ZWO ASI482MC USB 3.0 Color CMOS Astronomy Camera
The ASI482MC Color Astronomy Camera From ZWO!
Understanding the inner workings of planetary photography, ZWO has crafted the ASI482MC with a high quality Sony sensor and numerous features in order to elevate your astrophotography experience. Through its fast 82FPS, remarkable sensitivity, and versatile design, the ASI482MC is an excellent addition to any astrophotographer’s toolbox!
The 2.07MP Sony sensor allows for color images filled with detail thanks to its dynamic range of 12 stops, large peak QE value of 85%, and low signal to noise ratio. Aiding in its sensitivity is the back illumination of this sensor, allowing more photons to be collected without the obstructions in the way of the pixel wells. The inclusion of High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode within this camera helps preserve image quality during high gain imaging, reducing readout noise while simultaneously maintaining the dynamic range. With two different modes of connection, capture impressive photos of our Moon, Sun, and planets, or use this ASI482MC as a powerful guide camera!
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!
Sony IMX482 CMOS Sensor
Utilizing the CMOS Sony IMX482 sensor, the 2.07MP ASI482MC allows for images with superb clarity. The back illuminated design of the sensor results in incredible sensitivity, as there are no wires or transistors in the way of the 5.8um pixel wells. A peak QE value of 85% and readout noise of 1.5e result in a low signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 0.08lx. Providing 12 stops of dynamic range is the 12it ADC and large full well capacity of 51.5Ke.
Electronic Highlights
In typical CMOS cameras, the higher the gain value, the lower the readout noise becomes, though unfortunately, the lower the dynamic range becomes as well. ZWO has a solution to this problem: the integration of the High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode. This HCG mode automatically turns on at a gain setting of 80, preserving the dynamic range of 12 stops while taking advantage of the dropping readout noise!
USB 3.0 and ST4 Guide Port
By including two means of connection, the ASI482MC can be used multiple different ways. Optimizing fast speed imaging, typical in lunar, solar, and planetary photography, the onboard USB3.0 had a large bandwidth to support the transfer of 82.5 FPS in full resolution from your camera to your computer. This high performance planetary camera can also be utilized as a guide camera as well! Either connect your camera to your telescope mount with the ST4 port or directly to your computer with the USB3.0 port for your guiding needs.
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 Planetary Camera |
| Autoguiding |
| Imaging the Planets |
| ZWO ASIAir Ultimate Guide |
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