ZWO ASI294MM camera (SKU: ZWO ASI294MM) is a monochrome, uncooled astronomical camera from ZWO, equipped with a 4/3" format Sony IMX492 CMOS sensor. The 19.1 × 13.0 mm sensor, with a 23 mm diagonal, uses a BSI design that supports high sensitivity and reduced noise. The model was designed primarily for planetary imaging and other applications requiring high resolution and fast image readout.
The camera provides two readout modes with distinctly different characteristics. The unlocked Bin1 mode delivers a resolution of 8288 × 5644 pixels, or approximately 47 MP, with a 2.3 µm pixel size and a 12-bit ADC. It makes it possible to record very fine detail, but results in a lower full-well capacity and larger files. The standard Bin2 mode offers a resolution of 4144 × 2822 pixels, approximately 11.7 MP, a 4.6 µm pixel size and a 14-bit ADC. In this mode, the full-well capacity is approximately 66,000 e-, while the dynamic range reaches 13 stops.
According to the manufacturer's estimate, the camera's peak quantum efficiency is approximately 90%, while its minimum read noise reaches 1.2 e-. HCG mode is activated automatically when the gain is set to 120. It significantly reduces read noise while maintaining a similar dynamic range.
The USB 3.0 interface, with a bandwidth of 5 Gbps, enables image recording in the standard Bin2 mode at up to 19 fps in 12-bit High Speed mode or up to 16.3 fps in 14-bit Normal mode. At the full resolution of Bin1 mode, the maximum frame rate is 5.7 fps. The built-in ST4 port also allows the camera to be connected to the mount's autoguider port.
The camera body has a diameter of 62 mm, while its front connection uses an M42 × 0.75 thread. The distance between the sensor and the body shoulder is 6.5 mm. The included connection components allow the use of accessories in the 1.25" standard, while the supplied 2 m USB 3.0 cable provides a convenient connection to a computer.
• monochrome Sony IMX492 CMOS sensor using BSI technology
• 4/3" sensor format and 23 mm diagonal
• two software-selectable Bin1 and Bin2 readout modes
• approximately 47 MP resolution and 2.3 µm pixels in unlocked Bin1 mode
• approximately 11.7 MP resolution and 4.6 µm pixels in standard Bin2 mode
• 12-bit ADC in Bin1 mode
• 14-bit ADC in Bin2 mode
• approximately 66,000 e- full-well capacity in Bin2 mode
• dynamic range of up to 13 stops
• estimated peak quantum efficiency of approximately 90%
• minimum read noise of 1.2 e-
• automatic activation of HCG mode at gain 120
• USB 3.0 transmission with 5 Gbps bandwidth
• frame rate of up to 19 fps at the full resolution of Bin2 mode
• ST4 port for connection to the mount's autoguider port
• compact, uncooled body with a diameter of 62 mm
• M42 × 0.75 connection thread
• 6.5 mm backfocus
• ZWO ASI294MM camera
• 2 m USB 3.0 cable
• ST4 cable
• 1.25" nosepiece
• T2-to-1.25" adapter
• 1.25" cover
• 2" cover
• quick guide
• manufacturer: ZWO
• model: ASI294MM
• SKU: ZWO ASI294MM
• camera type: astronomical, monochrome
• active cooling: no
• primary application according to the manufacturer: planetary imaging
• sensor: Sony IMX492 CMOS BSI
• sensor format: 4/3"
• sensor dimensions: 19.1 × 13.0 mm
• sensor diagonal: 23 mm
• resolution in Bin1 mode: 8288 × 5644 pixels
• pixel count in Bin1 mode: approximately 47 MP
• pixel size in Bin1 mode: 2.3 µm
• ADC in Bin1 mode: 12 bit
• full-well capacity in Bin1 mode: approximately 14,000 e-
• maximum full-resolution frame rate in Bin1 mode: 5.7 fps
• resolution in Bin2 mode: 4144 × 2822 pixels
• pixel count in Bin2 mode: approximately 11.7 MP
• pixel size in Bin2 mode: 4.6 µm
• ADC in Bin2 mode: 14 bit
• full-well capacity in Bin2 mode: approximately 66,000 e-
• dynamic range: up to 13 stops
• minimum read noise: 1.2 e-
• estimated peak quantum efficiency: approximately 90%
• HCG mode activation threshold: gain 120
• maximum frame rate in Bin2 mode, 12-bit High Speed: 19 fps
• maximum frame rate in Bin2 mode, 14-bit Normal: 16.3 fps
• data interface: USB 3.0, 5 Gbps
• mount control port: ST4
• connection thread: M42 × 0.75
• backfocus from the sensor to the body shoulder: 6.5 mm
• body diameter: 62 mm
• manufacturer's warranty: 2 years
The ZWO ASI294MM will be a good choice for users looking for a large monochrome sensor with the ability to adapt the readout method to a particular task. Bin1 mode makes it possible to use the camera's very high resolution, while Bin2 provides a larger full-well capacity, greater bit depth and faster image acquisition.
