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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.
ZWO ASI678MC Color

ZWO ASI678MC Color

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-ASI678MC
Save 10% Save 10%
$299.00 USD
$299.00 USD - $299.00 USD
$299.00 USD
$269.00 USD
$269.00 USD - $269.00 USD
$269.00 USD
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  • Solar and planetary camera with high sensitivity
  • Advanced STARVIS 2 technology
  • Pixel size of 2µm
  • Resolution of 3840x2160
  • IMX678 Sensor
Availability:
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More information

  • Description
  • Specifications
  • Diagrams & Ressources
  • In the Box

  • ASI678MC - Overview

    ASI678MC incorporates Sony's latest generation sensor IMX678 with outstanding near-infrared response. Featuring large full well capacity, high dynamic range, and low readout noise, this camera has demonstrated impeccable performance in planetary imaging, as well as solar and lunar imaging.

    Sony IMX678 Sensor

    Advanced STARVIS 2 technology with excellent near-infrared response.

    High Sensitivity

    Back-illuminated sensor enhances low-light and near-infrared performance.

    Impressive Specifications

    2 μm pixel size, 1/1.8" sensor size, resolution of 3840x2160.

    Low Readout Noise

    0.6e with HCG mode providing noise reduction at high gain.

    Dynamic Range

    Up to 11 stops, ensuring high-quality imaging.

    No Amp Glow

    Hardware-level design eliminates amp glow, regardless of exposure duration or gain.

    Setup Instructions

    1. Connect the ASI678MC to your computer using the USB 3.0 cable provided.
    2. For planetary or infrared imaging, pair the camera with an 850nm IR-Pass filter or 890nm methane filter for optimal results.
    3. Adjust gain settings as needed; HCG mode will activate automatically at gain 182, reducing readout noise while maintaining dynamic range.
    4. Ensure stable data transmission by utilizing the 256MB DDR3 cache built into the camera.

    Clear Imaging in Low Light

    The ASI678MC excels in capturing images in low-light conditions due to its back-illuminated 4K CMOS image sensor. Its near-infrared sensitivity enables outstanding imaging of planetary objects like Jupiter and Saturn.

    STARVIS 2 Technology

    This camera utilizes Sony's STARVIS 2 sensor, which offers higher dynamic range, reduced readout noise, and improved dark current performance compared to earlier models. This makes the ASI678MC ideal for solar, lunar, and planetary imaging.

    No Amp Glow

    Unlike many traditional cameras, the ASI678MC does not produce amp glow, regardless of exposure length or gain value. This feature is hardware-based and requires no software adjustments.

    High-Speed Data Transmission

    Equipped with a USB 3.0 interface and a built-in 256MB DDR3 memory buffer, the camera ensures stable data transfer, eliminating frame drops and reducing glow effects caused by slow reading speeds.

    HCG Mode

    The High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode automatically activates at higher gain levels (gain 182 or above). This mode reduces readout noise to as low as 0.8e, preserving the camera’s dynamic range for optimal image quality.

    Quantum Efficiency (QE)

    With a peak QE of 83%, the ASI678MC achieves exceptional sensitivity, particularly in the near-infrared spectrum. Coupled with low readout noise, the camera delivers a high signal-to-noise ratio for crisp, detailed images.

    Dark Current Noise

    The ASI678MC outperforms its predecessor, the ASI178, in terms of dark current noise. The lower noise levels contribute to smoother, cleaner frames, especially in long exposure scenarios.

    Applications

    The ASI678MC is versatile, making it suitable for:

    • Planetary Imaging: Capture detailed images of planets like Jupiter and Saturn.
    • Solar and Lunar Imaging: Achieve exceptional clarity and resolution.
    • Infrared Imaging: Outstanding performance with IR-Pass or methane filters.

  • Upgrade Iterative

    Compared with ASI178 series, the ASI678 has been fully upgraded.

    Sensor IMX678
    Sensor Size 1/1.8" (7.7x4.3mm)
    Resolution 3840x2160
    ADC 12bit
    FPS 47.5
    Full Well 11.27 Ke
    Read Noise 0.6e
    Pixel Size 2μm
    USB 3.0
    QE 83%

  • Quantum Efficiency

    The QE curve and readout noise are very important parameters to mesure the camera's performance. Higher OE and lower readout noise are necessary to improve the image signal-to-noise ratio.

    Low read noise, High dynamic range - Diagram

    HCG Mode

    The camera has a built-in HCG mode, which can effectively reduce readout noise at high gain. This allows the camera to maintain the same high dynamic range as it does at low gain. When the gain is 182, the HCG mode is automatically turned on. The readout noise is as low as 0.8e, and the dynamic range can still reach a level close to 11stops.

    ASI678MC - HCG Mode

    Dark Current Noise

    The ASI678MC outperforms its predecessor, the ASI178, in terms of dark current noise. The lower noise levels contribute to smoother, cleaner frames, especially in long exposure scenarios.

    ASI678MC - Dark Current Noise

    Connection Methods

    ASI678MC - Connection Methods ASI678MC - Connection Methods

    Structure Dimension Diagram

    ASI678MC - Structure Dimension Diagram
    • ASI678MC - In The Box

      Camera Body

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    • ASI678MC - In The Box

      Cover

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    • ASI678MC - In The Box

      1.25" Nosepiece

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    • ASI678MC - In The Box

      Quick Guide

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    • ASI678MC - In The Box

      USB3.0 Cable (2m)

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    • ASI678MC - In The Box

      ST4 Cable

      × 1