The ZWO ASI662MC is a color USB 3.0 Astro Camera with passive Air-Cooling.

This astro camera is equipped with a modern 1/2.8" sensor with 1920*1080 pixels and provides an extremely smooth image without amplifier glow thanks to the modern Starvis-2 technology (back-illumination), making it ideal for the following applications:

1. Detailed planetary and Lunar photography (as well as Solar photography with a suitable solar filter).
2. Photography of (small) brighter nebulae and star clusters with a max exposure time up to 2000 seconds.
3. Infrared photography to reduce the influence of seeing, thus sharper luminance channel
4. Autoguiding camera (autoguiding port is available)
5. EAA (electronically assisted astronomy) for planets, moon and sun

Lunar and planetary photography:
Due to the fine 2.9 μm pixels, you achieve a very high resolution already from f/10, which makes the use of Barlow lenses and converter systems less necessary.

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. This makes it possible to observe together in a group on a computer screen for example.

Use as autoguider:
The ASI662MC is a lightweight with only 126 grams and offers the ST-4 autoguiding interface. A 2 meter long autoguiding cable is also included.

AR-coated clear glass filter protects the sensor from dust:
The clear glass filter prevents dust from getting to the sensor. It also lets UV and infrared through, so you can also do infrared photography with the camera. You have full control over what light hits the sensor with the right choice of contrast filters, nebula filters, IR pass filters, or UV/IR blocking filters.

Air cooling - reduces sensor temperature:
The sensor heats up during the exposures. The PCS dissipates heat from the sensor via a heat conducting 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 lower readout noise and improved sensitivity. In particular, Sony uses STARVIS-2 technology in the IMX662 sensor, which provides excellent low-light visibility. You can achieve a very high light output in astro imaging 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 higher dynamic range.

The ASI662MC is not only ideal for Planetary and Lunar imaging, but can also be used as a live streaming camera or as an all-sky camera for observing or monitoring weather conditions.

The HCG mode:
The camera has a built-in HCG mode that can effectively reduce readout noise at high gain and maintain the same wide dynamic range that you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 150, the HCG mode will turn on automatically. This results in readout noise below 1.45 e- while the dynamic range can still reach almost 12.5 f-stops.

Camera Specification:

• Sensor: Sony 1/2.8" CMOS IMX662AAQR-C color sensor
• Resolution: 1920*1080 pixels, 2.07 megapixels
• Pixel size: 2.9 μm
• Sensor size: 5.568mm x 3.132mm
• Diagonal: 6.45mm (1/2.8")
• Capture speed: up to 107.6 FPS at 10 bit
• Exposure time: from 32 μs - 2000 s
• ROI: Supported
• ST4 autoguider port: Yes
• Distance from T2 thread to sensor: 12.5mm
• Shutter type: Rolling shutter
• Protective window: AR coated, full IR transmission
• Connection: USB3.0/USB2.0

Whats included:

1. ASI camera
2. Adapter T2 (M42x0.75) on 1.25" 1.25"
3. Adapter T2 to CS mount (mounted) Wide field lens (mounted)
4. USB 3.0 cable ST4 cable
5. Quick Start Guide

Software Download:
Drivers and programs for this camera can be downloaded from the following link - HERE