ZWO ASI676MC astronomical camera

The ASI676MC is an all-sky camera designed with a unique square 1/1.6-inch Sony IMX676 CMOS sensor, offering an impressive 12MP resolution (3552 x 3552 pixels). This high-performance device is ideal for meteor tracking, full-sky surveillance, and detailed imaging of celestial objects like the Sun and Moon. Its square format simplifies mosaic stitching, enhances compatibility with fisheye and wide-angle lenses, and provides a balanced composition for astrophotography tasks.

Why the Square Format Matters
The square sensor format eliminates the need to account for differences between long and short sides during mosaic stitching, making the process more efficient. This design also enhances compatibility with various lenses, such as fisheye and wide-angle options, making it perfect for capturing meteors or conducting full-sky observations. The symmetry of the square format ensures balanced framing and greater creative freedom in image composition.

STARVIS 2 Technology
The ASI676MC incorporates Sony’s STARVIS 2 technology, which significantly improves sensitivity, dynamic range, and performance in low-light conditions. It also enhances sensitivity in the near-infrared spectrum, making it ideal for capturing faint celestial details hidden by cosmic dust.

No Amp Glow
This camera eliminates amp glow entirely, regardless of exposure length or gain settings. This feature is implemented at the hardware level, ensuring cleaner images without requiring software adjustments.

HCG Mode and Noise Reduction
The built-in High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode automatically activates at a gain of 180, reducing readout noise to as low as 0.56e while maintaining a dynamic range close to 11 stops. This ensures exceptional image clarity even at high gain settings.

Enhanced Image Quality
The ASI676MC features a UV/IR-cut coated window that reduces infrared interference and improves overall image sharpness. Its low dark current noise further enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, especially when photographing faint objects in the night sky.

What’s Included in the Box
The package includes an instruction manual, ST4 cable, nosepiece (1.25"), cap, and a USB 3.0 cable (2 meters).

Specifications

• Sensor: Sony IMX676 CMOS (1/1.6", 7.1 x 7.1 mm)
• Resolution: 12.6 MP (3552 x 3552 pixels)
• Pixel Size: 2 µm
• Frame Rate: Up to 31.2 fps at full resolution
• Read Noise: As low as 0.56e
• Quantum Efficiency (QE): ~83%
• Dynamic Range: Up to 11 stops in HCG mode
• Exposure Time: From 32 µs to 2000 s
• Connection: USB 3.0 interface with built-in 256MB DDR3 cache for stable data transfer