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ZWO ASI2600MC Pro DUO Color

ZWO ASI2600MC Pro DUO Color

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-ASI2600MC-DUO
$1,999.00 USD - $1,999.00 USD
$1,999.00 USD
$1,999.00 USD - $1,999.00 USD
$1,999.00 USD
  • 28.3mm diagonal 6248 x 4176 APS-C sensor
  • Cooling system with -35°C delta T
  • Peak quantum efficiency (QE) of 80%
  • 3.76μm pixels
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  • Description
  • Specifications
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  • Introducing the ASI2600MC/MM Duo, a versatile imaging and guiding solution packed into a single compact unit. Featuring the Sony IMX571 as its main sensor, this powerhouse boasts a native 16-bit ADC, 14 stops of dynamic range, and a 3.76μm square pixel array. With an incredibly low readout noise of just 1.0e and a remarkable full well capacity of 73ke, it delivers unparalleled performance with zero amp glow.

    The guiding sensor, Type 1/1.8 SC2210, offers exceptional NIR sensitivity, with a sensor size of 7.68mm x 4.32mm and 4μm x 4μm pixels arranged in a 1920x1080 array, providing a full depth of 8780e. While stars at the corners of guide images may appear slightly distorted due to reducer back focus distance, rest assured this is not caused by sensor tilt and will not impact normal usage.

    Disclaimer

    All ASI cooled cameras require an external power source. We advise using a 12V 3~5A DC adapter (2.1 x 5.5mm, center positive), an 11V-14V lithium battery, or the ASIAIR for powering the camera. Please note that utilizing a power supply outside of this specified voltage range can cause irreversible damage to the camera.

    Two-in-one Design

    The ZWO ASI2600MC Duo camera offers the distinct advantage of combining imaging and guiding sensors within a single, streamlined device. This innovative two-in-one design not only saves space and reduces equipment clutter but also enhances overall versatility and convenience for astrophotography enthusiasts.

    With both imaging and guiding capabilities seamlessly integrated into one compact body, users can enjoy simplified setup and operation, maximizing their time spent capturing stunning celestial images. Whether capturing breathtaking deep-sky vistas or ensuring precise tracking with guiding functionality, the ASI2600MC Duo camera delivers unparalleled performance and flexibility, making it the ultimate companion for astronomical imaging adventures.

    Imaging and Guide Sensors Design

    The ASI2600MC DUO uses an APS-C backside illuminated CMOS sensor with 26.1 megapixels at a pixel size of 3.76μm. Its ultra-low 1.0e- readout noise enhances your images by revealing more details and improving the dynamic range. The 16-bit ADC sensor provides a high dynamic range, delivering up to 14 stops! This camera offers high quantum efficiency to capture great details even in low light conditions, making it ideal for deep sky imaging.

    This camera produces no amp glow, which can be a common issue in some astrophotography cameras. This feature ensures clean images that require less post-processing.

    Derived from the ASI220MM Mini camera, the SC2210 guide sensor boasts exceptional sensitivity, with a peak Quantum Efficiency (QE) value of 92% at 500nm. With a remarkably low readout noise of just 0.6e, this next-generation guide sensor has garnered widespread acclaim among astrophotographers, demonstrating outstanding performance in guiding tasks. Its proven track record is evidenced by the positive experiences of countless users, affirming its reliability and effectiveness in facilitating precise astronomical imaging.

    Cooling System

    ZWO Camera TEC Cooling

    Integrated with a powerful two-stage TEC cooling system, the ASI2600MC Pro can reduce the CMOS sensor temperature by up to 35°C below ambient, significantly reducing the dark current. Thereby, the improvement in signal to noise ratio (SNR) will result in clearer, sharper images of the deep sky, even with long exposures of hundreds of seconds.

    Versatile Connectivity

    The camera includes many ports for convenient connection of additional equipment like a filter wheel, a guide camera or a motorized focuser.

    • 1x USB3.0 for high speed data transfer
    • 2x USB2.0 ports for additional equipment
    • 1x 12V 2.1 x 5.5mm power port to power the camera

    Backside Illuminated IMX571 Sensor

    Sony's back-illuminated CMOS image sensor enhances sensitivity and noise reduction—crucial aspects for improving image quality. This enhancement is achieved by shifting the fundamental pixel structure from front-illumination to back-illumination, maintaining the benefits of CMOS sensors like low power consumption and rapid processing.

