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ZWO ASI294MC PRO [COLOUR]
ZWO
19 FPS
14-bit
19.1 x 13 mm
4.63 µm
FREE SHIPPING
ZWO ASI294MC PRO [COLOUR] is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
- Info
- Specifications
- Items included
- Downloads
- Reviews
The ZWO ASI 294MC PRO is a colour cooled camera with a large sensor which is ideal for wide field astrophotography. Considering the large 4.63 µm pixels, this camera works well with long focal length telescopes like Schmidt Cassegrains. The ASI 294MC is offered for a very competitive price and it is the ideal camera for anyone wanting to take the first step to become a professional astrophotographer.
![ZWO ASI 294MC PRO [COLOUR]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/4935/5059/files/ZWO_ASI_294MC_PRO_COLOUR.jpg?v=1602213429)
The ZWO ASI 294MC contains the Sony IMX294CJK CMOS colour sensor that offers 14bit, allowing it to achieve 13 stops of dynamic range which is even higher than the ASI 1600.
The ZWO PRO cameras incorporates a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer that improves data transfer reliability and it minimizes the amp-glow caused by slow data transfer speeds.
The exceptional low-illumination performance of 0.14 lx (SNR 0.1s) is possible due to the large 4.63 µm pixels. This makes the IMX294CJK sensor ideal for subjects with low superficial brightness.
The HCG (high conversion gain) mode reduces the read noise at high gain levels without any loss of dynamic range. This function is automatically enabled when the gain setting is 120 or higher.
The IMX294 sensor is a BSI (backside illuminated type) sensor, which has a very high QE that is estimated to reach 75%.
![ZWO ASI 294MC PRO [COLOUR]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/4935/5059/files/ZWO_ASI_294MC_PRO_COLOUR_9f407c53-d1a4-4441-bf9b-078962e16b00.jpg?v=1602213507)
The USB 3.0 Port provides 5Gbps bandwidth and lets the camera run at 19fps (12 bit, normal mode) or 19fps (10 bit, high speed mode) at full resolution (20.18 Mega).
The USB 2.0 Hub allows to connect 2 USB controlled accessories such as a filter wheel, a guiding camera or an electronic focuser, reducing the amount of cables that run directly from your computer.
The 2 stages TEC cooling system allows a ΔT of 40°C-45°C below air temperature.
Note: All cooled ZWO cameras require an external power supply of 12V at 3-5A with a 2.1×5.5 mm connector (positive tip).
![ZWO ASI 294MC PRO [COLOUR]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/4935/5059/files/294-Gain-RN-DR-FW-vs-gain2-e1508750996334.jpg?v=1602213540)
The full well capacity is 63700e, which is 3 times the capacity of the ASI1600. Even bright stars won’t saturate under long exposure. This camera can achieve higher SNR (signal to noise ratio) with just one single exposure.
The dark current of the ASI294MC is a bit lower than the ASI1600 at the same temperature, based on our test results.
