ZWO ASI2600MC Pro V2 Cooled Color Camera

APS-C Sony Sensor with 26.1 MP Resolution

The heart of the ASI2600MC Pro is the back-illuminated Sony IMX571 sensor, featuring a 6248 x 4176 pixel array that frames large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Veil Nebula complex with high resolution. The 3.76µm pixels are an ideal match for a wide range of refractors and reflectors, resolving fine detail without requiring extreme focal lengths. As a one-shot color camera, it captures full-color images without the complexity of filter wheels, making it an efficient choice for acquiring deep-sky data.

Two-Stage TEC Cooling to -35°C Below Ambient

To isolate faint signal from thermal noise, the ASI2600MC Pro uses a robust two-stage thermoelectric cooling system. This cooler creates a thermal delta of up to -35°C below the ambient air temperature, drastically reducing dark current during long exposures. The result is cleaner, higher-contrast subframes that require less aggressive processing and make calibration with dark frames more effective. An integrated anti-dew heater on the protective window prevents frost or condensation from forming, even on humid nights.

16-Bit ADC and 73ke Full Well Capacity

This camera captures data with a 16-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), producing a range of 65,536 grayscale levels. Combined with a deep full well capacity of 73ke, the sensor preserves subtle color and brightness gradations in both faint nebulosity and bright star cores within the same exposure. This high dynamic range is critical for rendering smooth transitions in objects like the Orion Nebula (M42), from the bright Trapezium stars to the faintest outer gas clouds, without saturation.

ASI2600MC Pro (2025) vs. Original: Over 14 FPS

This 2025 version directly addresses the slower data transfer of its predecessor, increasing the maximum full-frame rate from 3.51 FPS to 14.3 FPS. While this is still not intended for high-speed planetary imaging, the faster rate makes a significant practical difference during setup and focusing. You get a much smoother, near-real-time live view, which makes composing your target and achieving critical focus faster and more intuitive.

• Full Well Capacity: Increased from 50ke to 73ke, allowing for longer sub-exposures on bright targets without saturating stars.
• Max Frame Rate: Increased from 3.51 FPS to 14.3 FPS for a more responsive live view experience.
• Zero Amp Glow: The ASI2600MC Pro series incorporates a circuit that eliminates amplifier glow entirely, resulting in calibration-free, clean frames right from the camera.

Reliable Data Transfer with 512MB DDR3 Buffer

To prevent dropped frames or data corruption during image download, the ASI2600MC Pro includes an internal 512MB DDR3 memory buffer. This buffer ensures stable data transmission from the camera to your computer over the USB 3.0 interface, even during long imaging sequences. The camera body provides a native back focus of 17.5mm and includes M42 and M48 extenders to easily achieve the standard 55mm spacing required by most correctors and reducers.