ZWO ASI224MC Color Camera 1.2M Pixels - Sensor D = 6.09mm

The ASI224MC features a 1/3 "1.2 megapixel IMX224 sensor with SONY Exmor and NIR technology. Very suitable for shooting planets and small deep-sky objects in the infrared.
♦ Sony 1/3 ?? - IMX224 / IMX225 CMOS sensor with advanced IR sensitivity

♦ AR protection filter installed - full passage also in the infrared

♦ Resolution: 1.2 megapixels, 1304x976

♦ Pixel size: 3.75 μm

♦ Sensor size: 4.8 mm * 3.6 mm

♦ Short download time through USB 3.0

♦ Extremely compact - only 62 mm x 36 mm

♦ Autoguiding connection (ST-4)

♦ "Amp-glow reduction technology" against amplifier annealing

♦ Lens with T2 connection for overview photos is included

A very good choice for quality conscious planet photographers
The ZWO ASI224MC features a 1/3 "1.2 megapixel IMX224 sensor equipped with SONY Exmor and NIR technology.

The comparatively small sensor, extremely low readout noise (1.5 e), high sensitivity even in the NIR range and a very high achievable frame rate make this camera a good choice for the quality-conscious planetary photographers.

The camera will mainly be used for planetary photography, but due to its exposure time of up to 1000 seconds, it can also be used to some extent for deep sky photography.

This color camera allows photography with just one shot, so you do not have to worry about filters or filter wheels. So if you have little time and are willing to make a small compromise, this is perhaps the best planetary color camera you can buy in this price range (and it could probably beat a bunch of much more expensive cameras as well ...)

Infrared Photography & Methane Band:
This camera comes with a clear glass protection filter that also lets through infrared. Advanced infrared sensitivity allows use in infrared photography with the optional ZWO IR pass filter. Also recordings in the methane range with the optional ZWO ASICH4Filter are possible.

Note: If you want to take advantage of planetary photography in the IR range, you will of course need an IR pass filter that blocks out visible light but lets in near-infrared.

Features of the ZWO ASI224MC camera

♦ Recommended for planets and some deep sky objects
♦ Resolution: 1304x976 with up to 64 fps (with 12-bit ADC) or 150 fps (with 10-bit ADC)
♦ Long exposures up to 1000 s!
♦ Autoguider connection
♦ Very low readout noise (1.5 e)
♦ High sensitivity, especially in the IR range
♦ PCB with "amp-glow reduction technology" already installed against amplifier annealing
♦ Aluminum housing with 2 "connection
♦ female thread M42x0,75 (T2-thread)
♦ Adapter from T2 to 1.25 "included
♦ Supplied with AR clear glass filter - full passage also in the infrared. If the IR is to be blocked, an IR cut filter is needed.

system requirements

USB 3.0 should be present and supported by the operating system. Support is available from

♦ Windows 8
♦ Mac OS X v10.8
♦ Linux Kernel 2.6.31

The camera manufacturer gives the following information:

"most important is USB3.0 host controller
we recommend "Intel® USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller"
from customer's feedback, all intel host controller works and can provide the maximum data transfer

and here's more detail test result:

tested platform and USB Host controller:
Lenovo IdeaPad Z580: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
MacBook Air 2014: Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
Dell Inspiron 17-7737 i7: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
HP Pavilion dv7 Notebook PC: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
MacBook Pro 2013: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
PC: Renesas Electronics USB3.0 Host Controller
PC: AMD USB3.0 host controller

PCIE-USB3.0 Card: NEC / Renesas μPD720200A μPD720201 & μPD720202
PCIE-USB3.0 Card: VIA Labs VL800

already know incompatible USB host:
PCIE-USB3.0 Card: NEC / Renesas μPD720200 under windows 8
PCIE-USB3.0 Card: Trendnet TU3-H2PIE card
PC: Etron usb3.0 host controller "

Sensor: 1/3 ?? CMOS IMX224 / IMX225
Resolution: 1.2 megapixels, 1304x976
Pixel size: 3.75 μm
Exposure time: 32 μs - 1000 s
ROI: Supports
Operating systems: Mac, Windows, Linux
Interface: USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 (really useful only on USB 3.0)
Software requirements: should support USB 3.0, see details
Bit rate: 12bit output (12bit ADC)
Amp glow reduction technology: Installed
Adapter: 2 "/ 1.25" / M42x0.75
Back focus: 12.5 mm from the T2 thread to the sensor
Size: ⌀62 mm x 36 mm
Weight: 120 g
Working temperature: -5 ° C - 45 ° C
Storage temperature: -20 ° C - 60 ° C
Humidity range: 20% - 80%
Maximum resolution: 1304x976 @ 150/64 fps (10/12 bit)

♦ ASI camera
♦ Cable
♦ Adapter M42 to 1.25 "
♦ 1.25 "cover
♦ Large Field Lens
♦ Instructions (in English only)
♦ Quick guide in German