ArcBlue’s C42 Astrophotography System

credits: ArcBlue

ArcBlue has announced the C42, a new astrophotography system that combines an interchangeable lens camera, motorised tracking system, onboard processing, and automated alignment into a single setup. Smart astrophotography systems themselves are not particularly new anymore, automated telescopes have been doing similar things for years, but ArcBlue is taking a slightly different approach by building the system around a larger full-frame sensor instead of a dedicated telescope design.

At the centre of the system is a 24-megapixel Sony IMX410 backside-illuminated full-frame sensor, a sensor that has already appeared in cameras from Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, Leica, and several others over the years. ArcBlue says the system also includes active TEC cooling, allowing the sensor to operate up to 30°C below ambient temperature, which helps reduce thermal noise during longer exposures. The camera also performs real-time image stacking, HDR processing, and onboard image processing directly inside the system, although RAW files remain available for those who prefer handling processing manually afterward. Since deep sky astrophotography usually involves stacking large numbers of photos, having some of that processing built directly into the system could simplify things quite a bit.

Unlike most smart telescopes, the C42 uses a native Sony E-mount, allowing you to use regular camera lenses or adapt telescope systems. ArcBlue says the system supports everything from ultra-wide lenses up to 2000mm telescope optics, while maintaining autofocus and electronic communication when using compatible lenses. The ArcBlue C42 is expected to launch ‘soon,’ although the exact pricing and timing have not yet been announced.