Player One Apollo-M IMX174 Monochrome Solar Camera
The Player One Apollo-M is a high-speed, uncooled monochrome astronomy camera designed particularly for solar imaging. Its Sony IMX174 global-shutter sensor offers a 1/1.2-inch format, 2.3-megapixel resolution and 5.86 µm pixels. It is also suitable for lunar and planetary imaging when paired with appropriate optics and capture software.
Why choose the Apollo-M?
- Global shutter: captures each frame without the rolling-shutter distortion that can affect fast-moving subjects and high-speed imaging.
- Fast capture: up to 164 frames per second at full 1936 × 1216 resolution in RAW8 mode over USB 3.0, subject to computer and recording performance.
- Monochrome IMX174 sensor: useful for high-resolution solar imaging with compatible narrowband solar equipment.
- USB 3.0 connection: supports high-speed image transfer; USB 2.0 compatibility is also specified by the manufacturer.
- Passive cooling: the standard camera does not have regulated TEC cooling. An external Active Cooling System (ACS) is offered as a separate bundle variant.
Technical specifications
| Camera model | Player One Apollo-M (not Apollo-M MAX) |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Sony IMX174 monochrome CMOS |
| Sensor format | 1/1.2 inch; 13.3 mm diagonal |
| Resolution | 1936 × 1216 (approximately 2.3 MP) |
| Pixel size | 5.86 µm |
| Active sensor area | 11.3 × 7.1 mm |
| Shutter | Global shutter |
| Maximum full-frame rate | 164 fps (RAW8, USB 3.0); 82.5 fps in RAW16 mode |
| ADC | 12 bit |
| Exposure range | 32 µs to 2000 s |
| Read noise | 6.3–3.5 e⁻, depending on settings |
| Peak quantum efficiency | Approximately 77% |
| Full well capacity | 24.8k e⁻ |
| Connection | USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 |
| Optical interface | 1.25-inch / M42 × 0.75 |
| Back focal length | 12.5 mm |
| Camera diameter / weight | 66 mm / 160 g |
Camera and ACS bundle options
Choose the Camera option for the standalone Apollo-M or Camera + ACS for the camera with Player One’s optional external Active Cooling System. ACS is an accessory and is not the same as a built-in, regulated TEC-cooled deep-sky camera. Check the selected variant before ordering.
Solar imaging safety
Never point an unprotected telescope or camera at the Sun. Solar imaging requires a correctly specified solar telescope or suitable energy-rejection and solar filtration equipment installed according to its manufacturer's instructions. The camera itself does not provide solar protection.
Manufacturer documentation
For full specifications and operating information, see the Player One Apollo-M camera manual.