Incorporating the Sony IMX662 Sensor with 2.9mp and an output of 102.6 fps, it is no secret the ZWO ASI662MC USB 3.0 Color Astronomy Camera is the exact fit for the beginner astrophotographer who wants to do color planetary imaging. Incorporating the Sony IMX662 Sensor with 2.9mp and an output of 102.6 fps, it is no secret the ZWO ASI662MC USB 3.0 Color Camera is the exact fit for the beginner astrophotographer who wants to do color planetary imaging.

• The ZWO ASI662MC USB 3.0 Color Astronomy Camera has a large full well capacity, yet low readout noise, making overexposed images a thing of the past.
• The back Illuminated sensor design of the Sony IMX662 renders high-quality images, making the most out of the light that enters.
• The ZWO ASI662MC with the state-of-the-art Starvis 2 Technology effectively makes the camera a step up from the ASI462MC with higher red and near IR light sensitivity and zero amp glow.
• The USB 3.0 and 256M DDR3 memory ensure stable and well-equipped data transmission for seamless long exposures without the risk of frame dropping.

The Sony IMX662 sensor is a remarkable mid range CMOS sensor that has the right specifications for decent planetary observing. With the low readout noise of the sensor and a full well capacity that is triple the size of the IMX 462MC sensor. This significantly lowers the risk of overexposures because the pixels have more leeway to store a charge particle without becoming saturated. This also is an advantage for longer exposures as well that isn't possible with less quality sensors.

Sony Sensor IMX662 Specifications:

• Resolution of 1920 x 1080
• Camera sensor size of 1/2.8" (5.6x3.1mm)
• 12 bit ADC
• 2.9μm pixel size
• 0.8e read noise
• 38.2e Full Well Capacity
• 91% Quantum Efficiency
• USB 3.0 interface
• 102.6 frames per second

The ZWO ASI662MC USB 3.0 Color Astronomy Camera uses a back-illuminated CMOS sensor (often shortened to BSI). This brings several advantages over front-illuminated sensors including but not limited to a higher quantum efficiency (QE), higher sensitivity without reflection, less noise, and more.

A major factor in a steady and successfull imaging experience is stable memory to avoid any dropoffs of information transfer. This can result in frame dropping or worse loss of images without sufficient computer memory. This is particularly important when doing long exposures. The USB 3.0 inteface ensures thorough transmission and the 256 DDR3 provides more than sufficient memory for proper camera and frame execution.

A major benefit of the ZWO ASI662MC Camera is no amp glow notwithstanding exposure length and gain value. It doesn't require software control since it is already built into the hardware.

Readout noise is nothing but descructive to imaging. Keeping readout noise as low as possible is a necessity for successfull and high definition exposures. With the HCG Mode, the ZWO ASI662MC camera has very low readout noise compared to most other cameras regardless if it is at high or low gain. The HCG mode is activated when the gain is 252 raising the dynamic range back to 12 bit.

While little to low read noise is crucial, it is still only half the equation. The other has an excellent quantum efficiency curve. The two of these factors create signal-to-noise ratio which is an excellent parameter and factor to determine sensor quality and effectiveness.