Product Description
Diagonal 6.46 mm (Type 1/2.8) Square Pixel Array Mono CMOS Image Sensor
â–¶Back-Illuminated CMOS image Sensors with Improved Visible Light and Near Infrared Sensitivity that Support 1080p
Sony has developed the approx. 2.13M effective pixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensors IMX290LQR and IMX291LQR with improved sensitivity in the visible-light and near infrared light regions for industrial applications.
A new 2.9 µm-square unit pixel has been developed that combines a back-illuminated structure with technology for improving near infrared sensitivity to further enhance picture quality at low illumination while at the same time realizing Full HD cameras for industrial applications.
This increases the sensitivity by as much as a factor 2 or factor 3 in the visible-light region and more than a factor 3 of the sensitivity in the near infrared light region, than that of the existing Sony product (IMX236LQJ).
Astrophotography Performance
ASI290MM offers very good performance for astrophotography. Low read noise, high dynamic range, QE peak about 80%, AR protective window and much more.
High QE
Regarding the relative QE Curve, we estimate the Peak Value to be about 80%.
USB 3.0 Port & ST4 Port
USB 3.0 Port: Can provide 5Gb bandwidth to let ASI290 run at 82.2fps (12bit, normal mode) or 170 fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution(2.1Mega).
ST4 Port: Can be used connect with auto guide port of mount, for guiding.
Mechanical Diagram
What is in the box?
Reference Images:
Pic du Midi Observatory
Chilescope
 
Sensor: 1/2.8″ CMOS IMX290/IMX291
Resolution: 2.1Mega Pixels 1936×1096
Pixel Size: 2.9µm
Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
ROI: Supported
Non-volatile memory/On camera storage: Build-in total 192K byte user-accessible space(image size up to 480X320)
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
ST4 Guider Port: Yes
Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
Protect window: AR coated window
Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
Bit rate: 12bit output(12bit ADC)
Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
Dimension: φ62mm X 36mm
Weight: 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens)
Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%
Supported resolution
USB2.0 MAX FPS
1936×1096: 20.4
1280×960: 35.3
640×480: 141.5
320×240: 355.9
2X2Bin :968×548: 20.4
USB3.0 MAX FPS(12bit/10bit)
1936×1096: 82.2/170
1280×960: 93.6/193.9
640×480: 184/381.2
320×240: 355.9/737.5
2X2Bin :968×548: 82.2/170
More resolutions can be user defined
Our website is continuously updated with the most recent camera drivers as well as software for DSO and planetary imaging. Please make sure the most recent Driver and software have been installed before you start shooting:
It is also recommended to read the Manuals first before shooting.
Shipping
Fast Shipping: we will choose DHL, UPS, FedEx etc to deliver it. Usually you will get your package within 15-20 days.
- Fast Shipping(amount ≧ 199USD) for free
- Fast Shipping(amount < 199USD) : $30.00 (We do not provide free shipping from now on.)
Introduction
- It will take around 60-90 days for shipment via ePacket/China Post Registered Air Mail/EMS, which can’t be guaranteed due to force majeure. If you can’t get the air mail package after 2months, please let us know ASAP: info@zwoptical.com
- Customers from Brazil and Chile should leave a message to provide your CPF or CNPJ as your custom needs it.
- Customers from Russia need to provide the complete English name with three words as well as the English shipping address.
Tracking site
DGM: http://webtrack.dhlglobalmail.com/?locale=en-US
China air mail:Â http://www.17track.net/en
Tax
- The price list on our website is USD without tax.
- Please note that buyers are liable to pay tax involved, such as Import tax, VAT , customs handling fee, etc. The additional fees may be collected at time of delivery by courier.
- For best local service we advise customers buy our cameras form local dealers.
Warranty and Return Policy
1. ZWO hereby declares that it will provide customers with a warranty period of 2 years for ZWO branded products (excluding APO), as per this policy. APO products will be covered by a 1-year free warranty service, starting from the day following the receipt of the product by the customer. For ASIAIR Plus users, the warranty period will commence from the day of device activation.
