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ZWO ASI678MM USB3.0 Monochrome Astronomy Camera

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ZWO ASI678MM
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ZWO-ASI678MM

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.

OUR PRICE $619.00

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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
    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

    More Information
    Product FlagNew
    Colour / MonochromeMonochrome
    Sensor TypeSony IMX678
    Sensor Size7.68mm x 4.32mm
    Resolution8.29MP
    Pixel Size2um
    ADC12 bit
    Read Noise.6 e- to 3.5 e-
    USBUSB 3.0
    FPS47.5fps
    ShutterRolling Shutter
    QE Peak83%
    Full Well11,270 e-
    Exposure Range32 µs - 2000 s
    Back Focus12.5mm
    Power-
    Operating System CompatibilityWindows, Mac OSX, Linux
    Cooled?No
    UsagePlanetary Imaging
    Camera Weight126g
    Warranty Information2 years
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      Item Qty
    Camera body 1
    1.25in Cover 1
    ST4 Cable 1
    1.25in Nosepiece 1
    Manual 1
    USB 3.0 cable (2m) 1