ToupTek GPM662C – sensitive guiding and colour imaging in one compact camera
Build a versatile telescope setup with the ToupTek GPM662C colour guide and planetary camera. Combining a Sony IMX662 back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 2.9µm pixels and an integrated ST4 guide port, it offers a lightweight solution for autoguiding alongside lunar and planetary imaging.
USB power keeps your cabling straightforward, while the supplied 1.25-inch nosepiece and CS-mount adapter provide flexible connection options for compatible telescopes, guide scopes and lenses.
Why choose the ToupTek GPM662C?
- Sony IMX662 colour sensor: capture images at 1920 × 1080 resolution with compact 2.9µm pixels.
- Low read noise: HCG mode reaches a manufacturer-specified minimum of 0.48e⁻ at high gain.
- Greater capacity for brighter targets: LCG mode provides a maximum full-well capacity of approximately 39ke⁻.
- Integrated ST4 port: connect to a compatible mount for software-controlled guiding corrections.
- USB-powered convenience: one USB Type-C connection supplies power and transfers image data.
- Lightweight construction: the 65.3g camera adds little weight to your guiding setup.
A sensitive Sony sensor at its heart
The GPM662C uses a 2.1-megapixel back-illuminated colour sensor with an active imaging area of 5.57 × 3.13mm. ToupTek specifies a peak quantum efficiency above 91%, describing the sensor's efficiency at converting incoming photons into an electrical signal at its most responsive wavelength.
The spectral-response chart below shows how the sensor's red, green and blue channels respond across different wavelengths. The camera's usable response also depends on the protective window and any filters fitted in the optical path.
Choose the gain mode to suit your target
LCG mode: more capacity for brighter signals
Low Conversion Gain mode offers a maximum full-well capacity of 39.034ke⁻. At lower gain settings, this gives each pixel more capacity before saturation, which can be useful when capturing brighter targets or working with bright guide stars.
The chart below shows how full-well capacity, read noise and dynamic range change as gain increases.
HCG mode: lower read noise for faint signals
High Conversion Gain mode reduces read noise, with ToupTek reporting values from 1.11e⁻ down to 0.48e⁻ across the stated gain range. This can be useful when working with faint guide stars or short exposures where read noise contributes more strongly to the captured image.
Increasing gain also reduces the available full-well capacity. Choose your settings to retain a clear, unsaturated guide star or preserve detail in your imaging target.
The lowest read noise and highest full-well capacity occur at different gain settings and modes; they are not simultaneous performance figures.
Straightforward autoguiding connections
Fit the GPM662C to a compatible guide scope, connect it to your computer or supported controller by USB, and select the appropriate camera driver in your guiding software. The software measures guide-star movement and calculates corrections for your mount.
For ST4 guiding, connect the supplied ST4 cable between the camera and your mount's compatible guide port. The camera does not operate as a standalone guider: a computer or supported controller running guiding software is required.
Explore lunar and planetary imaging
Move the camera from your guide scope to a compatible telescope to capture colour images of the Moon and planets. At the full 1920 × 1080 resolution, the GPM662C delivers up to 17.8 frames per second in 8-bit mode or 8.9 frames per second in 12-bit mode.
A smaller region of interest (ROI) reduces the area being read from the sensor and can increase capture speed. The camera also supports digital binning from 1×1 to 8×8 and includes a frame buffer to help manage image-data transfer.
The Type-C socket uses the USB 2.0 interface. Cooling is passive, with no regulated thermoelectric cooling system.
Technical specifications
| Model | ToupTek GPM662C |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Sony IMX662 back-illuminated colour CMOS |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 pixels, approximately 2.1MP |
| Pixel size | 2.9 × 2.9µm |
| Optical format | 1/2.8-inch |
| Active imaging area | 5.57 × 3.13mm |
| ADC | 12-bit |
| Full-resolution frame rate | Up to 17.8fps at 8-bit; 8.9fps at 12-bit |
| Exposure range | 0.1ms–1000s |
| Gain modes | HCG and LCG |
| Read noise | 0.48–6.81e⁻, depending on gain and mode |
| Maximum full-well capacity | 39.034ke⁻ in LCG mode |
| Peak quantum efficiency | Above 91%, as specified by ToupTek |
| Shutter | Rolling shutter |
| Binning | Digital 1×1 to 8×8 |
| Frame buffer | Built in |
| Data connection | USB 2.0 Type-C |
| Guide connection | ST4 autoguider port |
| Power supply | USB powered |
| Cooling | Passive; no regulated TEC cooling |
| Optical connections | 1.25-inch telescope fitting and CS-mount adapter |
| Back focus | 8.5mm; 12.5mm with CS adapter; 17.5mm with C adapter |
| Overall dimensions | 37mm diameter × 72.4mm, as specified by ToupTek |
| Camera weight | 65.3g |
Software and optical compatibility
ToupTek lists support for ToupSky, PHD2, SharpCap and FireCapture through the applicable native, ASCOM or WDM driver interfaces. Available features depend on your operating system, software version and installed driver. Visit ToupTek's official website for software and driver downloads.
Planning to image in infrared? ToupTek's documentation lists both IR-cut and AR protective-window configurations. Contact us to confirm the supplied configuration before ordering specifically for infrared use.
Check that your telescope or guide scope provides sufficient focus travel for the chosen adapter arrangement. Additional lenses and filters are sold separately.
What's included?
- ToupTek GPM662C colour camera with CS-mount adapter
- 2m USB Type-A to Type-C cable
- 2m ST4 guide cable
- 1.25-inch nosepiece
- 5mm adapter ring
Build your setup with Dark Clear Skies
Whether you are adding autoguiding to your imaging rig or exploring colour lunar and planetary capture, we can help you check the connections and suitability of the GPM662C for your equipment. Contact Dark Clear Skies for advice on matching your camera, telescope and guiding setup.