47 MP new sensor in M4/3?

[OutsideTheMatrix]

Found this on Cloudy Nights.....why aren't sensors like this (the color version at least) put on regular M4/3 cameras? It's a 12 MP sensor in default mode but adjustable pixel size can make it a 47 MP camera! Great DR and read noise levels too and TEC active cooling!

The ASI294MM-Pro is the monochrome version of the ASI294MC-Pro, one of ZWO's most popular astronomy cameras. It has the same micro-4/3 sensor dimensions as the ASI294MC-Pro, with a 23.2mm diagonal. ZWO engineered the ASI294MM camera around Sony's IMX492, a 47 megapixel sensor with 2.3 micron pixels.

https://agenaastro.com/zwo-asi294mm...ASI294MM camera,sensor with 2.3 micron pixels.

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Quick Overview

• ZWO ASI294MM-Pro cooled monochrome astronomy camera uses micro-4/3 Sony IMX492 CMOS sensor
• High 4144x2822 resolution (11.7 megapixels) and 4.63-micron effective pixel size
• Switchable in software to a 47 megapixel mode with 2.3 micron effective pixel size
• Ideal for capturing high-resolution astronomical images of extended brighter deep-sky objects and lunar/solar/planetary images
• Integrated two-stage TEC cooling reduces sensor temperature to 35C below ambient to enable low-noise imaging of faint deep-sky objects
• Fast USB3.0 transfer at over 16fps
• 256MB DDR3 buffer for quick and stable data transfer and reduced amp glow
• Attractive red anodized CNC aluminum body stands up to heavy field use
• Ready to go out of the box with cables, adapters, and manual; Software and drivers available from manufacturer's website
• Compact body with 78mm diameter and weight of only X g (X oz)

Product Details

Compact Micro-4/3 Astronomy Camera for Deep-Sky and Solar-System Imaging

With a resolution of 11.7 megapixels and read noise of 1.2e, the ZWO ASI294MM-Pro monochrome camera delivers a high signal-to-noise ratio for imaging deep-sky objects. The ASI294MM-Pro is the monochrome version of the ASI294MC-Pro, one of ZWO’s most popular astronomy cameras. It has the same micro-4/3 sensor dimensions as the ASI294MC-Pro, with a 23.2mm diagonal.

State-of-the-Art Sony Micro-4/3 Sensor

ZWO engineered the ASI294MM camera around Sony’s IMX492, a 47 megapixel sensor with 2.3 micron pixels. It's configured to operate the sensor in a 'Bin2' mode that delivers an effective pixel size of 4.63 microns and a effective resolution of 11.7 megapixels (4144 x 2822). In Bin1 mode, pixels have a 66000e full well capacity, more than 3x the capacity of the ASI1600-series cameras to help you capture sharp images of bright stars without saturation. The sensor has a high estimated QE of 90%, higher than the color version of this same camera, and even higher than the ASI1600MM-Pro.

The ASI294MM-Pro has a unique feature that allows the user to switch the effective pixel size to an 'Unlocked Bin1' mode in software. This changes the effective pixel size to 2.3 microns and the resolution to 47 megapixels (8288*5644 resolution) with a 14k full well capacity and 12-bit operation.

The dimensions of the sensor matches well for many imaging applications with a wide range of telescopes. A small telescope with 400mm focal length, for example, gives a field of view of with this camera of 2.7 degrees x 1.9 degrees. A telescope with 1500mm focal length gives a field of 0.7 degrees x 0.5 degrees.

Backlit Sensor Technology

The back-illuminated IMX492 sensor improves sensitivity and reduces noise reduction while retaining the advantages of CMOS such as low power consumption and high-speed operation. With a conventional front-illumination structure, the metal wiring and transistors on the surface of the silicon substrate impede photon gathering by the photodiodes. The back-illuminated structure increases overall sensitivity of each pixel because the metal wiring and transistors are on the other side of the silicon substrate. The peak QE of the ASI294MM-Pro is estimated to be 90%.

