ZWO Camera ASI 2600 MC-Air Color (84743)

The ASI 2600 MC-Air is an advanced astrophotography camera that combines both imaging and guiding sensors in a single compact unit. The main imaging sensor is the Sony IMX571, featuring a native 16-bit ADC, a dynamic range of 14 stops, and square pixels sized at 3.76 micrometers. Readout noise is as low as 1.0 e, and the full well capacity is an impressive 80,000 e—achieved with no amplifier glow. The built-in ASI Air astrophotography computer, previously sold separately, is now integrated. This gives you a cooled DeepSky camera, an integrated guider, and a control computer all in one device.

The guiding sensor is the SC2210, known for its excellent near-infrared sensitivity. This sensor matches the ZWO ASI 220MM mini camera and features a sensor size of 7.68 mm x 4.32 mm, 4x4 micrometer pixels, a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, and a full well capacity of 8,780 e. Some stars in the corners of guiding images may appear slightly distorted due to flange focal distance, but this does not impact normal use.

Thanks to its compact design, the ASI 2600 MC-Air requires only a USB cable for operation, reducing cable clutter and making setup easier. There is no need for a separate off-axis guider or guiding camera.

Additional features:

• STARVIS technology: Utilizes Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS image sensor for improved sensitivity and noise reduction, enhancing overall image quality.

• Native 16-bit ADC: Achieves a true 16-bit depth for high dynamic range, improved sharpness, contrast, and smooth color transitions.

• Frame rate: Up to 15 frames per second in RAW8 mode at full resolution, faster than the standard ASI 2600MC Pro.

• USB 3.0 & 512 MB DDR3 buffer: Ensures stable and reliable data transfer, reducing the risk of image dropouts.

• No amplifier glow: The sensor uses a zero-amp glow circuit, so there is no unwanted IR light source even at high gain or long exposures.

• Quantum efficiency (QE): The peak QE exceeds 91% according to ZWO’s tests.

• Two-stage TEC cooling: Can cool the sensor to over 35°C below ambient temperature, greatly reducing dark current and sensor noise during long exposures. Delta T 35℃ is measured at an ambient temperature of 30℃; the difference may decrease during prolonged use or in colder conditions.

• Low dark current noise: Even with moderate cooling, the camera produces very low-noise images.

• Anti-frost heating: Equipped with a polyimide heater to prevent condensation or icing. Power consumption is about 5W and can be turned off to save energy.

Power supply requirement:
The camera needs an external 12V power supply (12V, 3A, 5.5/2.1 mm plug) for stable operation. It draws 1 ampere even when not cooled, which exceeds the standard USB socket capability.

Specifications

Capacity:
Sensor type: CMOS (Sony IMX571)
Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.7 mm
Megapixels: 26
Pixel size: 3.76 µm
Image resolution: 6248 x 4176 pixels
Bit depth: 16
Active cooling: Yes
Maximum cooling below ambient: 35°C
Readout noise: 1.0–3.3 e
Full well capacity: 8,780 e (guiding sensor)
Flange focal distance: 17.5 mm
Buffer memory: 256 MB
Internal memory: DDR3 RAM

Interfaces:
USB 3.0
Telescope connection: M54
Power supply: 12V
Infrared filter: Yes

Equipment:
Filter wheel: No
Carrying case: Yes

General:
Weight: 800 g
Series: ASI 2600
Diameter: 90 mm
Length: 97 mm

Area of application:
Autoguider: Yes
Nebulae and galaxies: Yes
AllSky and meteors: No
Moon and planets: No