ZWO ASI178MC 14 Bit ADC CMOS Color Camera

ZWO has discontinued the ASI178MC, and we are out of stock.  Here is a link to the ZWO Cameras we carry at High Point.  Hopefully, you can find a proper replacement in this selection.  If we can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-266-9590 or send an email, and we will be happy to help you.  Thank you!

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The ASI178MC Color Astronomy Camera From ZWO!

This feature packed color planetary camera from ZWO allows for stunning images of our solar system. Take highly detailed frames of the craters on our Moon, resolve the beautiful colors of the cloud bands on Jupiter, or catch up on the solar activity on our Sun with this ASI178MC! Thanks to the high sensitivity, low noise, and careful craftsmanship, this ZWO ASI178MC Color Astronomy camera is sure to impress!

Through the innovative STARVIS technology from Sony, the IMX178 sensor was carefully designed to maximize the sensitivity of this camera for an increase in signal collection. This ASI178MC offers remarkable astrophotography performance with its high peak QE value of 81%, low readout noise of 1.4e, and incredible dynamic range. The high speed imaging capabilities of this camera allows it to run at 60FPS in full 6.4MP resolution, letting you capture the sharpest frames between periods of imperfect seeing. Rest assured knowing your data is safe during its transfer to your computer with the integrated USB3.0 and large 5Gb bandwidth. These impressive features make the ASI178MC optimal for planetary, lunar, or solar astrophotography!

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A High Performance, Professional Camera for Astrophotography

Let's Dig into the Data!

What sets one astrophotography camera apart from another? How is performance measured? Camera and sensor manufacturers provide certain interconnected specifications that give insight into the performance of a camera. These measurements include quantum efficiency, read noise, full well depth, gain, dark current, and dynamic range. While the graphs provided by the manufacturer may be confusing or intimidating, don't fret! Our team has put together a breakdown of these complicated topics to help you make sense of them. Take a look at the article here: Understanding ZWO Camera Charts and Graphs, and feel more confident making the right choice for your astrophotography needs!

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Sony IMX178 CMOS Sensor
Utilizing the 6.4MP Sony IMX178 sensor, this camera offers exceptional sensitivity when imaging the planets, our Moon, or the Sun. The large 3096x2080 pixel array is made of small 2.4um square pixels for high resolution images filled with detail. Contributing to the excellent signal to noise ratio is the quantum efficiency of 81% and ultra low readout noise of 1.4e. The sizable full well capacity of 15Ke and 14bit ADC allows for a wide range of signal collection, greatly enhancing contrast within the frames captured.

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Electronic Highlights
The Sony IMX178 is an Exmor R sensor, a type of sensor that greatly enhances the quality within the images it produces. This design arranges its components differently than typical CMOS sensors, resulting in an increase in sensitivity through its light collecting ability. By putting the metal wiring behind the photodiodes, there are no obstructions in the way of the incoming light, improving the signal to noise ratio greatly!

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USB 3.0 and ST4 Guide Port
Two means of connection are included within the ASI178MC. The reliable USB3.0 port provides a large bandwidth of 5Gb, allowing this camera to run at 30 fps (14bit, normal mode) or 60 fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution. Not only is this ZWO camera ideal for planetary photography, it can be used as a highly capable guide camera as well! Connect it directly to your mount with the ST4 port or to your computer with the USB3.0.