Product Description
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
Notice: For the possible amp glow that shows on your images, please refer to this tutorial: “What is Amp-glow and how do I manage it? “
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/faq
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.
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.html
Product review:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/591441-asi-new-camera-294-pro-beta-testing/page-11#entry8165708
Timur – :
I have an ASI294MC-Pro connected to ASIAir Pro, and the resulting images are always flipped (mirrored left to right) – in ASIAir preview and later after stacking in DSS. Where is the problem and how can I solve it?
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sara.liu – :
Please test the camera in ASIStudio, and send the fits to support@zwoptical.com
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Chad – :
What filters do you recommend with this camera ASI294MC Pro (color) for Astronomy images of DSO with some light pollution?
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Support@ZWO – :
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-duo-band-filter
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Yan Sansen – :
How to add an IR-CUT filter while maintaining the 55mm backfocus ?
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Support@ZWO – :
You can use M42 filter drawer.
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sagarinku – :
Hi – i have bought 2″ UV/IR filter and was able to connect to extension which came with 294mc but unable to connect to telescope then try installing the filter into flattener which is working but its not right way to install filter in flattener or may be – now i want to buy L-pro or L- extreme filter but not sure which size should i buy and where to fix, so please suggest.
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Support@ZWO – :
In 294 box, there is a thin adapter called T2-1.25″ adpater, you could use that to hold the 1.25″ filter.
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bernd.riedl – :
I am not clear, on what adapters I have to use, in order to connect the ASI294 to a Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope such as SC 150/1500 / NexStar Evolution 6. According to Celestron, on the telescole, the rear connection to the eyepiece is designed with a 2” SC thread – whatever this is.
– Is such adapter part of the deploed ZWO adapters?
– Or do I need additional parts?
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Support@ZWO – :
The best solution of 55mm back focus length for your reference:
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/best-back-focus-length-solutions-55mm.html
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bernd.riedl – :
What is hindering to do planetary imaging with this camera?
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Support@ZWO – :
You can do planetary imaging with this camera.
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starneomi – :
hi this camera is backorder.
when in stock?
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Support@ZWO – :
Please submit this in https://support.astronomy-imaging-camera.com/
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swap – :
I plugged this camera and I get following error once the USB is connected. Rarely the connection shows up for few seconds it changes with this error.
“Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)
A request for the USB device descriptor failed.”
I have already connected to different laptops and all USB ports. Seems that the adapter is gone bad. It is almost an year.
Please help at the earliest.
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Support@ZWO – :
https://www.lifewire.com/43-errors-explained-2619238 How to Fix Code 43 Errors
some reference for you
if the above not works，we will help you with the repair，https://support.astronomy-imaging-camera.com/
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m.klous – :
Support@ZWO – January 27, 2021:
Can you point out where we mark this camera as IR-Cut?
In the Revision 1.5 Jan, 2021 of the ASI294 Manual, on page 5 it said: Protective Window: IR Cut (OSC) and AR window (mono). In the Revision 1.6 this has been changed to AR window, without mentioning the OSC or mono version.
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Support@ZWO – :
Clarification: ASI294 is AR window only.
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Subair Cheerathodi – :
I Have TS-Optics Photoline 72 mm f/5,5 FPL53 Apo with TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.79x 2″ ED Reducer Corrector .
How can I mount ZWO ASI294MC with this telescope ?
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Support@ZWO – :
For your reference
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/best-back-focus-length-solutions-55mm.html
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m.klous – :
If the 294MC Pro has an AR Protect window instead of an IR-Cut filter, maybe you can change that in the specifications on the website and in the User Manual… ? It is confusing this way…
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Support@ZWO – :
Can you point out where we mark this camera as IR-Cut?
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m.klous – :
Hi, I recently bought an ASI 294MC-Pro. In the specs it says this color version comes with an integrated IR-Cut (OSC) filter as the protect window. On different forums user are saying that this camera used to come with this IR-Cut filter, but that recent camera’s come with a clear glass protect window. So, what is it now? Is there a IR-Cut filter standard in the camera or not?
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Support@ZWO – :
294MC Pro has a AR protect window.
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Phillip (verified owner) – :
About the Protect window: you state it is IR cut. Two major vendors in Germany state it is fully transparent. What is correct? If it is IR Cut, what is the bandpass and transmission rate? Thanks
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Support@ZWO – :
No, it is an AR protect window.
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Nicholas Holshouser – :
Can you comment on low-light video performance with fast 4/3 format wide-angle lens? How would it compare with a 4/3 mirrorless or full-frame mirrorless video (like Sony AR 12MP) at 4k?
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Support@ZWO – :
Hello
you can refer to the FPS details in different resolution
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