ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Product Overview

The ZWO ASI2600MC Pro is a cooled APS-C colour astronomy camera built around Sony’s IMX571 back-illuminated CMOS sensor. It uses a 23.5 mm × 15.7 mm sensor with a 28.3 mm diagonal, 6248 × 4176 resolution, 3.76 µm pixels, native 16-bit ADC, and up to 14 stops of dynamic range.

This P25 generation keeps the ASI2600 Pro deep-sky imaging platform compact while adding the updated body design, 512 MB DDR3 buffer, zero amp-glow circuitry, two-stage TEC cooling, anti-dew heater, and sensor tilt adjustment.

Who It’s For

This is a good match if you want a one-shot-colour cooled camera for APS-C deep-sky imaging without the complexity of a monochrome camera, filter wheel, and LRGB or narrowband filter set.

Key Features & Design

• Sony IMX571 APS-C sensor: 23.5 mm × 15.7 mm format with a 28.3 mm diagonal.
• 26 MP resolution: 6248 × 4176 pixels for detailed deep-sky images.
• 3.76 µm pixels: A practical match for many refractors and astrographs.
• Native 16-bit ADC: Supports smooth tonal transitions and high dynamic range capture.
• Zero amp glow: Cleaner long exposures and easier calibration.
• Two-stage TEC cooling: Lowers sensor temperature by about 30°C–35°C below ambient under ZWO test conditions.

Optical / Mechanical Design

The ASI2600MC Pro uses the APS-C IMX571 sensor with 3.76 µm pixels and a 28.3 mm diagonal. It is well matched to telescopes and flatteners that support APS-C coverage. The camera includes a built-in anti-dew heater and sensor tilt adjustment for cleaner long-exposure imaging and better corner performance.

Camera Performance

The ASI2600MM/MC Pro sensor platform delivers up to 14 stops of dynamic range. At gain 100, HCG mode is automatically enabled, reducing read noise while preserving useful dynamic range for deep-sky imaging.

QE / Relative Response

ZWO lists the ASI2600MC Pro colour sensor with an 80% peak QE value. The relative-response graph below shows the colour-channel response across wavelength.

Recommended Uses

• APS-C deep-sky imaging: Nebulae, galaxies, clusters, and wide corrected fields.
• One-shot-colour capture: A simpler colour workflow than monochrome LRGB imaging.
• Portable imaging rigs: Good fit for cooled-camera setups where size and cable management matter.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

External 12 V power is required for cooled-camera operation. Use optics corrected for an APS-C image circle and follow the required back-focus spacing for your telescope, reducer, or flattener.

Important Limitations

• Requires external power: USB alone does not power the cooled camera.
• APS-C sensor: Full-frame optics are not required, but small corrected fields may not cover the sensor.
• Colour sensor: Choose the ASI2600MM Pro if you need filter-based monochrome imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASI2600MC Pro a colour camera?

Yes. It is the one-shot-colour version of the ASI2600 Pro camera family.

Does it need a filter wheel?

No. It is a colour camera, although optional filters can still be used depending on the imaging setup.

Is it suitable for beginners?

It is a strong choice once the mount, spacing, power, and software workflow are understood. For a first cooled camera, it is simpler than a monochrome system.

Bottom Line

In short: the ASI2600MC Pro is a 26 MP APS-C cooled colour camera for deep-sky imaging, best used with APS-C-corrected optics, proper backfocus, and stable 12 V power.