ZWO Camera ASI 676 MM Mono (88476)

ZWO ASI 676 MM Mono Camera (Model 88476)

The ASI676 MM is a modern monochrome camera featuring a square-format Sony IMX sensor with an impressive resolution of 12 MP. It is particularly well suited for meteor photography and all-sky monitoring. The square sensor format simplifies mosaic creation and improves efficiency, while the high resolution delivers detailed images of the Sun, Moon, and planets.

Square Sony IMX Sensor – Key Advantages

One of the main benefits of the square sensor design is the ease of creating mosaics, making the imaging process more efficient. The square format also increases compatibility with a wide range of lenses, including fisheye and wide-angle optics. This makes the camera especially effective for meteor tracking and full-sky observation.

Applications and Performance

The camera is equipped with a modern 1.6-inch sensor with a resolution of 3552 × 3552 pixels. It incorporates advanced Starvis 2 technology with back-illuminated architecture, ensuring a very clean image without amplifier glow. Key strengths include small 2.0 µm pixels and a relatively high frame rate, making it suitable for a variety of uses:

• Meteor photography

• All-sky imaging

• High-resolution planetary imaging

• Detailed lunar surface photography

• Solar imaging (with appropriate filters)

• Use as an autoguiding camera (ST4 port included)

• Electronically assisted astronomy for the Sun, Moon, and planets

Planetary and Lunar Imaging

The small 2.0 µm pixels allow very high resolution starting from f/8, often eliminating the need for additional optics such as Barlow lenses or focal extenders.

Mono vs Color – Key Differences

Mono version:

• Supports advanced imaging techniques such as LRGB and narrowband

• Suitable for scientific applications like spectrometry and photometry

Color version:

• Easier for standard RGB imaging

• No need for additional filters or filter wheels

Both versions are capable of producing excellent astrophotography results, and the choice depends on individual needs and workflow preferences.

Technical Specifications

• Sensor type: CMOS (Sony IMX676)

• Resolution: 3552 × 3552 pixels

• Megapixels: 12.6

• Pixel size: 2.0 µm

• Sensor size: 7.1 × 7.1 mm

• Sensor diagonal: 10.05 mm

• Bit depth: 12-bit

• Interfaces: USB 3.0, ST4

• Maximum frame rate: 31.2 fps

• Exposure range: 0.06 s to 33 minutes

• Read noise: from 0.56 e-

• Full well capacity: 10.55 ke-

• Quantum efficiency: 83%

• Cooling: None (uncooled)

• Operating temperature: -5°C to +50°C

• Supported systems: Windows, Linux, Mac OS

• Cable length: 2 m

• Back focus distance: 12.5 mm

Features and Equipment

• Infrared filter: Yes

• Filter wheel: Not included

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 126 g

• Diameter: 62 mm

• Height: 37.1 mm

• Housing material: Aluminum

Series

• ASI 676 series