Furthermore, ZWO will offer customers a 1-year free warranty service (Warranty Period) for Seestar branded products purchased from ZWO, in accordance with this policy. The warranty period will begin from the day following the receipt of the product by the customer.
2. If a User encounters the following Dead on Arrival (DOA) and contacts ZWO within the corresponding time limit to issue the Product purchase invoice and relevant evidence, ZWO will provide door-to-door pick-up service and, as appropriate, after-sale replacement (or partial replacement), repair or return (or partial return) service for the following Products:
1) Product quality problem
Provided that a User detects a quality problem and contacts ZWO within 30 days after receipt of the Products, and ZWO support team confirms that the Products indeed have a quality problem or defect after their inspection, ZWO will provide free replacement service towards such Products;
2) Product transportation problem
Provided that a User finds obvious signs of bubbling, serious overstocking, or deformation on the outer package of the Products upon receipt of the Products, and provides ZWO with pictures of the outer package and proof of receipt within 3 days after receipt of such Products, ZWO support team will verify the actual shipper and determine the responsible party for such transportation problem. In the event that ZWO is the actual shipper, ZWO will be responsible for providing the relevant return or replacement service, however, if the Products are directly sold or transported to the User by an agent of ZWO, the agent will be responsible for providing the relevant return or replacement service.
3. If the Products are under the following circumstances, they are not within the scope of warranty service, ZWO may provide maintenance services to the Users:
1) The Warranty Period of the Products has expired; or
2) The Products are injected into liquid or affected by moisture or corrosion; or
3) The Products are damaged by an external force (such as the broken of the camera protection window glass, the deformation of the product shell, the broken of the USB port, etc.); or
4) Disassembling, repairing by a third party, refurbishment of the Products (such as downloading erroneous firmware) without the written authorization of ZWO; or
5) The product system is modified, or the maintenance notice is lost or changed; or
6) Product quality problem caused by installation not following the requirements or instructions for the Products; or
7) Physical damage or failure of the Products caused by the force majeure (such as strong vibration or extrusion such as flood, fire, earthquake, or thunder stroke); or
8)Damage caused by the improper User operation during the period of shooting or use, such as using without the equipment protection or direct shooting of the sun; or
9) No valid purchase invoice or warranty certificate; or
10) The Products are second-hand products.
Any quality problem with the accessories or other parts of the Products is not a condition for the return or change of the Products, and the User may solely request to replace the accessories with new ones, which shall be handled after verification by ZWO support team.
If the issue with your ZWO product was caused by certain damage (such as severe damage not covered by the 2-year warranty), you might have to pay the replacement value.
4. For the normal repair or replacement of the Products during the Warranty Period, the User will bear the return cost. When returning the Products, Users shall specify the actual reasons for the damage to the Products, and shall provide the corresponding valid certificates, such as pictures or videos, etc.
For the Products that need to be replaced after being confirmed by ZWO in writing, the User shall return the Products with the complete package, together with all accessories, manuals, etc., to the address designated by ZWO.
By sending back the product to ZWO, the User agrees to pay out-of-warranty fees that may arise during the repair process of the product. ZWO will send back the product after charging.
5. If a User encounters any problem during the use of ZWO Products, you may at any time contact ZWO for technical support via ZWO Support.
For the Products that need to be returned for after-sales service, ZWO will provide the corresponding RMA code for reference.
ZWO will not accept any products having no RMA code that have been returned privately without ZWO written confirmation.
6. If a User purchases the ZWO Products from a ZWO agent, the User may contact the ZWO agent directly for the relevant after-sales service.
 
madaleno_46 – :
Hola ,¿el tamaño del chip no me perjudicará y provocará viñeteo? ya que yo uso rueda de filtros de 1.25″. Gracias.
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Sean Wang – :
it’s standard 1.25″ adapter, M28.5*0.6 female threads in side. out side is 1.25″.
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Andy – :
1. Is this non cooled camera OK for guiding purposes?
2. Do you sell a guide scope to match? (a kit would be nice! 🙂
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Sam Wen – :
you don’t need cooling for guiding
our guide scope is out of stock
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Prem K – :
Sam which one has the lowest amp glow – 178 mono or 290 mono? Thank you!
