Full frame product comparison
The ASI4400MC Pro is the latest addition to the ASI line of full-frame deep sky cameras ZWO.
Positioned between the ASI6200MC Pro and the ASI2400MC Pro, the ASI4400MC Pro strikes the perfect balance between image quality and efficiency, offering users a versatile option in the full-frame camera range.
Comparative table:
Full frame for a wider field of view
The ASI4400MC Pro uses a 36 × 24 mm, 43.3 mm diagonal, full-frame back-illuminated sensor. With 44 megapixels and 4.4 μm pixels, it delivers incredible resolution and light sensitivity in every shot. The full-frame format allows you to capture the full optical field your optics can offer, with no clipping or stray edges, ideal for wide-field lenses and large deep-sky objects. Each pixel supports a full-well capacity of 74 600 electrons, providing exceptional dynamic range. Bright stars retain their natural color and detail, while faint nebular structures and galactic arms remain perfectly visible. The result is sharper, more balanced images with exceptional tonal depth throughout the frame.
High dynamic range, capturing both the faintest details and the brightest highlights
The ASI4400MC Pro features a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that offers a dynamic range of more than 13 steps. This wide range allows both highlights and faint shadow details to be captured with a single exposure without distortion. Whether capturing bright stars, nebula cores or the delicate wisps of distant galaxies, more tonal information is preserved for smoother gradients and greater color depth. The result is a natural, balanced image straight out of the camera, with great flexibility for post-processing and fine-tuning.
Efficient cooling
The ASI4400MC Pro uses a powerful two-stage TEC cooling system capable of reducing the CMOS sensor temperature to between 30°C and 35°C below ambient temperature. This deep cooling drastically reduces dark current and thermal noise, keeping images sharp and smooth, even during long exposures of several minutes. The result is a higher signal-to-noise ratio and improved image quality in every frame.
Note: Cooling performance varies with ambient temperature. The lower the ambient temperature, the lower the achievable differential. Results are based on tests at an ambient temperature of 30 °C. Operation below -20 °C is not recommended.
Brightness suppression function
The ASI4400MC Pro camera incorporates the patented glare suppression technology of the ASI4400MC Pro ZWO, which effectively controls sensor brightness and maximizes overall image performance. This technology is implemented directly in hardware and requires no software intervention.
*While Brightness Suppression significantly reduces CMOS sensor brightness, it does not eliminate it completely. Some glare may still remain; however, with dark frame calibration, it does not affect the final image quality.
USB 3.0 and 512 MB DDR3 memory
The ASI4400MC Pro includes a high-speed USB 3.0 interface with an integrated 512MB DDR3 memory buffer. This design ensures fast and stable data transfer, while reducing the risk of frame loss or transmission errors. The result is reliable image capture, even with long exposures or high-speed downloads.
Anti-dew
The ASI4400MC Pro has a built-in polyimide heater attached to the protective window to prevent dew and frost build-up, ensuring clear and reliable images all night long.
* The heater consumes approximately 5 watts of power and can be turned off via software when conditions permit, not only to save power but also to reduce the load on USB hubs and external power supplies.
Sensor tilt adjustment
The ASI4400MC Pro includes three sets of screws to adjust the sensor inclination. Each set features a push screw and a pull screw to fine-tune the alignment of the sensor to the optical axis of the telescope. This adjustment helps correct any slight tilt that may cause stars to appear elongated or out of focus towards the edges of the frame, ensuring sharp, even focus throughout the image.
Camera performance
The ASI4400MC Pro offers a dynamic range of up to 13 stops, allowing you to capture both bright highlights and soft shadows in a single exposure. This wide range is key to achieving high dynamic range (HDR), preserving fine tonal transitions and subtle color details in deep sky images. When the gain reaches 136, the camera automatically activates HCG (high conversion gain) mode, which greatly reduces read noise while maintaining full dynamic range. This means you can increase sensitivity for faint targets without adding unwanted gain noise, making it easier to capture sharp, detailed images in a variety of conditions.
Value of quantitative easing
The maximum QE value of the ASI4400MC Pro camera is 80%.
Ultra-low dark current
Thanks to the advanced cooling system of the ASI4400MC Pro, thermal noise is kept extremely low even during prolonged exposures of several minutes. Dark current is a small electrical signal generated by the heat inside the sensor, rather than by incoming light. By keeping the sensor temperature low, the camera minimizes this effect, producing sharper, higher quality images with softer backgrounds.
UV-IR cut-off filter
The ASI4400MC Pro is equipped with a UV-IR cut-off filter mounted in front of the sensor. This protective filter blocks unwanted ultraviolet and infrared light that can cause star saturation and color distortion, allowing only visible wavelengths to reach the sensor. By filtering out these non-visible wavelengths, the camera produces sharper stars, more accurate colors and better image quality in astrophotography.
Product details
Lightweight body: 700 g
Interface design: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, DC
Fan position and heat dissipation louvers
All-metal red body
Connection method
Mechanical diagram
What's in the box?
