ZWO ASI715MC USB3.0 Color Astronomy Camera - ASI715MC

The ASI715MC Color Planetary Camera sports the 1/2.8" IMX715 CMOS back-illuminated image sensor that produces high sensitivity, low dark current and no smear through the adoption of R, G & B primary color mosaic filters.  

The Sony IMX1715MC has 3864 x 2228 total pixels with a pixel size of 1.45um. The IMX715 has a diagonal size of 6.4 mm (Type 1/2.8), with approximately 8.46M effective pixels. This sensor has just 0.72e- read noise, 12bit ADC and QE at 80%. Full well capacity is 6.03Ke, and the body is equipped with a USB3.0 Port, providing 5Gb bandwidth for 45.1fps (10bit, high speed mode.  A built-in 256MB DDR cache ensures stable and secure data transmission. Finally, an ST4 port is provided that allows one to connect with the guide port of most computerized mounts.

The readout noise of the ASI715MC is very low.  As the gain value goes up, the readout noise goes down.  As we know, the lower the readout noise (pixel, circuit and ADC quantization noise), the better!

While lowering the readout noise is important for improving the signal-to-noise ratio, quantum efficiency is also an important parameter when it comes to measuring your camera's performance.  According to ZWO's estimation, the peak QE value of the ASI715MC is approximately 80%, as seen in the chart below.

ZWO ASI715MC Color Camera Specifications

• Sensor:

• 1/2.8” CMOS IMX715
• Diagonal: 6.4mm
• Resolution: 8.4 Mega Pixels 3864*2192
• Pixel Size: 1.45μm
• Sensor Size:  5.6mm * 3.2mm
• Shutter: Rolling shutter
• Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
• ROI: Supported
• DDR Cache:  256MB
• Interface: USB3.0
• ST4 Guider Port: Yes
• Focus Distance to Sensor:  12.5mm
• Protective Window:  IR-CUT
• Operating System Compatibility:  Mac, Windows, Linux
• Bit Rate:  12Bit ADC
• Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
• Dimension: φ62mm X 36mm
• Weight: 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens)
• Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
• Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
• Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
• Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%

What's in the Box?

When you purchase the ZWO ASI715 Color Planetary Camera you will receive the camera body, a 1.25" nosepiece, a USB3.0 cable, an ST4 cable,  a cover for the camera, and a Quick Guide. This camera also comes with a 2.5mm all-sky lens to provide a 170-degree view of the sky. Before you start imaging, make sure you have the newest camera driver and imaging software installed on your computer. You can get it on the ZWO website in the "software" section.