ZWO ASI 294MM Mono – High-Sensitivity Monochrome Astronomy Camera with Sony IMX492
The ZWO ASI 294MM Mono is a versatile, high-sensitivity monochrome astronomy camera for demanding imaging of Deep-Sky objects, the Moon and planets. Its back-illuminated Sony IMX492 CMOS sensor combines excellent light sensitivity with short exposure times, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers.
Highlights of the ZWO ASI 294MM Mono
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High-sensitivity Sony IMX492: Back-illuminated CMOS sensor for excellent light efficiency
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Monochrome sensor: Ideal for detailed Deep-Sky astrophotography and imaging with color or narrowband filters
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4.63 µm pixels: Balanced combination of resolution, sensitivity and field of view
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Unlocked mode: Enables finer resolution with 2.3 µm pixels
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HCG mode: At higher gain settings, read noise is reduced to below 2 e
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High Full-Well Capacity: Up to 66,000 electrons for a wide dynamic range and excellent signal-to-noise ratio
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Extremely short exposure times: Ideal for reducing the effects of atmospheric seeing and tracking errors when imaging the Moon and planets
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USB 3.0: Fast data transfer for efficient imaging and high-speed image sequences
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AR clear glass filter: High transmission including the infrared range
High sensitivity for Deep-Sky and planetary imaging
The high sensitivity of the ASI 294MM enables short exposure times and makes it a true all-round astronomy camera. For lunar and planetary imaging, short exposures help minimize the effects of atmospheric turbulence. Nebulae and galaxies can also be captured with a high level of detail.
Flexible resolution and wide dynamic range
The camera offers two operating modes: With its 4.63 µm pixel size, it provides high sensitivity, while the Unlocked mode with 2.3 µm pixels enables higher image resolution. The high Full-Well Capacity of up to 66,000 electrons also supports balanced reproduction of bright and faint image details.
HCG mode for low-noise imaging
At a gain setting above 120, the HCG mode is activated. This reduces read noise to below 2 e, enabling low-noise astrophotography even at high gain settings. This is particularly useful for short exposures and faint Deep-Sky objects.
Uncooled monochrome camera for versatile astrophotography
The ZWO ASI 294MM Mono is powered via USB and does not require separate cooling. The integrated AR clear glass filter provides high light transmission into the infrared range. For imaging applications where infrared light needs to be blocked, an additional suitable IR-cut filter can be used.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Performance |
| Sensor type |
CMOS chip (Sony IMX492) |
| Sensor size |
19.3 × 13 mm |
| Sensor diagonal |
16 mm |
| Megapixels |
11.7 MP |
| Pixel size |
4.63 µm |
| Photo resolution |
4144 × 2822 pixels |
| Bit depth |
14 bit |
| Active cooling |
No |
| Interfaces |
USB 3.0, ST-4 |
| Telescope-side connection |
1.25" & T2 |
| Color camera |
No |
| Operating temperature |
-5 to 50 °C |
| Max. exposure time |
33.3 min |
| Min. exposure time |
32 µs |
| Frames per second |
16.3 fps (at full resolution) |
| Read noise (RMS) |
1.3 e |
| Full-Well Capacity |
66,000 electrons |
| Back focus |
12.5 mm |
| Power supply |
5 V (via USB) |
| Features |
| Filter wheel |
No |
| General |
| Weight |
129 g |
| Series |
ASI 294 |
| Diameter |
62 mm |
| Length |
36 mm |
| Applications |
| AllSky, meteors |
No |
| Autoguiding |
Yes |
| Moon & planets |
Yes |
| Nebulae & galaxies |
Yes |
Package Contents
- 1x ZWO ASI 294MM Mono – high-sensitivity monochrome astronomy camera
- 1x 1.25" eyepiece adapter with T2 thread
- 1x T2 adapter to 1.25" filter thread
- 1x Dust caps for 1.25" and 2"
- 1x ST4 cable
- 1x USB 3.0 cable
- 1x Quick Guide (English)