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ZWO ASI290MC 2.13 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera with USB 3.0 # ASI290MC

4.9 (9 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand ZWO Astronomy Cameras
Part Number ASI290MC
Availability

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

The ZWO ASI290MC is a sensitive and state-of-the-art color astronomy camera with 2.1 megapixel resolution and USB 3.0 download speed. Built around the Sony IMX290 back-illuminated sensor, this advanced camera has a resolution of 1936x1096 with 2.9 μm pixel size. With 12-bit ADC and low read noise, this color camera is ideal for high-resolution imaging of the Moon, Sun (with safe solar filter), and planets, and works well on small deep-sky objects as well.

The heart of this color camera is a Type 1/2.8 CMOS sensor with 6.46 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 rolling shutter and fast USB 3.0 interface on the camera allow transfer rates of up to 170 frames per second at full 1936x1096 resolution. At reduced resolution of 640x480, download rates up to 381 fps become possible. The camera enables exposure times of 32 μs to 2000 s (33.3 minutes).

The ASI290MC 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 ASI290MC color 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.

Specifications:

  • Sensor: 1/2.8″ CMOS IMX290/IMX291
  • Resolution: 2.1Mega Pixels 1936×1096
  • Pixel Size: 2.9µm
  • Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
  • ROI: Supported
  • ST4 Guider Port: Yes
  • Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
  • Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
  • Protect window: AR coated window
  • Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
  • Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
  • Bit rate: 12bit output(12bit ADC)
  • Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
  • 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:

USB2.0 MAX FPS

  • 1936×1096: 20.4
  • 1280×960: 35.3
  • 640×480: 141.5
  • 320×240: 355.9
  • 2X2Bin :968×548: 20.4

USB3.0 MAX FPS(12bit/10bit)

  • 1936×1096: 82.2/170
  • 1280×960: 93.6/193.9
  • 640×480: 184/381.2
  • 320×240: 355.9/737.5
  • 2X2Bin :968×548: 82.2/170

More resolutions can be user defined

Reviews

4.9 (Based on 9 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      Review by Jeffrey C.
      1564139360
      Jul 26, 2019

      4.0 Makes a great all sky camera

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Renders the milky way in 6 seconds. The only quibble I have is that the USB receptacle is on the side.

      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 Isaac S.
      1537861589
      Sep 25, 2018

      5.0 Excellent camera for planets

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Excellent camera for planets

      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 Michael M.
      1535608729
      Aug 29, 2018

      5.0 ZWO ASI29MC Planetary Camera

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Very nice planetary camera for astrophotography at a good price. A 2.9 micron pixel size gives this good resolution. Combined with the high download rate this camera is a real top notch performer. The high data transfer also make this camera a great choice for Electoncially-Assisted Astronomy (EAA).

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

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    4. Guest

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      Review by Fred P.
      1532959584
      Jul 30, 2018

      5.0 Excellent!

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      Cons:

      Comments:

      I wanted a small sensor cam with hi resolution for planets. I got this 290 and it worked nicely. I was able to get Jupiter and Saturn pics with first light, Better than anything in my 40+ tears of doing this stuff. While setting sights on Saturn, I was even got shots of the Lagoon and Trifid nebs. Great cam!

      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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      Review by Tim K.
      1532399577
      Jul 23, 2018

      5.0 ASI290MC

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Great camera for a great price

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

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    6. Guest

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      Review by Brian S.
      1531759719
      Jul 16, 2018

      5.0 New at this

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I'm new at astrophotography, and am enjoying this camera. It is easy to use, provides great images, and the software is easy to use too. Agena shipped it very quickly to me. They are a good company to deal with.

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

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    7. Guest

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      Review by John V.
      1530025930
      Jun 26, 2018

      5.0 Excellent camera

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      Cons:

      Comments:

      I upgraded from a ZWO ASI224MC to this camera. Both are excellent lunar and planetary imaging tools, easy to use, and well-made.

      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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      Review by Robert C.
      1528980084
      Jun 14, 2018

      5.0 Impressive little camera

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      Comments:

      All I can say bout this camera, is GET ONE, Very IMPRESSIVE

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

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    9. Guest

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      Review by FERNANDO C.
      1516569204
      Jan 21, 2018

      5.0 Exceptional CMOS Imaging Camera.

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      Comments:

      Excellent cost benefit. Good resolution with low noise. A really honest price, at entry level, planetary camera. This model has optimum pixel size. My purchase was based on reviews by experienced astrophotographers and I don't have any regrets.
      In addition, Agena was competent and I receive the package at Dubai Mail, did by USPS. I was visitor for some weeks in United Arab Emirates and the alfandega officer did not charged the 5% taxe, by this reason. Maybe one private parcel service can be more convenient in this case, to deliver at my door with taxes payd. Even cheaper.
      Anyway I was satisfied with the camera and with the service of Agena as usual. Was a bargain versus brazilian taxes.
      Fernando Lopes, Brazil

      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