Omegon Astro Camera Guiding and Planet Photography 1.2 MP Color

Omegon Astro Camera, Guiding, and Planetary Photography 1.2 MP Color: Entry-level camera for autoguiding and initial shots

The Omegon GUIDE 1200 C is the smallest step towards astrophotography that still yields tangible results. You can use it as an autoguider behind a guidescope, or slide it into the focuser to display live images of the Moon and bright planets on your screen.

The AR0130 sensor has 1280 x 960 pixels of 3.8 micrometers. That's enough resolution to capture craters, the bands of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn, and plenty of sensitivity to find a guide star.

Sensor and image

The 1/3-inch color sensor measures 4.8 by 3.6 mm. With 12 bits per channel and 28 frames per second at full resolution, you can record video from which you can later stack the sharpest frames.

This is the classic method for moon and planet imaging: many short exposures, then stacking in AutoStakkert or RegiStax.

Autoguiding with an ST4 port

The camera has a built-in ST4 port. You connect it directly to your mount's autoguider port and correct tracking during long exposures. Even fainter stars can be used as guides.

PHD2 recognizes the camera natively. It also works with N.I.N.A., SharpCap, and similar programs via ASCOM and INDI drivers.

Connect to your telescope

The housing has the shape and diameter of a 1.25-inch eyepiece. So you can slide the camera into almost any focuser. The flange distance is 12.5 mm; with the included extension tube, it becomes 17.5 mm.

On the front, there is a CS-mount thread. With the included adapter, this becomes a C-mount, allowing you to use small CCTV lenses. Via the adapter, you screw 1.25-inch filters directly in front of the sensor.

Software and controls

Control is via the free Omegon capture software or via ASCOM and INDI. This allows the camera to work with N.I.N.A., SharpCap, FireCapture, PHD2, and AutoStakkert.

The connection uses USB 2.0. That is sufficient for guiding and for planetary video at this resolution.

Included

• Camera in anodized aluminum housing
• Adapter with 1.25 inch filter thread (C-mount to M28.5)
• Extension piece with flange distance 17.5 mm
• USB cable
• ST4 cable

Featured accessories

Place the camera behind a guidescope for stable tracking. A UV/IR-cut filter will keep the color rendition accurate with refractors, and a Barlow lens will increase the image scale for planets.

For whom yes and for whom no

• ✓ Beginners who want to learn autoguiding
• ✓ Budget-friendly Moon and Planet Photography
• ✓ Live image on a laptop during a stargazing night
• ✗ Deep-sky astrophotography with long exposures requires a cooled camera
• ✗ Anyone who wants to photograph in 4K resolution immediately

Specifications

You can find more astrophotography accessories from merk at the Omegon merk Page.