Best Cameras for Deep-Sky Astrophotography (ZWO)

Hi folks! In this video I'll review all the Deep-Sky Astrophotography cameras from ZWO that are on the market in 2022. I'll review both color and mono cameras on their specifications such as resolution, image scale, read noise, amp glow, quantum efficiency and dynamic range. I hope this video helps you to make an informed decision about astrophotography cameras that are suited for deep-sky astrophotography from ZWO. Clear skies!

Wido - AstroForum

Link to T-shirt:

Link to the video where I explain camera specs:

Link to review video about cameras for planetary imaging (ZWO):

Link to ZWO cameras Comparison Table:

*Affiliate links to ZWO Color Cameras (USA and EU):
Color Cameras - USA (AGA):

EDIT: ZWO just announced an exciting new release of their ASI 2600MC DUO - including a guide camera sensor and the ASI2600MC Pro in one camera which should be available from July 2023!

Color Cameras - EU (Astroshop):

*Affiliate links to ZWO Mono Cameras (USA and EU):
Mono Cameras - USA (AGA):

Mono Cameras - EU (Astroshop):

Adventus - Dear Gravity
Futuristic Cliche - Curtis Cole
Luminescence - Michael FK
Odd numbers - Curtis Cole

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:22 Camera specs recap
2:42 ZWO Cameras intro
3:44 Color Cameras prices
4:43 Resolution and Image scale
8:09 Read noise and Amp Glow
9:23 Other specs (QE, FW e-, ADC)
10:49 Conclusion: Best Color Cameras
12:27 Mono Cameras prices
13:18 Resolution and Image scale
16:03 Read noise and Amp Glow
17:14 Other specs (QE, FW e-, ADC)
18:15 Conclusion: Best Mono Cameras

I'm producing FREE content about astrophotography and space. Any SUPPORT is greatly appreciated! You can support me as follows:

5) Use one of my *affiliate links below to buy your Astrogear at your preferred shop. I get a small percentage to keep my YT channel and website going, and you pay the same price.

Any support you can give is highly appreciated, thanks!

You can also find me here:

[snauzlover]

Thank you for all the hard work that you did putting this video together! It will help me a lot when I purchase a dedicated astro camera in the near future. I want to replace my Canon camera with a ZWO camera for my astrophotography work.😊

[baejiaoflying]

Fantastic video. Very helpful. Thanks for doing this.

[peterlaubscher]

Many thanks, Wido. I am glad that I am the first to comment on this report. Thank you so much. It is a superb overview. I hope to replace my elderly QSI 580 at some stage and I am looking at these cameras in the hope of buying one in 2023. This information is extremely helpful. I will show it to my bank manager when the time is right...

[bluemax]

Great video! Love all your videos, thanks for all the detailed information on these cameras. Already have both of the ASI533's both color and mono but I'm now concidering a ASI2600mc with the sale on right now, this video has been a great help

[actudoran]

Very comprehensive review Wido!
Thanks!

[Chorge]

Having already a ASI2600 MC Pro, I just added the small ASI183 MC Pro. Was a Bargain, and might be nice for Galaxies with my TS80SD APO

[HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Wido, these camera compare videos are EXCELLENT. You certainly did your homework in gathering the information and your editing in displaying the graphics and text data. Well done, Wido. So, love your wife as she lets you buy more astronomy equipment.
(Patrick)

[jesusalbertoponcedeleon]

This video is one year old, but just happened to see it for the first time. It is still valid and useful, thanks. It seems that there is not "best" pairing camera for very short telescopes in the 260-360 mm range. I use a zwo asi294 for a 61mm and F4.4, and it does a fairly good job. But technically speaking one gets 3+ image scale size. One thing that I have tried to do is to estimate the equivalence of a given camera to an eyepiece. For example, I have estimated that the 533mc is equivalent to a 12-13 mm eye piece, and the 294 is equivalent to a 16-17 mm eyepiece. The way I do this estimate is based on the field of view that each camera has, and then I compare with the visual FoV with a likely equivalent eye piece. Once they match, then I "conclude" that is the closest equivalent eye piece. I try to maintain a 66 degrees eyepiece as the "standard". Any thoughts on this matter? Thanks for your good work.

[damiengalanaud]

Nice video again Wido.
I happen to own 4 ZWO deep sky cameras, and my experience is totally in line with what you describe:
- I would avoid the 183MC pro at any cost: the amp glow is terrible, and the 12bit ADC shows its limits. The 183MM has probably the same limitations
- the 533 MC Pro is fantastic: it is very light and perfect for a travel rig
- the 2600 MC Prp delivers stunning performance but you have to be certain that your optical path is wide enough to fit its larger sensor; for instance on my Edge 800 I have some significant vignetting, difficult to calibrate with flat frames. It is also much heavier than the 533
- the 1600 MM Pro was once the king of the crowd but now shows its age (12 bit ADC, low full well capacity). I am looking forward to replace it either with the 533 MM or the 2600 MM

In addition, don’t forget that with the larger sensors, you will need larger, more expansive filters and filter wheel.

[cbaorion]

Hi Wido, great video, very helpful and instructive. Just wanted to point out you have a typo in the primero of the ASI2600MM Pro, at min 20:14. It says $3480 while I think the price is more around $2480.
Keep up the good work!
Cheers,
César

[desbarry]

Wido, you should be aware that ZWO prices are getting uncompetitive against Altair Astro Cameras. I have the excellent ZWO 533. However I am saving up for a larger sensor. The ZWO 2600 is almost £1949 whereas the Altair 26C which uses the same sensor is only £1450 UK as I write this. I know which one I will be getting. It would be interesting if someone would do a comparison between this Altair one made by Touptek and the ZWO 2600 as both use the same sensor but there is a massive £500 difference in price between them. Greta video.Best wishes from Scotland.

[saulontheroad]

Great video ! Jsut curious, why 1 arc sec per pixel ??

[Robert-zmrk]

Great video Wido! Which camera do you advise for shooting dso's in the city (class 6 bortle) with the 8" Celestron edge HD, .7 focal reducer and AVX mount?

[richpr]

What is the best one for a refractor with a 660mm focal length?

[patrickshea]

Hey Wido, great video as usual. I have a suggestion or perhaps just a question. In one of your videos I recall you saying you use a mini-pc to control your gear and that you connect to the mini-pc via your wireless. My question is this, why did you choose to go with a mini-pc over the ASIAIR?

[liveinthesunshine]

Really helpful, Wido. I am thinking of changing my current 1600mm Pro to the 2600mm pro. Do you think the additional cost is worth the quality gain? I am pairing it with a 714mm refractor (Explore Scientific ED APO 102) so the FL is maybe a little short?

[alanprice]

Hey Wido, been a while since I engaged, but my wife is now looking for an Astro camera to put on the back of her C8 edge HD. After watching your camera discussions she seems to be settling on the zwo533, for deep sky.
She’s a beginner, so planning to go colour. We’ll continue to scan what’s available, but does that sound right for a first choice?
But my other question, is whether it means a different T shirt is appropriate 😃

[anthonygraham]

Omg. Can you say that again. Lol. Thanks for putting so much work into that. Next time wear a heart monitor!!!