The ZWO ASI174MM is a sensitive and state-of-the-art monochrome astronomy camera with 2.35 megapixel resolution and USB 3.0 download speed. Built around the Sony IMX174 sensor, this advanced camera has a resolution of 1936x1216 with 5.86 μm pixel size. It's ideal for high-resolution imaging of the Moon, Sun (with proper solar filter), and planets, as well as brighter deep-sky objects.
The heart of this monochrome camera is a Type 1/1.2 CMOS sensor with 13.4 mm diagonal. With a quantum efficiency (QE) of 78%, this advanced sensor incorporates Sony's Exmor technology that enables high-speed processing, low noise, and low power dissipation using column parallel A/D conversion.
The IMX174 sensor also uses Sony's Pregius Global Shutter function with analog memory to permit the scanning of all pixels simultaneously. This improves image quality by ensuring images of moving objects avoid focal plane distortion, a feature which is especially helpful when performing solar or lunar imaging during moments of wind and bad seeing.
The sensor shutter technology and fast USB 3.0 interface on the camera allow transfer rates of up to 164 frames per second at full 1936x1216 resolution. At reduced resolution of 640x480, download rates up to 397 fps become possible. Using the sensor's ROI (Region of Interest) mode, which lets you capture up to 16 areas inside the effective pixels, even higher frame rates are possible. The camera enables exposure times of 32 μs to 300 s (5 minutes).
The ASI174MM has a robust and attractive CNC machined red-anodized aluminum body that stands up to heavy field use. An AR-coated glass window protects the sensor and helps keep images sharp. A 1/4-20 thread in the bottom of the camera makes it easy to attach the device to a camera tripod or mount, and four M4 threads along the outside edge offer additional mounting options.
This camera can be configured with the following connections for attachment to telescopes and imaging
accessories: