ZWO ASI294MC Pro - cooled Colour CMOS Camera for astrophotography
ASI cameras stand for very good workmanship and have modern CMOS sensors installed. This camera uses the state-of-the-art "back-illuminated" Sony IMX294CJK sensor.
Sony specifies a sensor diameter of 21.63 mm. However, measurements by ZWO have shown a true diameter of 23.2 mm. The 4.3 µm pixels of the ZWO ASI294MC make this camera an all-rounder with highest sensitivity for short exposure times.
The "single shot" color camera offers more comfort, compared with MONO cameras. Not everyone wants to follow through the laborious L-RGB technique for beautiful colored nebula or planetary images. The color cameras offer a possibility to get beautiful images without changing filters. However, good broadband nebula filters (see recommended accessories) reduce light pollution and increase contrast without being changed or colouring the image too much.
Advantages and features of the ASI MC294MCPro color camera:
♦ USB 3.0 for a fast download - can also be used with USB 2.0
♦ DDR memory buffer 256 MB for stable data transfer with USB2.0 - prevents also from amp glow.
♦ Powerful Peltier cooling up to 35 °C below ambient
♦ Sensitive CMOS sensor with 23.2 mm diameter - 11.7 megapixels
♦ Good resolution through 4.63 µm pixels
♦ Comes with AR protection window - full transmission also in IR. If infrared should be blocked, an IR-cut filter is necessary.
♦ Distance from T2 connection thread (female) to camera sensor: 17.5 mm
♦ Very high sensitivity - QE more than 75% - ideal astronomy camera for dim objects
♦ 14bit ADC
♦ HCG mode - if gain is higher than 120 (12 dB), read noise is reduced below 2e - result: low-noise images despite extremely high sensitivity.
♦ Full well capacity 63700e - even bright stars do not burn out anymore, you get a better signal-to-noise ratio.
Application ranges of the camera:
♦ Deep sky images (nebulae and galaxies): Due to the high sensitivity, nebulae and galaxies are captured after only a few seconds. By cooling down the camera up to 35 °C below ambient, the already low noise can be further reduced. By increasing gain (like the ISO setting of DSLR cameras), you can reduce exposure times below 30 seconds. Effects from seeing or inaccuracies of the drive are eliminated.
♦ Lunar and planetary images: extremely short exposure times (due to high sensitivity) freeze the seeing. Through the high resolution of the sensor, many details can be reproduced even at shorter focal length. Video astronomy is also possible.
Optimal support by Teleskop-Service before and after purchase:
We work with the cameras ourselves and can offer you optimal advice. Which camera matches your telescope, how do you achieve optimal adaption ...
Teleskop-Service is one of the biggest ZWO dealers. Due to our contacts, we offer best possible service also after purchase.
Downloads, Drivers:
ZW Optical supplies software and drivers online for free download.
Software and drivers for all ZWO cameras