DDR3 Memory Buffer and Fast Data Transfer

The ‘Pro’ designation of the camera comes from its internal 256MB DDR3 buffer for quick and stable data transfer and reduced amp glow. The USB3.0 port offers a fast 16 fps capture rate at full resolution with 14-bit ADC and 2.5e read noise.

TEC Sensor Cooling and Anti-Dew Heater

The two-stage TEC cooling system brings the sensor temperature down to 35oC below ambient to keep sensor noise as low as possible, even on warm nights. The heat generated by the TEC is used to counteract the formation of dew on the front window of the camera. The camera’s TEC cooler requires 12V@3A provided with an external power supply (not included). If the camera is powered with a USB2.0 host, the external 12V power supply is also required. When it’s cooled to -20℃, the current noise can be as low as 0.0022e/s/pix, almost negligible.

Please note that the camera needs to be connected to an external 12v power supply to implement the cooling function. We recommend you use 12V@3A DC adapter (5.5*2.1mm, center pole positive) or lithium battery with 11-15V to power the camera.

The camera’s sensor chamber is sealed by four screws in a design that’s extensively tested and very stable. Even when used in higher humidity environments, ASI294MM Pro still operates without dew problems. In addition, ASI294MM Pro has a polyimide anti-dew heater completely fitting the protective window that helps further avoid dew problems. The anti-dew heater power is around 5W and can be turn off in software to save power.

Superb Low-Noise Performance

The ASI294MM camera has a dynamic range of 9 to 13 stops depending on the camera gain settings. The read noise can be adjusted from 1.2e to 7.3e; at a gain of 120dB, you get 13 stops of dynamic range with a read noise of just 1.3e.

This TEC-cooled camera works well for capturing images of deep-sky objects. It also excels as a solar/lunar/planetary camera, especially with telescopes of focal length longer than about 1200mm. The USB3.0 interface and fast capture rate of the camera lets you grab 11MB video at 19fps (in 10-bit ADC high-speed mode) and 16fps (in 14-bit ADC normal mode).

USB3.0 Data Ports and USB2.0 Hub

The camera’s electronics, other than the cooler, are fully powered through the USB3.0 port. The TEC cooler requires 12V@3A provided with an external power supply (not included).

The ASI294MM-Pro also incorporates a USB2.0 hub for powering accessories such as a guide camera and electronic focuser.

The camera has a diameter of 78mm and weighs 410 grams (14.5 oz). It comes with a padded carrying bag, M42-M48 adapter, M54-M48 21mm extender and M48-M48 16.5mm extender, 2” cover, USB3.0 and USB2.0 cables, and a quick-start guide.

Specifications

• Sensor: SONY IMX492 CMOS Back-Illuminated Sensor
• Diagonal: 23.2mm
• Resolution: 11.3 Megapixels 4144X2822 in Bin2 mode (Switchable to 47 Megapixels in Bin1 mode)
• Pixel Size: 4.63µm in Bin2 mode, 2.3µm in Bin1 mode
• Shutter: Rolling shutter
• Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
• ROI: Supported
• Read Noise: 1.2e @39db gain
• QE peak: TBD
• Full well: 63.7ke in Bin2 mode, 14ke in Bin1 mode
• ADC: 14bit in Bin2 mode, 12bit in Bin1 mode
• DDRIII Buffer: 256MB
• Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
• Adaptor: M42X0.75
• Protect window: AR window
• Dimensions: 78mm Diameter
• Weight: TBA
• Back Focus Distance: 6.5mm
• Cooling: Regulated Two Stage TEC
• Delta T: 35°C below ambient
• Camera Power consumption: 650mA at 5V
• Cooler Power consumption: 12V at 3A Max
• Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
• Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
• Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
• Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%

What's in the Box:

• Camera bag
• Camera body
• 2m USB 3.0 Cable
• Quick Guide
• T2 21mm Extender
• T2-M48 16.5mm Extender
• 1.25" Nosepiece
• 1.25" Cover
• M42-M48 Adapter
• 2x 0.5m USB 2.0 Cable
• T2-1.25" Adapter
• 2x Spacer

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961

 

[OutsideTheMatrix]

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/...I294MC Pro camera sensor,25fps in 10-bit mode.

ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera sensor

The IMX294 is a 4/3-inch, back-illuminated sensor with a diagonal size of 23.2mm and a resolution of 4,144×2,822. In 14-bit mode the camera will run at around 16fps at full resolution and up to 25fps in 10-bit mode.

When the camera is used in ROI mode, the frame rate can run up to 120fps. HGC (high gain conversion) mode switches on when the gain goes over 120 and this helps to keep the dynamic range constant.

The 63700e full well capacity (the amount of charge an individual pixel can hold before saturating) is three times that of an ASI 1600 camera’s, making it very sensitive and ideal for electronically assisted astronomy (EAA), live stacking and live displays at outreach events.

What this really helps with is cutting down the saturation of stars even when capturing long exposures, which has been a problem with some CMOS sensors in the past.

ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera outstanding featuresOptical glass

The ASI294MC has a UV/IR cut-off filter as it has a colour sensor. The range for this is between 400-700nm and it helps protect images from stray signals when the camera is used in planetary mode. The sensor chamber is designed as a sealed unit, so it is not advisable to remove the optical window with this design of camera.

DDR memory buffer

Included with the camera is a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer, which helps with reliably transferring data. DDR3 has the added benefit of reducing amp glow caused by slow transfer speeds when the camera is used with a USB 2 port. It also helps with a stable connection when running the camera on extended USB leads.

Accessories

The ZWO ASI294MC comes with an extensive array of accessories making it easy for the user to connect to other equipment. This includes a 1.8m USB 3 cable, a CD-ROM with two software applications (FireCapture and SharpCap), as well as a 1.25-inch nose piece, cover and adaptor. There is also a padded bag for camera protection.

USB 3 port & USB 2 hub

The camera has a USB 3 port enabling it to support between 16-19fps (dependent on mode) at full resolutions. The ASI294MC also sports a USB 2 hub allowing the user to connect an array of accessories, such as filter wheels and guide cameras. The camera comes supplied with an additional two 0.5m USB 2 cables.

Two-stage cooling

The Pro version of the ZWO ASI294MC has a built-in two-stage TEC cooler which allows temperatures to be regulated within the capture software to –35° to –45°C below ambient. The cooler requires a 12V power supply, which is not currently supplied and is an extra add-on item.

 

[OutsideTheMatrix]

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/asi294mc-pro-color

The ASI294MC Pro is the first camera in the world equipped with the latest Sony sensor IMX294CJK. This is one of the top-selling cameras from ZWO. Looking at the specifications and comparing it to the relatively low price, it is easy to see why. Some of the highlights include:

• back-illuminated sensor – improving sensitivity and reducing noise
• 4/3” format with 4.63 um pixel size – ideal for many types of telescopes
• 14-bit ADC– giving high dynamic range of 13 stops
• An impressive 7ke- full well capacity- helping to reduce the issue of, for example, saturated stars
• 4144*2822 high resolution – with the Bin1-mode the camera can operate at a resolution of 8288*5644 and pixel size of 2.3 um.

On top of this, it also has a very high QE-value with a peak of over 75%. If you are looking for a small-format OSC camera for astrophotography, you can’t go wrong with the ASI294MC Pro.

 

[OutsideTheMatrix]

some graphs

ZWO ASI294MC Pro Color Cooled Astronomy Camera

The ZWO ASI294MC Pro Color Cooled Camera helps rediscover the purpose of astrophotography as it is designed to capture celestial wonders in stunning clarity and vibrant color. Equipped with advanced cooled sensor technology, the ASI294MC Pro significantly reduces noise, ensuring crisp, detailed...

www.highpointscientific.com

 

[Winmeister]

I don't buy it.. Nothing personal.

