Introducing ASI294MC Pro - The Ultimate Astrophotography Camera
Discover the revolutionary ASI294MC Pro, the world's first camera equipped with SONY's latest sensor IMX294CJK. With a Diagonal of 23.2 mm (Type 4/3) and Approx. 11.71M-Effective Pixels, it delivers unrivaled performance for astrophotography and industrial applications.
Exceptional Sensitivity and Performance
The IMX294CJK sensor supports 4K resolution at 120fps, ensuring sharp and detailed images. Its large-size pixel achieves a SNR1s of 0.14 lx*, perfect for low-illumination scenarios. The 14bit ADC & 13 stops DR offer enhanced dynamic range, surpassing ASI1600.
Highly Efficient HCG Mode
Activate HCG mode with a gain higher than 120 to experience reduced read noise (below 2e) while maintaining the same dynamic range (13 stops). Capture stunning images with ease.
Full Well Capacity for Bright Stars
ASI294MC Pro boasts a 63700e full well capacity, three times that of ASI1600. Even bright stars won't saturate under long exposures, resulting in higher SNR (signal to noise ratio) with single exposures.
DDR Buffer for Stable Data Transfer
The 256MB DDRIII memory buffer ensures smooth data transfer and eliminates amp-glow issues, even when connected via USB2.0 Port.
Versatile Connectivity
Equipped with USB 3.0 Port providing 5Gb bandwidth, ASI294 Pro runs at 16fps (14bit, normal mode) or 19fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution. Use the USB2.0 HUB to connect various accessories like a filter wheel, guide camera, and electronic focuser, optimizing cable management.
Robust Mechanics for Reliability
ASI294MC Pro shares the same robust mechanics as ASI1600 Pro. With 4 screws sealing the chamber, it remains stable and functional even in high humidity environments without dew problems.
High QE for Superior Imaging
The BSI (back-illuminated type) IMX294 sensor boasts exceptional QE (estimated peak above 75%), ensuring maximum photon capture for outstanding results.
Dark Current and ASI294 vs ASI1600
The dark current of ASI294 is marginally higher than ASI1600. Compare the differences between ASI294 and ASI1600 in the provided table.
Unleash the Potential
ASI294MC Pro unlocks endless possibilities with its 14bit ADC, 63700e full well capacity, 1.2e read noise, and DDR buffer. Elevate your astrophotography game with this extraordinary camera!
ASI294MC Pro is the first camera in the world that equip with SONY latest sensor IMX294CJK.
Diagonal 21.63 mm (Type 4/3) Approx. 10.71M-Effective Pixel Color CMOS Image Sensor, This is the official description on Sony website. In our effort, we remolded it to make it Diagonal 23.2 mm (Type 4/3) Approx. 11.71M-Effective Pixel.
High-Sensitivity Type 4/3 CMOS Image Sensor that Supports 4K for Astronomic Camera 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 from 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.
14bit ADC & 13 stops DR
ASI294 has 14bit ADC and it can achieve 13 stops dynamic range which is a little better than ASI1600.
HCG Mode
HCG mode will be on when gain is higher than 120, read noise drops below 2e but same dynamic range(13 stops).
Full well Capacity
63700e full well, which is 3 times than ASI1600’s capacity. even a bright stars won’t saturate under long exposure.
This camera can achieve higher SNR(signal to noise ratio) with just one single exposure.
DDR Buffer
256MB DDRIII memory buffer helps data transfer more stable and no amp-glow issue which is caused by the slow speed data transfer during reading out when connect with USB2.0 Port.
USB 3.0 Port & USB2.0 HUB
USB 3.0 Port: can 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).
We recommends 12V at 3A~5A DC adapter for cooler power supply(2.1*5.5, center positive).
Battery from 9-15V is also suitable for cooling power supply.
USB 2.0 HUB: can connect with various accessories, such as filter wheel, guide camera and electronic focuser, so you can manage your cable better with USB2.0 hub. There are 2 short 0.5m USB2.0 cables coming with ASI294 Pro. the power of hub source from external power supply if you connect it.
Reliable Mechanics
ASI294MC Pro has same mechanics as ASI1600 Pro. There are 4 screws seal the chamber. This structure has been fully tested and it is very stable.
Even with high humidity eviroment, ASI294MC Pro will still works fine without dew problems.
High QE
IMX294 sensor is a BSI(back-illuminated type) sensor and has very high QE(we suppose the QE peak is better than 75%)
Dark Current
The dark current of 294 is a little bit higher than 1600 from out test result.
ASI294 VS ASI1600
Let’s see this table to compare the difference between 294 and 1600 camera:
In sum, ASI294MC Pro have much potential, 14bit ADC, 63700e full well, 1.2e read noise, DDR buffer, each feature means a new posibility!
