The camera has a large sensor and small pixels - very high detail resolution with a wide field of view. This allows you to image galaxy clusters with fine details visible in each galaxy.
The camera is particularly suitable for 'fast' and high-resolution optics such as apochromatic refractors or FastStar systems. High-resolution images are even possible when using shorter focal lengths.
The advantages of the new version 3
- extra screws used for front panel - ensuring the camera body cannot be accidentally unscrewed.
- improved heat dissipation - less prone to dew!
- dessicant chamber
The camera comes equipped with an AR clear glass filter and is hence also transparent in the infrared spectrum. A corresponding cutting filter is required if the infrared range is to be blocked.
The camera and accessories permit many adaptation options - 1.25", 2" or T2 (M42x0.75). The distance between the T2 connection thread and camera sensor is 17.5 millimetres.
Supported resolutions and frame rates (fps = frames per second):
12 bit ADC
- 4656×3520 14.7fps
- 3840×2160 23.1fps
- 1920×1680 32.9 fps
- 1280×960 47.1 fps
- 640×480 80.4 fps
- 320×240 124.4 fps
10Bit ADC
- 4656×3520 23fps
- 3840×2160 36.2fps
- 1920×1680 57.7fps
- 1280×960 73.6 fps
- 640×480 125.7fps
- 320×240 192.4 fps
In addition to the camera and the adapters, a USB cable, an ST4 auto-guider cable and a CD with drivers for PC, Mac, Linux are also included.
Software and drivers are available for free download on the manufacturer's website: software drivers
The motorized filter wheel allows you to change the filter via the camera control. That's comfortable and non-contact. The focus is retained. The filter change can be done automatically.
The control and power supply is easy via the USB 2.0 hub of the camera.
The filters are only 10 millimeters away from the sensor, so there is no edge shading even with high-power telescopes.
This filter set is an inexpensive alternative to the usually much more expensive sets from other manufacturers. Despite the low price, they are multi-coated interference filters.
The set is optimized for use with the ASI cameras from ZW Optical. Combining exposures using the three colour filters and the luminance (IR cutting) filter, lets you generate colour images on a computer. Unlike with a colour camera, the full resolution of your camera chip with each colour is used with to this method - just like the pros!