Player One Saturn-M SQR

Design for Lunar, Solar mosaic and DSO lucky imaging!

Saturn-M SQR and Saturn-C SQR is the most powerful planetary camera in our history!

Based on IMX533 BSI sensor, high image quality, high resolution and square format, non-amp-glow feature.

the camera will be great for lunar, solar mosaic and DSO lucky imaging.

Product Description

Saturn-M SQR (IMX533) camera is developed by Player One Astronomy, SQR means its sensor is square. Saturn-M SQR camera, which adopts Sony IMX533 1” square format monochrome sensor. The 3.76um pixel size accommodates a well depth of 73Ke with a total of 9MP  (the resolution is 3008*3008), and the diagonal is 16mm.

STARVIS Technology

Saturn-M SQR (IMX533) camera based on Sony STARVIS technology, it is back-illuminated pixel technology used in CMOS image sensors.

Format

Saturn-M SQR camera has 1″ format, this size is quite big for imaging.

Extend Full well Capacity

Based on our technology, we improved the full well of Saturn-M SQR camera to 73Ke , it’s almost 1.5 times than IMX533 Basic (50ke).

High Frame rate

Based on our technology Saturn-M SQR camera can run 43FPS under RAW8 mode, that’s much faster than existing models on market.

Dual Sampling Mode

Saturn SQR series has dual sampling mode. Normal mode and LRN mode, they has different advantages in imaging.

1. Normal mode has faster FPS, it is more suitable for planetary imaging.

2. LRN (low readout noise) mode has lower readout noise and higher dynamic range. it is more suitable for DSO lucky imaging.

Non-Amp-Glow

Dark frame of Saturn SQR (IMX533) camera is totally “dark”, that’s we called it “Non-Amp-Glow” camera!

300s dark frame of Saturn SQR camera(resize to 50%):

Non-Amp-Glow can give us very clean background, much easier to get high quaility images.

Recommended accessories:

ACS (Active Cooling System) is a external air-cooled system, designed for solar and big format planetary cameras which already has PCS (Passive Cooling System).

ACS can provide much better temperature control. When camera has PCS + ACS, temperature is only 7℃ higher than ambient, camera body is a little warm but won’t hot!

ACS is not only can be used in daylight for solar imaging, it also could be used in night for DSO lucky imaging.

https://player-one-astronomy.com/product/active-cooling-system-acs-for-uncooled-cameras/

Saturn SQR camera also very good for lunar and planetary imaging, its 1″ big format and 9MP total pixels, easier to capture full disk of the Moon and the Sun, or make mosaic more efficient.

Features:

The naming of Player One Astronomy cameras is unique. Planetary camera line, naming depend on the size of planets, Mars(1/3″), Neptune(1/2″), Uranus(1/1.2″), Saturn(1″), Jupiter(4/3″).

Drivers and softwares download: http://player-one-astronomy.com/service/software/

Manuals download: http://player-one-astronomy.com/service/manuals/

Cutting-edge Design

The planetary cameras developed by Player One Astronomy uses a scientific and technological regular hexagon to construct the main body line, supplemented by round chamfers to achieve both rigidity and flexibility. The positive red, which is like a summer fire, is matched with the low-key and steady black, and the super-fine frosting process on the entire surface makes the camera look luxurious and cool, highlighting the style of high-end players, can’t take my eyes off 😀

2nd Gen – Sensor Tilt Plate

When taking deepsky objects, using sensor tilt plate can get a much smaller field curvature of the telescope.

The built-in high-density sponge shading pad can block the light from the side slits without any side leakage.

Passive Cooling System

Player One add a new feature called Passive Cooling System to conduct the heat from the sensor out.

256M DDR3 Cache

Player One Astronomy cameras are the first one who adopts the DDR3 cache in all planetary cameras in the world! It helps stabilize and secure data transmission, it effectively avoids frame dropping and greatly reduces readout noise.

With the DDR3 cache, the camera does not have high demands on computing needs any longer, it will still has excellent performance even if it is connected to a USB 2.0 port.

DPS technology

The planetary cameras from Player One Astronomy have DPS (Dead Pixel Suppression) technology. The DPS is anaylse many dark frames to find out thoes fixed abnormal pixel and record the map in camera memory. In imaging, each exposure frames, thoes position of dead pixels will be given a median value according to the active pixels around that abnormal pixel.

