ZWO ASI482MC Color Astrophotography Camera

Packed with Sony sensor IMX482, this camera has some incredible specs, including a large pixel size of 5.8um, USB 3.0 interface, large full-well depth of 51.5ke-, extremely high sensitivity, and super low read out noise.

1/1.2”format 2 megapixel sensor

The IMX482 sensor adopts back-illuminated CMOS structure. In resolution it is approximately the same as IMX462, but with 4 times the sensor size, it accordingly has a larger pixel size of 5.8*5.8um.

The sensor length and width are 11.13mm*6.26mm. The diagonal is 12.86mm.

SNR1s=0.08lx

The above isn't some sort of new fangled math equation.  It is Sony introducing SNR1s [lx] as an index used to quantitatively evaluate picture quality at low illumination. SNR1s [lx] is an acronym consisting of “SNR” (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), “1” (represents that the signal level when noise = 1 is 1), and “s” (for Security). The lower this value is, the greater the image quality will be at low illumination.

The 5.8um large pixel size allows unprecedentedly low SNR1s value of 0.08lx.

51.5ke- full well capacity

With the full well capacity of 51.5ke-, ASI482MC displays rich star details when taking astrophotos. Coupled with the ultimately low SNR1s, the efficiency of date acquisition can be really high. This is particularly helpful for solar, lunar and planetary imaging, also makes the camera perfect for DSO imaging (taking multiple photos in short exposure times and stack them to improve SNR.)

Moreover, thanks to the features above, ASI482MC can also be an ideal EAA camera or all-sky camera.

HCG Mode

ASI482MC has a built-in HCG mode which can effectively reduce the readout noise at high gain and keep the same wide dynamic range as you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 80, the HCG mode will automatically turn on. The read out noise fall off a cliff while the dynamic range still can reach close to 12 stops. The minimum read noise is 1.5 e.

QE curve

We assume the QE peak value of ASI482MC is 85% at 530nm.

USB 3.0 Port & ST4 Port

USB 3.0 Port: Like other ASI cameras, the ASI482MC is powered and controlled via USB 3.0. It provides 5Gb bandwidth to let the camera run at 82.5fps (10bit, high speed mode) or 57.5fps (12bit, normal mode) at full resolution (2Mega).

ST4 Port: Can be used to connect with auto guide port of mount for guiding.

Drivers and Softwares:

The ZWO website has the newest camera drivers and many DSO and Planetary capture software choices available.. Please make sure the newest driver and software has been installed before you start imaging:

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/software/

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.

Looking to get an electronic auto focus for your rig?  Check out the ZWO EAF.

Camera Technical Details

Sensor: 1/1.2″ CMOS Sony-IMX482
Bayer Pattern:R Gr Gb B
QE peak：85%@530nm
Back focus length: 17.5mm
Max fps: 82.5fps
Full well: 51.5K e
Shutter: Rolling shutter
Resolution: 2.07Mega Pixel,1920*1080
Pixel Size: 5.8µm
Data Format: RAW8、RAW16、RGB24、Mono8
Exposure Range: 32μs~2000s
Interface: USB3.0
Protect window: AR
ADC: 12bit
Dimension: φ78mmX73.5mm
Weight: 0.133KG
Working Temperature: -5℃~50℃
Storage Temperature: -10℃~60℃
Working Relative Humidity: 0-80%
Supported OS: WIN7/8/10 32&64、Linux、Mac

Tech Details: