cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI2600MC Pro vs ZWO ASI178MC
ZWO
ASI2600MC Pro
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
ZWO
ASI178MC
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
218% larger sensor
Larger pixels (3.76µm vs 2.4µm)
308% more resolution
Cooled sensor
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI2600MC Pro | ZWO ASI178MC |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Dedicated Cooled | dedicated |
| Sensor | Sony IMX571 | Sony IMX178 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | APS-C | 1/1.8" |
| Sensor size | 23.5×15.7mm | 7.4×4.9mm |
| Diagonal | 28.3mm | 8.9mm |
| Pixel size | 3.76µm | 2.40µm |
| Resolution | 6248×4176 | 3096×2080 |
| Megapixels | 26.1MP | 6.4MP |
| Color | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | Yes | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 50000e⁻ | 15000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 80% | 81% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
- Larger sensor (28.3mm vs 8.9mm diagonal) — wider field
- Larger pixels — better low-light per-pixel sensitivity
- Higher resolution (26.1MP vs 6.4MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
Advantages of ZWO ASI178MC
- Finer sampling at 2.4µm pixels
Best for — ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
- Balanced field for most refractors
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- Long-exposure deep-sky under any sky
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
Best for — ZWO ASI178MC
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Planetary and lunar high-resolution imaging
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
ZWO ASI2600MC Pro — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 5.39° × 3.60°Scale: 3.10"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 1.68° × 1.12°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.67° × 0.45°Scale: 0.39"/px
ZWO ASI178MC — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 1.70° × 1.12°Scale: 1.98"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.53° × 0.35°Scale: 0.62"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.21° × 0.14°Scale: 0.25"/px
ZWO ASI2600MC Pro — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
ZWO ASI178MC — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.