ZWO Camera ASI 4400 MC Pro Color (88178)

ZWO Camera ASI 4400 MC Pro Color (88178)

The ASI4400MC Pro is ZWO’s latest full-frame deep-sky camera. Positioned between the ASI6200MC Pro and the ASI2400MC Pro, it offers an excellent balance between image quality and efficiency, making it a versatile choice within the full-frame category.

The camera features a back-illuminated full-frame sensor measuring 36 × 24 mm with a 43.3 mm diagonal. With 44 megapixels and 4.4 µm pixel size, it delivers impressive resolution and high light sensitivity. The full-frame format allows you to capture the complete image circle of your optics without cropping, making it ideal for wide-field astrophotography and large deep-sky objects.

Each pixel offers a full well capacity of 74,600 electrons, providing a very wide dynamic range. Bright stars maintain their natural colors and fine details, while faint nebulae and galaxy structures remain clearly visible. The result is well-balanced images with excellent tonal depth across the entire field.

The integrated 14-bit analog-to-digital converter delivers a dynamic range of over 13 stops. This enables the capture of both bright and faint structures in a single exposure. Images appear natural and balanced straight out of the camera, offering extensive flexibility for post-processing.

Advanced Cooling System

A powerful two-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system reduces the sensor temperature by 30 to 35°C below ambient temperature. This significantly lowers dark current and thermal noise, even during long exposures. The result is a higher signal-to-noise ratio and consistently improved image quality.

Cooling performance depends on the surrounding temperature. The specified values are based on tests at 30°C ambient temperature. Operation below -20°C is not recommended.

Glow Suppression Technology

The camera effectively minimizes sensor glow through ZWO’s dedicated glow suppression technology, ensuring cleaner long-exposure images.

Integrated Tilt Adjustment

The ASI4400MC Pro includes three pairs of push-pull tilt adjustment screws. These allow precise alignment of the sensor with the telescope’s optical axis. Even slight tilts that cause star distortion at the edges can be corrected, ensuring uniform sharpness across the entire frame.

512 MB DDR3 Buffer

An internal 512 MB DDR3 image buffer reduces data transfer load on the computer. This is particularly beneficial for planetary imaging, where large data volumes must be processed quickly. Many comparable cameras offer only 256 MB, which can become a bottleneck and lead to transfer errors.

Anti-Dew Heating System

On clear nights, condensation can form on the front glass as it cools. A thin polyimide heating element gently warms the protective window to prevent dew formation. The anti-dew heater consumes approximately 5 watts and can be switched off to conserve power when necessary.

Power Requirements

The ASI4400MC Pro requires an external 12V power supply. A 12V DC adapter rated at 3A to 5A (5.5 × 2.1 mm connector, center positive) or a lithium battery with 11–14V output is recommended. Using a power supply outside this voltage range may cause permanent damage to the camera.

Technical Specifications

Sensor and Imaging

• Sensor type: CMOS (Sony IMX366)

• Sensor size: 36 × 24 mm (Full Frame)

• Sensor diagonal: 43.2 mm

• Resolution: 8192 × 5460 pixels

• Megapixels: 44

• Pixel size: 4.4 µm

• Bit depth: 14-bit

• Quantum efficiency: 80%

• Readout noise: 1.1 e⁻

• Full well capacity: 74,600 e⁻

• Frame rate: 8.3 fps (at full resolution)

• Color camera: Yes

Cooling and Performance

• Active cooling: Yes

• Maximum cooling difference: 35°C below ambient temperature

Memory and Interfaces

• Buffer memory: 512 MB DDR3 RAM

• Interfaces: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0

• Telescope connection: M54

• Power supply: 12V

General Information

• Series: ASI 4400

• Weight: 700 g

• Diameter: 90 mm

• Length: 97 mm

• Housing material: Metal

• Filter wheel included: No

Areas of Application

• Nebulae and galaxies: Yes

• Moon and planets: Yes

• All-sky and meteor observation: No

• Autoguiding: No