ZWO ASI174MM USB3.0 Monochrome Astronomy Imaging Camera

The ZWO ASI174MM is the ZWO camera you want for lunar and solar imaging.  Now you can do planetary and deep space imaging with it as well, so don't be fooled by the main objective when ZWO designed the camera.  The ASI174MM CMOS Monochrome Imaging Camera is based on the Sony Exmor IMX174 2.35MP sensor with Pregius global shutter technology.

The 20.48 megapixel CMOS sensor is capable of recording 19 frames per second in full resolution.  You can get all the way to 308.17 frames per second at 320x240 which is excellent for planetary imaging.

Sony IMX174 CMOS Sensor Features

• The Sony IMX174 monochrome CMOS sensor that separates the ASI174MM from previous ASI models. This type 1/1.2” Sony CMOS image sensor, with a 5.86µm unit pixel in a 1936 x 1216 array, has a lot of advantages when taking high quality solar, lunar, planetary, and deep sky object images.
• Pregius Global Shutter function with analog memory permits the scanning of all pixels simultaneously. The Sony IMX174’s global shutter function provides improved image quality by making sure images of moving objects avoid focal plane distortion. This is especially helpful when performing solar or lunar imaging. Bad seeing, wind, or movement can alter the image if the readout speed is not quick enough (< 30fps).
• Sony Exmor technology uses column-parallel A/D conversion for high speed processing, low noise, and low power dissipation.
• ROI, or Region of Interest Mode lets you capture up to 16 areas inside the effective pixels. This ability allows for even higher frame rates.
• High speed imaging with a max of 164.5 fps at 10 bit ADC, and max of 128.2 fps at 12 bit ADC

The ZWO ASI74MM conectivity.

ZWO has all their information available for download on their website in a perfectly laid out section. Check it out here for software and drivers and here for manuals and guides.

One of the coolest gadgets, and a neccessity according to a majority of ZWO users, is the ASIair Plus.  It is an all-in-one wireless camera solution.  The ASIair Plus gives you control of focus, image taking, plate solving, and computerized mount control with the included SkySafari bridge all controlled by your smartdevice or tablet.  It really is pretty awesome.

Camera technical details