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ZWO ASI178MM 6.4 MP CMOS Monochrome Astronomy Camera with USB 3.0 # ASI178MM

4.7 (3 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand ZWO Astronomy Cameras
Part Number ASI178MM
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Product Info

Manufacturer Description

The ZWO ASI178MM is a sensitive and state-of-the-art monochrome astronomy camera with 6.4 megapixel resolution and USB 3.0 download speed. Built around the Sony IMX178 back-illuminated sensor, this advanced camera has a resolution of 3096x2080 with 2.4 μm pixel size. With 14-bit ADC and low read noise, this high-sensitivity camera is ideal for high-resolution astronomical imaging and works well for microscopy imaging as well.

The heart of this monochrome camera is a Type 1/1.8 CMOS sensor with 8.92 mm diagonal. This advanced sensor incorporates Sony's Exmor R technology that enables high-speed processing, low noise, and low power dissipation using column parallel A/D conversion with the back-illuminated sensor. The sensor also incorporates Sony's STARVIS technology features a sensitivity of 2000 mV or more per 1 µm2 and allows high image quality in the visible-light and near infrared light regions.

The 14-bit ADC enables high dynamic range and reduced quantization noise and dark random noise. This makes for clearer image quality in light and dark areas when imaging objects with high contrast.

The rolling shutter and fast USB 3.0 interface on the camera allow transfer rates of up to 60 frames per second at full 3096x2080 resolution. At reduced resolution of 640x480, download rates up to 253 fps become possible. The camera enables exposure times of 32 μs to 1000 s (16.7 minutes).

The ASI178MM has a robust and attractive CNC machined red-anodized aluminum body that stands up to heavy field use. An AR/IR-CUT 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.

The camera body features a standard T/T2 female thread (M42x0.75) so that it can be directly connected to T-threaded accessories. Included is a 1.25"-T threaded nosepiece adapter that allows you to use the camera in standard 1.25" telescope focusers. The front of the camera also has a short (8mm long) 2" barrel that can be directly inserted into 2" telescope focusers. However, we recommend that use of a 2" T threaded prime focus adapter (not included) for a more robust connection to 2" telescope focusers.

The ZWO ASI178MM astronomy camera can be used with just about any telescope. It comes with everything you need to get started including a CD with user manual, Windows camera driver, ASCOM driver, SharpCap Image Capturing software, FireCapture Image Capturing software, and Stakkert 2 Stacking software. You also get a 2-meter USB 3.0 cable and a 2-meter ST4 guider cable for use in autoguiding. A M42-threaded 1.25" nosepiece, and a 1.25" cover also come with the camera. A 2.5mm all-sky lens is also included to give a 170° all-sky view when threaded into the camera. When used for autoguiding, the camera can also work with Maxim DL or PHD when guiding with long exposures.

Camera Technical Details

  • Sensor: 1/1.8” CMOS IMX178
  • Resolution: 6.4 Mega Pixels 3096*2080
  • Pixel Size: 2.4µm
  • Sensor Size: 7.4mm*5mm
  • Diagonal: 8.92mm
  • Exposure Range: 32µs-1000s
  • ROI: Supported
  • ST4 Guider Port: Yes
  • Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
  • Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
  • Protect window: AR window
  • Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
  • Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
  • Bit rate: 14bit output(14bit ADC)
  • Telescope connection: 2" nosepiece / 1.25" nosepiece / M42X0.75 female T thread
  • Dimension: φ62mm X 36mm
  • Weight: 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens)
  • Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
  • Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
  • Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
  • Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%

Supported Resolutions

  • 10bit ADC/14bit ADC
  • 3096×2080 60fps / 30fps
  • 2560×2048 62fps / 31fps
  • 2048×1080 116fps / 58fps
  • 1280×960 130fps / 65fps
  • 800×600 204.7fps / 102.3fps
  • 640×480 253.1fps / 126.5fps
  • 320×240 479.7fps / 239.8fps
  • More resolutions can be defined by user

 

Manufacturer Part Number: ASI78MM

Product carries a 1 year manufacturer warranty against mechanical defects (within USA only).

Reviews

4.7 (Based on 3 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      Review by Arjin F.
      1535682462
      Aug 30, 2018

      5.0 Awesome Seller

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Will buy again!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Guest

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      Review by Roland F.
      1509022255
      Oct 26, 2017

      5.0 camera is all it claims

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      camera is all it claims to be, using it for solar images on a lunt 50mm. the whole sun can be imaged with room to spare, the high resolution of the camera gives a good image when processing the image and zooming in. going to try a low power barlow lens next to take advantage of the camera imager size, fill it completely up.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    3. Guest

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      Review by Robert B.
      1504537443
      Sep 4, 2017

      4.0 Camera as Expected and Agena has prompt service

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This was my first purchase from Agena and I must say the items shipped quickly, arrived quickly, packaged well and in good shape. I purchased the camera to take better Ha solar pictures, as a planetary camera and to experiment with narrowband deep sky pictures. As an all sky camera, solar or planetary camera the ASI178 worked well and as expected. Not being cooled it did not perform as well as a deepsky camera and there is a distinct amp glow in the bottom right hand corner of the frame. The small sensor made it difficult to find and frame objects. With the small sensor it worked well with and ED80 but did not provide a wide enough field for use with F10 SCT telescopes. I knew this camera was not going to be the best monochrome deepsky camera, but at a fraction of the price it was certainly worth it. It is allowing me to practice my skills.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Specifications

      Manufacturer ZWO Astronomy Cameras