ZWO ASI294MC Pro Cooled Color CMOS Astrophotography Camera
Manufacturer Part # ZWO ASI294MC-P
The ZWO ASI294MC Pro is a high performance camera at an affordable price. The IMX294CJK sensor is the first in-house image sensor for astronomic cameras to adopt the 4/3 format and provides the necessary number of pixels for true 4k output at 120 frames per second (w/ ADC 10-bit output mode, the ASI294MC can run up to 25fps at 4k format when used with USB 3.0). In addition, the use of larger-sized pixels achieves SNR1s of 0.14 lx* which is very close to the value of the ASI224 (0.13 lx*).
The ASI294MC Pro also has a 256mb DDR3 memory buffer to help with reliablity of data transfer. The Pro also offers low read noise, low dark current, and high dynamic range. The dynamic range is actually better than the KAF8300.
This camera is great for deep space and planetary imaging.
14bit ADC w/ 13 stops DR
The ASI294 has a 14bit ADC unit, allowing it to achieve 13 stops of dynamic range. This is an excellent characteristic for deep sky imaging, which is inherently high dynamic range. At 13 stops, the ASI294 has even more dynamic range than the ASI1600.
HCG Mode
HCG (high conversion gain) mode, which reduces read noise to even lower levels at higher gain without loss to dynamic range, is automatically enabled when the gain setting is 120 or higher. Read noise will drop under 2e-, while dynamic range will remain at 13 stops.
Full well Capacity
63700e full well, which is 3 times than ASI1600’s capacity. Even bright stars won’t saturate under long exposure. This camera can achieve higher SNR(signal to noise ratio) with just one single exposure.
Reliable Mechanics
ASI294MC Pro has same mechanics as ASI1600 Pro. There are four screws that seal the sensor chamber. Our camera design has been extensively tested and is very stable. Even when used in higher humidity environments, ASI294MC Pro will still work fine without dew problems
The ZWO ASI294MC Pro has fantastic conectivity options.
ASI294MC Pro has 2 stage TEC cooling system to enable very deep cooling (40°C-45°C below ambient). The cooler requires an external power supply, which is not included with 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.
Camera technical details
| Sensor | 4/3" CMOS |
| ADC | 14 bit |
| Back Focus | 6.5 mm |
| Color or Mono | Color |
| Cooled or Uncooled | Cooled |
| Dynamic Range | 12 stops |
| Full Resolution Frame Rate | 19fps |
| Full Well | 63.7ke |
| Mega Pixels | 11.7 mp |
| Peak QE | 75% |
| Pixel Array | 4144 x 2822 |
| Pixel Size | 4.63 microns |
| Read Noise | 7.5e |
| Sensor Diagonal | 21.6 mm |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Sensor | Sony IMX294 |
| Guide Port | ST4 |
| WIndow | AR |
| Exposure Range | 32us - 2000s |
| Weight | 15 ounces |
Resolution USB 3.0 Raw16
4144×2822 16.3fps
4096×2160 21.1fps
3840×2160 21.1fps
1920×1080 40.9fps
1280×720 59.7fps
640×480 85.9fps
320×240 153.4fps
Resolution USB 3.0 Raw8& HighSpeed
4144×2822 19.0fps
4096×2160 24.7fps
3840×2160 24.7fps
1920×1080 47.9fps
1280×720 69.8fps
640×480 100.5fps
320×240 179.3fps
more resolutions are user defined
Tech Details:
| Normal Num Pixel High | 2822 |
|---|---|
| Normal Num Pixel Wide | 4144 |
| Pixel Array | 11.7 mega pixels |
| Pixel Size | 4.63 |
| Weight | 15 ounces |
| Warranty | 2 years |