Omegon Camera veLOX 287 C Color

Omegon Camera veLOX 287 C Color: global shutter camera with very large pixels

The veLOX 287 is the odd one out in the series. The Sony IMX287 features 6.9-micrometer pixels, which are nearly three times as wide as those of the 178. As a result, each pixel captures a large amount of light, keeping exposure times short at long brand focal lengths.

The sensor uses a global shutter: all pixels are read out at the same time. In rapid sequences, this produces a geometrically correct image, without the distortion that a rolling shutter can cause.

Sensor and speed

The sensor measures 5.0 by 3.7 mm with a diagonal of 6.2 mm and has 728 x 544 pixels. At full resolution, the camera achieves 520 frames per second via USB 3.0.

That speed is the reason why this camera often appears in solar and planetary work: the more frames per second, the stricter you can select during the calmest moments.

For which telescope

Large pixels require a long brand pixel pitch to achieve the correct image scale. This camera performs best when mounted behind a Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov telescope, possibly with a Barlow lens.

The field of view is small. For wide-field images of the Moon, a camera with a larger sensor makes more sense.

Autoguiding with an ST4 port

The camera has a built-in ST4 port. You connect it directly to the autoguider port of your mount and correct the tracking during long exposures. The high sensitivity per pixel also makes the camera useful as an autoguider.

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

C- and CS-mount thread, 1.25-inch filter thread via the adapter, housing in the shape of a 1.25-inch eyepiece.

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

A Barlow lens or a dispersion corrector makes all the difference with planets. For solar work, a suitable solar telescope or a safe aperture filter is necessary.

For whom yes and for whom no

• ✓ Planetary photography at long focal length
• ✓ High frame rate solar imaging
• ✓ Who needs a global shutter
• ✗ Wide-angle shots, the field of view is small
• Those looking for a high pixel count

Specifications

You can find more astrophotography accessories from this brand at the Omegon brand page.