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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Player One ZEUS 455C Pro Color Cooled Astrophotography Camera

Player One ZEUS 455C Pro Color Cooled Astrophotography Camera

by Player One
SKU POA-ZEUS-455C-Pro
$3,599.00 - $3,599.00
$3,599.00
$3,599.00 - $3,599.00
$3,599.00
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  • 61 Megapixel full-frame (36mm x 24mm) color CMOS sensor
  • 3.76μm pixel size for high-resolution deep-sky imaging
  • 16-bit ADC delivers exceptional dynamic range
  • Powerful 2-stage TEC cooling achieves 35°C below ambient
  • 512MB DDR3 buffer for stable, high-speed data transfer
  • Dual back focus options: 17.5mm and 12.5mm
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Player One ZEUS 455C Pro Color Cooled Astrophotography Camera

    The Player One ZEUS 455C Pro integrates Sony's full-frame IMX455 color sensor, delivering 61 megapixels of resolution with 3.76μm pixels to capture vast, detailed deep-sky objects. Its native 16-bit ADC and deep 71.6k e- full well preserve subtle color gradients in faint nebulae, while readout noise as low as 1.27e keeps the background clean. With a 2-stage TEC capable of cooling 35°C below ambient, the ZEUS 455C Pro provides the thermal stability required for professional-grade, long-exposure astrophotography.

    Full-Frame 61MP IMX455 Sensor and 16-Bit ADC

    At the core of the ZEUS 455C Pro is a 36mm x 24mm full-frame Sony IMX455 sensor, offering a massive 9576x6388 imaging area. This expansive format is ideal for capturing the largest nebulae, such as the North American Nebula (NGC 7000), or entire galactic clusters in a single frame. With 3.76μm pixels, the camera resolves fine details even in wide-field refractors or fast astrographs.

    The camera's native 16-bit ADC provides 65,536 levels of gray, a significant step up from 12-bit or 14-bit cameras. This high bit depth yields smoother tonal transitions and greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to stretch faint signal from the background without introducing banding or artifacts.

    512MB DDR3 Cache and Zero Amp Glow

    To ensure flawless data transfer during long imaging sessions, the ZEUS 455C Pro is equipped with a 512MB DDR3 cache. This buffer prevents dropped frames and reduces readout noise by stabilizing the data stream between the sensor and your computer, even over slower USB 2.0 connections. It eliminates the need for a high-end computer at the telescope, ensuring reliable captures every time.

    The IMX455 sensor is engineered for zero amp glow, a common issue in long exposures where heat from sensor electronics creates a bright artifact in the corner of the frame. The ZEUS 455C Pro produces an exceptionally clean, uniform background, making calibration with dark frames simpler and more effective.

    2-Stage TEC Cooling with 35°C Delta-T

    Deep-sky imaging demands precise thermal control to minimize noise. The ZEUS 455C Pro features a high-performance 2-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system capable of reducing the sensor's temperature by up to 35°C below the ambient air temperature. This aggressive cooling dramatically reduces thermal current, a critical factor for multi-minute exposures of faint targets.

    An integrated, adjustable anti-dew heater on the protective window prevents frost or condensation from forming during humid nights. You can control the target temperature, fan speed, and anti-dew power directly in the ASCOM driver, giving you complete command over the camera's thermal environment.

    4-Point Tilt Plate and Dual 12.5mm/17.5mm Back Focus

    Achieving a perfectly flat field across a large full-frame sensor is essential. The ZEUS 455C Pro incorporates a user-friendly 4-point sensor tilt plate, allowing you to precisely adjust the sensor's orthogonality to the optical axis. This system is easier to dial in than 3-point designs, helping you eliminate corner star elongation caused by optical train tilt.

    The camera offers two native back focus distances for maximum compatibility. The standard distance is 17.5mm, but by removing the sensor tilt plate, you can achieve a shorter 12.5mm distance. This flexibility simplifies integration with various filter wheels, off-axis guiders, and correctors, ensuring you can hit the perfect spacing for your specific setup.

    High-Speed USB 3.0 Capture up to 225 FPS

    While designed for deep-sky work, the ZEUS 455C Pro is also a capable high-resolution planetary and lunar imager. Using its USB 3.0 Type-C port, it can stream full 61MP frames at 3.2 FPS in 16-bit mode. By defining a smaller region of interest (ROI), you can dramatically increase frame rates—for example, capturing at 105 FPS at 1920x1080 resolution.

    The camera also features dual sampling modes. Low Noise mode is optimized for DSO imaging with lower read noise and higher dynamic range, while Normal mode provides faster frame rates better suited for capturing fine details on the Moon or planets during moments of steady seeing.

