{"product_id":"zwo-asi676mm-mono-camera","title":"ZWO ASI676MM Mono Camera","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12.6 MP Square Sensor (3552 x 3552)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2µm Pixel Size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e83% Peak Quantum Efficiency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e0.56e Ultra-Low Read Noise\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 ASI676MM Monochrome Astronomy Camera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ZWO ASI676MM Monochrome Astronomy Camera combines a square 12.6 MP Sony sensor with 2µm pixels to deliver high-resolution planetary, lunar, and all-sky views. Its back-illuminated architecture achieves a peak Quantum Efficiency of 83%, while an exceptionally low 0.56e read noise ensures faint details are captured during high-speed captures running at up to 31.2 FPS. A 256MB DDR3 buffer maintains stable data transfer over USB 3.0, and the sensor's design completely eliminates amplifier glow for perfectly clean calibration 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\u003eSquare 12.6 MP Sensor for Seamless Imaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASI676MM's unique 3552 x 3552 pixel array is a significant advantage for specific imaging tasks. The square format perfectly matches the circular image field of all-sky lenses, maximizing data collection without wasting pixels on empty corners. This geometry also simplifies the creation of large mosaics of the Moon or deep-sky regions, as frames can be stitched together with uniform overlap and no rotation required between panels.\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\u003e2µm Pixels \u0026amp; 83% QE for Critical Sampling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a fine 2µm pixel size, the ASI676MM is built for high-resolution imaging, allowing you to achieve critical sampling on telescopes with shorter focal lengths without aggressive use of Barlow lenses. The sensor's 83% peak QE means the vast majority of incoming photons are converted to signal, which is critical for capturing faint planetary details or guiding on dim stars. This sensitivity, combined with its BSI structure, makes it exceptionally effective in the near-infrared, ideal for methane band imaging of Jupiter and Saturn.\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\u003e0.56e Read Noise with Zero Amp Glow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor planetary imagers using \"lucky imaging\" techniques, the camera's 0.56e read noise is a defining feature, preserving signal-to-noise ratio across thousands of stacked short exposures. Unlike many CMOS sensors, the ASI676MM produces zero amplifier glow, regardless of gain or exposure settings. This eliminates a major source of noise and simplifies post-processing, as dark frames become easier to match and subtract perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e256MB DDR3 Buffer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensures no frames are dropped during high-speed planetary runs, providing a stable and reliable data stream to your computer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e12-bit ADC:\u003c\/strong\u003e Captures over 4,000 grayscale levels, providing smooth tonal gradations across bright lunar surfaces and the faint cloud bands of gas giants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e10.55Ke Full Well:\u003c\/strong\u003e A deep full well capacity for an uncooled camera with small pixels, reducing the risk of saturating bright stars or planetary limbs during longer exposures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eZWO ASI676MM vs. ASI178MM\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile both are high-resolution monochrome cameras, the ASI676MM and ASI178MM serve different primary roles. The ASI178MM has a slight advantage in sensitivity due to its larger 2.4µm pixels, making it a strong performer for solar and lunar imaging where light is plentiful. It also uses a rectangular sensor, which can be more efficient for framing elongated galaxies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASI676MM's primary advantages are its modern sensor architecture and specialized format. Its 12.6 MP square sensor is objectively better for all-sky imaging and mosaic construction, and its complete lack of amp glow is a significant quality-of-life improvement, simplifying calibration. For imagers focused on planets, meteors, or building large-scale mosaics, the ASI676MM's feature set is more specifically tailored to the task.\u003c\/p\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 makes the ZWO ASI676MM's square sensor good for all-sky imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e3552 x 3552 pixel\u003c\/strong\u003e square sensor of the ASI676MM perfectly matches the circular image produced by an all-sky or fisheye lens. This means you utilize the entire sensor area for capturing the sky, unlike a rectangular sensor which would leave the corners of the frame empty, wasting resolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do the 2µm pixels on the ASI676MM affect telescope choice for planetary imaging of Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe small \u003cstrong\u003e2µm pixels\u003c\/strong\u003e are ideal for high-resolution work. For optimal sampling of planets like Jupiter, you should aim for a final focal ratio between f\/10 (2µm * 5) and f\/14 (2µm * 7). This means an f\/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain can use the ZWO ASI676MM at its native focal length, while an f\/5 Newtonian would pair well with a 2x or 2.5x Barlow lens to reach the target f-ratio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the uncooled ZWO ASI676MM be used for deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, but with limitations. As an \u003cstrong\u003euncooled camera\u003c\/strong\u003e, thermal noise will build up on long exposures (over 30-60 seconds), which can impact faint details. However, for bright deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) or the Hercules Cluster (M13), you can achieve excellent results by stacking hundreds of very short exposures (5-10 seconds), a technique where the ASI676MM's low \u003cstrong\u003e0.56e read noise\u003c\/strong\u003e and zero amp glow are major assets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the benefit of the 256MB DDR3 buffer in the ZWO ASI676MM?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e256MB DDR3 memory buffer\u003c\/strong\u003e acts as a temporary storage space for image data before it's sent to the computer. This prevents data loss and maintains a stable, high frame rate (like its max of \u003cstrong\u003e31.2 FPS\u003c\/strong\u003e), especially if the host computer's USB bus is temporarily busy. It's a critical feature for reliable planetary and solar imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the monochrome sensor of the ZWO ASI676MM better than a color one for planets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor achieving maximum detail, yes. A monochrome sensor like the one in the ASI676MM uses every pixel to capture light, resulting in higher effective resolution and sensitivity compared to a color camera of the same pixel count. To create a color image, you capture separate videos through Red, Green, and Blue filters and combine them in software, a technique which produces sharper and more detailed results than a one-shot-color camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the ZWO ASI676MM require dark frames for calibration?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the ASI676MM has \u003cstrong\u003eZero Amplifier Glow\u003c\/strong\u003e, the need for dark frames is greatly reduced for short-exposure planetary imaging. While darks are still best practice to remove thermal noise, the absence of amp glow means you can often get clean results with just flat frames, significantly simplifying your workflow.\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\u003eSensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/1.6\" Sony IMX676 BSI CMOS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.6 MP (3552 x 3552)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePixel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.1 mm x 7.1 mm (10 mm diagonal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuantum Efficiency (Peak)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e83%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead Noise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.56e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull Well Capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.55Ke\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Frame Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e31.2 FPS\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\u003eAmplifier Glow Control\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZero Amplifier Glow\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\u003eCamera Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMonochrome, Uncooled\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterface\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 Connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM42x0.75 Threads, 1.25\" Nosepiece\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\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50 mm x 37.1 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.0625 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCamera Series\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZWO ASI676\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSKU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZWO-ASI676MM\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\"\u003eASI676MM Camera Body\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\"\u003eCamera 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\"\u003e2m USB 3.0 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\"\u003eST-4 Guide 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\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/zwo-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ZWO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50843600781597,"sku":"ZWO-ASI676MM","price":449.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ZWO-ASI676MM-Mono-Camera-1.jpg?v=1768505603","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/zwo-asi676mm-mono-camera","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}