ZWO ASI071MC Pro Cooled Color CMOS Telescope Camera
Best cooled camera for serious deep-sky astrophotography enthusiasts.
Capture stunning deep-sky images with this advanced cooled color CMOS telescope camera. It boasts a large 16.2-megapixel sensor, delivering high-resolution photos with exceptional detail thanks to its 4.78-micron pixels. The active cooling system, with a Delta T of 35°C, ensures minimal noise during extended exposures. Enjoy a wide exposure range from milliseconds to 2000 seconds, a full well capacity of 46ke, and a DDR memory buffer for smooth performance. An AR sensor window provides added protection for the optics, making it ideal for serious astrophotography.
$1280.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
607
/ 2593
#607 in Telescope Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+93%
Above average
Sensor Diagonal
28.4
/ mm
Who it's for
- Beginners seeking a simplified, one-shot color imaging workflow
- Astrophotographers capturing long exposures with minimal thermal noise
- Deep-sky imagers needing a wide field for expansive nebulae
Who should skip it
- Imagers who prefer avoiding complex dark frame calibration
- Advanced users requiring maximum sensitivity and quantum efficiency
- Photographers with limited storage or slower processing hardware
Performance breakdown
Thermal Noise Control
Active cooling effectively suppresses sensor heat for cleaner long-exposure deep-sky captures.
Imaging Resolution
The 16.2-megapixel sensor delivers sharp, high-detail results for demanding astrophotography projects.
Dynamic Range
14-bit ADC provides excellent tonal depth across bright stars and dark nebulae.
Data Throughput
USB 3.0 and DDR memory buffer ensure smooth, reliable image data transfer.
Exposure Versatility
Wide range supports everything from planetary snapshots to lengthy deep-space integration.
Build Integrity
Robust aluminum construction and protective AR glass offer professional-grade durability.
Key Specs
Sensor Diagonal
28.4 mm
Resolution
4944 x 3284 pixels
Pixel Size
4.78 microns
Exposure Range
64 milliseconds to 2000 seconds
Full Well Capacity
46ke
Memory Buffer
DDR
Sensor Window
AR Coated
Mega Pixels
16.2 MP
Know before you buy
The active cooling system reduces thermal noise by maintaining a Delta T of 35°C below ambient temperature. This is essential for long-exposure deep-sky imaging, as it keeps the sensor cool to produce cleaner, higher-quality images with significantly less background grain.
A 4.78-micron pixel size is quite versatile and generally performs well with a wide range of focal lengths. It offers a good balance between resolution and sensitivity, making it a solid choice for most mid-to-long focal length telescopes.
The integrated DDR memory buffer helps manage data transfer more efficiently, preventing dropped frames during high-speed captures. This ensures a smoother, more reliable connection between the camera and your computer, especially when shooting at higher frame rates.
The camera has a back focus distance of 17.5 mm. You will need to account for this distance when calculating your image train to ensure you can reach proper focus with your telescope's focuser.
While it is optimized for deep-sky photography with its cooling and high dynamic range, it can capture up to 134 frames per second. This speed makes it capable of planetary imaging, though it is primarily designed for long-exposure work.
The camera requires a 12V DC power source to operate the cooling system. While the camera itself connects via USB 3.0, you must provide external power to the cooler to achieve the necessary temperature regulation.
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$1280