ASI cameras stand for very good workmanship and have modern CMOS sensors installed. This camera uses the state-of-the-art "back-illuminated" Sony IMX294CJK sensor with four thirds size.Sony specifies a sensor diagonal of 21.63 mm. However, measurements by ZWO have shown a true diagonal of 23.2 mm. The 4.3 µm pixels of the ZWO ASI294MC make this camera an all-rounder with highest sensitivity for short exposure times.The "single shot" color camera offers more comfort, compared with MONO cameras. Not everyone wants to follow through the laborious L-RGB technique for beautiful colored nebula or planetary images. The color cameras offer a possibility to get beautiful images without changing filters. However, good broadband nebula filters (see recommended accessories) reduce light pollution and increase contrast without being changed or colouring the image too much.

Advantages and features of the ASI MC294MCPro color camera:

• USB 3.0 for a fast download - can also be used with USB 2.0
• 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.
• Powerful Peltier cooling up to 45 °C below environment.
• Powerful Peltier cooling up to 35 °C below ambient
  Sensitive CMOS sensor with 23.2 mm diagonal - 11.7 megapixels
• Good resolution through 4.63 µm pixels
• Comes with AR protection window - full transmission also in IR. If infrared should be blocked, an IR-cut filter is necessary.
• Distance from T2 connection thread (female) to camera sensor: 17.5 mm
• Very high sensitivity - QE more than 75% - ideal astronomy camera for dim objects
• 14bit ADC
• HCG mode - if gain is higher than 120 (12 dB), read noise is reduced below 2e- - result: low-noise images despite extremely high sensitivity.
• Full well capacity 63700 e - even bright stars do not burn out anymore, you get a better signal-to-noise ratio.

Application ranges of the camera:

• Deep sky images (nebulae and galaxies): Due to the high sensitivity, nebulae and galaxies are captured after only a few seconds. By cooling down the camera up to 35 °C below ambient, the already low noise can be further reduced. By increasing gain (like the ISO setting of DSLR cameras), you can reduce exposure times below 30 seconds. Effects from seeing or inaccuracies of the drive are eliminated.
• Lunar and planetary images: extremely short exposure times (due to high sensitivity) freeze the seeing. Through the high resolution of the sensor, many details can be reproduced even at shorter focal length. Video astronomy is also possible.

Important: external power supply required!

Please notice that all ZWO cameras with cooler need to be connected to an external 11-15 V power supply to work.Even when the cooler is not being used the power supply must be used for the camera to be reliably recognized.

Optimal support by APM Telescopes before and after purchase:

We work with the cameras ourselves and can offer you optimal advice. Which camera matches your telescope, how do you achieve optimal adaption ...Teleskop-Service is one of the biggest ZWO dealers. Due to our contacts, we offer best possible service also after purchase.

Practical tip 1 from APM: Integration of 2" filters, 360° rotation and quick coupling

The camera is often used on correctors that do not have a filter thread. In addition, the filters should always be used as close as possible to the camera. Here we offer you a solution that can do much more. 

• 2" filter holder directly in front of the camera 360° rotation for the right choice of the image section Quick release - you can remove the camera from the remote ear at any time, without screws and thus entangling the cables
• The adaptation is very simple, the 21 mm T2 extension is replaced by: 1x TSROTT2-T2 and 2x T2AbstimmA1
• One tuning ring comes to the camera side, one tuning ring comes to the telescope side of the rotator. Then screw on the M42-M48 adapter with 16.5 mm length and you are in the right distance with the camera.

Practical tip 2 from APM: Storage of cameras and accessories

Especially in our latitudes, the nights are often very humid. This humidity condenses on your camera, eyepiece or filter when they come into the warm interior of the apartment. Especially cooled cameras are affected by this. Quickly a photo session is over because the sensor ices up.[*Good storage is an important prevention against dew and also extends the life span.]After use, put the camera immediately into the TS Protect Case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel will suck the moisture out of the camera. At the same time, the penetration of humid room air is prevented. Dry storage even allows the small dry tablets in cooled cameras to partially regenerate. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimal condition. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.The cameras are not airtight, so if the camera remains on the telescope, it is exposed to moisture. The small amount of desiccant in the camera can protect the sensor and the inside of the protective glass from moisture for the duration of the exposure, but not for days on end. Moisture problems can be the result. A simple trick is to stretch a plastic bag around the focuser to which the camera is attached so that no air can get in. Silica gel is placed in a small cloth bag inside the plastic bag. This will also create a "dry climate zone" for the camera on the telescope. This allows you to leave the camera on the telescope for a few days for an imaging session lasting several days.In the medium and long term, however, this is no substitute for proper storage in an airtight case with silica gel.

Downloads, drivers:

ZWO provides software and drivers online for free download.Software and drivers for all ZWO cameras

Frequently asked questions about ZWO cameras:

The FAQ area is constantly updated by ZWO, here you will find answers to many questions.FAQ about ZWO camerasZWO Users Forum

Manuals for ZWO products:

The manuals page is constantly updated by ZWO, here you can find user guides for ZWO products.Link to the manuals

How to clean my ZWO camera:

The manufacturer provides a manual that covers how to clean an ASI camera and regenerate the desiccant tablets: Please click here.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin

Scope of Delivery:

• ASI camera cooled, with 11 mm T2 ring
• Camera bag
• USB3.0 cable, 2 m
• Quick Guide (English)
• T2 extension (21 mm long)
• M48 to T2 adapter (16.5 mm long)
• Adapter from T2 to 1.25" socket with filter thread
• Dust cap 1.25"
• M42-M48 adapter (without optical path)
• 2x USB 2.0 cable, 0.5 m
• Flat adapter T2 to 1.25" thread (without optical path)4x spacer ring