The ZWO ASI1600MM Pro Cooled Monochrome CMOS Camera is a high-performing astrophotography camera for deep space astrophotography or lunar/planetary/solar imaging,
Deep Space Imaging with the ZWO ASI1600MM Pro
As a deep space camera, the ZWO ASI1600MM cooled version can reach temperatures 45 degrees centigrade below the ambient temperature which brings the thermal noise buildup down to a minimum. You can take pictures of up to 33 minutes with this camera, but with a read noise of 1.2 to 3.8 electrons (depending on gain settings), exposures that long is rarely necessary.
When shooting deep space images at full resolution this camera pairs very well with telescopes with focal lengths between 300 mm to 1,000 mm, and when it's binned to 2 x 2, it pairs well with telescopes 1,000 mm to 2,000 mm in focal length.
Planetary Imaging with the ZWO ASI1600MM Pro
As a planetary camera, the ASI1600MM Pro is versatile. For solar imaging, this camera can record full 16 mp videos at 23 frames per second and capture the entire sun with a 1350 mm focal length! If you are looking to speed shoot planets like Jupiter and Saturn, the ASI1600MM shoots at 192.4 frames per second at 320 x 240 resolution!
Explore the Universe with Features of the ZWO ASI1600MM
Camera Sensor
The Panasonic MN34230
At the heart of the ZWO ASI1600MM Pro is the Panasonic MN34230 CMOS Sensor which is known for its exceptional light-gathering efficiency, low read noise, and high resolution. The sensor will record up to 16-megapixel images on a Micro Four Thirds format. The peak quantum efficiently of this CMOS detector is approximately at 60% and it has a dynamic range between 9 to 12 stops (depending on gain settings). In other words, this sensor is the same size as an 8300 sensor, has twice the megapixels and is 30& more efficient in light gathering!
- Diagonal 22.2 mm.
- 16 Megapixel (4656 x 3520).
- Very low read noise: 1.8 electrons at 150 DB gain & 3.8 electrons the lowest gain setting.
- Electronic shutter: No vibration caused by a mechanical shutter.
DDR Memory Buffer
The ASI1600MM Pro camera includes a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer to help improve data transfer reliability. The use of this memory buffer minimizes amp-glow, which is caused by the slow USB 2.0 transfer speeds.
DDR memory buffer is the main difference between ASI “Cool” and “Pro” cameras.
Astrophotography Performance
ASI1600MM Pro offers low read noise, low dark current, high dynamic range. Its built-in 12-bit ADC provides 12 stops of dynamic range, which is better than KAF8300!
Read Noise, Gain, & Dynamic Range
Quantum Efficiency
The peak QE value is over 60%.
Dark current
Here is a sample 300S dark frame tested with the cooler running at minus 25 degrees Celsius.
USB Port &Hub
USB 3.0 Port: Provides 5 GB bandwidth to make it possible for ASI1600MM Pro to run at 14.7 fps (12-bit, normal mode) or 23 fps (10-bit, high-speed mode) at full resolution (16-megapixels).
USB 2.0 HUB: Can connect with various accessories, including a filter wheel, guide camera or electronic focuser, allowing you to manage your cables better. There are two short 0.5 m USB 2.0 cables included with the ASI1600MM Pro. The hub is powered by the external power supply if you connect one.
Diagrams
Monochrome System Chart
1600MM Pro Mechanical Drawing
