The ZWO ASI 662 MC colour camera can be seen as a successor to the popular 462 model, as it has a similar sensor size and resolution, but the new 2022 model stands out in several ways. For example, longer shutter speeds (2000 seconds) can be recorded at low noise levels and the 'amp glow' or 'flare' effect when amplifying signals has been eliminated. Its 6.46mm sensor and 2.9 micron pixel size provide a wide field of view at high resolution.
The new Sony IMX662 sensor features higher sensitivity (91% QE) and lower readout noise compared to previous models. The FullHD (1920x1080) resolution sensor has been passively cooled by a "heat pad", allowing it to operate at temperatures up to 15°C lower for long shutter speed shooting. The camera is particularly good for use with APO refractors, even at short focal lengths. In contrast to monochrome cameras, colour, so-called "single shot" cameras simplify the work of those who do not want to shoot with L-RGB colour filtering. As the camera does not have a built-in UV/IR filter, it remains particularly sensitive to the infrared.
The cameras have a USB 3.0 connection, which allows for much higher image transfer speeds, meaning that more shots can be captured in a given amount of time with a larger image size. This is most relevant for shooting the Moon and Sun, but less so for capturing the planets. The ST4 port also allows it to be used as a guide camera. With a 107 fps refresh rate for planets, the Moon can be used for group observation when connected to a computer.
There is a range of free software available for image capture that can be downloaded from the internet, with SharpCap and FireCapture being particularly recommended for Windows. The cameras require Windows XP or later, but can also be used under Linux and even Macintosh support (we recommend USB 3 versions)
