Best ZWO cameras for planetary imaging and deep-sky (color)!? | Astrophotography

In this video, I'll discuss the best ZWO color cameras for planetary imaging and deep-sky astrophotography in 2023. I'll also explain the main differences between planetary imaging and deep-sky astrophotography, and how this relates to what camera specifications are important when choosing a dedicated astrophotography camera.

Links to ZWO color Cameras*:

Agena Astro (USA/WW):

High Point Scientific (USA/ WW):

Astroshop (EU/WW):

Link to website blog about ZWO cameras:

Link to planetary imaging tutorials (videos and blogs) on my website:

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0:00 Intro
0:54 Planetary imaging
1:56 Deep-sky Astrophotography
2:55 Camera specifications
5:41 ZWO color cameras

[SCUUUUD]

Videos like this really help people like me who are avid telescope users who are getting their feet wet into AP outside of DSLRs. Thank you very much and please keep up the great content

[woody]

My head is spinning faster then Jupiter, thanks Wido

[lookspacethings]

I wish I saw this video when I started years ago. Very helpful for beginners. Thanks for sharing!

[astrotherapist]

Due to my current situation I am forced to use my planetary camera (ZWO ASI 120 MC-S) to shoot DSO's. I finally (after 3 years of doing this hobby) broke down last November and got a better telescope which is motorized and computerized so it can track objects in the night sky and go to objects with just a click of a button. In case you're wondering I bought a Celestron Nexstar 4SE. I decided to put my Celestron 400 mm telescope on the mount so I could get a larger FOV vs purchasing a focal length reducer. This is working pretty well, but I do have an issue. The mount can be used in Alt/AZ mode or it comes with an EQ Wedge to get that "necessary" EQ that you need to take longer exposures. Problem: I can't get the thing to work! I've read the manual repeatedly, watched videos on how to do a Polar alignment, etc.... But every time I attempt to do it, it's been a disaster! So....I've been forced to use the mount in Alt/AZ mode and since I can't afford a better camera and am stuck with my planetary camera, I'm struggling to get cool images of Nebulas and Galaxies. I have been able to get some cool pics of star clusters (M-4, M-24, and many others) but galaxies and nebulas have been quite the challenge. Your viewers could tune in to my youtube channel to see what I've done thus far. However; my question to you Wildo is this: Have you ever tried to use your planetary camera to do DSO's? If so, could you do a video which could demonstrate what one could achieve with that kind of camera, if their budget doesn't allow them the luxury of getting a cooled camera like the one you use? Love your videos and your pics by the way; they are amazing!

[djraffness]

can you tel me what is the different about asi 676 vs 678 what is best for a f30?

[Desertskyobservatoy]

Great video Wido! I have a question regarding planetary imaging. I've been imaging dsos for several years. I currently have a C-11, CGEM-DX mount, asi-294MC Pro, Hyperstar IV (since I image in a Bortle Class V area in Arizona) and guide with an asi-120mm. I have very little experience with planetary imaging and have been researching the asi-678MC since it's pixel size makes it optimum for use with the C-11 without an extensive imaging train (i.e. Barlow). I've also heard of imagers using an asi-294MC Pro with a 2X Barlow for planetary imaging. Any recommendations on whether to go with the asi-678MC or just purchase a Barlow and use my existing asi-294MC Pro? I also plan on purchasing a DayStar Combo Quark Chromosphere Filter for solar imaging as well. Many Thanks

[LeeeB]

Hi Wido, great video.
Can you help me decide what camera would you suggest for my specific equipment and goals..
1. Skywatcher 10" Flextube 250 Dobsonian GOTO
2. Want to do EAA with sharpcap, not long exposure
3. Want to do both planetary and deep sky

Given above criteria can you tell me which camera is..
1. Best for Planetary?
2. Best for Deep sky?
3. Best combination or compromise of both planetary and deep sky?

thank you sir!!

[rememberkani]

Just purchased my first camera, the 678. Do you have any videos about how set it up and basics? I have a lot of questions and was hoping a video would answer those questions.

[pppjourneyonabike]

Thank you from USA West Virginia.
Im new to using telescope for viewing the night sky. My goal is to get an Equatorial mount for my Celestron Nexstar 6SE since the AltAz mount I read is limited to maybe 15-20 seconds exposure.
I don't have any camera yet but will get a 6.3 or 7.0 focal reducer . Then get a planetary camera to start out .
Thank you for your video.

[perry]

Thanks so much Wido. I recently received the asi224mc for my 8se along with the asiair plus for capturing. Haven't used yet. If its not clouds, its smoke from the Canadian wild fires. I know im limited on exposure time with the alt/az mount. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks again. Clear skies!

[petervanderham]

What do you think about the 585MC for Deep Space? That sensor seems to do really well with Deep Space (also with planets). THanks!

[babs]

Received my ZWO 678MC last week. Waiting for ASI AIR which is on backorder. Can't wait to get started. Pairing to my Celestron 8 inch Edge HD. If you have any specific "words of wisdom" for this combination, please let me know.

[michaeledmonds]

Thanks for your excellent astro camera tutorial. A few years ago, I bought a ZWO 183MC (Uncooled) camera for my Evolution 6" SCT due to its high pixel count, stubby form factor, and moderate price. Since then, I've heard that it's an OK camera, but not great at anything. My guess is that it would be good for solar, lunar, and maybe bright objects like M42 and M13. What are your thoughts, please? Michael

[rudi]

Hallo,
ein super tolles Video Gratulation.
eine Frage: ich habe ein Maksutov Teleskop 1400/100 und möchte mir gerne eine Planetenkamera für den Mond zulegen. Welche Kamera würdest du mir empfehlen?. Als Nachführung habe ich die Star Adventurer GTi.

Da ich noch ein Anfänger bin benötige ich deine Hilfe und bedanke mich jetzt schon.

der 2. Punkt wäre dann: welche Kamera würdest du für den Jupiter oder den Saturn empfehlen?
sollte ich dann mit dem 2-fach Barlow noch zusätzlich arbeiten oder bringt das nichts mehr?

in der Hoffnung auf eine positive Lösung verbleibe ich bis bald
Uri

[CAPHOTO]

I just picked up this ZWO new release planetary cam: ZWO ASI676MC 12.6 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera # ASI676MC its 349.
Specifications

Sensor: IMX676, 1 / 1.6″ 7.1*7.1mm
Resolution: 3552*3552
ADC: 12bit
QE: 83%
Read Noise: 0.56e
FPS: 31.2
Full Well: 10.55Ke
USB: 3.0
Pixel Size: 2µm

Ive been using a Nikon D800e, so this is my first dedicated astrocam. Im going to try it on DSO and see what happens, also cant wait to see what the moon looks like, via my sv503 80ed.

[vitalieBu]

Could you please recommend a camera for my 14" F/4.6 Dobsonian ( no tracking...the goto and tracking is no longer working)... I understand that Dobsonians are not really meant for astrophotography...but all I want is to take some nice shots of the moon, planets and maybe some DSO like Orion Nebula, Ring Nebula, Dumbbell and some galaxies! Thank you!

[finnmodderkolk]

I live in uyrecht aswell and i was wondering if you know some good spots for astrophotography?

[ayubirana]

I absolutely love your videos. I have questions but not sure where to send you those questions. I don't like to use comment platform for the questions, Thank you.

[jeromeThailande]

Can i somehow plug these camera to a Nikon or canon lens ? How do you focus with these cameras?

[AlexisSLO]

No one talks about how focal lenght afects the sensor size, pixel size and resolution. I am full of everyone telling the same specs of only one brand of cameras.