Planetary camera ZWO ASI715MC (IMX715) color
1/2.8", 8.46 megapixel Sony IMX715 color CMOS sensor
Up to 45 fps at full resolution
12-bit analog-to-digital converter
For high-resolution planetary and solar imaging, high-speed deep sky or assisted visuals
The ASI715 camera is equipped with a 1/2.8" format sensor with 8.46 million pixels (3864 x 2192px). At full resolution, the maximum acquisition rate is 45 fps. The ASI715 is an excellent choice for high-resolution planetary imaging, thanks to its high sensitivity, very low read noise and wide dynamic range. Therefore, it will be especially suitable for imaging the Moon, planets and the Sun. The choice of the focal length of the telescope, and of the focal multipliers (Barlow lens) associated with it, will have to take into account the very small pixel size (1.45µm) of the camera to avoid excessive oversampling.
Sensor performance
The IMX715 sensor is based on Sony's STARVIS architecture, which uses back-illuminated photosite technology. This construction reduces the distance light has to travel through the sensor and reduces photon blocking by non-photosensitive electronics. Sensitivity is greatly increased, even in very low light conditions. Exmor R technology also offers a parallel noise reduction system, as close as possible to the photosites; an A/D converter is present in each sensor column and is associated upstream (on the analog side) and downstream (on the digital side) with noise filter circuitry. Thanks to these techniques, readout noise becomes negligible and the sensor readout speed is accelerated.
Electronics and power supply
The ZWO ASI715 camera has two connectors: a USB 3.0 port and an RJ12 autoguided port. The USB 3.0 connector offers a data transmission rate of 5 Gb/s. It is therefore possible to acquire full resolution images at 45 fps. The RJ connector enables autoguiding of all commercially available media that support the ST4 control protocol. The camera does not have a dedicated cooling module. As a result, the electronics of the ASI715 are powered by 5 V via the USB port. No external power supply is required.
Mounting mechanism
The ASI715 has an M42 female input thread. A mechanical M42 to 31.75 mm male converter is supplied, along with a 2 m USB cable and an ST4 autoguider cable. ZWO also offers a well-made 2.1 mm focal length lens. Thus equipped, the camera can also be used as an All-View camera for sky surveillance.
Software
As with all ZWO cameras, the main and most comprehensive control software is ASIStudio, which can be downloaded free of charge from the ZWO website. The brand also offers a free SDK (Software Development Kit) to make many free or paid software packages natively compatible with the cameras ZWO: Prism, NINA, FireCapture, MaximDL, SharpCap, PHD2, AllSkEye, etc. We invite you to consult the specific documentation of these softwares for their level of compatibility or visit the ZWO website for a comprehensive list.
ZWO also offers a unified ASCOM driver to control all your accessories through the ASCOM/Alpaca platform. This driver can be downloaded free of charge from the ZWO website.
For Linux and Mac users, the Indi or Indigo drivers are free and available on the websites of these platforms. Control is via KStars/Ekos (for Linux) and AstroImager/AstroTelescope software from CloudMakers (for Mac).
Finally, the cameras ZWO can be accessed through video drivers such as DirectShow or TWAIN. For more details, visit the ZWO website.
The ASI715MC color camera
The ASI715MC is equipped with a Sony IMX715 CMOS sensor with Bayer matrix (color) and a UV/IR filter that cuts wavelengths below 400 nm and above 750 nm. Color images can be captured directly, without the need for trichromatic filters. The result with a color camera is more than sufficient for most applications.
Quantum efficiency of the ASI715MC monochrome camera sensor as a function of wavelength
Camera features ZWO ASI715MC
Sensor: Sony IMX715 CMOS
Sensor type: Color
Sensor Format: 1/2.8
Matrix size: 3864 x 2192px
Number of pixels: 8.46 million
Pixel size: 1.45 x 1.45µm
Matrix dimensions: 5.6 x 3.2 mm (diagonal: 6.45 mm)
Pixel capacity: 6,000 e-
Converter: 12-bit A/D
Gain: 1.5 e-/ADU
Readout noise: 0.72e-
Exposure time range: 32µs to 1000s
Electronic shutter: Rolling shutter type
Cooling type: Passive
Cooling regulation: No
Water cooling: No
Computer interface: USB 3.0 SuperSpeed
Autoguide Interface: Yes. RJ12 compatible with ST4
Additional interfaces: None
Power supply: 5 V, via USB port
Rear focus: 12.5 mm
Mechanical input: M42x0.75 female thread
Filter: UV/IR
Dimensions: (Diam. x H.) 62mm x 28mm
Weight: 120 g
