ZWO ASI224MC 1.2 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera with USB 3.0 - Cooled # ASI224MC-COOL

Our #: ZZPAIC-ZZZW-ASI224MC-COOL
Mfg #: ASI224MC-COOL
Sale Price: $503.00 Our Price: $599.00
Free shipping for this item in the US
More Info

Contiguous US Customers:
All items we sell ship for free within the Contiguous US. Shipping will be via the cheapest shipping method which will vary depending on the items in your order. During checkout, you may also be shown other optional faster shipping choices.

US Customers in Hawaii and Alaska:
Free shipping applies to almost all products. A few large telescopes and mounts are excluded from this free shipping offer. For these items, please contact us to obtain a shipping quote before you check out using the online shopping cart.

International Customers:
Free shipping does not apply to international orders. During check-out, you will be presented with several shipping choices and costs. However, the export of some items may be restricted outside the US due to size or manufacturer restrictions.

Out of Stock
Availability: Item has been discontinued by the manufacturer

Quick Overview

  • ZWO ASI224MC-COOL advanced color astronomy camera with 1.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with 1304x976 resolution, 3.75 μm pixel size, and 6.09 mm diagonal
  • Integrated TEC cooling reduces sensor temperature to 35C to 40C below ambient to keep noise low to enable imaging of faint deep-sky objects
  • Produces single-shot color images without the need for a filter wheel and color filters
  • Ideal for capturing high-contrast and high-resolution color astronomical images of solar system objects and smaller deep-sky objects
  • Advanced Sony IMX224 sensor with Exmor technology for high-speed processing, low noise, and low power dissipation 
  • Fast USB 3.0 transfer at up to 150 fps at maximum 1304x976 resolution and 299 fps at 640x480; interface is backward compatible to USB 2.0
  • Attractive red anodized CNC aluminum body stands up to heavy field use
  • Ready to go out of the box with software, cables, adapters, and manual
  • Compact body with 78mm diameter and weight of only 410 g (14.6 oz)

Product Details

The ZWO ASI224MC-COOL is a sensitive and state-of-the-art color astronomy camera with 1.2 megapixel resolution and USB 3.0 download speed. Built around the Sony IMX224 sensor, this advanced camera has a resolution of 1304x976 with 3.75 μm pixel size. With regulated two-stage TEC cooling, this camera can cool the sensor to 35C to 40C below ambient to keep noise low. It's ideal for high-resolution color imaging of the Moon, Sun (with proper solar filter), planets, and smaller deep-sky objects.

Following in the footsteps of the venerable ZWO ASI120 cameras, the ASI224MC-COOL uses the advanced and highly sensitive Sony IMX224 color CMOS sensor. This sensor has a 6.09 mm diagonal and incorporates Sony's Exmor technology that enables high-speed processing, low noise, and low power dissipation using column parallel A/D.

The fast USB 3.0 interface on the camera allow transfer rates of up to 150 frames per second at full 1304x976 resolution. At reduced resolution of 640x480, download rates up to 299 fps become possible. The camera enables exposure times of 32 μs to 1000 s (16.7 minutes).

On the camera body, next to the USB ports, a 2.1mm center-positive connector provides an input for the cooler power supply (not included). From the supply, the camera requires 12VDC @ 2A maximum. A Cooler Power LED shows when the cooler has sufficient power. There's also a large built-in heat sink which accounts for nearly 2/3 of the camera's size. At the top of the camera, an advanced and efficient MagLev fan removes heat from the TEC and control electronics while keeping acoustic noise low.

The ASI224MC-COOL has a robust and attractive CNC machined red-anodized aluminum body that stands up to heavy field use. A clear IR-cut glass window protects the sensor and helps keep images sharp. The camera body includes a standard but short 2" nosepiece and a female T thread (M42x0.75) as well.

The ZWO ASI224MC-COOL color astronomy camera can be used with just about any telescope. It comes with everything you need to get started including a CD with user manual, cables, soft bag, adapters, Windows camera driver, ASCOM driver, SharpCap Image Capturing software, FireCapture Image Capturing software, and Stakkert 2 Stacking software. When used for autoguiding, the camera can also work with Maxim DL or PHD when guiding with long exposures.

Camera technical details

  • Sensor: 1/3” CMOS IMX224/IMX225
  • Resolution: 1.2Mega Pixels 1304X976
  • Pixel Size: 3.75µm
  • Sensor Size: 4.8mm*3.6mm
  • Diagonal: 6.09mm
  • Exposure Range: 32µs-1000s
  • 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: 78 mm Diameter
  • Weight: 410g
  • Back Focus Distance: 17.5mm
  • Cooling: Regulated Two Stage TEC
  • Delta T: 35-40 degrees C
  • Cooler Power Supply Required: 12V at 2A Max

Supported resolution

10bit ADC / 12bit ADC

  • 1304×976 150fps / 64fps
  • 1280×960 152.4fps / 65fps
  • 800×600 241.2fps / 102.9fps
  • 640×480 299.4fps / 127.6fps
  • 320×240 577.9fps / 256.4fps

More resolutions can be user defined

What's in the Box

  • Camera Body
  • Camera Bag
  • Quick Guide
  • USB 3.0 Cable
  • 2x 0.5m USB 2.0 Cable
  • 1.25" Nosepiece
  • 1.25" Cover
  • CD-ROM