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Sam Wen – :
they all BI sensor, so amp glow is very like each other
all very small, you can consider whose pixel size is more suitable for you
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Javier Vidal – :
Hello, when will it be available?
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Sam Wen – :
we will have vacation soon, so it will be available at middle of next month
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mahaffm – :
I’m thinking about using this camera as my guiding camera. My setup consist of a Celestron OAG with the Edge HD11 scope. would this be a good camera to use? If not what would be the best camera to use for guiding in this setup?
Thanks,
Mark
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Sam Wen – :
yes, 290MM is very sensetive
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erwan quigna – :
Hi,
Do you users that tried this camera for Solar H-Alpha imaging ?
Solar Halpha imaging is very sensitive to newton artifact, I want to be sure to choose the right camera.
I already have 2 ZWO camera 1600MC cool for deep sky and ASI224MC for planetary. I am very happy of both. fine design and stable driver.
I need a third monochrome for guiding and if possible Halpha. Having a single driver is for sure an advantage.
Thanks
Erwan
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Sam Wen – :
Hi Erwan
yes, you can use this camera for h-alpha imaging
there are lots of users
but we still got very few feedback that there is newton artifact
you can use our T2-Tilter to remove it
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Prem K – :
Sam,
Does the camera support true 2×2 hardware binning? If yes this would make a very good guide camera at long focal lengths!
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Sam Wen – :
no, only software binning which is better than hardware binning
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Mike Scherman – :
Hi Sam, I know the chip in the 290MM is 6.46mm diagonal 1/2.8″, but what is the chip size in mm (H x W) for this camera? Thanks Mike
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Sam Wen – :
you can caculate in this way
the resolution is 1920*1080 and pixel size is 2.9um
so W x H is 1920*2.9 x 1080*2.9
5.5mm x 3.1mm
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rupen shah – :
Hi
What is the senor size in mm, i need the width and height?
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Bobi – :
What is the estimated QE?
Thanks!
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Sam Wen – :
around 80%
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Gianluca – :
Hi,
I’ve got an ASI224MC
For imaging IR, ASI290MM is better than 224?
Thank you.
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Sam Wen – :
mono camera is always better than color in perfomance
but it need filter wheel and filters
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Jerry Seidler – :
— I meant to say that I’m specifically interested in the IMX291. Apologies for two questions.
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Jerry Seidler – :
When will the camera be ready to ship? I don’t need the cooled version. Thanks!
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Sam Wen – :
there is only mono version with IMX290, we will have enough next week
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AstroB – :
Hi! The new ASI290MM cam or ASI174MM is better for lunar and solar imaging? Thank for the answer.
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Sam Wen – :
for lunar or solar only, I think maybe 174 is better for it’s global shutter
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Stefan – :
Hi. What is included in the package? USB 3.0 cable, probably a lens (?), ….
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Naryzhniy – :
Hi! How to pay, if I dont have a paypal.
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Sam Wen – :
you can order from your local dealer too!
if you don’t have a local dealer, you can order from our Aliexpress store with master card
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Lutz – :
Hi there, I’m looking for a cam for 1) moon (mosaic) (priority) and 2) planets. Ideally one cam for both. It is to be used with a Celestron C11. I understand that seeing limits the resolution (much more then diffraction) to something like an arc sec or two. Therefore sensitivity in IR is decisive as seeing can be reduced best filtering to infra-red. So it seems a play sensitivity vs resolution – I can alway magnify using a barlow lense. Within these constrain, I would like a maximal field of view to reduce the number of pics in a given mosaic.
What is the optimal cam for that? 290M? For my purpose the cooled versions do not help. Right?
Thanks for your help Lutz
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Sam Wen – :
ASI290MM is the best planetary imaging mono camera!
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Juan – :
Hi Vanessa, I’m trying to pay with my credit card but not to this option for master card … can you help me… thanks
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vanessa Zhang – :
Hi Juan, do you have paypal account?
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Juan – :
Hi, that is free shipping international?…
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vanessa Zhang – :
Yes, it is . We provide free shipping for order above $300.
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Bobo – :
When the cooled version will be available?
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vanessa Zhang – :
Hi Bobo
The cooled version will be available in May.
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