    Player One ZEUS 455C Pro vs. ZWO ASI6200MC Pro: A Feature Comparison

    Both the ZEUS 455C Pro and the ZWO ASI6200MC Pro are built around the exceptional Sony IMX455 full-frame sensor, offering nearly identical imaging capabilities in terms of resolution, noise, and quantum efficiency. The primary differences lie in their design, features, and connectivity.

    • DDR Cache: The ZEUS 455C Pro includes a 512MB DDR3 buffer, double the 256MB cache in the ASI6200MC Pro. This larger buffer provides an extra margin of stability for data transfer, especially on less powerful control computers.
    • Sensor Tilt Mechanism: Player One employs a 4-point rear-adjustment tilt plate, which some users find more intuitive for corner-specific adjustments than ZWO's 3-point front-adjustment system.
    • Body Design and Ports: The ZEUS 455C Pro features an octagonal body with two Type-C ports (one USB 3.0, one USB 2.0) for flexible connectivity. The ASI6200 uses a traditional cylindrical body with USB-A ports for its hub.
    • Power Consumption: The ZEUS 455C requires a power supply rated for a minimum of 5A, reflecting its robust cooling and internal electronics.

  • What kind of power supply does the ZEUS 455C Pro require?

    The ZEUS 455C Pro's cooling system requires a 12V DC power supply with a minimum rating of 5A. The camera uses a standard 5.5x2.1mm center-positive connector. A power adapter is not included with the camera body and must be purchased separately.

    How does the ZEUS 455C Pro's full-frame sensor perform with a Celestron RASA or HyperStar system?

    The camera's 43.3mm diagonal sensor is an excellent match for larger astrographs like the RASA 11, which produces a 43mm corrected image circle. For smaller systems like a HyperStar-equipped SCT, you may need to crop the final image to account for vignetting or off-axis aberrations, but the camera's high 61MP resolution still provides a massive, detailed field of view.

    What are the benefits of the 16-bit ADC for imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?

    The 16-bit ADC is crucial for targets like M31 that have an extremely high dynamic range. It allows you to capture the galaxy's bright, almost-saturated core while simultaneously preserving the faint, delicate details in its outer dust lanes and spiral arms. During processing, the 16-bit data gives you the latitude to compress the dynamic range without losing information or creating artificial color steps.

    When should I use the 17.5mm vs. the 12.5mm back focus on the ZEUS 455C Pro?

    The standard 17.5mm back focus is designed for use with the sensor tilt plate installed and is compatible with most standard imaging trains. If your setup requires a shorter back focus to accommodate a specific off-axis guider or filter wheel, you can remove the tilt plate to achieve the 12.5mm back focus distance. Always confirm the back focus requirements of your flattener or reducer.

    What is the difference between Low Noise (LRN) and Normal mode on the ZEUS 455C Pro?

    Low Noise (LRN) mode is the recommended setting for deep-sky imaging. It prioritizes lower readout noise and maximum dynamic range at the cost of a slightly lower frame rate. Normal mode offers higher frame rates, making it the better choice for planetary, lunar, or solar imaging where you need to capture thousands of frames in a short period.

    Is adjusting the sensor tilt plate on the ZEUS 455C Pro difficult?

    The 4-point system is designed to be straightforward. By taking test exposures and examining the star shapes in each corner, you can easily identify which corner needs adjustment and use the corresponding screw to correct the tilt. The rear-adjustment design means you can often make changes without completely disassembling your imaging train.

  • Sensor SONY IMX455AQK-K Full-Frame Color CMOS
    Image Format 36mm × 24mm
    Diagonal 43.3mm
    Max Resolution 9576 × 6388
    Total Pixels 61 MP
    Pixel Size 3.76μm
    Shutter Type Rolling Shutter
    ADC 16-bit
    Full Well Capacity 71.6k e-
    Readout Noise 4.2e to 1.27e
    Peak QE ≈80%
    Exposure Range 32μs - 2000s
    Cooling System 2-Stage TEC
    Cooling Delta T 35°C ± 2°C below ambient
    Cooler Power Consumption 12V, 3A (requires 5A minimum power supply)
    Data Port USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 (Type-C)
    Protective Window D55*2mm AR Plus Multi-Coated
    Back Focal Length 17.5mm (or 12.5mm without tilt plate)
    Threads M54x0.75
    Diameter 90mm
    Weight 650g
    Operating Temperature -10°C to 60°C
    Operating Humidity 0% to 80%
    Max Frame Rate (USB 3.0) 3.2 FPS at 9576x6388 (16-bit)
  • Player One 2-Year Warranty