▶IMX294CJK

Sony 10.71M-Effective Pixel Color CMOS Image Sensor (official description from Sony site), with a diagonal of 21.63mm (4/3 format). ZWO has refined the sensor and remolded it to increase the diagonal to 23.2mm with approximately 11.71M-Effective pixels (4/3 format).

 

▶High-Sensitivity Type 4/3 CMOS Image Sensor that Supports 4K for Astronomic Cameras and Industrial Applications

The IMX294CJK sensor is the first in-house image sensor for astronomic cameras to adopt the 4/3 format and provides the necessary number of pixels for true 4k output at 120 frames per second (w/ ADC 10-bit output mode, the ASI294MC can run up to 25fps at 4k format when used with USB 3.0). In addition, the use of larger-sized pixels achieves SNR1s of 0.14 lx* which is very close to the value of the ASI224 (0.13 lx*).

▶Exceptional low-illumination performance

Exceptional low-illumination performance of SNR1s: 0.14 lx is realized by use of a large-size optical system and by expanding the area per pixel to 4.63 µm. This makes the IMX294CJK ideal for astronomic camera market applications that require low-illumination performance.

DDR Memory Buffer

The ASI294MC Pro camera includes a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer to help improve data transfer reliability. Additionally, the use of a memory buffer minimizes amp-glow, which is caused by the slow transfer speeds when the camera is used with a USB 2.0 port.

 

DDR memory buffer is the main difference between ASI “Cool” and “Pro” cameras.

14bit ADC w/ 13 stops DR

The ASI294MC Pro has a 14bit ADC unit, allowing it to achieve 13 stops of dynamic range. This is an excellent characteristic for deep sky imaging, which inherently needs high dynamic range. At 13 stops, the ASI294MC has even more dynamic range than the ASI1600.

HCG Mode

HCG (high conversion gain) mode, which reduces read noise to even lower levels at higher gain without loss to dynamic range, is automatically enabled when the gain setting is 120 or higher. Read noise will drop under 2e-, while dynamic range will remain at 13 stops.

Full well Capacity

The ASI294MC provides a great full well capacity of 63700e-, which is 3 times higher than the capacity of the highly regarded ASI1600. Even bright stars won’t saturate under long exposures. This also means that this camera can achieve higher SNR (signal to noise ratio) with just one single exposure.

Reliable Mechanics

ASI294MC Pro has the same mechanics as ASI1600 Pro. There are four screws that seal the sensor chamber. Our camera design has been extensively tested and is very stable. Even when used in higher humidity environments, ASI294MC Pro will still work well without dew problems.

 

High QE

The IMX294 sensor is a BSI (backside illuminated type) sensor, which has very high QE (quantum efficiency, which we estimate is over 75% peak).

Dark Current

The dark current of the ASI294 is a bit lower than the ASI1600 at same temperature, based on our test results. Dark frame sample @ Highest dynamic range settings, 300s, -10°C, bin1. 

 

USB 3.0 Port & USB2.0 HUB

USB 3.0 Port: Provide 5Gb bandwidth to make it possible for ASI294 Pro to run at 16 fps (14bit, normal mode) or 19 fps (12bit, high speed mode)  at full resolution(11.7Mega).

USB 2.0 HUB: can connect with various accessories, such as filter wheel, guide camera and electronic focuser, so you can better manage your cables. The ASI294 Pro includes two short 0.5m USB 2.0 cables. The integrated USB 2.0 hub is powered by the external power source if you connect one.

 

Cooling System

Thanks to the two-stage TEC cooling, ASI294MC Pro can lower the CMOS sensor temperature to 35-40 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, which can greatly reduce dark current generation and sensor noise even during extended exposure times.

*The Delta T 35-40℃ is tested at 30℃ ambient temperature. It might get down when the cooling system is working for a long time. Also, as the ambient temperature falls, the Delta T would also decrease. 

Please notice that the camera needs to be connected to an external 11-15v power supply to implement the cooling function. We recommend you use 12V@3A DC adapter (5.5*2.1mm, center pole positive) or lithium battery with 11-15V to power the camera. 

• Sensor: 4/3″ SONY IMX294 CMOS
• Diagonal: 23.2mm
• Resolution: 11.7Mega Pixels 4144X2822
• Pixel Size: 4.63µm
• Bayer Pattern: RGGB
• Shutter:Rolling shutter
• Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
• ROI: Supported
• Read Noise: 1.2-7.3e
• QE peak: TBD
• Full well: 63.7ke
• ADC:14bit
• DDRIII Buffer: 256MB
• Non-volatile memory/On camera storage: Build-in total 192K byte user-accessible space(image size up to 480X320)
• Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
• Adaptor: M42X0.75
• Protect window: AR
• Dimensions: 78mm Diameter
• Weight: 410g
• Back Focus Distance: 6.5mm
• Cooling: Regulated Two Stage TEC
• Delta T: 35°C-40°C below ambient
• Camera Power consumption: 650mA at 5V
• Cooler Power consumption: 12V at 3A Max
• Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
• Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
• Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
• Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%
• Max FPS at full resolution:
• 10Bit ADC
• 4144×2822 19fps
• 14bit ADC
• 4144×2822 16fps
• Resolution USB 3.0 Raw16
• 4144×2822 16.3fps
• 4096×2160 21.1fps
• 3840×2160 21.1fps
• 1920×1080 40.9fps
• 1280×720 59.7fps
• 640×480 85.9fps
• 320×240 153.4fps
• Resolution USB 3.0 Raw8& HighSpeed
• 4144×2822 19.0fps
• 4096×2160 24.7fps
• 3840×2160 24.7fps
• 1920×1080 47.9fps
• 1280×720 69.8fps
• 640×480 100.5fps
• 320×240 179.3fps

more resolutions are in software, support customize resolution.