DFK 21AF04.AS

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 21AF04.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 21AF04.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 FireWire

The astronomy camera DFK 21AF04.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 FireWire connector.

Shipped software for Windows®

This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS. To learn more about these software products, please take a look at the software section:

• Included Software

Below are sample images and 'in action' images of astronomy cameras (click to enlarge).:

Justin Hackman - Saturn

Shevill Mathers - Southern Cross Observatory

James Fisher - Saturn

Sébastien Kersten - DMK 31AF03

Marco Sellini - Moon

Dr. Joseph M. Zawodny - DMK 31AF03.AS on TEC 140

Dominique Dierick - Aristarchus region of the Moon

Rainer Ehlert - DMK on Takahashi Mewlon 250S

More Sample Images

More 'In Action' Images

 

Technical specification, detailing all important parameters of the DFK 21AF04.AS astronomy camera:

Camera Parameter	Parameter Value
Product Code	DFK 21AF04.AS
Type	color FireWire camera with IR cut filter
Connection	FireWire
Manufacturer	The Imaging Source
Sensor	CCD
Type	progressive scan
Sensor specification	Sony ICX098BQ  PDF
Format	1/4"
Resolution	640 x 480 pixel
Dynamic range	8 bit
Exposure time	1/10000 s to 60 minutes
Gain	0 dB to 36 dB
FPS @ Max resolution	60 fps
Video formats @ Frame rate	640 x 480, BY8 (RAW) @ 60, 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps 640 x 480, UYVY @ 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps
Lens mount	C/CS mount
Supply voltage	8 V to 30 V via the cable
Current consumption	approx 200 mA @ 12 VDC
Dimensions (H x W x L)	50.6 mm x 50.6 mm x 50 mm
Mass	265 g
Max. temperature (operation)	-5 °C to 45 °C
Max. temperature (storage)	-20 °C to 60 °C
Max. humidity (operation)	20 % to 80 %
Max. humidity (storage)	20 % to 95 %
Subject to change.

Accessories for the DFK 21AF04.AS are sold separately. Not included with the camera.

Cables
Order Code	Description	Unit Price
CA-1394-66/1.8	Cable connecting two 6-pin IEEE 1394 devices, length 1.80m	$ 11.95
CA-1394-64/PJ/2	Cable connecting a 4-pin and a 6-pin IEEE 1394 device, it additionally offers a connection to the power supply of the FireWire bus, length 2m	$ 29.80
Power Supplies
Order Code	Description	Unit Price
Dxx 21F04/Mainy/US	PSU for the Dxx 21F04 camera series (ONLY REQUIRED if the 1394 bus does not supply power), input range 90 to 264 VAC, output 12VDC/1A, US plug	$ 38.35
Dxx 21F04/Mainy/EU	PSU for the Dxx 21F04 camera series (ONLY REQUIRED if the 1394 bus does not supply power), input range 90 to 264 VAC, output 12VDC/1A, EURO plug	$ 38.35