Product Description
All Pro cameras (with cooler) need to be connected to an external 11-14v power supply to image.
Even when the cooler is not being used the power supply must be used for the camera to be recognized.
ASI294MC Pro
The ASI294MC Pro is the first camera in the world equipped with the latest Sony sensor IMX294CJK. This is one of the top-selling cameras from ZWO. Looking at the specifications and comparing it to the relatively low price, it is easy to see why. Some of the highlights include:
- back-illuminated sensor – improving sensitivity and reducing noise
- 4/3” format with 4.63 um pixel size – ideal for many types of telescopes
- 14-bit ADC– giving high dynamic range of 13 stops
- An impressive 7ke- full well capacity- helping to reduce the issue of, for example, saturated stars.
On top of this, it also has a very high QE-value with a peak of over 75%. If you are looking for a small-format OSC camera for astrophotography, you can’t go wrong with the ASI294MC Pro.
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. Please check the dark frame to make sure you fully know the performance. ASI294MC Pro Dark Frame
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. If you don’t have one, please click here to buy a 12V power adapter. There are 4 different standards for different countries, please make sure you selected the correct adapter when placing the order.
Connecting Diagram
1. M43-T2 adapter (optional)
2. EOS-T2 adapter (optional) 3. 2” Filter (optional) 4. 1.25” T-Mount 5. 1.25” Filter (optional) 6. M42-1.25” adapter 7. T2 extender 11mm
Mechanical Diagram
What is in the box?
ASI294 Pro box includes all necessary cables, adapters, and manuals.
Spacer thickness: 0.1mm *1+0.2mm *2+0.5mm *1
The best solution of 55mm back focus length
Read more: https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/best-back-focus-length-solutions-55mm
Q & A:
1. I noticed amp glow present on the corners of my dark frames, how should I remove it?
Please don’t worry about that. The amp glow is pretty normal actually. You may learn “What is Amp glow and how do I manage it?” here: https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/faq
2. I’ve heard there might be strange patterns on some ASI294MC Pro stretched images, does this mean the camera is defective?
NO, it is not a defect, and it is just a characteristic of the sensor. The pattern calibrates out of the light image with proper flat frames. A proper flat frame is a capture using an evenly illuminated light source, dimmed down to achieve an average ADU value of 24,000 (this is up to the user and their setup – recommended the histogram peak at 1/3 to 1/2 from the left, as shown in the figure below), a 5-second exposure, captured with the same gain and focus point as the light frames.
Product review:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/591441-asi-new-camera-294-pro-beta-testing/page-11#entry8165708
Please notice that the camera needs to be connected to an external DC 12V @3A~5A power supply adapter for use (connector 5.5*2.1mm, center pole positive). If you don’t have one, click here to buy a 12V power adapter. There are 4 different standards for different countries, make sure you selected the correct adapter when placing the order.
Or you can also use lithium battery with 11-15V to power the camera.
Just be aware that power supplies out of this range might cause irreversible damages to your camera.
Paul – :
Hello,
Planning to install this on a RASA8 requiring 25mm back focus so I guess I just need to inser a 7.5mm wide ring, correst? Many thanks
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Katherine Tsai – :
Yes, it is correct.
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PeterK – :
Hi, I’m looking to by the AS294 MC Pro on AliExpress because the different payment methods available. Are those cameras on Ali the updated one where you have improved the Dark current? For now I will mainly use it on my EF lenses 200 f2.8 and 400 f5.6 also with TC 1.5x EF ver.II as s replacement for my old EOS40D (normaly ISO 800 and 1600) which in winter is not so bad but during warm months it has a lot of noise. Can I expect superior results in terms of noise also without calibration compared to calibrated EOS 40D files?
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Katherine Tsai – :
Yes they have been improved in the Dark current.
It is hard to compare the uncalibrated image form our camera with the DSLR, since the image comes out from the DSLR has been processed.
