ZWO ASI071MC Pro Color Astronomy Camera
The ZWO ASI071MC Pro Color CMOS Astrophotography Camera
This cooled color camera from ZWO is designed for those wanting to transition from a DSLR to a dedicated astronomy camera! The ASI071MC Pro provides numerous improvements over its predecessor, the ASI071MC-Cool. These improvements include a slightly wider body for increased heat dissipation and a new screw arrangement that better seals the CMOS chamber.
This popular One-Shot Color (OSC) ASI071 Pro camera boasts a Sony IMX071 CMOS sensor in an APS-C format. The ZWO ASI071MC Pro color CMOS camera provides great performance for astrophotography, including low read noise and high dynamic range. Each ASI071MC Pro APS-C camera boasts some rather impressive specifications: A high full-well capacity of 46ke; a 4.78 um pixel size at a resolution of 4944x3284, making this a 16-megapixel camera; very low read noise at 2.3e at 24dB gain. All this makes for an impressive camera for those transitioning from a DSLR to a dedicated deep sky imaging system!
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, dynamic range, and dark current. 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!
Sony IMX071 APS-C Sensor
The ASI071MC-P camera utilizes the Sony IMX071 sensor. The sensor size and format is APS-C. This provides a 4.78 um pixel size, 14-bit ADC, a large 46ke full-well capacity, and a resolution of 4944 x 3284, making this a 16-megapixel sensor. The IMX071 sensor provides a bridge for those using DSLR cameras who would like to move to an astronomy dedicated camera. This sensor is used in cameras like the Nikon D7000/7100 and D5100, but the ZWO ASI electronics are specifically designed for astrophotography.
Electronics Highlights
Onboard two-stage TEC cooling allows the CMOS sensor of the ASI071MC Pro to run 35-40 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, reducing dark current generation and sensor noise even with extended exposure times. Additionally, the onboard anti-dew heater will heat the AR protect window of the camera to prevent dew from forming on the lens. The dew heater can be deactivated through software to save power. ZWO has designed the ASI071 with a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer for data transfer reliability and lower amp-glow.
Power and Ports
All ZWO cooled cameras require an external 11-14v power supply to work. When it comes to powering your ZWO ASI071 camera, we suggest the Apertura Universal 5 Amp AC Adapter. Included with the ASI071 is a USB3.0 port which provides high-speed, 5Gb of bandwidth and allows the 071MC Pro to run at 10 frames per second in 14-bit/normal mode at full, 16-megapixel resolution. Two USB2.0 ports allow connection of a variety of accessories like a filter wheel, guide camera, or electronic focuser, providing better cable management. Two short, 1.6 ft USB2.0 cables are included with the purchase of this ASI071 Pro camera! Also included is an adjustable tilt adapter that helps eliminate tilt problems.
Everything Needed for Proper Backfocus Spacing
Finding the correct backfocus on a reducer, flattener, or corrector has long been a difficult aspect of astrophotography. Well, ZWO has made this easy by including everything you would need to use the ASI071MC-P with a M48 accessory or a M42 accessory and still maintain the industry standard 55mm's for most corrective element. Simply follow ZWO's intuitive system chart (see image) and use the appropriately labeled spacers and you're all set! In addition should you want to use a ZWO accessory, such as an OAG, the spacers included are easily swapped out without compromising overall spacing, yet another reason ZWO has made using their camera's easy and fun!
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
Choosing the Best Deep Sky Camera |
Undersampling and Oversampling in Astrophotography |
Why Exposure Time Matters |
ZWO ASIAir Ultimate Guide |