ZWO ASI 294MM Pro Cooled Mono Astrophotography Camera
Best monochrome camera for serious deep-space astrophotographers seeking high-detail imaging.
Capture stunning deep space and planetary images with this advanced monochrome astrophotography camera. It features an 11 MP micro four-thirds sensor and powerful thermoelectric cooling, capable of reducing temperature by up to 35°C below ambient to minimize noise during long exposures. The back-illuminated sensor enhances light-gathering capabilities, while the 14-bit ADC and 4.63-micron pixels deliver exceptional detail. Capture breathtaking visuals with high quantum efficiency and versatile video capabilities, including 4K at 24 FPS.
$1280.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
607
/ 2593
#607 in Telescope Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+93%
Above average
Sensor Type
CMOS
/ CMOS
Who it's for
- Deep-sky imagers capturing faint, distant celestial targets
- Astrophotographers shooting long exposures requiring minimal thermal noise
- Versatile photographers needing flexible resolution and dynamic range
Who should skip it
- Beginners preferring a simple, one-shot color imaging workflow
- Budget-conscious hobbyists avoiding expensive filter and wheel accessories
- Users with limited storage space or older computer hardware
Performance breakdown
Low Light Sensitivity
High quantum efficiency captures faint deep-space details with remarkable clarity.
Thermal Noise Control
Advanced cooling keeps long exposures clean and free of thermal artifacts.
Image Dynamic Range
Fourteen stops of range provide excellent contrast between shadows and highlights.
Sensor Resolution
The 11.7 MP sensor balances high detail with manageable file sizes.
Data Transfer Speed
USB 3.0 interface ensures rapid image downloads for efficient capture sessions.
Build Versatility
Compact design integrates seamlessly into most standard telescope imaging trains.
Key Specs
Sensor Type
CMOS
Sensor
Sony IMX492
Pixel Array
4144 x 2822
Mega Pixels
11.7 MP
Pixel Size
4.63 microns
Color or Mono
Monochrome
Cooled
Cooled
Cooling Below Ambient
35C
Know before you buy
Monochrome sensors offer significantly higher sensitivity and resolution because they lack the color filter array found on color sensors. This allows you to capture sharper images and use narrowband filters to isolate specific wavelengths of light, which is essential for imaging nebulae from light-polluted areas.
The cooling system is highly effective, capable of reaching temperatures up to 35°C below ambient. By keeping the sensor cold, it drastically reduces thermal noise, allowing for cleaner, longer exposures without the graininess typically associated with heat buildup.
The 4.63-micron pixel size strikes a versatile balance between resolution and light-gathering capability. It is well-suited for a wide range of telescope focal lengths, providing enough detail for planetary imaging while maintaining a large enough surface area to capture faint deep-sky objects efficiently.
Yes, the camera has a back focus of 17.5 mm without the sensor tilt adapter or 6.5 mm with it removed. You will need to ensure your telescope's image train, including any spacers or coma correctors, is adjusted to match this distance for optimal focus across the frame.
Yes, the camera supports high-speed video capture, including 4K resolution at 24 FPS and a high-speed mode of 179.3 FPS at a reduced 320 x 240 resolution. This makes it a capable tool for capturing short, high-frame-rate clips of planets to stack into detailed final images.
The camera uses a USB 3.0 interface to ensure fast data transfer speeds, which is necessary for handling the high-resolution image data and frame rates. You will need a computer with a USB 3.0 port to take full advantage of the camera's performance.
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$1280