ZWO ASI2600 Pro USB3.0 Cooled Monochrome Camera
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro Cooled Monochrome Deep Space Astrophotography Camera
The ASI2600MM from ZWO has everything an Astrophotographer wants out of a high quality deep sky imaging camera. Large sensor, medium pixels, native 16bit ADC, low noise, zero amp-glow… the list goes on! Read more below about this amazing offering from ZWO!
Utilizing Sony's innovative IMX571 APS-C format back-illuminated monochrome sensor, this is one of the stars (no pun intended) in ZWO's pro camera line up. As is standard with ZWO’s pro camera line up, the ASI2600 includes a two stage TEC cooler, and multiple USB ports for accessories. A tilt plate for user adjust-ability, all backed with an easy all in one driver. With a massive 26MP sensor at 3.76 micron pixels, a native 16-bit ADC, and zero amp-glow technology, the ASI2600 is arguably the most sought after and versatile camera’s on the market today!
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 IMX571 APS-C Sensor
The ASI2600mm Pro camera utilizes the Sony IMX571 sensor. The sensor size and format is APS-C, providing a 3.76 um pixel size, 16-bit native ADC, a large 50Ke full-well capacity, and a resolution of a 6248 x 4176, making this 26-megapixel sensor an absolute powerhouse! The IMX571 back illuminated sensor architecture provides increased sensitivity and overall reduction in noise when compared to traditional CMOS front illuminated sensors. Due to the absence of a Bayer Filter, monochrome cameras utilize every pixel well on the sensor, further increasing the incredible sensitivity of this camera! Thanks to its monochrome design, the ASI2600MM Pro has an outstanding peak QE of 91% as opposed to its color counterpart, the ASI2600MC Pro’s peak QE of 80%. The incredible 14 stops of dynamic range allow for rich color information and an exceptional range of signal within the frames captured. In order to preserve image quality during high gain imaging, the ASI2600MM Pro comes equipped with a high conversion gain mode (HCG) which automatically kicks in at a gain setting of 100.
Electronics Highlights
One key feature within the ASI2600MM Pro is the absence of amp glow! As opposed to other CMOS sensors that allow weak infrared light to be seen within the captured frames, ZWO has crafted the ASI2600MM Pro with careful circuitry, eliminating amp glow all together. The ASI2600MM Pro reduces sensor noise and dark current through the integrated two stage TEC cooling, lowering the temperature of your sensor to 35 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, allowing for long exposures produced with incredibly low noise. This ZWO camera also comes equipped with a polyimide heater, helping you avoid any dew issues that may arise throughout your night of imaging by heating the protective window over the sensor. This anti-dew heater requires approximately 5W of power, which can be toggled off to conserve power if needed. Rest assured knowing every frame captured is secured with the onboard 512MB DDR3 memory cache, preserving your data until it is safely relayed to your computer.
Power and Ports
A DC 12V power adapter is needed to ensure your camera is fully powered for a night of astrophotography. We recommend the Apertura Universal 5 Amp AC Adapter to get the job done! The integrated USB3.0 has a large bandwidth of 5Gb, resulting in quick and reliable data transmission to your computer. The USB2.0 hub makes it easy to connect additional accessories to your set up, such as your guide camera or an electronic focuser! To get you out and imaging in no time, the ASI2600MM Pro comes with one USB3.0 cable and two USB2.0 cables.
Everything Needed for Proper Backfocus Spacing
No need to fret about the daunting task of finding the perfect backfocus, ZWO has you covered! The included adapters make it easy to achieve the industry standard of 55mm of backfocus right from the get go. Wanting to add additional accessories to your optical assembly? Seamlessly add other ZWO items such as an OAG or Filter Wheel through the ample amount of spacers and adapters provided. Take a look at the images provided for more insight into connecting your camera to your telescope!
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 |
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