ZWO ASI224MC 1.2 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera with USB 3.0 # ASI224MC;

The ZWO ASI224MC is an affordable and sensitive color astronomy camera for imaging the planets, Moon, Sun (with a safe solar filter), and brighter deep-sky objects through a telescope. The camera incorporates a 1.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with high quantum efficiency to keep exposure time and noise to a minimum. The pixels of the sensor are 3.75 microns in size, small enough for imaging solar-system objects but large enough to capture low-noise images of brighter nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The ASI224MC is a faster version of the ASI120MC-S camera from ZWO, and it has a more advanced CMOS sensor. At full resolution of 1304x976, the USB3.0 interface of this camera can transfer up to 150 frames per second. At reduced resolution, download rates up to 299 fps become possible. Such rates make it easier to produce high-quality images of solar system objects, especially quickly-rotating objects like Jupiter and Saturn. The ASI224MC has a robust and attractive CNC machined red-anodized aluminum body that stands up to heavy field use. All software and drivers for this camera are available from the manufacturer's website. This camera is compatible with Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) XP or later versions and with Mac OS X. NOTE: This camera is best used with a refractor or reflector telescope mounted on a solid equatorial mount that can accurately track the motion of the sky. It is not intended for taking images through the eyepiece of a telescope. This camera produces color images without the need for extra filters, but you may also require additional accessories and filters to get the best results. All software and drivers for this camera are available from the manufacturer's website.