ZWO ASI 294 MC-P

The ZWO ASI294 camera is a groundbreaking device, being the first camera in the world to feature the advanced Sony IMX294CJK sensor. With its exceptional technical specifications and innovative features, this camera opens up new possibilities for astrophotography enthusiasts.

Let's delve into the impressive technical parameters of the ZWO ASI294 camera:

Sensor: The camera boasts a 4/3" Sony IMX294 CMOS sensor, providing a diagonal length of 23.2 mm. This sensor delivers a remarkable resolution of 11.7 megapixels, with an impressive 4144x2822 pixel array. Each pixel has a size of 4.63 μm, ensuring detailed and high-quality images.

Shutter: Equipped with a rolling shutter, the camera enables efficient and accurate image capture.

Exposure Range: The ZWO ASI294 camera offers a versatile exposure range, ranging from 32 μs to an extended exposure time of 2000 seconds, allowing users to capture stunning imagery across various conditions.

ROI Selection: With its Region of Interest (ROI) selection feature, users have the flexibility to choose specific areas of the frame for capturing images, providing enhanced control over their astrophotography projects.

Read Noise: The camera excels in minimizing read noise, with a rate of just 1.2 e- @ 39 dB gain, ensuring clean and low-noise images.

Quantum Efficiency (QE): While the specific QE at peak is not stated, rest assured that the camera delivers exceptional quantum efficiency for capturing optimal light sensitivity.

Potential Well: Boasting a potential well of 63.7 ke-, the camera allows for efficient accumulation of charge, enabling excellent dynamic range and exposure control.

ADC and Buffering: The ZWO ASI294 camera features a 14-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) for precise and accurate signal conversion. With DDRIII 256 MB buffering, it ensures smooth data transfer and processing.

Communication and Connectivity: The camera supports USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 communication ports, providing fast and reliable data transfer capabilities.

Connector and Back Focus: With an M42 * 0.75 (T-2) connector and a back focus distance of 6.5 mm, the camera offers versatility and compatibility with various telescope setups.

Cooling System: The ZWO ASI294 camera incorporates a sophisticated two-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system. This cooling mechanism achieves an impressive temperature reduction of 35 - 40 °C below the ambient temperature, ensuring optimal sensor performance even during extended imaging sessions.

Power Consumption and Temperature Range: The camera requires a power consumption of 650 mA at 5 V for regular operation, while the cooling system requires 12 V at 3 A. It can operate within a temperature range of -5 °C to 45 °C, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.

Maximum Speeds: With its 10-bit ADC, the camera can achieve maximum speeds of 19 frames per second (fps) at a resolution of 4144x2822. When using the 14-bit ADC, the maximum speeds reach 16 fps at the same resolution, ensuring smooth and fast image acquisition.

Design and Weight: The ZWO ASI294 camera features a compact and ergonomic design with a diameter of 78 mm, weighing just 410 g. Its lightweight construction ensures ease of use and portability during astrophotography sessions.

Available Resolutions: The camera supports various resolutions for different applications. With USB 3.0 Raw16 format, it offers resolutions such as 4144 × 2822 at 16.3 fps, 4096 × 2160 at 21.1 fps, 3840 × 2160 at 21.1 fps, 1920 × 1080 at 40.9 fps, 1280 × 720 at 59.7 fps, 640 × 480 at 85.9 fps, and 320 × 240 at 153.4 fps. In USB 3.0 Raw8 & HighSpeed format, it provides resolutions including 4144 × 2822 at 19.0 fps, 4096 × 2160 at 24.7 fps, 3840 × 2160 at 24.7 fps, 1920 × 1080 at 47.9 fps, 1280 × 720 at 69.8 fps, 640 × 480 at 100.5 fps, and 320 × 240 at 179.3 fps.

Recommended Uses: The ZWO ASI294 camera is perfect for various applications. It excels in lucky imaging, allowing users to capture stunning images with or without filters. Additionally, it is well-suited for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography, particularly when used without narrowband filters.

Warranty: The ZWO ASI294 camera comes with a generous 24-month warranty, providing peace of mind to users.

In conclusion, the ZWO ASI294 camera sets a new standard in astrophotography with its cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or a passionate beginner, this camera opens up a world of possibilities for capturing breathtaking celestial images.