Product Description

The Player One Mars-C is a high-performance colour planetary camera designed for planetary, lunar, and solar imaging. It is built around the Sony IMX462 1/2.8” CMOS sensor with 2.9µm pixels, a 12ke full well capacity, and a 2.1MP resolution (1944 × 1096). The 6.46 mm sensor diagonal provides exceptional sensitivity across visible and infrared wavelengths, making it ideal for capturing fine atmospheric detail on planets.

Player One Astronomy names its cameras after planets, each reflecting sensor class. The Mars lineup represents the 1/2.8″ sensor format. All Mars-series models feature a high-strength anodised aluminium housing with engraved model names for easy identification.

Planetary Camera Mars-C Highlights

The Mars-C delivers excellent sensitivity, high quantum efficiency in the infrared band, and extremely low readout noise. These features make it an outstanding choice for imaging Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, the Moon, and the Sun. Its high-speed performance allows sharp, detailed planetary captures even under variable seeing conditions.

Author: L. Yasutake — Gear: 14″ Dobsonian + Mars-C camera

Author: L. Yasutake — Gear: 14″ Dobsonian + Mars-C camera

Author: Astrolord — Gear: 16″ Dobsonian + Mars-C camera

Author: Astrolord — Gear: 16″ Dobsonian + Mars-C camera

Author: Ecleido Azevedo — Gear: C11 + Mars-C camera

Author: Ecleido Azevedo — Gear: C11 + Mars-C camera

Thanks to its exceptional infrared sensitivity, the Mars-C can act like a near-monochrome camera when paired with IR850 or CH4 filters. This is ideal for atmospheric band studies and deep IR planetary imaging.

The camera connects using a standard 1.25″ T-Mount, and adding a Barlow lens increases the effective focal length, enabling higher magnification for fine planetary detail.

When fitted with a CS-mount lens, the Mars-C becomes a highly sensitive all-sky or meteor-monitoring camera.

Features

Cutting-edge Design

The Mars-C features a hexagonal aerospace-grade aluminium body with smooth chamfers and a fine-frosted red-and-black finish. This design combines strength, thermal stability, and premium aesthetics suitable for high-end astrophotographers.

2nd Gen – Sensor Tilt Plate

The second-generation tilt plate includes a high-density sponge light seal that prevents side-light leaks. Adjusting the tilt plate helps remove Newton rings during solar imaging and allows flattening of the focal plane for improved sharpness across the frame.

256M DDR3 Cache

The Mars-C includes a 256MB DDR3 buffer that stabilises data transfer, prevents dropped frames, and reduces read noise. This allows the camera to maintain high performance even when connected to slower USB 2.0 ports.

DPS Technology

Player One’s DPS (Dead Pixel Suppression) system analyses dark frames to map fixed pixels. During imaging, these pixels are corrected in real time, producing cleaner frames with reduced hot and dead pixel artefacts.

Overvoltage and Overcurrent Protection

Built-in electrical protection safeguards both the camera and your connected equipment, ensuring long-term reliability during continuous imaging sessions.

Data Port & Performance

With USB 3.0, the Mars-C achieves up to 136 FPS in RAW8 mode and 64 FPS in RAW16 mode at full resolution. Performance may vary depending on the recording drive; a high-speed SSD is recommended for best results.

The ST4 port enables use of the Mars-C as an autoguider when connected to the mount’s guiding input.

Planetary Camera Mars-C Performance

Readout Noise

All readout noise values are obtained through real-world testing. The Mars-C achieves 0.73e read noise at gain 350 and approximately 0.7e at gain 400, enabling exceptional high-gain planetary imaging.

HCG Mode

The Mars-C automatically enables High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode at gain ≥80. This dramatically lowers read noise while preserving a high dynamic range.

QE Curve

The Mars-C has impressive infrared sensitivity, with peak response in the 800–850nm range—ideal for IR planetary imaging.

Planetary Camera Mars-C Mechanical Drawing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mars-C best used for?

The Mars-C is ideal for high-resolution imaging of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, the Moon, and the Sun. Its outstanding infrared sensitivity also makes it suitable for IR planetary work.

Does the Mars-C support infrared planetary imaging?

Yes. The IMX462 sensor has extremely high IR sensitivity. With IR850 or CH4 filters, the camera captures strong contrast and fine atmospheric features.

Can I use the Mars-C as an all-sky or meteor camera?

Yes. With a CS-mount lens attached, the Mars-C performs excellently as an all-sky or meteor-monitoring camera thanks to its very low-light sensitivity.

Does the camera include a tilt plate?

Yes. The second-generation tilt plate allows you to remove Newton rings in solar imaging and fine-tune the sensor angle for a flatter field.

How fast is the Mars-C?

Up to 136 FPS in RAW8 and 64 FPS in RAW16 via USB 3.0 at full resolution. This makes it ideal for lucky imaging techniques.

Is the Mars-C suitable for guiding?

Yes. The built-in ST4 guiding port allows the camera to function as an autoguider with compatible mounts.

What telescopes are compatible with the Mars-C?

The camera is compatible with any telescope that supports 1.25″ accessories or T-Mount (T2). This includes refractors, Newtonians, SCTs, Maksutovs, and solar telescopes.

What is the advantage of the DDR3 buffer?

The 256MB DDR3 buffer prevents data loss, stabilises high-speed capture, and reduces read noise, even when using slower USB ports.