Reveal stunning detail in your deep-sky astrophotography with the Origin 678C—Celestron’s next-generation camera for the Origin Intelligent Home Observatory. Featuring Sony’s latest Starvis 2 CMOS technology, this high-performance camera delivers increased resolution and finer detail thanks to its smaller pixel size and enhanced sensitivity.
The Origin 678C Camera replaces the original Origin 178C Camera, giving you an upgrade in image quality. Whether you're imaging galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters, you'll capture more object detail in images that better fill your smartphone or tablet’s display screen.
It’s the perfect way to further enhance your Origin experience—and your astroimaging.
What’s New with the Origin 678C Camera
The Origin 678C Camera brings meaningful enhancements to your astrophotography experience. Here’s what you can expect:
- Increased resolution
Although both sensors are the same physical size, the IMX678C uses smaller 2.0 μm² pixels than the 2.4 μm² pixels in the IMX178C. This results in a finer resolution of 1.2 arcseconds per pixel (down from 1.5 arcseconds per pixel), allowing you to resolve more detail and “zoom in” slightly more on celestial objects. This is especially beneficial since most night sky targets are relatively small. - Larger file sizes
Because the IMX678C packs more effective pixels (8.4 MP vs. 6.4 MP), image files will be somewhat larger. As a result, you may notice slightly slower automatic image processing in the app, depending on the performance of your smartphone or tablet. - Increased sensitivity
Despite having smaller pixels, the IMX678C is slightly more sensitive overall than the IMX178C. The improvement is subtle; images won’t appear dramatically brighter. - Different ISO response
ISO values are not directly comparable between the two sensors. The IMX678C's default ISO is 1000, while the IMX178C’s is 200. - Different aspect ratio
The IMX678C uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, compared to the 3:2 ratio of the IMX178C. This means your field of view will appear more rectangular, ideal for framing larger regions of the sky and perfectly matched to the landscape orientation of most smartphone and tablet displays—making it easier to compose, view, and share your images.
Quick and Simple Installation
Upgrading to the Origin 678C Camera is fast and hassle-free. Designed to integrate seamlessly with your Origin system, the camera installs without any complicated tools or processes. Simply remove the existing camera, attach the Origin 678C using the included adapter and retaining ring, and plug it in.
After you install the new camera, we’ll walk you through capturing new calibration frames. Dark frames reduce sensor noise, while flat frames correct for illumination variations across the image. The Origin app makes this process simple and intuitive—and you can follow along with our video, too.
For the easiest and most consistent results, we recommend the PrimaLuceLab GIOTTO for Celestron Origin— a flat-field generator custom-designed for Origin that works with the same smartphone you use to control Origin. Whether you use GIOTTO or the evening sky (i.e., “sky flats”), capturing new flat frames ensures your upgraded system is optimized and ready to deliver stunning, high-contrast astrophotography from your very next session.
Second Life for Your Origin-178C Camera
Upgrading to the Origin 678C doesn’t mean your original camera has to sit on the sidelines. The Origin-178C is a powerful tool, and now it’s free to be used with other telescopes you may own. With its standard M42 T-thread connection, it mounts easily to most optical systems and makes a great planetary or lunar imaging camera. In minutes, your 178C will be ready for a whole new role in your astrophotography toolbox.
Shipping Policy
Effective Date: 11/18/2025
1. Introduction
At Hobby Tech Supply, we aim to provide a seamless and transparent shipping experience for our customers. This Shipping Policy outlines the terms and conditions related to the delivery of products purchased from our website, hobbytechsupply.com.
2. Shipping Destinations
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Countries We Ship To:
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United States
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Future Expansion:
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We are continually working to expand our shipping destinations. Please check back for updates.
3. Shipping Costs
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Domestic Shipping (United States):
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Standard Shipping: FREE standard shipping for all orders over $100
- The free shipping threshold applies to the subtotal after discounts and before taxes.
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Expedited Shipping: Calculated based on item weight and priority selection (FedEx)
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Flat Rate Shipping: $5 flat rate for orders under $100.
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International Shipping:
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Coming Soon!
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No Hidden Fees:
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All shipping costs and sales taxes are calculated and displayed at checkout. There are no hidden fees.
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4. Order Processing Time
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Processing Time:
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Orders are processed within 1-2 business days (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays). Note: Processing time does not include weekends or carrier transit time.
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Order Cut-Off Time:
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Orders placed before 12:00 PM EST start processing the same day. Please note that shipping timelines depend on each vendor’s schedule, so same-day shipping cannot be guaranteed.