​

Overvoltage and overcurrent protection mechanism

Player One cameras produced by us ensures the safety of your camera and other equipment through overvoltage and overcurrent protection mechanisms.

Data Port

When the camera is connected to the USB3.0 interface and full-resolution preview is used, it can reach 43 FPS in RAW8 mode (10bit ADC). When recording images, since the actual writing speed will be affected by the writing speed of the hard disk itself, when the hard disk writing speed is slow, the recording may not reach the theoretical speed. It is recommended that you use a high-quality solid state drive to record data to give full play to the performance of the camera.

Use the ST4 guide cable to connect the camera and the AUTO GUIDE port of the equatorial mount to do guiding.

Performance

HCG open at gain=125. Saturn SQR series has dual sampling mode, Normal mode has faster fps, LRN (low readout noise) mode has lower readout noise and higher dynamic range.

Readout Noise

Regarding readout noise, we solemnly promise that all values are obtained from actual tests.  And for users, you could use Sharpcap 4 for testing. SC4 has a function called Sensor Analysis, provide a very simple way to test readout noise.

We wrote a tutorial on our website: https://player-one-astronomy.com/service/manuals/

If you are interested in readout noise testing, you may try it yourself, which is very simple.

Absolute QE Curve

Mechanical Drawing

User works appreciation

Jupiter , Marco Lorenzi, Nauris 21″ F3.8 @ F19 + Saturn-M SQR camera

Solar activity, Jean Pierre Brahic, 230MM refractor + Solar SPectrum 0.3A + Saturn-M SQR camera

Lunar crater, Carmelo Zannelli,  DK 20″ + Saturn-M SQR camera

1.1 How can I check the shipping cost for my order?
You can add the items you want to your shopping cart, enter your country/state/city/postal code, and then view the shipping options and costs on the cart page. Before checkout, you can choose your preferred shipping speed/method/carrier.

You can also contact us and send us the item model, quantity, and shipping requirements. We will calculate the accurate shipping cost for you and inform you accordingly.

1.2 How are free shipping items delivered?
Items marked as "Free Shipping" on the product page mean you do not need to pay any shipping fees. This usually applies to buyers from any country (except for certain special countries or regions).

For free shipping items, buyers cannot choose the shipping method. We will select the shipping method based on the destination country.
Typically, we use standard surface shipping methods such as 4PX, EMS, or local postal services.
We may also use UPS, FedEx, DHL, Aramex, etc., depending on the specific order and country. The final choice is at our discretion. Regardless of the shipping method used, we will notify you upon dispatch and provide a tracking number and tracking website.

• Standard tracking website: https://www.17track.net/en
• UPS: https://www.ups.com/
• FedEx: https://www.fedex.com/
• DHL: https://www.dhl.com/

Please note: If you return an item (excluding quality issues or incorrect items), you will be charged for all shipping costs incurred, including delivery, return, and customs fees.

1.3 What if I want to specify a shipping method for a free shipping item?
If you want to specify a particular shipping method (e.g., UPS or DHL) for a free shipping item, please contact us before placing your order. You will need to pay additional shipping fees, and we will ship via your preferred method.

1.4 What if I buy multiple items, some with free shipping and some that require shipping fees?
You can place your order as usual. You only need to pay shipping fees for the non-free shipping items.
If you want to specify a shipping method or have other special requests, please contact us.

1.5 How long does it take to ship my order?
After receiving your order, we need some time to process it.
Orders received before 5:00 PM China time will be shipped within 3 days.
Orders received after 5:00 PM China time will be shipped within 4 days.
Orders placed during Chinese public holidays may be delayed by 1–2 days (due to courier holidays).

1.6 When will I receive my package?
Delivery time varies depending on the shipping method used:

• 4PX, Postal Services, EMS, etc.: about 15–25 days
• UPS: about 7–15 days
• FedEx: about 7–10 days
• DHL: about 5–9 days

These are estimated times. Actual delivery is subject to the carrier's schedule.

If your package tracking has not been updated for a long time, please contact us.
If you haven't received your package after a long period, please contact us.
If there are any other irregularities, please contact us.

Please note:
After we ship your package, it may take 2–3 days for tracking information to become available.
Based on our experience, packages shipped to South America and Central Asia typically take longer.
Shipping around public holidays may result in delays due to carrier workload.

