ZWO ASI294MC 11.7 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera with USB 3.0 # ASI294MC

Compact Micro-4/3 Astronomy Camera for Deep-Sky and Solar-System Imaging

The ZWO ASI294MC color astronomy camera is equipped with Sony’s CMOS IMX294CJK Micro-4/3 format sensor, the first in-house sensor in this format for astronomy cameras. With a resolution of 11.7 megapixels, this one-shot color camera has large pixels for high signal-to-noise ratio for imaging deep-sky objects. It’s also ideal for fast, high-resolution lunar, solar, and planetary imaging.

State-of-the-Art Sony Micro-4/3 Sensor

ZWO engineered the ASI294MC camera around Sony’s IMX294CJK Micro-4/3 10.7 megapixels CMOS sensor with 21.6mm diagonal, and they modified the sensor to get a larger diagonal of 23.2mm (19.1mmx13.0mm) and resolution of 11.7 megapixels. Ideal for low-illumination performance, the ASI294MC captures images with an array of large 4144x2822 pixels. Each pixel measures 4.63-microns on edge. The pixels have a 63700e well capacity, more than 3x the capacity of the ASI1600-series cameras to help you capture sharp images of bright stars without saturation. This back-illuminated sensor has a high estimated QE of 75%

The dimensions and pitch of the IMX294CJK sensor matches well for many imaging applications with a wide range of telescopes. A small telescope with 400mm focal length, for example, gives a field of view of with this camera of 2.7 degrees x 1.9 degrees. A telescope with 1500mm focal length gives a field of 0.7 degrees x 0.5 degrees.

Superb Low-Noise Performance

The ASI294MC camera has a dynamic range of 9 to 13 stops depending on the camera gain settings. The read noise can be adjusted from 1.2e to 7.3e; at a gain of 120dB, you get 13 stops of dynamic range with a read noise of just 1.3e.

This uncooled camera works well for capturing color images of large and bright deep-sky objects. It also excels as a solar/lunar/planetary camera, especially with telescopes of focal length longer than about 1200mm. The USB3.0 interface and fast capture rate of the camera lets you grab 11MB video at 19fps (in 10-bit ADC high-speed mode) and 16fps (in 14-bit ADC normal mode).

Ready to Go Out of the Box

The ASI294MC includes everything you need to get started including a ST4 cable, 1.25” cover, T2-1.25” adapter, 2” cover, 1.25” nosepiece, and USB3.0 cable. The camera also incorporates an ST4 port for autoguiding and an AR-coated window to protect the sensor. 

This camera can be configured with the following connections for attachment to telescopes and imaging accessories:

• 1.25” nosepiece
• 2” nosepiece (composed of 2 or 3 included adapters)
• Female T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
• Male T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
• Female M28.5x0.6 thread via 1.25" nosepiece or T2-1.25" adapter

ZWO has phased out software CDs, but this camera comes with instructions to download the required control software and drivers directly from the ZWO website.

The ASI294MC is just 62mm in diameter and weighs 120g (4.2oz).

Specifications:

• Sensor: 4/3″ SONY IMX294 CMOS
• Diagonal: 23.2mm
• Resolution: 11.7 Mega Pixels 4144X2822
• Pixel Size: 4.63µm
• Bayer Pattern: RGGB
• Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
• ROI: Supported
• ST4 Guider Port: Yes
• Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
• Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
• Protect window: AR coated window
• Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
• Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
• Bit rate: 12bit output(12bit ADC)
• Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
• Dimension: φ62mm X 36mm
• Weight: 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens)
• Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
• Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
• Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
• Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%

Supported resolutions:

Max FPS at full resolution:
10Bit ADC

• 4144×2822 19fps

14bit ADC

• 4144×2822 16fps

More resolutions can be user defined

What's In the Box

• Camera Body
• Quick Guide
• ST4 Cable
• 1.25" Cover
• T2-1.25" Adapter
• 2" Cover
• 1.25" Nosepiece
• USB 3.0 Cable
• Instructions for downloading drivers and software from ZWO website