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Weekend and Holiday Orders:
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Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed on the next business day.
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Note: If your order contains items from multiple vendors, they may ship separately, and each shipment will have its own tracking number.
5. Estimated Delivery Time
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Domestic Shipping:
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Standard Shipping: 3-5 business days
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Expedited Shipping: 1-2 business days
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International Shipping:
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Coming Soon!
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Note: Delivery timeframes are estimates. Actual processing and transit times vary by vendor and carrier and cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for supplier delays or carrier issues caused by factors outside our control, including vendor shipment issues or weather-related carrier disruptions.
6. Shipping Methods and Carriers
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Reliable Carriers:
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Domestic Carriers: USPS, FedEx, UPS
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We partner with reputable carriers to ensure your package arrives on time and safely.
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Shipment Tracking:
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All orders include tracking information, which will be provided via email once your order has shipped.
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Orders fulfilled by multiple vendors may arrive in separate packages. Each will include its own tracking number.
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Insurance:
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Most shipments include limited carrier insurance. Additional coverage may be provided by certain vendors. If your order arrives damaged or missing items, please contact us so we can assist with a resolution.
7. Order Tracking
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Tracking Information:
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After your order has been shipped, you will receive an email containing:
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Tracking Number
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Carrier Name
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Link to Track Your Package
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How to Track Your Order:
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Visit hobbytechsupply.com/track-order or the carrier's website.
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Enter your tracking number to view the status and estimated delivery date.
- If your order is split into multiple shipments, you will receive separate tracking emails for each package.
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Assistance:
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If you have questions or need assistance with tracking, please contact our Support team at support@hobbytechsupply.com.
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8. Delivery Issues
8.1 Delayed or Lost Packages
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Delayed Delivery:
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If your package is delayed beyond the estimated delivery time, please contact us at support@hobbytechsupply.com or (412) 520-1022.
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Lost Packages:
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If your tracking information indicates that your package was delivered but you have not received it, please complete the following steps:
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Verify the shipping address provided.
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Check with neighbors or building management.
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Contact us for further assistance.
- We may also ask you to file a missing package claim with the carrier so we can proceed with a replacement or resolution.
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8.2 Damaged Packages
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Reporting Shipment Damage:
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If your package arrives damaged:
- Contact us within 7 days at support@hobbytechsupply.com.
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Note: Returns will NOT be authorized if damage is caused by customer misuse or improper setup.
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Take photos of the damaged packaging and items.
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Resolution:
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We will work with you to arrange a replacement or refund as appropriate.
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9. Missing or Incomplete Items
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Reporting Missing Items:
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If any items are missing from your order:
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Contact us within 7 days of receiving your package.
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Provide your order number and details of the missing item(s).
- Note: refunds will NOT be authorized if missing items are reported late.
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Resolution:
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We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly by sending the missing item(s) or offering a refund.
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10. Return and Refund Policy
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Returns:
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Damaged or Missing Items:
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These must be reported within 7 days of receiving your package so we can file the appropriate claims with the carrier or supplier.
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General Returns (not related to damage or missing items):
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You may request a return within 30 days of receiving your order.
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After approval, you will receive return shipment instructions.
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Conditions for General Returns:
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Items must be unused, undamaged, with all components present, and in their original packaging.
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Certain items (e.g., personalized goods, gift cards) may not be eligible for return.
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Return Shipping Costs:
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Customer Responsibility: Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility unless the item is defective or not as described.
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Restocking fees vary by manufacturer and will be clearly communicated before a return is approved.
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Company Responsibility: If the return is due to our error, we will cover the return shipping costs and associated fees.
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Refunds:
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Refunds are processed within 14 days after receiving the returned item.
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Refunds will be issued to the original payment method.
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For More Information:
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Please refer to our Return and Refund Policy for detailed information.
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11. Incorrect Address
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Address Accuracy:
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Please ensure that all shipping information is correct. We are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses provided by the customer.
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Once an order is placed, if an error is identified, contact us immediately. If the item has not yet shipped, we may be able to update your address as requested.
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Returned Packages:
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If a package is returned to us due to an incorrect address:
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We will contact you to arrange reshipment.
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Additional shipping charges may apply.
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12. International Customs and Duties
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Coming Soon!
13. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please contact us:
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Customer Service Email: support@hobbytechsupply.com
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Customer Service Phone: 412-520-1022
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM EST.
14. Changes to This Shipping Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Shipping Policy at any time. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon posting on the website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Thank you for shopping with Hobby Tech Supply!
We appreciate your business and are committed to providing you with exceptional service.