ZWO ASI294MM PRO COOLED Monochrome 4/3" CMOS USB3.0 Deep Sky Imager Camera
The MONOCHROME version of one of our most popular COOLED CMOS cameras has been released and now available from 365Astronomy and their dealer network.
It features a back-illuminated SONY made 4/3" sensor with 14 bit ADC and 4.63 micron pixel size that would suit well medium sized telescopes. The 66k e- full well capacity is impressive, but the nearly 90% QE (quantum efficiency) combined with 1.2e readout noise is unbelievable!
Similarly to the ZWO ASI1600MC camera, the ASi294MC camera would be an excellent choice for imaging deep sky objects, however it can do much more than that. With a max framerate of 16.3 FPS at full resolution this camera can also be used as an extremely high resolution planetary imager. If you cannot decide if your thing is deep sky or planetary imaging, go for this camera. It is also a much more affordable alternative to converting a dSLR.
You can even use it for guiding, although we understand that it is somewhat a waste of a talent to use it for guiding, but there might be special circumstances or setups when you would want to use it for guiding, so the opportunity is given.
There are three versions with this same large 4/3" sensor (23.2mm diagonal):
Colour cooled or uncooled and monochrome cooled. (we are not sure if there will be a non-cooled monochrome version yet)
This product listing is for the COOLED, MONOCHROME version of the ASI294. This cooled version is part of the PRO series of cooled ZWO cameras that features a DDR memory buffer.
If you go for this monochrome version, you'll also need a filter wheel and a set of L-RGB filters, plus H-alpha, OIII and SII filters, and maybe even H-beta filter as well for narrow band photography...
Please note that the sensor diagonal size is very close to the internal clear aperture of a 1.25" filter, therefore with extremely fast telescopes (small f-ratio) there might be vignetting. The limiting f-ratio will depend on the telescope and whether you will use any filters with this camera. Although it's a colour camera, good results can be achieved by using filters against light pollution and even H-alpha or other narrowband filters in certain setups.
Features of the NEW ZWO ASI294MM-PRO
Recommended for Deep Sky Imaging as well as the Sun, Moon and planets at very high resolution (although monochrome ASI174 would be better for the Sun)
(To image the Sun you'll have to use a proper front solar filter or Herschel wedge depending on your telescope. Please contact us if not sure!)
High-Sensitivity Type 4/3 CMOS Image Sensor that Supports 4K for Astronomic Cameras and Industrial Applications
The “IMX294CJK” is the first in-house image sensor for astronomic cameras to adopt the Type 4/3 format, and realizes output of the number of pixels needed for 4K at 120 frame/s (in ADC 10-bit output mode, ASI294MC can run up to 25fps at 4k format base on USB3.0 bandwidth). In addition, use of a large-size pixel achieves SNR1s of 0.14 lx* which is very close to the value of 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 sensor for astronomic camera market applications which requires low-illumination performance.
DDR Memory Buffer
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.
The DDR memory buffer is the main difference between ASI “COOL” and “PRO” cameras.
14bit ADC & 13 stops DR
ASI294 have 14bit ADC and it can achieve 13 stops dynamic range which is even better than ASI1600.
HCG Mode
HCG mode will be on when gain is higher than 120 (12db), read noise will drop below 2e but same dynamic range (13 stops).
Full well Capacity
63700e full well capacity, which is 3 times more than the 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 works 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 slightly higher than the ASI1600, based on our test results.
Dark frame sample @ Highest dynamic range settings, 300s, -10degree, bin1.
Click here to download a sample ASI294MC Pro Dark Frame
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).
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 with 9-15V is also suitable for the cooler power supply.
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 ZWO ASI294MC-PRO has a two-stage TEC cooling system that allows deep cooling to 35°C-40°C below ambient. You will need an external power supply to power the cooler. As user might want to power it in various ways (i.e. from a power tank, a Primaluce Lab Eagle 2 or mains, an AC-DC power adapter is not included in this package, however you can order one from us. Click here!
