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.
Sara Due – :
The ASI294MC Pro features 14-Bit ADC and can achieve a dynamic range of 13 stops, an improvement over even the ASI1600. Full well capacity is 637, three times the capacity of the ASI1600. Even when exposed for long periods, bright stars won’t saturate. The ASI294MC Pro can reach a higher SNR (signal to noise ratio) with one individual exposure.
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Katherine Tsai – :
Yes ASI294 has bigger full well than ASI1600 and higher QE which means it is sensitive, suitable for EAA.
I will recommend you set the exposure time of ASI294 lower than 2 minutes.
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Pierre – :
Hello,
My Celestron battery’s output is DC 12V / 10A.
Recommendation for ASI294 is DC 12V / 3-5A (or more). Is 10A not too much, and safe for the camera?
Thanks
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Katherine Tsai – :
Safe. But will not recommend you use it.
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Loek Baede – :
Dear Katherine, sorry for my very late reply.
This was done in Sharpcap pro. No auto white balancing or any other adjustment . Wrong program ?
Best regards,
Loek
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Katherine Tsai – :
Maybe you can try ASICAP.
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Bernard – :
Hi, is this IMX294CJK a new sensor for the 294 ? I can see it is back illuminated, same as the new IMX533, but u don’t give lot of added values for the 294, is there a low added value of this “new” back illuminated sensor for the 294 ? Is there still an ampglow easily visible or no ampglow like in the 533 ?
Thks,
Bernard
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Katherine Tsai – :
ASI294 is using the same sensor as before.
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Loek Baede – :
Dear friends,
when i check the darkframes of my ASI294MCpro i see in the histogram mean values for Red 523, for Green 504 but for Blue 969, and the darkframe image is blue. Is this normal, or is some setting for Blue too high. it does not change with temperature or exposure settings.
When i compare this with my ASI185MC its mean values are all zero.
Best regards,
Loek
best
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Katherine Tsai – :
What capture software are you using?Did you use auto white balance?
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Clayton – :
Will the ASI 294 be available early March 2020 or late March? Is it possible it could be available sioner? If I order while the Black Friday sale is on, will my credit card be charged now … or when it is shipped?
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Katherine Tsai – :
It will be available until mid of March next year.
I think your credit card will be charged now.
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Neil – :
I have an Orion xx12g Goto dob and I want to purchase a ASI294 MC Pro camera for EAA.
I understand that I am limited by the amount of back focus available on this particular scope. Orion say focus plane is 20mm outside of the 2” viewfinder, but awaiting absolute confirmation.
Can you confirm if this camera will achieve focus with this scope and if yes, what mounting adaptors do I need to use ?
The scope has a 2” viewfinder, I am thinking I will be able to insert the camera all the way in up to the camera body with the 11mm ring in place into the 2” viewfinder. Is this correct ?
This will give me an installed back focus of 6.5mm ?
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Katherine Tsai – :
There are 16.5mm and 21mm extension adapter in the 294 box, you can use this adapter. Please pay attention to the interface of the telescope and adapter.
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Neil – :
I have been told by Orion that it is between 20mm to 30mm
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Katherine Tsai – :
294MC pro offers 6.5mm back focus, you need more 13.5mm – 23.5mm adapter.
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Neil – :
I have an Orion xx12g Goto dob and I want to purchase a ASI294 MC Pro camera for EAA. I understand that I am limited by the amount of back focus available on this particular scope.
Can you confirm if this camera will achieve focus with this scope and if yes, what mounting adaptors do I need to use ?
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Katherine Tsai – :
What is the back focus of this telescope?
If you know the back focus and it will be easier to connect the adapters.
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Clayton – :
Hi Sam,
I was considering purchasing this camera to use with a HyperStar lens on a Celestron 1100 Edge HD. I already have the ASI 183 MM Pro Mono, but I want to use a OSC camera first before I invest in a filter slider, three extra holders, and filters for the Hyperstar. I was hoping to use it for DSO and planetary since in the comparison chart it has 5 stars for DSO and 4 stars for planetary, but Sean mentioned in a comment above that it was not designed for planetary. I’m confused. What is your opinion?
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ZWO ASI Camera – :
ASI294 is born for DSO.
Although it also can be used for planetary, but the works not so well as DSO.
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Alberto – :
Hi. I’m planing to get a 2″ filter. How can I use it and keep having the 55mm backfocus I need for my coma corrector? Today I’m using the 21mm and 16.5mm externder rings that comes with the camera. Do I have to replace one of the rings for another extender in order to attach the filter?
Thanks
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Katherine Tsai – :
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/best-back-focus-length-solutions-55mm.html
We have an example here, you can have a look.
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ahmed (verified owner) – :
can I connect my asi 178mc to this camera and have one usb connection to the PC instead of 2 ?
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Katherine Tsai – :
Yes you can, 294MC Pro has two USB2.0 port.
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Dennis – :
Wanting to buy the 294MC Pro but it is on backorder. When will it be available?
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Katherine Tsai – :
It is available now.
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nicholas disabatino – :
Hello, can you tell me the sensor dimensions? I am trying to determine what the image scale would be using a 85MM F6.6 (560 mm) triplet. But I see the diag size, but what is width and height of sensor?
Also imaging DSO objects (galaxies) in suburban setting, what offset and gain would you recommend?
Thank you!
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Katherine Tsai – :
19.1mm*13.0mm.
It is related to your environment, we suggest you to have more try.
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Janco – :
Hi,
When will you guys get new stock on the ASI294 Pro?
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Alberto – :
Hi,
I’m planing to get this camera. Is there any adapter I can get to use it with my Pentax-K lenses?
Thank
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Katherine Tsai – :
Sorry we do not have K adapters, you can refer to this link.https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product-category/accessories
We have some lens adapter here.
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Jantje – :
Is this QE% still unknown?
And is it true that you must use an UR / IR filter on the ASI294MC Pro ?
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Katherine Tsai – :
We estimate is over 75% peak.
We recommend you use the IR/UV cut especially when you are using refractor.
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p.fromentin – :
Hello,
I plan to buy the ASI294MC Pro, do you have it in stock? If not, when will this camera ready to ship?
Thanks
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Katherine Tsai – :
Probably next week.
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Norm M – :
The chart in the User Manual for the A294MC shows unity gain at 94. However, the ASiCamera Setup V6.03.22 program (dialog box) for unity gain uses a gain of 120. Which is correct?
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Sean Wang – :
unity gain is 117. gain 120 will open HCG mode, but it isn’t unity gain.
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Greg McKenna – :
Hi: I have an ASI294MC Pro Color camera. I am looking to buy filters. What size is best (2” mounted or 36 mm uncounted) I want the filters to work well with the camera. Thanks.
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Sean Wang – :
both are suitable, maybe 2″ will be easier to set up.
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