ZWO Camera ASI 715 MC Color

The ZWO Camera ASI 715 MC Color is a high-quality color camera for demanding planetary photographers seeking maximum sharpness, minimal noise, and a wide usable spectrum, including near-infrared. Thanks to the modern Sony IMX715 CMOS sensor with Starvis 2 technology, this camera offers an impressive combination of high resolution, low readout noise, and a smooth image free of amplifier glow.

Why Choose the ASI 715 MC Color?

The IMX715 sensor features back-illumination and 1.45 µm pixels, resulting in exceptional detail levels without requiring a Barlow lens. The small pixels are ideal for prime focus projection on planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. Additionally, the high sensitivity in the near-IR range makes this camera suitable for enhanced observations during poor seeing conditions or for infrared photography.

Thanks to the passive cooling via the integrated PCS system, the sensor temperature remains up to 15°C lower than other uncooled models – without fan or additional power supply. This means: less thermal noise, more stable performance, and no moving parts that could cause malfunctions.

Key Advantages:

✓ Perfect for planetary photography – Resolution of 3864×2192 (8.46 MP) with high frame rate up to 45 frames per second
✓ Suitable for IR astrophotography – Thanks to IR-transparent glass and high sensitivity in near-infrared
✓ Very low readout noise – Down to just 0.8 e⁻; essential for high contrast in low light
✓ Large dynamic range – Full Well Capacity up to 37.8 ke⁻, ideal for capturing details without clipping
✓ No amplifier glow – Crucial when stacking multiple exposures
✓ Compact and lightweight – Only 126 grams, perfect for mounting on telescope systems without counterweight

Technical Specifications

• Sensor: Sony IMX715 (CMOS)
• Resolution: 3864×2192 (8.46 MP)
• Pixel size: 1.45 µm
• Sensor format: 5.6 x 3.2 mm
• Diagonal chip size: 6.45 mm
• Bit depth: 12 bit
• Exposure time: 32 µs to 12 minutes
• Read speed: up to 45.1 fps
• Read noise: 0.8 e⁻ to 6.9 e⁻
• Full Well Capacity: 37,800 e⁻
• Telescope connection: M42x0.75 (T2)
• Interface: USB 3.0, ST4 (autoguiding)
• Cooling: passive (no active cooling module)
• Color camera: Yes
• Operating temperature: -5°C to +50°C
• Dimensions: Ø 62 mm x 35 mm height
• Weight: 126 grams
• Compatible with: Windows, MacOS, Linux

Package Contents

✓ ZWO ASI 715 MC Color camera
✓ T2 to 1.25 inch adapter
✓ 1.25 inch dust cap
✓ T2 to CS-mount adapter (mounted)
✓ Wide-angle lens (for all-sky applications)
✓ USB 3.0 cable
✓ ST4 autoguiding cable
✓ English manual

Applications

✓ Planetary photography (Jupiter, Saturn, Mars)
✓ High-resolution lunar imaging
✓ IR observations during poor seeing
✓ Small deep-sky objects (nebulae, star clusters) with stacking
✓ All-sky time-lapse with the wide-angle lens

For best results, combine this camera with a short focal length telescope with high optical quality and a stable equatorial mount. Consider models from GSO, Sky-Watcher, or Celestron.