 

[OutsideTheMatrix]

I don't buy it.. Nothing personal.

it is a real camera lol, but it's an astronomical camera. It has a new 4/3 sensor made by Sony but I wonder why these kinds of sensors never make it into consumer cameras?

 

[bobn2]

I don't buy it.. Nothing personal.

it is a real camera lol, but it's an astronomical camera. It has a new 4/3 sensor made by Sony but I wonder why these kinds of sensors never make it into consumer cameras?

I think it probably will, likely not that exact sensor, but a close derivative. If Panasonic intends maintaining its mFT cameras as serious video tools it needs 8k on them, and that necessitates that kind of sensor. If OMDS are developing new cameras, they would want to be there too. I doubt that Sony would have developed the sensor if they didn't expect some volume buyers.

 

[OutsideTheMatrix]

I don't buy it.. Nothing personal.

it is a real camera lol, but it's an astronomical camera. It has a new 4/3 sensor made by Sony but I wonder why these kinds of sensors never make it into consumer cameras?

I think it probably will, likely not that exact sensor, but a close derivative. If Panasonic intends maintaining its mFT cameras as serious video tools it needs 8k on them, and that necessitates that kind of sensor. If OMDS are developing new cameras, they would want to be there too. I doubt that Sony would have developed the sensor if they didn't expect some volume buyers.

It's interesting that it's a native 47 MP sensor, the 12 MP is a binning mode. The full well capacity and dynamic range are really good, the read noise is very low. This sensor seems like it would be a big leap forward for mFT. It's also selling like hot cakes on astronomical sites, that should be a good foreshadowing for its future in the general consumer realm.

--
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961

 

[OutsideTheMatrix]

So this is a 47 MP native sensor, 12 MP is a binning mode used to reduce noise and increase sensitivity.

 

[bobn2]

I don't buy it.. Nothing personal.

it is a real camera lol, but it's an astronomical camera. It has a new 4/3 sensor made by Sony but I wonder why these kinds of sensors never make it into consumer cameras?

I think it probably will, likely not that exact sensor, but a close derivative. If Panasonic intends maintaining its mFT cameras as serious video tools it needs 8k on them, and that necessitates that kind of sensor. If OMDS are developing new cameras, they would want to be there too. I doubt that Sony would have developed the sensor if they didn't expect some volume buyers.

It's interesting that it's a native 47 MP sensor, the 12 MP is a binning mode. The full well capacity and dynamic range are really good, the read noise is very low. This sensor seems like it would be a big leap forward for mFT. It's also selling like hot cakes on astronomical sites, that should be a good foreshadowing for its future in the general consumer realm.

This is closely related to the sensor in the GH5S, which whilst advertised as 10.2MP is actually 41MP, in that each 'pixel' is made of four subpixels in what Sony SS calls a 'quad-Bayer' array.

 

[Interceptor121]

Imx299 in the GH5s the issue is readout. It can only read all pixels slowly. In fact the feature that is used is hdr mode where two pixels in the quadbayer cell are exposed differently to create the HDR shot

we don’t need more pixels we need better pixels

 

[OutsideTheMatrix]

Imx299 in the GH5s the issue is readout. It can only read all pixels slowly. In fact the feature that is used is hdr mode where two pixels in the quadbayer cell are exposed differently to create the HDR shot

we don’t need more pixels we need better pixels

Thanks, looks like it is an electronic shutter camera, does it have a slow read out speed? And where can read out speed for electronic shutters be found, I have been looking high and low for the readout speed on the electronic shutter of my EM10Mk2 but all I can find is that the original EM1 is the camera with the slowest electronic shutter, about 1/13 second.