ZWO ASI2400MC PRO cooled astronomical color camera, D-43.3mm chip

ZWO ASI2400MC-PRO cooled astronomical color camera, full format chip with D=43.3mm

The ASI2400MC Pro uses Sony's latest 14-bit full-frame back-illuminated IMX410 ADC sensor. It is a 24 MP camera with a large pixel size of 5.94 µm that features a super large full well capacitance of 100 ke.

With the ultra-low read noise of 1.1e and the amazing Zero-Amp-Glow circuit, the ASI2400MC Pro is another great innovation from ZWO in the field of full-frame cooled OSC astronomical cameras.

The One Shot Camera (OSC) color camera offers more convenience compared to monochrome cameras. Not everyone wants to go through the complex L-RGB process to get beautiful color nebula images or planetary images. Color cameras give you the opportunity to get great pictures without changing the filter. However, in direct comparison with the DSLR camera, the ASI camera convinces with a much higher light sensitivity, a softer image and a significantly greater depth. Stars don't burn out that fast.

Other benefits and product features of the ASI 2400MC Pro color camera:

♦ USB 3.0 for fast download - can also be used with USB 2.0

♦ DDR3 memory buffer for stable data transfer with USB 2.0 - Minimizes "dropped frames"

♦ The amplifier does not shine!

♦ Powerful Peltier cooling up to 35°C at room temperature

♦ One of Sony's most light-sensitive CMOS sensors

♦ Higher full well value due to 5.94 µm pixels: ideal for telescopes with a medium aperture ratio, such as apochromats, Newtonian telescopes...

♦ Distance of connection thread T2 (internal thread) to the camera sensor: 17.5 mm

♦ High sensitivity - QE greater than 80% - ideal astronomical camera for faint objects

♦ 14-bit ADC... with this you can achieve almost as high bit depth as CCD cameras, but with much higher sensitivity

Camera application areas:

♦ Deep sky recordings (nebulae and galaxies): Due to the high sensitivity, nebulae and galaxies are captured after a few seconds. The camera can be cooled down to 35°C below ambient temperature. This further reduces the already low noise level. By increasing the GAIN (comparable to the ISO setting on digital SLR cameras), you can reduce exposure times to less than 30 seconds. This eliminates effects caused by air turbulence or tracking inaccuracies.

♦ Lunar and planetary imaging: Extremely short exposure times due to high sensitivity freeze air turbulence. Due to the large sensor, an image of the entire lunar disk can also be obtained with a longer focal length telescope. Video astronomy is also possible.

Important aspects, considered individually

Full frame OSC camera

The ASI2400MC Pro uses a full frame format, the sensor length and width is 36mm x 24mm and the diagonal is 43.3mm. At the moment there is only the OSC (One Shot Camera) version, which is very suitable for beginners in astrophotography.

IMX410 backlit sensor

The back-illuminated CMOS sensor improves sensitivity and noise reduction, key factors in improving image quality, by changing the basic pixel structure from front to back illumination. The advantages of CMOS image sensors, such as low power consumption and high-speed operation, have been retained.

In a conventional front-illuminated structure, the metallic wiring and transistors on the surface of the silicon substrate that form the photosensitive area of ​​the sensor (photodiode) prevent the collection of photons by the lenses on the chip. A back-illuminated structure minimizes sensitivity degradation with angle of incidence while increasing the amount of light entering each pixel, as there are no obstacles like metallic wiring and transistors because they are now on the other side of the silicon substrate.

Large full well capacitance, low read noise and high dynamic range

Although these two cameras have very similar pixel sizes (5.94 µm vs. 5.96 µm), the full capacity of the ASI2400MC Pro is 100 ke, which is 132% of the other full frame ASI camera ASI128MC Pro , giving the ASI2400MC Pro a very high dynamic range of up to 14 f-stops. This reduces the chance of overexposure and achieves a richer color gradation.

No amp glow

Conventional CMOS sensors produce a faint source of infrared light during operation, which can often be seen in the corners of uncalibrated images as a telltale sign of "amplifier brightness." Because the ASI2400MC Pro uses a zero amp glow circuit, you don't have to worry about amp glow even when using high-gain, long-exposure imaging.

