The ZWO ASI2400MC Pro is a full-frame, one-shot color (OSC) CMOS camera designed for high-fidelity deep-sky imaging. Equipped with the Sony IMX410 sensor, it offers a large-format imaging solution with ultra-low read noise, deep cooling, and high-bit-depth output. The camera’s architecture is optimized for long-exposure astrophotography, delivering clean, low-noise images with exceptional dynamic range. Whether you are targeting extended nebulae, distant galaxies, or dense star fields, the ASI2400MC Pro provides the sensitivity, resolution, and color fidelity needed for professional-level results.
Sony IMX410 Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
The IMX410 is a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a technology that significantly enhances quantum efficiency while reducing read noise. The sensor has a resolution of 6072 x 4042 pixels, providing a total of 24.6 megapixels across a 36mm x 24mm full-frame format.
With large 5.94-micron pixels, this sensor achieves high well depth and superior light-gathering efficiency. The increased pixel size enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, particularly in low-light conditions, making it highly effective for long-exposure deep-sky imaging.
The backside-illuminated architecture improves photon collection by reducing obstructions from traditional frontside-illuminated designs. This leads to a higher quantum efficiency, improved sensitivity in the near-infrared spectrum, and reduced electronic noise, making the sensor ideal for capturing faint deep-sky objects.
Ultra-Low Read Noise and High Dynamic Range
Read noise is a critical factor in astrophotography, particularly when capturing high-contrast celestial objects. The ASI2400MC Pro delivers an impressively low read noise of just 1.1e at high gain, allowing for significantly cleaner stacked images with minimal post-processing noise reduction.
The camera features High Conversion Gain mode, which activates automatically at gain settings above 100. This minimizes read noise while preserving the sensor’s full dynamic range, ensuring that both bright and faint details are accurately captured in a single exposure.
With a full-well capacity exceeding 100,000 electrons, the ASI2400MC Pro maintains a wide dynamic range of up to 14 stops, preventing highlight clipping in bright stars while preserving shadow detail in nebulae and galaxies.
16-Bit ADC for Precision and Tonal Depth
Unlike many cameras that use 12-bit or 14-bit analog-to-digital converters, the ASI2400MC Pro is equipped with a true 16-bit ADC. This increased bit depth provides 65,536 levels of tonal resolution, delivering exceptional color gradient smoothness and improved contrast resolution.
A 16-bit ADC enhances tonal accuracy, making it easier to detect and differentiate subtle details in extended objects like nebulae, where faint structures can be easily lost in lower bit-depth cameras. The increased dynamic range also improves the ability to capture both high-brightness stars and low-surface-brightness objects in a single frame.
Advanced Two-Stage Cooling System
Thermal noise, or dark current, is a major concern in long-exposure imaging. The ASI2400MC Pro features an efficient two-stage thermoelectric cooling system capable of reducing the sensor temperature by up to 35 to 40 degrees Celsius below ambient.
This cooling drastically suppresses dark current, preventing the buildup of thermal noise over long exposures. The result is significantly cleaner raw frames, improving the accuracy of dark frame subtraction and producing superior calibrated images.
A heated chamber window is integrated into the camera to prevent condensation, ensuring stable performance across extended imaging sessions in varying humidity conditions.
Amp Glow-Free Design
Amp glow is an inherent issue in many CMOS sensors due to internal electronic structures, but ZWO has optimized the ASI2400MC Pro to eliminate this problem. By reducing excessive amplifier charge buildup, the camera ensures uniform background illumination, minimizing the need for aggressive post-processing corrections.
Additionally, a 256MB DDR3 onboard buffer improves data transfer stability and reduces dropped frames, enhancing the camera’s ability to capture long-exposure images without artifacts.
One-Shot Color Imaging with Natural Color Reproduction
For astrophotographers who prefer a streamlined imaging workflow, the ASI2400MC Pro offers one-shot color imaging with a built-in Bayer color matrix. The RGGB filter pattern allows for full-color image capture without the need for monochrome sensors and external filter wheels.
The camera performs exceptionally well when used with multi-band or dual-band narrowband filters, making it a versatile option for imaging in both dark-sky environments and light-polluted urban locations.
USB 3.0 Interface and High-Speed Data Transmission
The ASI2400MC Pro utilizes a high-speed USB 3.0 interface, allowing for fast frame capture and efficient data transfer. The inclusion of a 256MB DDR3 buffer helps prevent frame drops and stabilizes high-speed readout, particularly when operating at high resolution and long exposure times.
Ideal Use Cases
The ASI2400MC Pro is engineered for astrophotographers seeking a large-format, high-performance CMOS camera for deep-sky imaging. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Wide-field imaging of large nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies
- Capturing fine detail in low-surface-brightness objects
- Deep-sky imaging with short and long focal length telescopes
- One-shot color imaging with minimal post-processing complexity
- Light-polluted imaging when used with multi-band narrowband filters
Optimal Telescope Pairings and Accessories
To maximize the performance of the ASI2400MC Pro, pairing it with the right telescope and accessories is essential.
- High-quality apochromatic refractors provide excellent contrast and field correction for wide-field imaging.
- Large-aperture Newtonians or Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes deliver high-resolution detail for small deep-sky objects.
- A heavy-duty equatorial mount with precise tracking is critical for long-exposure imaging.
- An autoguiding system can enhance tracking accuracy, especially at longer focal lengths.
- A multi-band light pollution suppression filter is recommended for urban imaging.
- A dedicated power supply ensures stable TEC cooling performance during extended imaging sessions.
Why Choose the ZWO ASI2400MC Pro?
The ASI2400MC Pro combines cutting-edge sensor technology, advanced cooling, and a full-frame format in a compact and highly efficient design. With its back-illuminated Sony IMX410 sensor, ultra-low read noise, high full-well capacity, and true 16-bit ADC, it delivers exceptional image quality for deep-sky astrophotographers looking to push the boundaries of their imaging capabilities.
Whether you are capturing the delicate structures of an emission nebula, the fine details of a spiral galaxy, or the sweeping star fields of the Milky Way, this camera is designed to provide outstanding image quality with minimal effort.
Please notice that the camera needs to be connected to an external 11-15v power supply to implement the cooling function. We recommend you use 12V@3A DC adapter (5.5*2.1mm, center pole positive) or lithium battery with 11-15V to power the camera. If you don’t have one, 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 necessity according to a majority of ZWO users, is the ASIair Plus. It is an all-in-one wireless camera solution. The ASIair Plus gives you control of focus, image taking, plate solving, and computerized mount control with the included SkySafari bridge all controlled by your smart device or tablet. It really is pretty awesome.
