ZWO ASI174MM Monochrome Planetary Imaging Camera
Best high-speed monochrome camera for detailed solar and planetary astrophotography.
This high-speed, monochrome CMOS camera is engineered for capturing detailed astronomical images. It excels in planetary, solar, and lunar imaging, and is also suitable for stacking frames for deep-sky astrophotography. Equipped with a Sony IMX174 sensor, it delivers impressive frame rates, ideal for capturing fast celestial events or acquiring numerous frames for enhanced detail. Its robust aluminum and glass construction ensures durability for dedicated stargazing sessions, offering a reliable tool for enthusiasts seeking to explore the cosmos.
$499.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1569
/ 2593
#1569 in Telescope Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-25%
Below average
Sensor Type
174
/ Sony IMX CMOS
Who it's for
- Solar and lunar photographers needing distortion-free high-speed captures
- Mosaic creators wanting to capture entire solar or lunar disks
- Data-focused imagers prioritizing high frame rates and signal quality
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious beginners seeking an entry-level planetary camera
- Imagers using short focal length telescopes for high-resolution planetary detail
- Deep-sky photographers requiring active cooling to minimize thermal noise
Performance breakdown
Frame Rate Speed
Blazing capture speeds make freezing atmospheric turbulence effortless for planetary detail.
Sensor Sensitivity
Large pixels provide excellent light gathering for sharp, high-contrast lunar imaging.
Build Durability
Rugged aluminum housing stands up to frequent field use and setup.
Ease of Setup
USB 3.0 connectivity ensures a simple, plug-and-play experience for most users.
Thermal Management
Uncooled design is simple but limits performance during long-exposure deep-sky sessions.
Imaging Versatility
Highly capable across solar, lunar, and planetary targets with great resolution.
Key Specs
Sensor Type
Sony IMX174 CMOS
Resolution
2.3 MP (1936 x 1216 pixels)
Pixel Size
5.86µm x 5.86µm
Maximum Frame Rate
164fps at full resolution
ADC
12 bit
Full Well Capacity
32ke
Read Noise
6e
Sensor Diagonal
13.4 mm
Know before you buy
The IMX174 sensor features a global shutter, which eliminates the distortion often seen when capturing fast-moving objects. Combined with its high frame rate of 164fps, it is exceptionally effective at freezing atmospheric turbulence to capture sharp planetary detail.
While primarily designed for planetary and solar imaging, it can be used for deep-sky objects. However, because it is an uncooled camera, you may notice more thermal noise during long-exposure sessions compared to dedicated cooled deep-sky cameras.
No, the camera is powered entirely through its USB 3.0 connection. This simplifies your setup by reducing the number of cables required at the telescope.
The relatively large pixel size offers a high full-well capacity of 32ke, which helps prevent overexposure when imaging bright targets like the moon or the sun. It also provides a good balance between sensitivity and resolution for many common telescope focal lengths.
The camera features a standard M42x0.75 T-thread connection. This allows it to easily attach to most common telescope focusers and adapters using standard T-rings or nosepieces.
Yes, it is an excellent choice for solar imaging, provided you are using a dedicated solar telescope or a safe, certified solar filter on your objective lens. The monochrome sensor is particularly well-suited for capturing high-contrast details in solar features like sunspots and granulation.
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$499