ZWO ASI294MM Pro Cooled Mono CMOS Astrophotography Camera
Manufacturer Part # ZWO ASI294MC-P
The ZWO ASI294MM Pro is a great 4/3 format camera to get you headed down your imaging path. Due to the popularity of the color model, the monochrome model was a logical addition.
The ZWO ASI294MM Pro is a high performance camera at an affordable price. The 11.7- megapixel (4144 x 2822) IMX492 sensor takes advantage of the 4/3 format and provides the necessary number of pixels for true 4k output. The ASI294MM Pro has an impressive 66,000e full well capacity helping to reduce the issue of star saturation or blooming. This camera's QE value is pretty amazing. It peaks out at roughly 90%. Now you pair that with the low readout noise of 1.2e and your signal to noise ratio is quite impressive.
Combine the above with the unique Bin1 mode that can be unlocked in the software allowing the camera to change effective pixel size to 2.3 microns and the resolution pops up to 47 megapixels (8288 x 5644). The full well capacity does drop to 14K and 12 bit
The ASI294MM Pro also has a 256mb DDR3 memory buffer to help with reliability of data transfer as well as amp glow.
14bit ADC w/ 13 stops DR
The ASI294MM Pro has a 14bit ADC unit, allowing it to achieve 13 stops of dynamic range. This is an excellent characteristic for deep sky imaging, which is inherently high dynamic range.
The ZWO ASI294MC Pro has fantastic connectivity options.
ASI294MM Pro has 2 stage TEC cooling system to enable very deep cooling (35°C-40°C below ambient). The cooler requires an external power supply, which is not included with the camera. This is the one you will need.
ZWO has all their information available for download on their website in a perfectly laid out section. Check it out here for software and drivers and here for manuals and guides.
One of the coolest gadgets, and a neccessity according to a majority of ZWO users, is the ASIair Plus. It is an all-in-one wireless camera solution. The ASIair Plus allows you control of focus, image taking, plate solving, and computerized mount control with the included SkySafari bridge. Everything is controlled by your smart device or tablet. It really is pretty awesome.
Camera technical details
| Sensor | 4/3" CMOS |
| ADC | 14 bit |
| Back Focus | 6.5 mm |
| Color or Mono | Mono |
| Cooled or Uncooled | Cooled |
| Dynamic Range | 13 stops |
| Full Resolution Frame Rate | 19fps |
| Full Well | 62ke |
| Mega Pixels | 11.7 mp |
| Peak QE | 90% |
| Pixel Array | 4144 x 2822 |
| Pixel Size | 4.63 microns |
| Read Noise | 1.2e |
| Sensor Diagonal | 23.2 mm |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Sensor | Sony IMX492 |
| Guide Port | ST4 |
| WIndow | AR |
| Exposure Range | 32us - 2000s |
| Weight | 15 ounces |
Tech Details:
| Normal Num Pixel High | 2822 |
|---|---|
| Normal Num Pixel Wide | 4144 |
| Pixel Array | 11.7 mega pixels |
| Pixel Size | 4.63 |
| Weight | 15 ounces |
| Warranty | 2 years |