ZWO ASI294MC Pro Color Cooled
The ZWO ASI294MC Pro Color uses the Sony IMX294 sensor with a diagonal of 23.2mm. It has a 14bit ADC and low read noise.
IMX294CJK
Sony 10.71M-Effective Pixel Color CMOS Image Sensor (official description from Sony site), with a diagonal of 21.63mm (4/3 format). ZWO has refined the sensor and remolded it to increase the diagonal to 23.2mm with approximately 11.71M-Effective pixels (4/3 format).
High-Sensitivity Type 4/3 CMOS Image Sensor that Supports 4K for Astronomic Cameras and Industrial Applications
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*).
Exceptional low-illumination performance
Exceptional low-illumination performance of SNR1s: 0.14 lx is realized by use of a large-size optical system and by expanding the area per pixel to 4.63 µm. This makes the IMX294CJK ideal for astronomic camera market applications that require low-illumination performance.
USB3.0 & 256M DDR3 Memory
The ASI294MC Pro camera includes a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer to help improve data transfer reliability. Additionally, the use of a memory buffer minimizes amp-glow, which is caused by the slow transfer speeds when the camera is used with a USB 2.0 port.
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.
High QE
The IMX294 sensor is a BSI (backside illuminated type) sensor, which has very high QE (quantum efficiency, which we estimate is over 75% peak).
Dark Current
The dark current of the ASI294 is a bit lower than the ASI1600 at same temperature, based on our test results. Dark frame sample @ Highest dynamic range settings, 300s, -10°C, bin1. Please check the dark frame to make sure you fully know the performance.
USB 3.0 Port & USB2.0 HUB
USB 3.0 Port: Provide 5Gb bandwidth to make it possible for ASI294 Pro to run at 16 fps (14bit, normal mode) or 19 fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution(11.7Mega).
USB 2.0 HUB: can connect with various accessories, such as filter wheel, guide camera and electronic focuser, so you can better manage your cables. The ASI294 Pro includes two short 0.5m USB 2.0 cables. The integrated USB 2.0 hub is powered by the external power source if you connect one.
Cooling System
The ASI294 Pro has a 2-stage TEC cooling system that enables deep cooling (35°C-40°C below ambient). The cooler requires an external power supply, which is not included with the camera. Recommended cooler power supply: 12V @ 3-5A (or more) DC adapter (2.1×5.5mm, center pole positive). Also suitable: DC battery with 9-15V. Using a battery 9-15V is also suitable for the cooler power supply.
Connecting Diagram
- M43-T2 adapter (optional)
- EOS-T2 adapter (optional)
- 2” Filter (optional)
- 1.25” T-Mount
- 1.25” Filter (optional)
- M42-1.25” adapter
- T2 extender 11mm
Technical Specifications
| Sensor |
4/3″ SONY IMX294 CMOS |
| Diagonal |
23.2mm |
| Resolution |
11.7Mega Pixels 4144X2822 |
| Pixel Size |
4.63µm |
| Bayer Pattern |
RGGB |
| Shutter |
Rolling shutter |
| Exposure Range |
32µs-2000s |
| ROI |
Supported |
| Read Noise |
1.2-7.3e |
| QE peak |
TBD |
| Full well |
63.7ke |
| ADC |
14bit |
| DDRIII Buffer |
256MB Non-volatile memory/On camera storage: Build-in total 192K byte user-accessible space(image size up to 480X320) |
| Interface |
USB3.0/USB2.0 |
| Adaptor |
M42X0.75 |
| Protect window |
D32-2-AR |
| Dimensions |
78mm Diameter |
| Weight |
410g |
| Back Focus Distance |
6.5mm |
| Cooling |
Regulated Two Stage TEC |
| Delta T |
35°C-40°C below ambient |
| Camera Power consumption |
650mA at 5V |
| Cooler Power consumption |
12V at 3A Max |
| Working Temperature |
-5°C—45°C |
| Storage Temperature |
-20°C—60°C |
| Working Relative Humidity |
20%—80% |
| Storage Relative Humidity |
20%—95% |
| Max FPS at full resolution |
10Bit ADC: 4144×2822 19fps
14bit ADC: 4144×2822 16fps
|
| 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
|
In the Box
- Camera
- Camera Bag
- 1.25″ T-Mount
- 2m USB3.0 Cable
- 2x 0.5m USB2.0 Cable
- T2-M48 16.5mm Adapter
- T2 21mm Adapter
- M42-M48 Adapter
- T2-1.25″ Filter adapter
- 1.25″ Cover
- 2x Spacers
Manuals & Warranty
ZWO 2-Years Warranty
ZWO ASI294 Manual
ZWO ASI Color Cameras Back Focus Solution
ZWO ASI294MC-P Mechanical Drawing
