ZWO ASI678MC Color Astronomy Camera – High Sensitivity, Low Noise, and Exceptional Performance
The ZWO ASI678MC is a powerhouse for planetary, lunar, and deep-sky imaging, bringing the latest advancements in Sony sensor technology to astrophotographers looking for precision, sensitivity, and efficiency. Designed around the Sony IMX678 sensor, this one-shot color (OSC) camera delivers outstanding low-light performance with exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, making it a perfect choice for capturing fine details of celestial objects.
Cutting-Edge Sony IMX678 Sensor for Superior Imaging
At the heart of the ASI678MC is the Sony IMX678 8.29-megapixel CMOS sensor, featuring 2.0-micron pixels arranged in a 3840 x 2160 array. This sensor utilizes Sony’s STARVIS 2 technology, optimized for low-light conditions with a back-illuminated architecture. The result? Higher sensitivity, better quantum efficiency (QE), and improved noise reduction, all essential for bringing out fine planetary details and deep-sky structures.
Additionally, the ASI678MC benefits from Sony’s ultra-low read noise and an improved full well capacity, ensuring minimal noise while preserving dynamic range. Whether imaging Jupiter’s intricate cloud bands, the delicate craters of the Moon, or capturing deep-sky objects, this camera excels in providing clear and crisp images.
Zero Amp Glow and Improved Quantum Efficiency
One of the standout features of the ASI678MC is its zero amp glow design, ensuring cleaner, artifact-free images even during long exposures. Amp glow—an issue seen in older CMOS sensors—has been completely eliminated, allowing for deeper imaging sessions without unwanted brightening in your frames.
Thanks to its enhanced quantum efficiency, the ASI678MC captures more photons per pixel, reducing the need for excessive gain or exposure time. This efficiency translates to improved detail in faint objects and makes the camera highly responsive in challenging low-light conditions.
High-Speed USB 3.0 for Lag-Free Performance
ZWO has equipped the ASI678MC with a high-speed USB 3.0 port, capable of delivering fast frame rates, ideal for planetary and lunar imaging. At full resolution (3840 x 2160), the camera can reach 47.5 frames per second (FPS), ensuring smooth capture of fast-moving planetary details. When cropping the region of interest (ROI), frame rates can exceed 100 FPS, making it a great option for capturing fleeting atmospheric features on Jupiter or Saturn.
Advanced Cooling and Noise Control
While the ASI678MC is an uncooled camera, its advanced low-noise architecture significantly reduces thermal noise, even during extended exposure times. Its high dynamic range allows for excellent detail recovery, and the built-in HCG (High Conversion Gain) mode further minimizes read noise while maintaining a broad dynamic range.
For astronomers seeking an ultra-clean image, the ASI678MC supports dark frame calibration, which helps further reduce noise when stacking multiple frames.
Versatile Performance for Multiple Imaging Applications
The ASI678MC is not just a planetary camera—it is an exceptionally versatile astrophotography tool.
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Planetary Imaging – Capture stunning details of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn with high-speed frame rates and sharp color accuracy.
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Lunar and Solar Imaging – High dynamic range and fast FPS ensure crisp images of craters, sunspots, and prominences (when used with appropriate solar filters).
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Deep-Sky Imaging – While optimized for planetary imaging, the low-noise sensor and high sensitivity make it a solid performer for imaging bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
Compatibility and Ease of Use
The ASI678MC is compatible with all major astrophotography software, including SharpCap, FireCapture, PHD2, and ASIStudio. It connects easily via USB 3.0 and includes an ST-4 guiding port, making it suitable for autoguiding when used in a dual-camera setup.
The Bottom Line
The ZWO ASI678MC is an outstanding choice for planetary imagers and deep-sky enthusiasts seeking a high-sensitivity, low-noise color camera with exceptional speed and performance. With Sony’s STARVIS 2 technology, zero amp glow, and high frame rates, this camera ensures that every astrophotography session yields incredible results. Whether you’re capturing the Great Red Spot on Jupiter or revealing fine lunar craters, the ASI678MC is built to deliver stunning images with ease.
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 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.
