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), but above all impresses with its extremely high resolution (1.4 µm pixels).

This makes the camera particularly suitable for high-resolution photography directly in the focus of telescopes without focal length extension.

Detailed planetary photography
Details of the lunar surface
Sun details (with suitable filter)
Photography of (small) brighter nebulae and star clusters without power-consuming cooling - exposure times of up to 2000 seconds are possible
Infrared images to reduce the influence of seeing, thus sharper luminance channel
Autoguiding camera (autoguiding connection is available)
EAA (electronically assisted astronomy) for 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), allows real-time observation of planets as well as details on the moon and sun. Simply observe together in a group - without having to wait until everyone has had a turn!

Use as autoguider:

At only 126 grams, the camera is a very lightweight. 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 in the scope of delivery. Due to the extreme resolution, even small guide scopes can be used, but care must be taken to use good optics so that the advantages of the high resolution can also be utilized.

Anti-reflective clear glass filter protects the sensor from dust

The clear glass filter prevents dust from penetrating the sensor. It also lets UV and infrared light through so that you can also use the camera for infrared photography. With the right choice of contrast filters, fog filters, IR pass filters or UV/IR blocking filters, you have full control over which light falls on the sensor.

Air cooling - reduces the sensor temperature

The sensor heats up during recording. The PCS dissipates the heat from the sensor via a heat conduction 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 reduced readout noise and improved sensitivity. In particular, Sony uses STARVIS?-2 technology with the IMX662 sensor, which ensures excellent visibility in low light. You can achieve a very high light yield in astrophotography 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 wider dynamic range.
The low noise and anti-ampglow circuit make this camera interesting for capturing small deep-sky objects.

The HCG mode:

The camera has a built-in HCG mode that can effectively reduce the readout noise at high gain while maintaining the same wide dynamic range you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 150, the 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 f-stops.

Downloads

Drivers and programs, e.g. 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 will find answers to many questions.

ZWO camera FAQ

ZWO Users Forum

Manuals for ZWO products:

The page is constantly updated by ZWO, here you can find instructions for ZWO products.

Link to the manuals

Scope of Delivery:

• ASI camera
• Adapter T2 (M42x0.75) on 1.25"
• 1.25" cover
• Adapter T2 to CS mount (mounted)
• Wide field lens (mounted)
• USB 3.0 cable
• ST4 cable
• Quick Start Guide