ASI294MM

ASI294MM monochrome astronomy camera

By popular demand, we now introduce the ASI294MM, the monochrome version of the ASI294MC. Some of the highlights include:

  • Back-illuminated sensor – improving sensitivity and reducing noise
  • 4/3" format with 4.64μm pixel size – ideal for many telescope types
  • 14-bit ADC – delivering high dynamic range
  • Impressive 66ke- full well capacity
  • 4144×2822 resolution – with Bin1 mode offering 8288×5644 resolution at 2.3μm pixel size

With peak QE of ~90% and ultra-low readout noise of 1.2e, the ASI294MM is an excellent small-format monochrome camera for planetary imaging.

Sensor dimensions: 19.1×13.0mm (23mm diagonal)

ASI294MC

ASI294MC color astronomy camera

The ASI294 is the first camera worldwide equipped with Sony's latest IMX294CJK sensor.

IMX294CJK Sensor Technology

IMX294CJK sensor specifications

Key Features:

  • Type 4/3 format (23.2mm diagonal)
  • 11.71M effective pixels (modified from original 10.71M)
  • 4K resolution at 120fps (10-bit mode)
  • Exceptional low-light performance (SNR1s: 0.14 lx)
  • Large 4.63μm pixels for improved sensitivity

Performance Specifications

14-bit ADC & 13 Stops Dynamic Range

Superior to ASI1600, with 14-bit ADC achieving 13 stops dynamic range.

HCG Mode

Activates at gain >120 (12db), reducing read noise below 2e while maintaining 13-stop dynamic range.

ASI294 HCG mode performance chart

ASI294MM Unlocked Bin1 Mode

Switchable between:

  • Bin1: 2.3μm pixels, 8288×5644 resolution (47MP), 14k full well
  • Bin2: 4.6μm pixels, 4144×2822 resolution (11.7MP), 66k full well
Bin1 vs Bin2 mode comparison

Quantum Efficiency

ASI294MM

Peak QE ~90%, outperforming both color version and ASI1600MM.

ASI294MM QE chart

ASI294MC

Estimated peak QE >75% with back-illuminated sensor technology.

Connectivity

  • USB 3.0: 5Gbps bandwidth (19fps @12bit or 16.3fps @14bit)
  • ST4 Port: For mount autoguiding

Mechanical Diagram

ASI294 mechanical dimensions diagram

What's in the box?

ASI camera package contents showing included accessories

* The USB 3.0 cable in ASI planetary camera boxes was changed from black to red starting June 2023.

ASI294MM

ASI294MM monochrome astronomy camera

ASI294MC

ASI294MC color astronomy camera