ZWO ASI676MC USB3.0 color astro camera - sensor D=10.05 mm, 2.00 µm pixels

The All Sky camera offers a very high resolution and is particularly suitable for meteor photography.
 
Sensor: 1/1.6" CMOS IMX676 with 12.6 megapixel resolution
Sensor size: 7.1 mm x 7.1 mm - Diagonal: 10.05 mm
Very high resolution: 2.0 µm pixel size
SONY STARVIS 2 technology - back illuminated pixel technology
With approx. 83% QE, a high sensitivity for short exposure times
USB 3.0 for quick download of images
Very low readout noise (from 0.56 e-)
Already suitable for EAA thanks to the frame rate of 31.2 fps
12 bit ADC
No more noticeable amplifier glow
Passive cooling with heat dissipation to prevent the sensor from heating up during long exposure
Good for meteor and other all-sky photography
Large field lens (screwable) included in delivery
UV/IR block filter built in, making it easy to use with refractors and lenses
Includes ST4 level autoguiding interface

The new ASI676MC is an all-sky camera with a unique 1/1.6-inch square image sensor and an extremely high resolution of 12 MP!

It's perfect for meteor photography and whole-sky monitoring. The square format facilitates composition and makes piecing together mosaics easier and more efficient, the high resolution gives you clear details of the sun and moon. With this camera you can begin your wonderful journey to explore the limitless night sky.

Why in square format?
One of the biggest advantages of the square format of the ASI676MC is that it greatly simplifies the entire mosaic making process, as the difference between the long and wide sides of the format no longer needs to be taken into account when mosaic stitching.

In addition, the square format makes the ASI676MC more compatible with various lens types
such as fisheye lenses and wide angle lenses. This makes the ASI676MC more suitable for tasks such as meteor photography and whole-sky monitoring.

Areas of application:
This camera is equipped with a modern 1/1.6" sensor with 3552*3552 pixels. In addition to the modern Starvis 2 technology (with back illumination), the IMX676 offers an extremely smooth image without amp glow, But it is particularly impressive due to its very high resolution (2.0 µm pixels) and the relatively high frame rate. We recommend the camera for, among other things:
Meteor photography
general all-sky photography
detailed planetary photography
Details of the lunar surface
Sun details (with appropriate filter)
Use as an autoguiding camera (autoguiding connection is available)
EAA (electronically assisted astronomy) on planets, moon and sun

Moon and planetary photography:
Thanks to the fine 2.0 µm pixels, you can achieve a very high resolution from f/8, which makes the use of Barlow and converter systems unnecessary.

EAA (Electronic Assisted Astronomy):
The high resolution, combined with a sufficient frame rate of 31 fps at full resolution, enables real-time observation of planets as well as details on the moon and sun. Just watch together in a group - without waiting for everyone's turn!

Use as an autoguider:
The ASI676MC is lightweight at just 126 grams. It hardly puts any strain on the focuser. The camera of course offers the ST-4 autoguiding interface. A 2 meter long autoguiding cable is also included.

UV/IR block filter protects the sensor from dust:
The blocking filter not only prevents dust from entering the sensor, it also blocks UV and infrared, making it easier to use on refractors (moon and sun shots).

Air cooling reduces sensor temperature:
The sensor heats up while recording. The PCS dissipates the heat from the sensor via a thermal pad. The sensor temperature is reduced by up to 15 degrees Celsius compared to cameras without PCS.

High sensitivity for short exposure times:
An advantage of the back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the lower readout noise and improved sensitivity. Sony particularly uses STARVIS 2 technology for the IMX676 sensor, which ensures excellent visibility in low light conditions. You can achieve a very high light output for astrophotography and achieve high image quality. In addition, the low readout noise ensures a larger dynamic range.

The ASI676MC is not only ideal for use as a meteor and general all-sky camera, but also allows planetary and detailed shots of the sun and moon, even in a live stream. Monitoring weather conditions is also possible.

The low noise and anti-ampglow circuitry don't make these! Peltier-cooled camera interesting for recording deep sky objects such as faint nebulae, star clusters and galaxies.

The HCG mode:
The camera has a built-in HCG mode that can effectively reduce readout noise at high gain and maintain the same wide dynamic range you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 180, HCG mode turns on automatically. This results in the readout noise being below 1.0 e-, while the dynamic range can again reach almost 11 stops.

Downloads, drivers:
ZWO makes software and drivers available online for free download:

Software and drivers for all ZWO cameras
Sensor: Sony IMX676 1/1.6" CMOS color sensor
Resolution: 3552*3552 pixels, 12.6 megapixels
Pixel size: 2.0 µm
Sensor size: 7.1mm x 7.1mm
Diagonal: 10.05 mm (1/1.8" form factor)
Recording speed: up to 31.2 FPS at 10 bit
Exposure time: from 32 µs - 2000 s
ROI: Supported
ST4 Autoguider Port: Yes
Distance from T2 thread to sensor: 12.5 mm
Shutter type: rolling shutter
Protective window: With UV/IR blocking filter
Connection: USB3.0/USB2.0
QE: ~83%
Full well: 10.55 ke-
Antiampglow circuit: Yes
Readout noise: from approx. 0.56 e-
Bit resolution: 12 bit ADC
Telescopic connection: M42x0.75 / 2" / 1.25" (via adapter)
Tripod thread: 1/4" at the back
Dimensions: D 62 mm x 37.1 mm (without lens)
System requirements: USB 3.0 should be supported by the operating system - from Windows 8, Mac OS X 10.8, Linux Kernel 2.6.31 (from Ubuntu 16.04)
Weight: approx. 126g

ASI camera
Adapter T2 to CS mount (mounted)
Large field lens (mounted)
1.25" cover
ST4 cable
Adapter T2 (M42x0.75) to 1.25" socket
Quick guide (in English)
USB3.0 cable