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AndréC – :
Sean, Just bought the 294 Pro… Just a little concern…. There is a dust on the glass… that I cannot remove with compresssed air… very carefully done… any secure tip on how to remove it… I know flats can make the work…but… Many thanks. AC
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Katherine Tsai – :
Hi AC,
You can refer to this quick guide.
It can be found on our website->support->manuals->quick guide.
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/manuals/How%20to%20clean%20ASI%20camera%20and%20redry%20the%20desiccant.pdf
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Rodrigo – :
Hi Sam
Just wondering, if you have found a way to overcome the uneven cooling with this camera? I heard QHY has corrected the problem with their version
Thank you
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Katherine Tsai – :
It in not the uneven cooling problem but a sensor problem, it is the same for all manufactures.
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cmorrie – :
Hi Sam/Sean.
I have just got an ASI294MC Pro to go with my ASI120MC, ASI290MC and ASI174MM. Just need clear skies to try the new camera now!
I want to try a radical focal reducer that has very short back focus (reducer must be quite close to sensor), so I need to know the distance in mm from outside of AR cover glass to camera sensor, to see if reducer will fit without removing camera AR cover glass. Can you tell me that distance please (Outside of AR glass to sensor).
Thank You
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Katherine Tsai – :
Hi,
It is 8.5mm.
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Emmanuel – :
Hi Sean,
To your opinion, what would be the best compatible DSO software to match with this camera ?
I’m very familiar with Deep Sky Stacker software, but do you have any other suggestion ?
Many thanks.
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Katherine Tsai – :
You could use DSS, it is a great software. 🙂
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Randy Flynn – :
I already have a asi 1600mmc that I use on an 8″ EDGE but I’m considering adding a color cmos to my explore scientific 127mm triplet for deep sky work. Have been looking at the 294 and a 128 (not sure how well the full frame 128 would suit the small refractor). Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions as to what would work best with the 127mm? I will likely be using a 0.7x reducer most of the time.
Thanks
Randy
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Katherine Tsai – :
We recommend you 294 because we do not have 183 in stock.
If you want bigger frame you could choose 071, with APS-C frame.
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Andres Rossi – :
Hi Sam,
I saw that you upgraded the dark current graphic, now the ASI294MC has lower levels than the ASI1600MM-Pro, is that correct? This implies that you made an improvement in the camera or in the drivers and now I can take expositions of more than 3 minutes for example?
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Sean Wang – :
Yes, please give a try.
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David Addison – :
What is the difference between ASI294MC cooled “Pro” v ASI294MC cooled?
thanks!
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Sean Wang – :
ASI294MC Pro only have one version, Pro version.
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carlos – :
Hi Friends!
I’m consider to purchase this camera for combinate RGB images with my ASI1600MMC luminance.
My possibles setups with ASI294:
Takahashi FSQ106 f3,6 and f5
TS80APO f4,47
Vixen Visac f6,4
I’m very interested an a OSC Camera with IDAS LPS D1 Filter.
And my question is…
For take 180s no problem?
I can take darks and bias in the same day with lights, or it’s not necessary?
I think that this sensor is incredible. In my opinion it’s possible than the same sensor of Panasonic GH5s. It’s Great!
And…in the future..a A7S sensor i mono..jajaja
Thanks!
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Sean Wang – :
Yes, 180s is great. dark and bias can take in another day, in same day with light will be better.
If A7s will have mono sensor, that will be a great news!
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Andre Cajolais – :
Probably had too many questions in one message… With the instruments described in the first message, would you consider 5 minutes exposures of DSO to be short exposures or would it be too long….
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Sean Wang – :
5 MIN is OK, I suggest to try different expoture, 5min, 10min, longer or less, there is no rule about it.
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Carlos Uriarte – :
Hi! I consider this camera to combine color with my ASI1600MMC to Luminance or narrowband. But…
I have a doubt because if I don’t take a large exposition with ASI294 I can’t take color to dark LBN VdB Nebula, because is necessary large exposition with RGB channels.
It’s possible large exposition with this great camera? Or change camera and selected ASI071 pro?
Thanks Sam!
