ZWO Color Astro Camera ASI 6200MC Pro cooled, Chip D= 43.3 mm

ZWO ASI6200MC Pro - Professional Full Frame Size Color CMOS Camera

The ZWO ASI6200MC Pro is a full-frame size camera for astrophotographers who expect top-class results. The sensor has a dynamic range similar to that of a CCD sensor, but with a much higher sensitivity. The camera can be used on all well corrected telescopes and with only 700 grams it is a real lightweight.

Full frame format and high resolution

The Sony IMX455 sensor offers true full frame format with 24x36 mm dimensions and a diagonal of 43.3 mm. With 3.76 µm pixels, even fine details, for example in galaxy arms, can be resolved. A gigantic field and high resolution - that´s what this camera with its 62-MP sensor offers.

Back illumination technology

Sony´s back-illuminated CMOS image sensor improves sensitivity and noise reduction - the key factors to enhancing image quality, while radically realigning their fundamental pixel structure from front-illumination to back-illumination. It has retained the advantages of CMOS image sensors such as low power consumption and high-speed operation.

The backside exposure improves the light absorption and increases the amount of light at the same time. This allows significantly shorter exposure times and leads to an improved quantum efficiency of up to 91%.

Sony has newly developed a unique photo-diode structure and on-chip lens optimized for back-illuminated structures, that achieves a higher sensitivity and a lower random noise without light by reducing noise, dark current and defect pixels compared to the conventional front-illuminated structure.

Zero amp glow

Traditional CMOS sensors produce a weak infrared light source during operation quite often seen in the corner of uncalibrated images as the tell tale signs of "amp glow". As the ASI6200MC Pro uses zero amp glow circuitry, you won´t have to worry about amp glow even when using high gain, long exposure imaging.

Anti-dew heater integrated

The ASI6200 Pro comes with the polyimide heater that can avoid any dew problems.
The anti-dew heater, which fits completely onto the protective window, heats it up slightly to prevent condensation problems.
The power of the anti-dew heater is approx. 5 W. It can be turned off in the software to save power.

Important: external power supply required!

This camera requires 1 amp even in uncooled operation, which is a problem for USB sockets on computers, because they are only rated for 900 mA (0.9 A).
Stable operation of the camera is therefore only possible with an external 12 V power supply.

Working distance information with different off-axis guider/filter wheel/filter drawer combinations

There are several possibilities to combine the ASI6200 with a filter changing system and/or off-axis guider. A detailed description of the different variants can be found in this PDF file: ASI6200 Configurations

Optimal support by Teleskop-Service before and after purchase:

We work with the cameras ourselves and can offer you optimal advice. Which camera matches your telescope, how do you achieve optimal adaptation? Teleskop-Service is one of the biggest ZWO dealers. Due to our contacts, we offer best possible service also after purchase.

Practical tip 1 from TS: Integration of 2" filters, 360° rotation and quick coupling

The camera is often used on correctors that do not have a filter thread. In addition, the filters should always be used as close as possible to the camera. Here we offer you a solution that can do much more.

2" filter holder directly in front of the camera

360° rotation for the right choice of the image section

Quick release - you can remove the camera from the telescope at any time, without screws and thus entangling the cables

The adaptation is very simple, the 21 mm adaptation from M54 to M48 is replaced by:

TSM54a-m48i, TSROTM48-M48 and M48AbstimmA05

The adapter TSM54a-M48i is screwed into the camera. Then the rotator TSRot... Between the M48-M48 adapter with 16.5 mm length, which is included in the delivery, comes the 0.5 mm tuning ring and you are already in the right distance with the camera.

Practical tip 2 from TS: Storage of cameras and accessories

Especially in our latitudes, the nights are often very humid. This humidity condenses on your camera, eyepiece or filter when they come into the warm interior of the apartment. Especially cooled cameras are affected by this. Quickly a photo session is over because the sensor ices up.

Good storage is an important prevention against dew and also extends the life span.

After use, put the camera immediately into the TS Protect Case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel will suck the moisture out of the camera. At the same time, the penetration of humid room air is prevented. Dry storage even allows the small dry tablets in cooled cameras to partially regenerate. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimal condition. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.

The cameras are not airtight, so if the camera remains on the telescope, it is exposed to moisture. The small amount of desiccant in the camera can protect the sensor and the inside of the protective glass from moisture for the duration of the exposure, but not for days on end. Moisture problems can be the result. A simple trick is to stretch a plastic bag around the focuser to which the camera is attached so that no air can get in. Silica gel is placed in a small cloth bag inside the plastic bag. This will also create a "dry climate zone" for the camera on the telescope. This allows you to leave the camera on the telescope for a few days for an imaging session lasting several days.

In the medium and long term, however, this is no substitute for proper storage in an airtight case with silica gel.

Downloads, drivers:

ZWO provides software and drivers online for free download.

Software and drivers for all ZWO cameras

Frequently asked questions about ZWO cameras:

The FAQ area is constantly updated by ZWO, here you will find answers to many questions.

FAQ about ZWO cameras

ZWO Users Forum

Manuals for ZWO products:

The manuals page is constantly updated by ZWO, here you can find user guides for ZWO products.

Link to the manuals

How to clean my ZWO camera:

The manufacturer provides a manual that covers how to clean an ASI camera and regenerate the desiccant tablets: Please click here.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin

Industrial sensor versus Customer sensor - an important info from ZWO:

The biggest difference between the industrial and consumer sensor is the operating temperature range, which is specified in the 455 datasheet. The guaranteed operating temperature of the consumer 455 is -10 °C to 75 °C, while the industrial grade is -30 °C to 85 °C.

The image quality is absolutely the same whether you use the consumer or the industrial sensor. There is no noticeable difference between the consumer and industrial sensor for astrophotography. Consumer sensors are ideal for astrophotography. Everything else is a pure advertising argument.

All ZWO cameras use consumer sensors. The sensors meet the requirements of upscale astrophotography without any problems.

Photography by Marc Khatchadourian

Our customer Marc Khatchadourian (http://www.astrosurf.com/heidemann) has photographed the Andromeda galaxy M31 and got a great result. The image can be enlarged by clicking on it:

Object: Andromeda Galaxy M31
Photographer: Marc Khatchadourian
Exposure Time: 30 images of 300 s, 10 images with Ha 7 nm (300 s)
Size reduction for web presentation: approx. 1/5.25
Telescope: TS-Optics 121 mm f/5.6 Quintuplet Flatfield Apo
Motor Focus: ZWO EAF
Filter Drawer: ZWO Filter Drawer M54
Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI6200MCPro
Off Axis Guider: Celestron OAG
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI 290MM
Controller: ZWO Asiair Pro
WiFi Extender: Wifi Extender with custom 3D part
Remote Control: Samsung Tablet S6 lite
Data Storage: SSD

We congratulate our customer on this great result!

Question:
Will my Pro camera work without extra power supply if I don´t turn on the cooling?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
No, the current Pro cameras always require extra power supply, even without cooling.

Safety informations: PDF Download