Abstract A concept is presented of a compact and very light-weight camera system for planetary exploration and terrestrial remote sensing with a (panchromatic) ground resolution of about 0.2 to 1.5 m per pixel from orbits of 100 km (Moon) to 800 km (Mars, Earth). The core of the camera system is a new 7k × 8k Philips CCD (12 μm pixels) which allows to realize a sufficiently large area on the ground at the given very high spatial resolution. In order to arrive at an adequate signal-to-noise ratio the detector has to be operated in TDI mode (Time Delay Integration). Using modern, properly tailored ceramic composite materials (C/C-SiC or C/SiC) for the primary and secondary mirrors, parts of the optical bench, and the mechanical structure, will — together with an extremely short optical design — limit the mass of the system (camera including CCD and detector electronics) to about 7 to 8 kg. Nevertheless, it may be an advantage to manufacture the whole opto-mechanical system (mirrors and optical bench) from Zerodur which will, however, increase the mass. The main fields of application of the camera will be detailed geologic surface studies and preparation of lander and rover missions in planetary exploration, and operational (terrestrial) remote sensing, e.g. for regional planning, disaster monitoring, and military verification tasks.