If delays occur, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding. We share the same desire as our customers—we hope every package is delivered quickly and safely.

If you want a faster and more secure delivery, we strongly recommend choosing UPS, FedEx, or DHL.

1.7 What does it mean when tracking shows "Label Created" but the order hasn't shipped yet?
When we provide a tracking number, your package has already left our warehouse.
However, the tracking status may show "Label Created" or "Awaiting Package" because the package is still en route to the courier's sorting facility.
Due to China's vast geography, transit between cities can span over 1,000 km, so it takes time.
It may also be undergoing export customs clearance. Your package should be delivered soon.

If your tracking status doesn’t update for a long time, please contact us.

1.8 What if my package needs special delivery instructions or other requests?
If your shipment requires an invoice to be attached, special packaging, delayed dispatch, or other requests, please contact us.
We will do our best to accommodate your needs and provide the best service possible.

1.9 About receiving the package
Whether you sign for the package personally or through a representative, it is considered as acceptance of the package, the quantity, and the included items.
To protect your rights, we strongly recommend recording a video while opening the package and verifying it against the order and packing list.

1.10 I don’t live in China. Can I have my order shipped to a Chinese address?
Yes, you can. Just place your order and provide a Chinese recipient address.
For orders shipped within China, we do not charge any shipping fees. If your item shows a shipping fee, please contact us to have the fee waived.

You are responsible for all applicable taxes and fees that may be imposed by your country or region, including but not limited to import duties, value-added tax (VAT), customs handling fees, and other similar charges.

These import duties, VAT, and customs fees are not included in our product prices or shipping charges.
We have no control over, and cannot predict, these charges or how they will be collected—whether they will be charged at the time of delivery or through other means.

Customs policies vary greatly by country. Some countries (such as Brazil, India, etc.) strictly enforce high duties and additional taxes.

It is your responsibility to check with your local customs office before purchase to determine what additional costs may apply.

Customs fees are usually charged by your local courier or postal service, often at the time of delivery or pick-up. The shipping carrier (especially UPS) may also charge brokerage or clearance fees for handling customs on your behalf. These are not unpaid shipping charges and must be fully covered by you.

If the package is returned, held, or destroyed due to the buyer’s refusal or failure to pay customs duties, any resulting costs will be borne entirely by the buyer. These costs will be deducted from your refund.

1.1 What is your return policy?
I ordered the wrong item/size, or I changed my mind—can I return it?
I received the item but decided I don’t like it—can I return it?
I received the item but found it’s not suitable for me, or I found a better option—can I return it?

In the above cases, we accept returns within 30 days of receiving the item, provided that the product is in brand new and unused condition.

• Buyers must apply for a return and send the product back to us within 30 days of receipt.
• You are responsible for all return shipping costs.
• We will deduct the original shipping cost incurred to deliver the item to you.
• We will deduct 4% for credit card or PayPal transaction fees.
• If you choose to receive a store credit instead of a refund, we will waive this 4% fee.
• If the returned item shows signs of use, a handling fee may be charged.

If the returned item is damaged, missing parts, or shows excessive wear, we reserve the right to reject the return and no refund will be issued.

1.2 Where should I send the return?
Please contact us for the correct return shipping address. (The return address may not be located in Mainland China.)
Please ensure the item is properly packaged and that the original product packaging is not damaged.

Important: Do NOT return the product to the sender’s address shown on the parcel. You must contact us first to obtain the correct return address. Unauthorized returns may be lost or undeliverable—any such loss will be fully borne by the buyer.

1.3 Can I return or exchange the item after 30 days?
For any reason, we do not accept returns or exchanges after 30 days.
30 days is considered a very reasonable and standard return period for online purchases.

1.4 What if I received a wrong or defective item?
Please contact us within 3 days of receiving the item and provide photo evidence or a clear description of the issue. We will promptly send a replacement item.

If you return the item to us:

• Please use the least expensive shipping method.
• We will reimburse part of the shipping fee from your original order as compensation.

If you’re unable to return the item or don’t know how to ship it, please contact us—we may provide a free return shipping label.

1.5 How will I receive my refund? How long does it take?
We will process the refund within 7 days of receiving your returned item.
Refunds are usually issued via the original payment method.
Processing the refund involves internal verification and approval by management, so we appreciate your understanding and patience.