the captured images to lossless and uncompressed AVI files.

    Fast display of color images

    IC Capture.AS performs color interpolation on the raw color data (RAW format) from the CCD chip. This reduces the load on the camera processor. On the other hand, if you prefer the camera itself to perform color interpolation, simply select the appropriate option in the shipped software IC Capture.AS. In this case, the maximum frame rate is 15 fps. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.

    Sony® color CCD

    A Sony® color CCD, type ICX204AK is at the core of the astro CCD camera DFK 31AU03.AS. The format of this CCD is 1/3" at a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. The unsurpassed quality of the CCD allows its deployment in scientific image processing applications.

    IR Cut Filter

    Unlike the human eye, CCDs are sensitive to near infrared light (wavelengths over 700nm). The CCD camera DFK 31AU03.AS ships with an IR cut filter. Thus, its deployment is recommended for applications in which capture of these wavelengths would lead to interference.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    The astro CCD camera DFK 31AU03.AS is particularly well known for its ability to output high resolution images at high speed. In order to transfer these large amounts of data to the host PC, a very fast bus is required - USB 2.0.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS.

    DMK 31AU03.AS Mono
    !
  • Monochrome USB camera without IR cut filter
  • 1/3" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 1024 x 768
  • Max. 30 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount
  • Software included

    • High resolution, fast refresh rate

    The astro CCD cameras DMK 31AU03 unifies three important characteristics for astrophotography: high resolution, fast refresh rate and a low price. Using the shipped software - IC Capture - you can save the captured images to lossless and uncompressed AVI files.

    Monochrome Sony® CCD

    The astro CCD cameras DMK 31AU03.AS is based on the CCD chip ICX204AL, manufactured by Sony®. This monochrome CCD has a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels at 1/3" format. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Due to the high quality of the ICX204AL, the CCD chip is often used in industrial image processing applications.

    No compression, no filter

    The image data produced by the CCD camera DMK 31AU03.AS is not compressed. Furthermore, the camera does not have any optical, nor electronic filters. Thus, the camera produces very true-to-life captures of the night sky.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    The astro CCD camera DMK 31AU03.AS outputs a fast stream of uncompressed monochrome images. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a USB 2.0 connector.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS

    DBK 41AU02.AS Colour
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  • Color USB camera without IR cut filter
  • 1/2" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 1280 x 960
  • Max. 15 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount
  • Software included

    • Resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels

    With its 1280 x 960 pixel, the astronomy camera DBK 41AU02.AS offers a very high resolution. It outputs uncompressed image data at a speed of 15 images per second. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.

    Fast display of color images

    Color CCDs output their data in RAW format. For visualization purposes this data cannot be used. It must first be subjected to a color interpolation process, in which the raw data is post processed. Much broader bandwidth is required to transfer interpolated images, than the original raw data from the camera. Color interpolation can be switched off in the CCD camera DBK 41AU02.AS. In this mode, a transfer rate of 15 color images per second can be achieved. Color interpolation is then carried out by IC Capture.AS on the host PC. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.

    Sony® color CCD

    The most important part of the asto CCD camera DBK 41AU02.AS is the high resolution color CCD ICX205AK from Sony®. It has a resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels at a format of 1/2". Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Due to the high quality of the ICX205AK CCD chip, it is often used in medical image processing applications.

    IR Cut Filter

    Color cameras that do not possess a color filter offer users a large degree of flexibility: Filters may be added as required by a specific application. Therefore, the astronomy camera DBK 41AU02.AS ships without an IR cut filter.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    The CCD camera DBK 41AU02.AS outputs high resolution, uncompressed images at a high frame rate. These image sequences generate a large amount of data. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a USB 2.0 connector.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS

    DMK 41AU02.AS Mono
    !
  • Monochrome USB camera without IR cut filter
  • 1/2" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 1280 x 960
  • Max. 15 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount
  • Software included

    • Resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels

    With a resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels, the astro CCD camera DMK 41AU02.AS is ideally suited for rich captures, full of intricate details. Despite the high resolution, the camera is still capable of capturing up to 15 frame per second. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.

    Monochrome Sony® CCD

    At the heart of the high resolution, astronomy camera DMK 41AU02.AS is the CCD ICX205AL, manufactured by Sony®. The chip has a 1/2" format and offers a resolution of 1280 x 960 pixel. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Thanks to the high quality of the CCD chip, it is often deployed in industrial image processing applications.

    No compression, no filter

    The CCD camera DMK 41AU02.AS outputs its image data in an uncompressed data stream. IR cut filters, color filters and electronic filters are not deployed in the camera. Thus, the camera produces very true-to-life captures of the night sky.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    Due to its high resolution, uncompressed output and fast refresh rate, the astronomy camera DMK 41AU02.AS produces large amounts of data. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a USB 2.0 connector.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS

    DFK 41AU02.AS Colour With IR cut filter
    !
  • Color USB camera with IR cut filter
  • 1/2" CCD, progressive scan
  • Resolution 1280 x 960
  • Max. 15 fps
  • Max exposure time 60 min
  • C/CS Mount

    • Resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels

    The astronomy camera DFK 41AU02.AS exceeds with its high resolution (1280 x 960 pixels). Additionally, the DFK 41AU02.AS can output these high resolutions images at a speed of up to 15 frames per second. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.

    Fast display of color images

    Using the original images from the CCD (RAW format) for visualization purposes does not make much sense. Only after color interpolation, is it possible to view the images in common formats. The bandwidth required when transferring interpolated images is considerably broader than when transferring the original RAW formatted images. The CCD camera DFK 41AU02.AS allows color interpolation to be switched off, thus achieving 15 color frames per second. In this case, color interpolation is performed by IC Capture.AS on the host computer. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.

    Sony® color CCD

    The astro CCD camera DFK 41AU02.AS deploys the color CCD ICX205AK, manufactured by Sony®. This chip has a 1/2" format and 1280 x 960 pixel resolution. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Thanks to the high quality of the ICX205AK, it is often used in scientific image processing applications.

    IR Cut Filter

    Unlike the human eye, CCDs are sensitive to near infrared light (wavelengths over 700nm). It is often not desirable to capture light that is in the near infrared range. Indeed, such light often disturbs an otherwise perfect shot. Therefore, the CCD camera DFK 41AU02.AS ships with an IR cut filter.

    Fast data transfer via USB 2.0

    The astronomy camera DFK 41AU02.AS outputs high resolution images, without compression at high speed. This results in large amounts of data being generated. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a USB 2.0 connector.

    Shipped software for Windows®

    This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS