If you're looking for a camera that combines high resolution, exceptional sensitivity, and ultra-low noise—all without the complexity of a monochrome setup—the ZWO ASI2600MC Pro is the perfect choice. Featuring a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, zero amp glow, and advanced two-stage cooling, this camera is designed to deliver professional-quality deep-sky images with ease. Whether you're upgrading from a DSLR or looking for a powerful yet user-friendly CMOS camera, the ASI2600MC Pro is built to capture the universe in stunning detail.
Sony IMX571 Sensor – A Perfect Balance of Resolution and Sensitivity
At the heart of the ASI2600MC Pro is the Sony IMX571 back-illuminated CMOS sensor, an APS-C format, 26-megapixel chip that offers an ideal mix of resolution and light-gathering capability.
Back-Illuminated Sensor Technology
Traditional front-illuminated sensors have circuitry that partially blocks incoming light. Back-illuminated sensors flip that design, placing the wiring behind the light-sensitive area. This results in greater efficiency, reduced noise, and improved sensitivity—key advantages when imaging faint deep-sky objects. The ASI2600MC Pro benefits from this technology, allowing for shorter exposure times while maintaining high image quality.
26 Megapixels with a Generous Field of View
With a resolution of 6248 x 4176 pixels, this camera delivers exceptional image detail while maintaining a wide field of view. This makes it well-suited for capturing large objects like the Andromeda Galaxy, the Orion Nebula, and expansive star fields. The 3.76μm pixel size provides a great balance between resolution and light collection, making it compatible with a wide range of telescopes.
Zero Amp Glow – Cleaner Images with Less Processing
Older CMOS cameras often suffer from amp glow—an unwanted brightening at the edges of long-exposure images caused by sensor circuitry. The ASI2600MC Pro eliminates amp glow entirely, thanks to Sony’s advanced sensor design. This means cleaner data, reduced need for aggressive dark frame subtraction, and more time spent capturing rather than correcting images.
Advanced Cooling for Ultra-Low Noise Performance
Thermal noise can be a major challenge in long-exposure astrophotography. The ASI2600MC Pro combats this with a two-stage thermoelectric cooling system capable of reducing the sensor temperature by up to 35°C below ambient. Cooler sensors generate less noise, resulting in cleaner images with better contrast and detail. Whether imaging from a warm climate or pushing long exposures to reveal faint nebulae, the cooling system ensures reliable performance.
16-Bit ADC for Superior Dynamic Range
Unlike many consumer-grade cameras that use 12-bit or 14-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), the ASI2600MC Pro features a true 16-bit ADC. This allows for significantly improved dynamic range, capturing finer gradients and more subtle details in both highlights and shadows. The result is smoother transitions, more natural color reproduction, and an overall improvement in image quality.
Ultra-Low Read Noise for High-Contrast Imaging
Read noise is a key factor in astrophotography, as it can obscure faint details in deep-sky images. The ASI2600MC Pro features exceptionally low read noise—just 0.7e at high gain settings—making it ideal for capturing delicate structures in nebulae and galaxies. With lower noise levels, fainter details become more accessible, even with shorter exposures.
High-Speed USB 3.0 with Buffered Memory
Fast data transfer is essential when working with large-resolution images. The ASI2600MC Pro includes a USB 3.0 interface, ensuring quick downloads even when working at full resolution. The built-in DDR3 buffer helps prevent dropped frames, making the camera highly efficient for deep-sky imaging, planetary imaging, and live stacking.
Why Choose the ASI2600MC Pro?
- 26 MP APS-C sensor for wide-field imaging with excellent resolution
- Zero amp glow for cleaner images with minimal processing
- Back-illuminated CMOS technology for high sensitivity
- Two-stage TEC cooling to reduce thermal noise in long exposures
- 16-bit ADC for superior dynamic range and smoother gradients
- Ultra-low read noise for better performance in faint-object imaging
- USB 3.0 with DDR3 buffer for fast and reliable data transfer
Who is the ASI2600MC Pro For?
This camera is an excellent choice for astrophotographers at all levels, from hobbyists upgrading from a DSLR to experienced imagers looking for a high-performance color camera. Deep-sky photographers will appreciate its sensitivity and dynamic range, while planetary imagers will benefit from its fast readout speeds. It is also a great option for live-stacking and electronically assisted astronomy (EAA), providing real-time views of deep-sky objects with remarkable clarity.
Note：ASI2600MC Pro camera requires 1A current from the USB, if your PC can not provide enough current, please use an external 12V power supply to power 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 Pro. It is an all-in-one wireless camera solution. The ASIair pro gives you control of focus, image taking, plate solving, and computerized mount control with the included SkySafari bridge all controlled by your smartdevice or tablet. It really is pretty awesome.
