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The ZWO ASI178MC is geared toward planetary photography, but is capable of so much more.

The ZWO ASI178MC is a fantastic entry level ZWO camera you want for planetary imaging.  Now you can do planetary and deep space imaging with it as well, so don't be fooled by the main objective when ZWO designed the camera.  The ASI178MC CMOS Color Imaging Camera is based on the Sony IMX178 with SONY STARVIS and Exmor R Technology.

The 6.4 megapixel CMOS sensor is capable of recording 60 frames per second in full resolution. 

Back-illuminated  CMOS Image Sensor with 14bit ADC 

ASI178MC has a 1/1.8″ and 6.4M pixels sensor IMX178 with SONY STARVIS and Exmor R Technology.
Extremely low read noise(2.2e -1.4e) , high sensitivity and 14bit ADC make it very suitable for astronomy and microscopy photograph

The ZWO ASI78MM conectivity.

USB 3.0 Port: Provides 5Gb bandwidth to make it possible for ASI294MC to run at 16fps (14bit, normal mode) or 19fps (12bit, high speed mode) at full resolution (11.7Mega).

ST4 Port: Can be used to connect to the auto-guiding port of your mount and become a great guider.

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.

Product Manuals

ASI178_Manual_EN_V1.3.pdf

Tech Details: 

Sensor 1/1.8" CMOS
ADC 14 bit
Back Focus  7.5 mm
Color or Mono  Color
Cooled or Uncooled  Uncooled
Dynamic Range 12.8 Stops
Full Resolution Frame Rate        60fps
Full Well 15000e
Mega Pixels 6.4mp
Peak QE 81%
Pixel Array 3096x2080
Pixel Size 2.4 microns
Window AR
Sensor Diagonal  23.9mm
Sensor Type CMOS
Sensor Sony IMX178
Guide Port ST4
Read Noise 2.2e
Exposure Range 32us - 1000s
Weight 4.2 ounces
Normal Num Pixel High 2080
Normal Num Pixel Wide 3096
Pixel Array 6.4 megapixels
Pixel Size 2.4 microns
Weight 4.5 ounces
Warranty 2 years

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