ZWO ASI2600MC Pro USB3 Cooled Color Camera
A High Resolution Cooled Camera Loaded with Qualities!
This incredible camera is jam-packed with features that result in stunning images filled with detail. Its ultra-low noise and high sensitivity delivers exceptional astrophotography performance, making the ASI2600MC Pro one of the most sought after dedicated astrophotography cameras around!
Take photos brimming with clarity thanks to the 26-megapixel Sony IMX571 sensor, offering impressive aspects such as an ultra-high dynamic range of 14 stops, an incredible peak quantum efficiency, and a remarkably low readout noise. Noting the careful craftsmanship of the camera body, the ASI2600MC Pro offers zero amp glow, includes two-stage TEC cooling technology, and has a built-in dew-heater, enhancing your astrophotography experience greatly! Also onboard is a 512MB DDR3 memory buffer and stable USB3.0 transmission interface, ensuring no loss of data throughout a night of imaging. All of these wonderful features result in a camera sure to take your astrophotography to the next level!
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, 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!
APS-C Sony IMX571 Sensor
The onboard APS-C size Sony IMX571 sensor offers an incredible resolution of 6248 x 4176, making this camera a 26-megapixel powerhouse! Contributing to the remarkable ultra-high 14 stops of dynamic range is its 16-bit ADC and large 50Ke full well capacity, providing rich color gradients and an exceptional range of signal within the frames captured. The incredible sensitivity of this camera is thanks to the back illuminated design of this Sony sensor, greatly improving upon the signal to noise ratio and allowing for a peak QE of 80%. This high sensitivity paired with the ultra-low readout noise of 1.0e-3.3e and small 3.76 x 3.76 micron pixels result in images packed with detail and clarity! Also included within the innovative design of the ASI2600MC Pro is a high conversion gain mode (HCG) that automatically kicks in at a gain setting of 100, reducing read noise while simultaneously preserving the dynamic range during high gain imaging.
Electronic Highlights
One key feature within the ASI2600MC 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 ASI2600MC Pro with careful circuitry, eliminating amp glow all together. The ASI2600MC 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 ASI2600MC 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 Drawer 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 |
