
ZWO ASI678MM USB3.0 Monochrome Astronomy Camera
The ZWO ASI678MM Monochrome Astronomy Camera can be considered a significant upgrade from its predecessor the ZWO 178MM, it offers several key improvements with a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor and no amp glow.
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The ZWO ASI678MM USB3.0 Monochrome Astronomy Camera is a high-performance monochrome planetary camera that has received significant attention in the astrophotography community. At its core is the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 CMOS backside-illuminated (BSI) monochrome sensor, which has a 1/1.8" diagonal and an impressive resolution of 8.29 megapixels. The sensor features 2.0µm pixels, balancing light sensitivity and resolution.
1. Zero amplifier glow: The ASI678MM incorporates built-in anti-amp glow circuitry at the hardware level, effectively eliminating the issue of amplifier glow that can plague long-exposure images.
2. Lower dark current noise: This reduces unwanted signal in long-exposure shots, particularly beneficial for deep-sky imaging.
3. Reduced read noise: With read noise as low as 1.0e- in High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode, the camera excels in low-light conditions.
The IMX678 sensor boasts a peak quantum efficiency (QE) of up to 83%, demonstrating exceptional sensitivity across both visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectra. This high QE, combined with its low read noise, makes the ASI678MM particularly well-suited for high-resolution planetary imaging. Its enhanced NIR sensitivity also makes it an excellent choice for imaging with 850nm IR-Pass or 890nm methane filters, which are crucial for capturing specific planetary features.
The camera utilises a USB 3.0 interface and this allows for a frame rate of 47.5 fps at full resolution (8.29 Megapixels) in 12-bit normal mode. However, it's worth noting that actual performance may be limited by the computer's processing power and storage write speeds. For optimal results, the use of Solid State Drives (SSDs) is recommended.
Specifications
Sensor | 1/1.8″ CMOS Sony-IMX678AAQR1-C |
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Resolution | 8.29 Megapixels, 3840 x 2160 |
Pixel size | 2.0 µm |
Sensor size | 7.68 x 4.32 mm, 8.86 mm diagonal |
Bayer pattern | R Gr Gb B |
Quantum efficiency | 83% |
Exposure range | 32 µs - 2000 s |
Read noise | 0.6 e- to 2.7 e- |
Full well capacity | 11,270 e- |
Bit rate | 12 bit |
Speed | 47.5 fps at full resolution |
Shutter type | Rolling shutter |
ROI | Supported |
Compatibility | Mac, Windows, Linux |
Protecting window | AR coated |
Ports | USB 3.0 Type-B, ST4 |
Back focus | 12.5 mm |
Connections | 2" / 1.25" / M42 x 0.75 |
Dimensions | Ø 62 mm; ↨ 37.1 mm |
Weight | 126 g |
A standout feature of the ZWO ASI678MM USB3.0 Monochrome Astronomy Camera is its High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode. This mode activates automatically at gain settings of 80 and above, effectively reducing readout noise while maintaining a wide dynamic range. In HCG mode, the camera achieves a remarkably low read noise of 1.0e- while preserving a dynamic range of 12 stops, offering exceptional performance in various imaging scenarios.
The camera's large full well capacity contributes to its high dynamic range, allowing it to capture a wide range of brightness levels in a single exposure.
This is particularly beneficial when imaging targets with significant brightness variations, such as the lunar surface or Jupiter's bands and moons.
In summary, the ZWO ASI678MM USB3.0 Monochrome Astronomy Camera significantly advances planetary, solar, and lunar imaging technology. Its combination of high resolution, exceptional sensitivity (particularly in the NIR range), low noise characteristics, and advanced features like HCG mode make it a versatile and powerful tool for both amateur and professional astrophotographers.
About ZWO Optical: Astrophotography has never been easier
Established in 2011, ZWO Optical is a fast-growing global astroimaging camera powerhouse based in Suzhou China. They focus on building and innovating ground-breaking CMOS cameras such as the iconic ZWO ASI120MM Monochrome CMOS camera (the first-ever planetary CMOS camera to beat a CCD in the early 2010s). ZWO continues to pioneer new astrophotography technology with revolutionary features to capture exceptional quality of images of space that will last you a lifetime.
Today, ZWO cameras are recognised by every passionate astrophotographer and are available in over 25 countries internationally.
Product Code: ASI678MM
Product Flag | New |
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Colour / Monochrome | Monochrome |
Sensor Type | Sony IMX678 |
Sensor Size | 7.68mm x 4.32mm |
Resolution | 8.29MP |
Pixel Size | 2um |
ADC | 12 bit |
Read Noise | .6 e- to 3.5 e- |
USB | USB 3.0 |
FPS | 47.5fps |
Shutter | Rolling Shutter |
QE Peak | 83% |
Full Well | 11,270 e- |
Exposure Range | 32 µs - 2000 s |
Back Focus | 12.5mm |
Power | - |
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux |
Cooled? | No |
Usage | Planetary Imaging |
Camera Weight | 126g |
Warranty Information | 2 years |
Item | Qty | |
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Camera body | 1 |
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1.25in Cover | 1 |
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ST4 Cable | 1 |
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1.25in Nosepiece | 1 |
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Manual | 1 |
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USB 3.0 cable (2m) | 1 |