ASI294 VS ASI1600
The following table provides a comparison of the differences between the ASI294 and ASI1600. One cannot say which one is better as there are pros and contras for both; they are simply different. It would depend on the application, optical system used and the imaged object which camera would have to be favored.
COOLING
If you are having any trouble with the cooling, please check out the following page on the manufacturer's website before contacting us:
Click here: Why the cooler does not work?
FEATURES
Resolution: 11.7MPixel 4144 x 2822
Pixel Size: 4.63µm
Exposure range: 32µs - 2000s!
Read Noise: 1.2e - 7.3e
Full Well: 63700e
ADC: 14 bit
Cooling: 40 - 45 degrees below ambient (obviously, only on the cooled version)
Standard Autoguider Port
Peak Quantum Efficiency: TBC
Full aluminum housing with standard 2" interface
M42X0.75 internal thread (T-thread)
Back Focus: 6.5mm (from camera front)
Back Focus: 17.5mm (from front of 11mm reverse thread adapter)
CONNECTIONS
1. M43-T2 adapter
2. EOS-T2 adapter
3. 2”Filter (optional)
4. 1.25” T-Mount
5. 1.25” Filter (optional)
6. M42-1.25” adapter (optional)
7. T2 extender 11mm
MECHANICAL DESIGN
WHAT'S IN THE BOX:
DOWNLOADS
On the included CD you'll find drivers and two software applications: Firecapture and SharpCap. These are both freeware and the latest versions can be downloaded from the developers' websites.
If you have any problem with installing any of the software from the CD, please download them from here:
Firecapture Beta Downloads
SharpCap Downloads
We'd recommend to always use the beta version of Firecapture, but reverse to the latest stable version if you experience problems.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Here you can download a pdf file that will guide you through ZWO ASI camera troubleshooting. Click here!
ALL SKY CAMERA
due to the large sensor size, the usual 150 degree wide lens IS NOT included as it is not compatible, but there might be some other compatible lenses that would work with this camera. If you know about such lens, please let us know, so that we can share it with other users as well.
Specifications of the ZWO ASI294MC Colour Camera
Camera technical details
Sensor: 4/3″ SONY IMX294 CMOS
Diagonal: 23.2mm
Resolution: 11.3Mega Pixels 4144 x 2822
Pixel Size: 4.63µm
Bayer Pattern: RGGB
Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
ROI: Supported
ST4 Guider Port: Yes
Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
Protect window: AR coated window
Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
Bit rate: 12bit output(12bit ADC)
Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
Dimension: φ62mm X 36mm
Weight: 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens)
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
More resolutions can be user defined
For full specification, driver installation tutorial (youtube video), basic usage information and recommended third party software please visit the manufacturer's website: ZWOptical
There is also a Yahoo Group where you can find lots of information about how other members use the ZWO cameras: Yahoo Group ZWO ASI Cameras
See an article in our blog about
How to deal with Newton’s rings in CMOS imaging?
User contributions
ASI294MC-PRO
Courtesy of Graham Wilcock. Click on the image for the full image...
This image is the result of 3h of data capture on the evening of 29th November 2019. ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera through a Teleskop-Service 8-inch Ritchey-Chretien reflector.
ASI294MM-PRO
Another contribution from Graham Wilcock, a beautiful image of the Iris Nebula in Cepheus... this time images were taken with the ASI294MM-PRO.
"This LRGB image is the result of approximately 4h of data capture from Horsham, over two evenings in September 2021. It consists of 2h of capture through a luminance filter and 2h of capture in RGB, equally split between channels. A total of 234 one-minute exposures were integrated, from a ZWO ASI2600MM Pro camera though an 8-inch Teleskop-Service Ritchey-Chretien reflector. Software binning was carried out in software following capture and calibration. Luminance exposures were bin2 to give an image scale of approx 1 arcsec/pixel, RGB exposures bin4."
