ZWO ASI 174 MM Mono Astro Camera – uncooled astrophotography
The ZWO ASI 174 MM Mono Astro Camera is a fast monochrome camera with high sensitivity for demanding planetary imaging. It is a good choice whenever high frame rates, a steady image and straightforward operation are more important than active cooling.
What is this camera suited for?
With its Sony IMX174 / ASI 174 MM, it is designed for Moon, planets, solar imaging with a filter, deep-sky imaging and guiding. The uncooled design keeps the camera compact and quick to set up. For long deep-sky exposures, a cooled camera is usually preferable; for the Moon, planets, guiding and many EAA applications, this model is especially practical.
Key features
| Series / sensor | Sony IMX174 / ASI 174 MM |
|---|---|
| Camera type | Mono |
| Cooling | uncooled, passive heat dissipation |
| Typical applications | Moon, planets, solar imaging with a filter, deep-sky imaging and guiding |
| Connection | USB camera with autoguider/ST4 support depending on model |
The camera works with the relevant ZWO software and common capture applications. For solar imaging, use it only with a suitable solar filter mounted in front of the telescope.
CMOS sensor in detail
The ASI 174 MM is a fast monochrome camera with a large sensor and global shutter. It is particularly suited to high-resolution lunar, solar and planetary imaging, but also works as a sensitive guiding camera. The global shutter reads all pixels simultaneously and prevents typical distortion of moving details.
Sensor specifications
| Sensor | Sony IMX174 monochrome |
|---|---|
| Sensor format | 1/1.2 inch; 11.3 × 7.1 mm |
| Resolution | 1936 × 1216 pixels / 2.35 MP |
| Pixel size | 5.86 µm |
| ADC / read noise | 12 bit / approx. 3.5 e⁻ |
| Quantum efficiency | approx. 77 % |
| Frame rate | up to 164 fps in high-speed mode |
| Shutter | global shutter |
| Connection | USB 3.0; ST4 guiding |
These figures help when choosing the right focal length and imaging method. Especially with small pixels, the actual level of detail depends on the combination of telescope, seeing and image scale. For solar imaging, always use a suitable solar filter mounted in front of the telescope.
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