Astronomical camera ZWO ASI482MC color
The ASI482MC is one of the latest USB 3.0 OSC planetary cameras released by ZWO in 2021. Equipped with Sony IMX482 sensor, this camera has some highlights, including large pixel size of 5.8um, compatible with USB 2.0 interface, large size 51.5ke-well depth, extremely high sensitivity and super low read noise, etc. It is regarded as a powerful iteration of ZWO after years of development process in the field of planetary cameras.
2 megapixel sensor of 1/1.2" format
The IMX482 sensor adopts a back-illuminated CMOS structure. In resolution it is approximately the same as IMX462, but with 4 times the sensor size, thus it has a larger pixel size of 5.8 * 5.8um.
The length and width of the sensor are 11.13mm * 6.26mm. The diagonal is 12.86 mm.
SNR1s = 0.08lx
Sony is introducing SNR1s [lx] as an index used to quantitatively evaluate image quality in low light. SNR1s [lx] is an acronym consisting of "SNR" (signal-to-noise ratio), "1" (representing that the signal level when noise = 1 is 1) and "s" (for safety). The lower this value, the higher the image quality in low light.
The large pixel size of 5.8um enables an unprecedented SNR1s value of 0.08lx for ASI482MC. While ASI385MC is 0.13lx, you can see that it is almost 2 times better, giving the camera a fantastic nickname: "The Night King".
51.5ke- full well capacity
With the full well capacity of 51.5ke-, ASI482MC shows rich star details when taking astrophotos. Together with the ultimately low SNR1s, the data acquisition efficiency can be really high. This is particularly useful for solar, lunar and planetary imaging, it also makes the camera perfect for lucky DSO imaging (taking several photos at short exposure times and stacking them to improve SNR).
In addition, thanks to the above features, ASI482MC can also be an ideal EAA or all-sky camera.
HCG mode
ASI482MC has a built-in HCG mode that can effectively reduce read noise at high gain and maintain the same wide dynamic range you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 80, the HCG mode will automatically activate. Read noise drops off a cliff while dynamic range can still reach about 12 stops. The minimum read noise is 1.5 e.
QE curve
We assume that the maximum QE value of ASI482MC is 85% at 530 nm.
USB 3.0 port and ST4 port
USB 3.0 port: Like other ASI cameras, the ASI482MC is powered and controlled via USB 3.0. It provides 5 Gb bandwidth for the camera to operate at 82.5 fps (10-bit, high-speed mode) or 57.5 fps (12-bit, normal mode) at full resolution (2 Meg).
ST4 port: can be used to connect to the auto guide port of the mount for guiding.
Technical Specifications
- Sensor: 1 / 1.2 ″ CMOS Sony-IMX482
- Bayer pattern: R Gr Gb B
- Peak QE: 85% at 530 nm
- Rear focus length: 17.5 mm
- Max. fps: 82.5 fps
- Full well: 51.5K e
- Shutter: Rolling shutter
- Resolution: 2.07 megapixels, 1920 * 1080
- Pixel size: 5.8 µm
- Data format: RAW8, RAW16, RGB24, Mono8
- Exposure range: 32 μs ~ 2000 s
- Interface: USB3.0
- Protect window: AR
- ADC: 12 bits
- Dimension: φ78mmX73.5mm
- Weight: 0.133KG
- Working temperature: -5 ℃ ~ 50 ℃
- Storage temperature: -10 ℃ ~ 60 ℃
- Working relative humidity: 0-80%
- Supported OS: WIN7 / 8/10 32 and 64 、 Linux 、 Mac
what is included in the box?
Astronomical camera ZWO ASI482MC color