![ZWO ASI 294MC PRO [COLOUR]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/4935/5059/files/294-DarkCurrent-VS-T-e1532058259545.jpg?v=1602213622)
| Sensor |
4/3″ SONY IMX294 CMOS - colour |
|
Resolution |
11.7 Megapixels 4144 x 2822 |
|
Pixel size |
4.63 µm |
|
Sensor size |
19.1 mm x 13.0 mm (23.2 mm diagonal) |
|
Quantum efficiency |
75% (estimated) |
|
Exposure range |
32µs-2000s |
|
Read noise |
1.2 ~7.3 e (@ 30 dB) |
|
Full Well Capacity |
63,700 e |
|
Bit rate |
14 bit |
|
Speed |
19 fps |
|
Shutter type |
Rolling shutter |
|
Cooling |
ΔT of 40°C-45°C |
|
Memory Buffer |
256Mb DDR III |
|
ROI |
Supported |
|
Compatibility |
Mac, Windows, Linux |
|
Protecting window |
D32-2-AR coated |
|
Ports |
USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 |
|
Back focus |
6.5 mm |
|
Connections |
2" / 1.25" / M42 x 0.75 |
|
Dimensions |
Ø 78 mm; ↨ 77.5 mm |
|
Weight |
410 gr |
|
Power supply |
9-15V 3 A (2.1×5.5 mm connector) |
|
SKU |
ASI294MC-P |
![ZWO ASI 294MC PRO [COLOUR]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/4935/5059/files/asi294-Mechanical-Drawing1-e1508751227226.jpg?v=1602213657)
![ZWO ASI 294MC PRO [COLOUR]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/4935/5059/files/ZWO_ASI_294MC_PRO_COLOUR_042671be-8730-413f-b872-1cb1c5e56444.jpg?v=1602213694)
1. M43-T2 adapter
2. EOS-T2 adapter
3. 2”Filter (optional)
4. 1.25” T-Mount
5. 1.25” Filter (optional)
6. M42-1.25” adapter (optional)
7. T2 extender 11mm
![ZWO ASI 294MC PRO [COLOUR]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/4935/5059/files/Cooled-Color-Camera-solution.jpg?v=1602213731)
![ZWO ASI 294MC PRO [COLOUR]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0071/4935/5059/files/ZWO_ASI_294MC_PRO_COLOUR_Included.jpg?v=1602213770)
- Camera bag
- Camera body
- USB 3.0 cable (2 metres)
- 21mm extender (M42 male - M42 female)
- 16.5mm extender (M48 female - M42 male)
- 11mm M42 female extender (screwed to the camera)
- Nose piece (M42 male to 1.25" female)
- Internal adapter M42 (female) to M48 (male)
- 2x USB 2.0 cables 0.5m
- M42 male to 1.25" filter thread (necessary to connect a 1.25" filter inside the 11mm extender)
- 0.3mm spacer
- 0.5mm spacer
- User manual
- 1.25mm plastic cap
- Plastic cap for 11mm M42 extender
Customer Reviews
I took the plunge to upgrade from Dslr. I was on some form of budget but I didn't want to cut my lunch so I was somewhat flexible. I considered the Asi 533 but didn't like the Square sensor. I did want a QHY but what I wanted didn't match my funds.. It has been a learning curve but thankfully not to much different.
First image sequence was of the Horsehead Nebula, followed by Running Chicken. Both targets have been on my want list for so long. Now I have data sets I am very happy with.
Great camera and very happy with it.
The large pixel size of the 294MC works well with focal lengths between 450 & 1000mm. I have been using it in this range and beyond with quite pleasing results. At shorter focal lengths, image detail suffers and I would recommend other camera models with smaller pixel sizes.
The 294MC/MM appears to have garnered some criticism from the astrophotography community, mainly for its amp glow. With proper flats and darks, this issue is rarely a problem. A YouTube video goes into these issues and offers some advice (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl_LQDmkg2o&t=10s). For my part, I have not found any residual amp glow issues with my images, even up to 10 min exposures, by following this advice.
I recommend this camera to anyone who is using longer focal lengths. With good flats and darks, amp glow is unlikely to be a problem for you.
I bought this colour version to make my AP fast and easy, I also wanted something I could use on planets and for EEA with livestacking as well as traditional DSO imaging. I live very close to the Sydney CBD in horrid LP so use a CLS CCD or TRiband NB filter. This is a stack of 4 min exposures totaling about 4hrs. I am very happy with it. It cools quickly to -10c winter and summer. I do find I have to use darks....
While current cloudy nights have limited opportunities to image, the convenience of a one shot colour camera is hard to beat. Excellent camera. The attached image was taken virtually out of the box on an 8" SCT F10. Nine minute stacked exposure using native ASILive Stacking (no cooling). Very little post processing. ZWO luminance filter to maintain colour balance. Edge coma caused by the scope rather than the camera. Image oversampled and would benefit from use of focal reducer.
