This camera is equipped with a 1.1" sensor with 1608*1104 pixels. The modern Sony IMX432 sensor convinces especially by the large image field, the high frame rate and by the complete absence of the annoying amplifier glow. This makes this camera very interesting not only for sun and moon, but also for long exposures (deep sky photography). The sensor is large enough for many deep-sky objects, nevertheless one gets along mostly without corrector. The camera is very well suited for:
- photography of the complete lunar disk
- photography of the complete solar disk (with suitable filter)
- long time exposures of nebulae and galaxies without power consuming cooling
- infrared photography to reduce the influence of seeing, thus sharper luminance channel
- autoguiding camera (autoguiding port is available)
- EAA (electronically assisted astronomy) for moon and sun, but limited also for deep sky objects
This camera is an alternative to DSLR and mirrorless system cameras for deep sky photography
Even the raw images are high quality, as the sensor shows no more amplifier glow and the images are very smooth.
Moon and Sun Photography
The large field of view allows you to image the complete disk even with longer telescope focal lengths without having to use a strong focal reducer.
EAA (electronically assisted astronomy)
The high frame rate of 120 fps at full resolution (RAW8 format) allows real-time observation of the moon and sun, but also of brighter deep sky objects. Just observe together in a group - without long waiting for everyone´s turn!
Use as autoguider:
The ASI432MM is a lightweight with only 126 grams. It puts hardly any strain on the focuser. Of course, the camera offers the ST-4 autoguiding interface. A 2 metres long autoguiding cable is also included.
AR-coated clear glass filter protects the sensor from dust
The clear glass filter prevents dust from getting to the sensor. It also lets UV and infrared through, so you can also do infrared photography with the camera. You have full control over what light hits the sensor with the right choice of contrast filters, nebula filters, IR pass filters, or UV/IR blocking filters.
Air cooling - reduces sensor temperature
The sensor heats up during the exposures. The PCS dissipates heat from the sensor via a heat conducting pad. The sensor temperature is thus reduced by up to 15 degrees Celsius compared to cameras without PCS.
Very high sensitivity for short exposure times
One advantage of the back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the lower readout noise and improved sensitivity. In particular, Sony uses STARVIS? technology in the IMX432 sensor, which provides excellent low-light visibility. You can achieve a very high light output in astro imaging and realize 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 higher dynamic range.
Combined with the wide field of view offered by the large sensor format, the ASI432MM is not only ideal for solar and lunar imaging, but can also be used as a live streaming camera.
The low noise and anti-ampglow circuitry make this not! Peltier-cooled camera interesting for capturing 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 140, the HCG mode automatically turns on. This results in the readout noise being only 4.5 e- while the dynamic range can again reach more than 12 f-stops.
Downloads
Drivers and programs, for example FireCapture or SharpCap, can be downloaded from the web, a link overview is available here.
Frequently asked questions about ZWO cameras:
The FAQ section is constantly updated by ZWO, here you can find answers to many questions.
FAQ about ZWO cameras
ZWO users forum
Instructions for ZWO products:
The page is constantly updated by ZWO, here you can find instructions for ZWO products.
Link to the instruction manuals
Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin
Scope of Delivery:
- ASI camera
- 2" cover
- 1.25" nosepiece
- 1.25" cover
- USB 3.0 cable
- ST4 cable
- Quick Start Guide
