ZWO ASI071MC PRO Cooled Colour APS-C Deep Sky Imaging Camera

DDR Memory Buffer

ASI071MC Pro camera includes a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer to help improve data transfer reliability. Additionally, the use of a memory buffer minimizes amp-glow, which is caused by the slow transfer speeds when the camera is used with a USB 2.0 port.

One of the main differences between the old and new versions is the added DDR memory buffer, but there are other mechanical improvements also show ZWO's commitment to development.

It still features exactly the same APS-C sized 16MP imaging sensor. The same sensor you will find in a Nikon D7000 and D5100, but the big difference is that the electronics were designed specifically for deep sky imaging and it also comes with two-stage TEC-cooling. This camera is only available as a colour version, so you would be advised to use it in areas with good quality dark skies with limited light polution or alternatively use it with a CLS or UHC filter to reduce the effects of light pollution...

Single Shot Colour only refers to the fact that you don't need to use LRGB filter sets or narrowband filter sets to take images when you use this camera. You can achieve a colour image in just one step, although in practice you would probably still take several images and stack them together to reduce noise and get rid of other artefacts...  So if you have limited time and only want pretty pictures with comparatively small effort, this is the camera for you.

With the ZWO ASI071MC-PRO you won't have to spend lots of time to get beautiful images, however if you need to tackle light pollution, you would also need a light pollution filter like a UHC or CLS filter. Depending on the F-ratio of your telescope you would need either a 36mm filter (without cell) or maybe even a 2" filter (in cell). Contact us if you are not sure what filter you need and how to attach it to this camera.

Astrophotography Performance

Based on the features of this camera we would anticipate that it would be a very good choice for imaging deep sky object for those who don't want to bother with filters, (other than a light pollution filter if necessary), plus with 10 frames per second frame rate it will most likely provide stunning views of the moon when used as a live view visual observation tool. (of course, it will also depend on the used telescope and seeing conditions)

Features of the NEW ZWO ASI071MC-PRO COOLED camera

Most famous SONY sensor: Sony IMX071 APS-C (1.8″)
Regulated Two-stage Tec-Cooling: 35-40 degree below ambient temperature
Very low read noise: 2.3e @24db gain 3.3e @lowest gain
14Bit ADC: provide real 14bit Dynamic range
Electronic shutter: no vibration problem with machanical shutter
USB3.0 Port (back compatible with USB2.0): 10fps@4944X3284  134fps@320X240
AR coated protect window:all light can pass
Controllable Anti-Dew protect window heater: you can turn it off to save power
External desiccant tube design: no need to open camera forever
Compatiable with Windows / Mac OS / Linux