The ASI 294MC is the first camera to incorporate the IMX294CJK, Sony's latest sensor: The perfect astro camera for any application!
The CMOS sensor backlit Sony's sensor guarantees maximum sensitivity and, consequently, very short exposure times. With exposures of just 30 seconds and subsequent stacking, this camera allows you to capture faint nebulae and galaxies—all without active cooling!
Summary of the main advantages of the camera:
- USB 3.0 for faster download speeds (also compatible with USB 2.0)
- High sensitivity CMOS sensor: quantum efficiency of over 75% (approx. 530 nm)
- Good resolution thanks to relatively small pixels
- A clear glass AR filter is included for full light transmission, including infrared light. To block IR rays, you will need an additional blocking filter.
- HCG mode: when the gain (pre-amplification) is over 120 (12 dB), the read noise is reduced below 2e, so you will get low noise images despite the high sensitivity.
- High Load Full-Well-Capacity: The brightest stars won't burn the image and you'll enjoy a better signal-to-noise ratio.
- Complete scope of delivery: adapter, cable, and much more...
Features of the ZWO ASI Pro cameras:
ASI Pro cameras are equipped with 512MB internal DDR3 memory that ensures secure data transfer and reduces the so-called Amp-Glow, which can occur when data is transferred at low speed with USB 2.0.
Furthermore, the ASI Pro cameras feature an improved housing. The sensor housing is securely fastened with four screws. The design has undergone extensive testing, demonstrating its exceptional robustness. In fact, this camera does not fog up, even in highly humid environments.
And, to ensure stunning deep-sky captures, the ASI Pro cameras feature a dual-level Peltier cooling system that allows the sensor to reach 40 to 45°C below ambient temperature and significantly reduces sensor noise.
ZWO ASI cameras with active cooling require an additional 12-volt power supply. If you do not have a suitable power supply, you will find it in the accessories recommendations.
A 12V, 3A–5A DC power supply with a 5.5×2.1mm plug and center positive terminal is required, or an 11–14V lithium battery. Please note that using a power supply outside this voltage range will likely cause irreparable damage to the camera.
Color or black and white? Monochrome cameras have one advantage: they are much more sensitive and have better resolution than color cameras. Color cameras, on the other hand, require a larger investment: they need color filters and a filter wheel.
Specs
| Feature
|
Specification
|
| Sensor type
|
CMOS sensor (Sony IMX294) |
| Megapixels
|
11.3 MP |
| Maximum resolution
|
4144 × 2822 |
| Pixel size
|
4.63 µm |
| Chip size
|
19.1 × 13.0 mm |
| Chip diagonal
|
23.2 mm |
| Digital sampling
|
14 bit |
| Color camera
|
Yeah |
| Cooling
|
Yeah |
| Maximum cooling difference
|
35 °C below ambient temperature |
| Reading noise
|
1.2 e⁻ |
| Full Well Capacity
|
63,700 e- |
| Quantum efficiency (QE)
|
75% |
| Minimum exposure time |
32 µs |
| Images per second
|
16 fps (at maximum resolution) |
| ROI
|
Compatible |
| Interfaces
|
USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ST-4 |
| Telescope connection
|
1.25" and T2 |
| flange focal distance
|
6.5 mm |
| Infrared filter
|
No (clear glass) |
| Memory buffer
|
256 MB |
| Internal memory
|
DDR3 RAM |
| Compatible operating system
|
Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Cable length
|
2 m |
| Filter wheel
|
Not included |
| Weight
|
410 g |
| Diameter
|
62 mm |
| Height
|
36 mm |
| Series
|
ASI 294 |
| Recommended applications
|
AllSky, Meteors, Moon and planets, Nebulae and galaxies |
| Self-guided
|
No |