cameracomparison · 2-way
QHYCCD QHY163M vs QHYCCD QHY5L-II-C
QHYCCD
QHY163M
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
QHYCCD
QHY5L-II-C
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
270% larger sensor
1233% more resolution
Cooled sensor
Mono vs color
Specifications
| Specification | QHYCCD QHY163M | QHYCCD QHY5L-II-C |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | dedicated | guide-camera |
| Sensor | Panasonic MN34230 | Aptina AR0130 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 4/3" | 1/3" |
| Sensor size | 17.7×13.4mm | 4.8×3.6mm |
| Diagonal | 22.2mm | 6.0mm |
| Pixel size | 3.80µm | 3.75µm |
| Resolution | 4656×3522 | 1280×960 |
| Megapixels | 16.4MP | 1.2MP |
| Color | No | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | Yes | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 20000e⁻ | 13000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 60% | 50% |
Advantages of QHYCCD QHY163M
- Larger sensor (22.2mm vs 6mm diagonal) — wider field
- Higher resolution (16.4MP vs 1.23MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
- Mono sensor — ideal for narrowband and LRGB
Advantages of QHYCCD QHY5L-II-C
- One-shot color — simpler workflow
Best for — QHYCCD QHY163M
- Balanced field for most refractors
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- Long-exposure deep-sky under any sky
- Narrowband and LRGB workflows
Best for — QHYCCD QHY5L-II-C
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
QHYCCD QHY163M — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 4.06° × 3.07°Scale: 3.14"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 1.27° × 0.96°Scale: 0.98"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.51° × 0.38°Scale: 0.39"/px
QHYCCD QHY5L-II-C — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 1.10° × 0.83°Scale: 3.09"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.34° × 0.26°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.14° × 0.10°Scale: 0.39"/px
QHYCCD QHY163M — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
QHYCCD QHY5L-II-C — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.