    In traditional front-illuminated sensors, the metal wiring and transistors on the silicon substrate's surface, which make up the light-sensitive area (photo-diode), obstruct the light captured by the on-chip lens. Conversely, a back-illuminated structure reduces sensitivity lossincreases light intake per pixel by relocating these obstructions to the back of the silicon substrate. This modification allows for more direct light entry into each pixel, significantly enhancing overall image quality.

    Native 16 bit ADC

    The ASI2600MC Pro camera stands out as one of the few CMOS astronomy cameras featuring a 16-bit ADC, specifically designed to meet the ideal requirements for astrophotography. Unlike a CCD 16-bit ADC, this camera's 16-bit ADC truly delivers a dynamic range of 14 stops. This extensive range significantly enhances image sharpness and contrast, and also produces smoother, more natural transitions in contrast and color gradients when various filters are applied. This makes the ASI2600MC Pro an exceptional choice for capturing detailed and vivid astronomical images.

    Optical Window Dew Heater

    The ASI2600MC Pro camera features a polyimide heater that perfectly aligns with the protective window, designed to prevent dew or ice formation, which can be a concern depending on the environmental conditions during image capture. This heater has a power output of approximately 5W and can be conveniently turned off at any time through your photography software to conserve power.

    512MB DDRIII Buffer

    The ASI2600MC-P boasts a 512MB DDR3 memory buffer, enhancing performance and efficiency. This buffer accelerates data transfer and processing during image capture, reducing the risk of data loss or corruption. It also alleviates strain on the host computer's resources, ensuring smoother operation and maximizing creative potential during high-speed imaging sessions.

    Low Dark Current

    The ASI2600MC Pro, already featuring a low dark current, demonstrates even further reduced dark current when cooling is utilized. Check the diagram below to view the significant reductions achieved with the cooling system.

    Additionally, the unique dark current suppression technology further diminishes dark current noise. At a cooling temperature of 0°C, the dark current noise measures only 0.0022e/s/pixel, translating to a mere 0.7e dark current noise for a 300-second exposure, which is lower than the readout noise. Moreover, at a cooling temperature of -20°C, the dark current reduces to a negligible 0.00012e/s/pixel, ensuring minimal interference with image quality.

    Please note that the Delta T of 35°C is validated under an ambient temperature of 35°C and may vary with prolonged cooling system operation or changes in ambient temperature.

    Quantum Efficiency

    Based on the calculations, the peak quantum efficiency of the ASI2600MC Pro is greater than 80%

    Low Read Noise, High Dynamic Range

    Setting the gain value to 100 activates the HCG high gain mode. This adjustment significantly lowers the readout noise without fundamentally altering the dynamic range, making this gain value the most used amongst the astrophotographers.

    Mechanical Design


  • Sensor

    Sony IMX571

    Resolution

    26.1 Megapixels 6248 × 4176

    Pixel Size

    3.76µm

    Exposure Range

    32µs-2000s

    ROI

    Supported

    Non-volatile memory/On camera storage

    Build-in total 192K byte user-accessible space(image size up to 480X320)

    DDR3 Buffer

    512MB

    Focus Distance to Sensor

    17.5mm

    Shutter Type

    Rolling Shutter

    Protect window

    IR/AR coated window

    Operating System Compatibility

    Mac, Windows, Linux

    Interface

    USB3.0

    Bit rate

    16bit output

    Adapter

    M42x0.75

    Dimension

    φ90mm

    Weight

    700g

    Working Temperature

    -5°C—45°C

    Storage Temperature

    -20°C—60°C

    Working Relative Humidity

    20%—80%

    Storage Relative Humidity

    20%—95%

    Supported Resolutions

    Binning 1×1:

    6248×4176 3.51fps

    4096×3072 4.75fps

    4096×2160 6.71fps

    3840×2160 6.71fps

    1920×1080 13.13fps

    1280×720 19.29fps

    640×480 28.06fps

    320×240 51.44fps

     

    More resolutions can be user defined