Built-in anti-dew heater

The ASI2400MC Pro comes with the polyimide heating element which helps to avoid any condensation issues. The anti-dew heater, which fits completely into the protective glass, warms it up a bit to prevent condensation problems.

The power of the anti-dew heater is about 5W. It can be turned off in the software to save electricity.

quantum efficiency

One of the standout features of the ASI 2400MC Pro is its sensational light sensitivity. With 80% quantum efficiency thanks to BACK ILLUMINATION technology and no amplifying glare, the camera is well suited for all astronomical applications, but especially deep sky astrophotography.

Two-stage Peltier cooling: ultra-low dark current

The ASI2400MC Pro uses two-stage Peltier cooling, which can lower the temperature of the CMOS sensor to more than 35°C below room temperature, which can greatly reduce dark current and sensor noise even with slower times. longer exposure.

Unique dark current suppression technology can further reduce dark current noise. When the sensor cools down to -20°C, the noise current can be as high as 0.00035 ios/pixel, which is completely negligible!

Note: The ASI2400 Pro camera requires 1A power from the USB interface. If your PC cannot supply enough power, please use an external 12V power adapter to power the camera.

USB 3.0 and 256 MB DDR3 memory

The ASI2400MC Pro is equipped with a USB 3.0 interface and a built-in 256 MB (2 Gbit) DDR3 cache to ensure stable and secure data transmission. In long exposure, this effectively prevents frame loss and greatly reduces amp brightness caused by slow readout speed.

Important: external power supply required!

Even in uncooled operation, this camera requires 1 amp, which poses a problem for USB sockets on computers, as they are only designed for 900mA, i.e. 0.9A.

Therefore, stable operation of the camera is only possible with an external 12V power supply.

Optimum support before and after the purchase by Teleskop-Service:

We work with the cameras ourselves and can offer you the best possible advice. Which camera fits your telescope, how do you achieve the optimal fit? Teleskop-Service is one of the largest ZWO dealers. Thanks to our contacts, we also offer the best possible service after the purchase.

TS Tip 1: 2" Filter Integration, 360° Rotation & Quick Coupling

The chamber is often used in concealers that do not offer a filter thread. Also, filters should always be used as close to the camera as possible. We offer you a solution that can do much more.

♦ 2" filter holder directly in front of the chamber

♦ 360° rotation for the correct selection of the image section

♦ Quick Disconnect - You can remove the camera from the telescope at any time without screwing or tangling cables

The adaptation is very simple, the adaptation of 21 mm long from M54 to M48 is replaced by:

♦ TSM54a-m48i, TSROTM48-M48 and M48AbstimmA05

The TSM54a-M48i adapter screws onto the camera. Then comes the Rotator TSRot... turn. The 0.5 mm adjustment ring is placed between the adapter M48-M48 with a length of 16.5 mm, which is included in the scope of supply, and is already at the correct distance to the camera.

TS Tip 2: Camera and Accessory Storage

Especially in our latitudes, the nights are usually very humid. This moisture condenses on your camera, eyepiece, or filter as they enter the warm interior of the apartment. Cold rooms in particular are affected. A photo session ends quickly because the sensor freezes.

Good storage is an important prevention against dew and also prolongs shelf life.

After use, put the camera into the TS Protect case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel absorbs moisture from the chamber. At the same time, the penetration of moist ambient air is prevented. Due to dry storage, even small dry tablets can be partially regenerated with cooled chambers. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimal conditions. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.

Downloads, drivers:

ZW Optical provides software and drivers online for free download.

Software and drivers for all ZWO cameras

ZWO Cameras FAQ:

ZWO constantly updates the FAQ area, here you can find answers to many questions.

FAQ about ZWO cameras

ZWO Users Forum

Instructions for ZWO products:

ZWO constantly updates the page, here you can find instructions for ZWO products.

Link to the manuals

How do I clean my ZWO camera?

ASI chamber and regenerating desiccant tablets: Please click here.

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