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Sean Wang – :
For long exposure, ASI071 is a better option. amp-glow is very low.
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Andre Cajolais – :
Hello Sean,
I am also considering the 294 since the 1600color is discontinued. You often refer to short exposure… I am using a 80mm refractor at f/6, another of 120mm at f/7.5, and a 8in SCT at f/6.3… for DSO objects, will it be too much if I make subs of 5 minutes… if I use shorter exposures, will I be able to get deep details of DSO… finally which camera would be the best replacement for the 1600, al around… many thanks for reading, AC
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Sean Wang – :
Depand on the aperature of telescope. adjust exposure time, it’s hard to say, need to do some real shooting to find out.
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Martin Leitner (verified owner) – :
With SharpCap i got no RGGB!!!
This is written in the FITS-Header:
BAYERPAT = ‘RGGB ‘ / NOTE: Use GBRG on some software (eg PixInsight)
COLORTYP = ‘RGGB ‘ / NOTE: Use GBRG on some software (eg PixInsight)
So i have to change it in Pixinsight vom RGGB to GBRG…. is this a driver issue?
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Sean Wang – :
Sharpcap is good for planetary, not for DSO. The written method is designed by Sharpcap team. We can’t do anything about it.
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Ryan E – :
Hi
Can we use filters like HA, Olll, etc with a color camera like this? Thanks for a reply.
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Ryan
Well, color can use narrowband filters, but very low efficiency, because of its bayer color micro filters.
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Jairo – :
Hi Sean,
Sorry, I had two typos. I’ll rephrase my question:
I am considering in acquiring the ASI294. However, I live in the Caribean where ambient temperature stays an average of 30 degrees C the whole year. Humidity is about 73%, and dew point is about 24 degrees C on average. Are there any issues with condensation with does parameters?
Also, what would be the optimum temperature to use the ASI224 on does temperature parameters? Would I have elevated amp glow based on the ambient temperature at my location? If so, what other color/ mono camera would be recommended?
Thanks in advance for any suggestion.
Jairo
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Jairo
amp glow is not sensitive with ambient temperature, so there won’t be a problem. Delta-t of 294 will be 35-40degrees, that’s OK. if for better result choose 1600mmp and EFW, 1600mmp’s Delta-t will be 40-45degrees.
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Jairo – :
Hello,
I am considering in acquiring the ASI224. However, I live in the Caribean where ambient temperature stays an average of 23 degrees C the whole year. Humidity is about 73%, and dew point is about 23 degrees C on average. Are there any issues with condensation with does parameters?
Also, what would be the optimum temperature to use the ASI224 on does temperature parameters? Would I have elevated amp glow based on the ambient temperature at my location? If so, what other color/ mono camera would be recommended?
Thanks in advance for any suggestion.
Jairo
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Jairo, you want to buy a 224? but your message is under 294mc pro. Which camera do you want?
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Zack – :
Does this work with a Newtonian 8″ and If so what are the requirements to achieve prime focus?
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Sean Wang – :
Yes, it can work with 8″ newtonian. There is a lot of accessories in camera box, can help you achieve prime focus point.
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Christian Hueben – :
hello,
i want to start in astrography.
i am a proud owner of a MEADE LX90GPS 8″ 2000mm f/10 with a super old CCD MEADE DSI 3 Pro color astrocam. i want to use this cam via PHD as a guider. i live in a light polluted area. i also have an off-axis guider and camera-extender from MEADE.
i want to buy an ASI294MC Pro (color) cam, is it a good choice? Do i need for focussing a Bahtinov mask? Do i really need a focus reducer??
Many questions 😉 best regards
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Sam Wen – :
Yes,294 would be very good for your setup
one reducer will be good to add
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Kevin Hursh – :
Hi Sam and Sean,
I have the ASI294MC pro and want to use a USB 2.0 for image capture of DSOs (60s and above). Is there any issued with more amp glow or other visual defects or is it just slower?
Kevin
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Kevin
294mc pro have DDR buffer, even under USB2.0 noise still at the same level.
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