{"product_id":"zwo-asi664mc-color","title":"ZWO ASI664MC Color","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4.15 Megapixel Sony IMX664 Color CMOS Sensor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2.9µm Pixel Size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e91% Peak Quantum Efficiency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e95 FPS at Full Resolution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e256MB DDR3 Internal Buffer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZero Amplifier Glow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eZWO ASI664MC Color Astronomy Camera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ZWO ASI664MC combines a high-resolution 4.15 MP Sony IMX664 sensor with sensitive 2.9µm pixels, making it ideal for detailed planetary, lunar, and solar imaging. Its back-illuminated architecture achieves a peak Quantum Efficiency of 91%, capturing faint signal with minimal noise. A full-resolution frame rate of 95 FPS, supported by a 256MB DDR3 buffer and USB 3.0 interface, ensures you can capture moments of perfect seeing without dropping frames.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSony STARVIS 2 Sensor: 91% QE and 2.9µm Pixels\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the core of the ASI664MC is Sony's latest STARVIS 2 technology, a back-illuminated (BSI) sensor design that places circuitry behind the photodiode layer. This maximizes light collection, pushing the peak QE to 91% and dramatically improving signal-to-noise ratio. The 2.9µm pixels are an excellent match for short-to-medium focal length refractors and Schmidt-Cassegrains operating with a Barlow lens, resolving fine detail on Jupiter's cloud bands or in lunar rilles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eZero Amp Glow and 256MB DDR3 Buffer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASI664MC integrates circuitry that completely eliminates amplifier glow—a common source of noise in CMOS sensors that typically requires calibration frames to remove. This results in cleaner raw data and a more streamlined processing workflow. To handle the massive data stream, a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer ensures stable, high-speed image transfer to your computer over the USB 3.0 connection, preventing data loss even at the maximum frame rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e95 FPS at Full 4.15 MP Resolution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor planetary imagers, capturing thousands of frames in a short period is critical to overcome atmospheric turbulence. The ASI664MC delivers a sustained 95 frames per second at its full 2704 x 1536 resolution, allowing you to effectively \"freeze\" moments of steady seeing. As an uncooled camera, it excels at this type of short-exposure work; while it can be used for brighter deep-sky objects, thermal noise will become a factor on multi-minute exposures where a cooled camera would be required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eASI664MC vs. ASI462MC: A Generational Upgrade\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASI664MC serves as a direct successor to the popular ASI462MC, offering significant upgrades for most imaging scenarios.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eASI462MC's Advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The ASI462MC maintains a slight edge in extreme near-infrared sensitivity, which can be beneficial for imaging planets like Venus or methane-band imaging of Jupiter and Saturn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eASI664MC's Advantages:\u003c\/strong\u003e The ASI664MC provides double the resolution (4.15 MP vs. 2.1 MP) and a larger 1\/1.8\" sensor, giving you a wider field of view for lunar mosaics or capturing Jupiter with all its Galilean moons. Crucially, the ASI664MC features zero amplifier glow, producing fundamentally cleaner data than its predecessor. For general-purpose planetary, lunar, and solar imaging, the higher resolution and cleaner sensor make the ASI664MC the superior choice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the optimal focal ratio for the ZWO ASI664MC on planets like Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor planetary imaging, the ideal focal ratio is 5 to 7 times the camera's pixel size. With the ASI664MC's \u003cstrong\u003e2.9µm pixels\u003c\/strong\u003e, you should aim for a final focal ratio between f\/14.5 and f\/20.3. If you are using a typical f\/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, a 1.5x or 2x Barlow lens will place you in this optimal range for resolving the most detail under good seeing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the ZWO ASI664MC be used for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, but with limitations. The ASI664MC is an \u003cstrong\u003euncooled camera\u003c\/strong\u003e, which makes it best suited for short exposures (\"lucky imaging\") of bright targets like planets. While it is sensitive enough to capture bright deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) or the Hercules Cluster (M13) with many short exposures, thermal noise will accumulate and degrade image quality on the long, multi-minute exposures needed for fainter targets. For serious deep-sky imaging, a dedicated cooled camera is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the ZWO ASI664MC's \"Zero Amp Glow\" feature improve images?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmplifier glow is a faint illumination that appears in the corners of an image, caused by heat from the sensor's readout electronics. On many cameras, this must be removed by subtracting dark frames. The ZWO ASI664MC uses special hardware to prevent this glow from ever being generated, meaning your raw images are cleaner and require less complex calibration during processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does the 256MB DDR3 buffer in the ZWO ASI664MC do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e256MB DDR3 buffer\u003c\/strong\u003e acts as a temporary high-speed memory cache for the camera. When imaging at high frame rates like 95 FPS, the data transfer can sometimes be slowed by the computer's processor or hard drive. The buffer stores the images from the sensor, preventing dropped frames and ensuring a smooth, stable data stream to your computer, which is critical for planetary imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the ZWO ASI664MC a good upgrade from the ASI462MC?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most users, yes. The ZWO ASI664MC offers double the resolution (\u003cstrong\u003e4.15 MP\u003c\/strong\u003e vs. 2.1 MP), a larger sensor for a wider field of view, and zero amp glow. This makes it a more capable and versatile camera for lunar, solar, and general planetary imaging. The only reason to choose the ASI462MC is if you specifically require its slightly higher sensitivity in the near-infrared for specialized imaging, such as methane band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat software do I need to use the ZWO ASI664MC?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will need to download the latest camera drivers from the ZWO website. For image capture, popular free software includes \u003cstrong\u003eSharpCap\u003c\/strong\u003e (Windows) and \u003cstrong\u003eFireCapture\u003c\/strong\u003e (Windows\/Mac\/Linux). You can also control the camera with an ASIAIR device. For processing the captured video files, imagers commonly use AutoStakkert! and RegiStax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSKU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZWO-ASI664MC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/1.8\" Sony IMX664 BSI CMOS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCamera Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor, Uncooled\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEffective Pixels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.15 MP\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePixel Array\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2704 x 1536\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePixel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.9µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.8mm x 4.5mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor Diagonal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeak Quantum Efficiency (QE)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e91%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBit Depth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Frame Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e95 FPS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImage Buffer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e256MB DDR3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmp Glow Control\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZero Amplifier Glow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShutter Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronic Rolling Shutter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCamera Window\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAR Coated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComputer Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 3.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGuide Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eST-4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTelescope Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM42x0.75 Threads\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGuide Sensor Included?\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnti-Dew Heater Included?\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumidity Sensor Included?\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eASI664MC Camera\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eSensor Cover\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e1.25\" Nosepiece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eUSB 3.0 Cable (2m)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eST4 Cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eQuick Guide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.zwoastro.com\/software\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"DAV-img-box\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"#0047a7\" d=\"M128 32C92.7 32 64 60.7 64 96l0 256 64 0 0-256 384 0 0 256 64 0 0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L128 32zM19.2 384C8.6 384 0 392.6 0 403.2C0 445.6 34.4 480 76.8 480l486.4 0c42.4 0 76.8-34.4 76.8-76.8c0-10.6-8.6-19.2-19.2-19.2L19.2 384z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Software\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/zwo-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ZWO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49346244280605,"sku":"ZWO-ASI664MC","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ZWO-ASI664MC-Color.jpg?v=1731025631","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/zwo-asi664mc-color","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}