ZWO ASI715MC color USB3.0 astro camera - sensor D=6.45 mm, 1.45 µm pixels IMX715

The camera offers extremely high resolution and is optimized for lunar and planetary photography without additional Barlow directly in the focus of the telescope.

♦ Sensor: 1/28" CMOS IMX715 with 8.46 megapixel resolution

♦ Sensor size: 5.6mm x 3.2mm - Diagonal: 6.45mm

♦ Extremely high resolution: 1.45 µm pixel size

♦ SONY STARVIS 2 technology - back illuminated pixel technology

♦ With approx. 80% QE, high sensitivity for short exposure times

♦ Ideal for the moon and planets but also for small deep sky objects and high-resolution microscope photography

♦ USB 3.0 for quick image download

♦ Low readout noise (from 0.72 e-)

♦ Good for EAA due to high frame rate of 45.1 fps

♦ 12 bit ADC

♦ No more noticeable amplifier glow

♦ Passive cooling with heat dissipation to prevent the sensor from heating up during long exposure

♦ Large field lens (screwable) included in delivery

♦ AR protective filter installed with full transmission even in the infrared

♦ Includes ST4 level autoguiding interface

This camera is equipped with a modern 1/2.8" sensor with 3864*2192 pixels. In addition to the modern Starvis 2 technology (back illumination), the IMX715 offers an extremely smooth image without amplifier glow (amp glow), which is convincing but above all due to the extremely high resolution (1.4 µm pixels), the camera is particularly suitable for high-resolution photography directly in the focus of telescopes without a focal length extension.

♦ Detailed planetary photography
♦ Details of the lunar surface
♦ Sun details (with appropriate filter)
♦ Photography of (small) brighter nebulae and star clusters without power-consuming cooling - exposure times of up to 2000 seconds are possible
♦ Infrared recordings to reduce the effects of seeing, resulting in a sharper luminance channel
♦ Autoguiding camera (autoguiding connection is available)
♦ EAA (electronically assisted astronomy) on planets, moon and sun
 
EAA (electronically assisted astronomy)
The high resolution, combined with a high frame rate of 108 fps at full resolution (RAW8 format), 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 camera is lightweight at only 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. Due to the extreme resolution, small guide telescopes can also be used, but good optics must be ensured so that the advantages of the high resolution can also be implemented.
 
Anti-reflective clear glass filter protects the sensor from dust
The clear glass filter prevents dust from entering the sensor. It also allows UV and infrared to pass through, so you can also do infrared photography with the camera. With the right selection of contrast filters, fog filters, IR pass filters or UV/IR cut filters, you have full control over what light hits the sensor.
 
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.

Very 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 IMX662 sensor, which ensures excellent visibility in low light conditions. You can achieve a very high luminous efficiency in astrophotography and achieve high image quality not only in visible light, but also in the near infrared range (to reduce seeing). In addition, the low readout noise and the high full-well capacity ensure a larger dynamic range.

The low noise and anti-ampglow circuit make this camera interesting for recording small deep sky objects.
 
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 150, HCG mode turns on automatically. This results in the readout noise being below 1.4 e-, while the dynamic range can still reach almost 12.5 stops.

Sensor: Sony 1/2.8 CMOS IMX715 Color Sensor
Resolution: 3864*2192 pixels, 8.46 megapixels
Pixel size: 1.45 µm
Sensor size: 5.6mm x 3.2mm
Diagonal: 6.45 mm (1/2.8")
Recording speed: up to 45.1 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: AR coated, full IR transmission
Connection: USB3.0/USB2.0
QE: ~80%
Full well: 37.8 ke-
Antiampglow circuit: Yes
Readout noise: 6.9 e- to 0.8 e-
Bit resolution: 12 bit ADC
Telescopic connection: M42X0.75 / 2" / 1.25" (via adapter)
Tripod thread: 1/4" at the back
Dimensions: ⌀ 62 mm x 37.1 mm (without lens)
Weight: 126g
Working temperature: -5°C to +50°C
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: 126g
♦ ASI camera
♦ Adapter T2 (M42x0.75) to 1.25"
♦ 1.25" coverage
♦ Adapter T2 to CS mount (mounted)
♦ Large field lens (mounted)
♦ USB 3.0 cable
♦ ST4 cable
♦ Quick guide (in English)