The ToupTek ATR3CMOS26000KPA (known by us as an ATR571C) incorporates the 26 megapixel Sony Exmor IMX571 CMOS sensor. This is a colour camera which is especially suited to long exposure deep-sky astrophotography.

The IMX571 in the ATR571C is an APS-C size (23.4 x 15.7mm) sensor with 3.76µm pixels. With an example focal length of 1000mm, the field of view will be 1.35° by 0.91°, at a resolution of 0.78 arcseconds per pixel.

The ATR571C has a two-stage fan-forced Peltier cooling system which is capable of cooling the sensor up to 42°C below the ambient air temperature. This decreases image noise, especially over long exposures, and will therefore greatly increase the signal to noise ratio. This lower noise will result in a better image overall, with details becoming visible in the darker areas. The internal design of the camera means that heat transfers quickly away from the sensor.

The camera communicates with the computer using a USB3.0 cable (included with the camera). The camera has a native driver, and an ASCOM driver is also included. This means that the normal image acquisition software may be used with the camera. In addition to this, the camera comes with an advanced video and image processing application ToupSky.

The Sony Exmor IMX571 CMOS sensor incorporated in the ATR571C produces zero amp glow. Combined with dithering, this means that dark frames may not be required.