The ZWO ASI678MC is an advanced uncooled color camera for high-resolution lunar and planetary photography, featuring exceptionally low noise and improved sensitivity. The camera is equipped with the modern Sony IMX678 CMOS sensor and offers 8.3 megapixels (3840 x 2160) in a compact design. The extremely small 2.0 µm pixels deliver detailed images without the need for a Barlow lens.
Compared to its predecessor, the ASI178MC, the ASI678MC has significantly lower readout noise, no amplifier glow (amp glow), and higher sensitivity in the infrared spectrum. This allows for even sharper planetary details, even in poor seeing conditions. The improved High Gain Mode also ensures less noise and more dynamic range from gain value 182.
Key Features
- Sony IMX678 sensor (1/1.8″) – with back-illumination and infrared sensitivity
- Resolution 3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP) – suitable for both photography and video
- Pixel size 2.0 µm – very high resolution at short focal lengths
- Amp glow-free design – no disturbing amplifier glow during long exposures
- Frame rate up to 47.5 fps – at full resolution
- High Gain Mode – activated from gain 182 for better performance
- Compact design of 126 g – ideal for any telescope setup
Applications
✓ Planetary and lunar photography with maximum sharpness ✓ Solar observation (only with suitable solar filter!) ✓ Infrared photography for reduced seeing effects ✓ Compact deep-sky objects like globular clusters and planetary nebulae ✓ Electronically assisted astronomy (EAA) ✓ Autoguiding via ST4 interface
With its improved performance and exceptional image quality, the ASI678MC is the perfect upgrade for those wanting to get the most out of their planetary imaging. The high resolution and sensitivity also make it surprisingly capable for compact deep-sky objects.
Specifications
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Sensor | Sony IMX678 (color) |
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP) |
Pixel size | 2.0 µm |
Sensor format | 7.7 x 4.3 mm |
Diagonal | 6.4 mm |
Bit depth | 12-bit |
Full Well Capacity | 11,270 e⁻ |
Read noise | from 0.6 e⁻ |
FPS | 47.5 (at full resolution) |
Interfaces | USB 3.0, ST4 autoguider port |
Cooling | No |
Max. exposure time | 33.3 min |
Min. exposure time | 32 µs |
Telescope connection | M42x0.75 (T2) and 1.25″ |
Weight | 126 g |
Dimensions | Ø62 mm x 36 mm |
IR filter | Yes (removable) |
Operating systems | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Amp glow | No |
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