ZWO ASI071MC Pro Cooled Colour Deep Sky Camera
Not a standard stock item, please Contact Us to order one, usually 14 day delivery time.
It still features exactly the same APS-C sized 16MP imaging sensor. The same sensor you will find in a Nikon D7000 and D5100, but the big difference is that the electronics were designed specifically for deep sky imaging and it also comes with two-stage TEC-cooling. This camera is only available as a colour version, so you would be advised to use it in areas with good quality dark skies with limited light polution or alternatively use it with a CLS or UHC filter to reduce the effects of light pollution...
Single Shot Colour only refers to the fact that you don't need to use LRGB filter sets or narrowband filter sets to take images when you use this camera. You can achieve a colour image in just one step, although in practice you would probably still take several images and stack them together to reduce noise and get rid of other artefacts... So if you have limited time and only want pretty pictures with comparatively small effort, this is the camera for you.
With the ZWO ASI071MC-PRO you won't have to spend lots of time to get beautiful images, however if you need to tackle light pollution, you would also need a light pollution filter like a UHC or CLS filter. Depending on the F-ratio of your telescope you would need either a 36mm filter (without cell) or maybe even a 2" filter (in cell). Contact us if you are not sure what filter you need and how to attach it to this camera.
Based on the features of this camera we would anticipate that it would be a very good choice for imaging deep sky object for those who don't want to bother with filters, (other than a light pollution filter if necessary), plus with 10 frames per second frame rate it will most likely provide stunning views of the moon when used as a live view visual observation tool. (of course, it will also depend on the used telescope and seeing conditions)
Features of the NEW ZWO ASI071MC-PRO COOLED camera
- Most famous SONY sensor: Sony IMX071 APS-C (1.8″)
- Regulated Two-stage Tec-Cooling: 35-40 degree below ambient temperature
- Very low read noise: 2.3e @24db gain 3.3e @lowest gain
- 14Bit ADC: provide real 14bit Dynamic range
- Electronic shutter: no vibration problem with machanical shutter
- USB3.0 Port (back compatible with USB2.0): 10fps@4944X3284 134fps@320X240
- AR coated protect window:all light can pass
- Controllable Anti-Dew protect window heater: you can turn it off to save power
- External desiccant tube design: no need to open camera forever
- Compatiable with Windows / Mac OS / Linux
The ZWO ASI071MC-PRO comes with a unique, built-in tilting device. Say goodbye to tilt problems forever!
(if you see that the stars are nice round in one corner but elongated in another, this is what you need to adjust...well, o.k., it's not that simple, of course, if the stars are egg shaped in all corners then you might need a coma corrector or field flattener as well, depending on the type of your telescope... contact us if you are not sure...;o)
Camera technical details
Sensor: SONY IMX071 CMOS
Diagonal: 28.4mm
Resolution: 16Mega Pixels 4944X3284
Pixel Size: 4.78µm
Max FPS at full resolution :10FPS
Shutter:Rolling shutter
Exposure Range: 64µs-2000s
ROI: Supported
Read Noise: 2.3e @24db gain
QE peak: TBD
Full well: 46ke
ADC:14bit
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
Adaptor: M42X0.75
Protect window:AR window
Dimensions: 78mm Diameter
Weight: 500g
Back Focus Distance: 17.5mm
Cooling: Regulated Two Stage TEC
Delta T: 35-40 below ambient
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%
Supported resolution
14Bit ADC
4944×3284 10fps
1920×1200 28fps
1280×1080 33fps
640×480 70fps
320×240 134fps
DOWNLOADS:
On the included CD you'll find drivers and two software applications: Firecapture and SharpCap. These are both freeware and the latest versions can be downloaded from the developers' websites.
If you have any problem with installing any of the software from the CD, please download them from here:
Firecapture Beta Downloads
SharpCap Downloads
We'd recommend to always use the beta version of Firecapture, but reverse to the latest stable version if you experience problems.
For full specification, driver installation tutorial (youtube video), basic usage information and recommended third party software please visit the manufacturer's website: ZWOptical
There is also a Yahoo Group where you can find lots of information about how other members use the ZWO cameras: Yahoo Group ZWO ASI Cameras
TROUBLESHOOTING:
Here you can download a pdf file that will guide you through ZWO ASI camera troubleshooting. Click here!
