Hello,
I've wrongly opened a topic on "Getting started with imaging" where I as was asking for a suggestion on choosing a planetary camera for EAA/EEVA. I decided to open a new topic here despite being a matter frequently discussed because I'm still struggling to make a decision about choosing and buying a dedicated camera. I've been gathering elements about 4 color cameras which I consider viable for my low budget. I'm not considering mono cameras unless the outcome is really outstanding compared to color. Also I'm avoiding cameras as ASI294MC/ASI294MC PRO/ASI533MC PRO/ASI183MC PRO or others because they largely exceed my budget.
Can anyone help me taking a decision? I will use in a Orion Optics VX6 Advanced in a HEQ5 GoTo mount. I hope this topic helps other people with the same doubts.
The ZWO ASI482C in my setup although it may seems to have good features for EAA/EEVA it should require a barlow (astronomy.tools / CCD suitability) when the seeing is Good or Exceptional. Does it matter very much in DSO under such conditions? My main observation preferences are globular clusters, medium sized galaxies/nebulae. Planetary AP (already happy using a DSLR in a manual GSO 254/1250 dob) and autoguiding come as add values, so I'm not really focusing on these.
Thank you so much in advance,
Clear skies
In 150/750 Reflector
ZWO ASI385C
ZWO ASI482C
ZWO ASI485C
QHY 5III 485C
Color/Mono
Color
Color
Color
Color
Cooled
No
No
No
No
Sensor
IMX385
IMX482
IMX485
IMX485
Pixel Size (microns)
3,75
5,8
2,9
2,9
Resolution (not so relevant)
1936 x 1096
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
3864 x 2180
Resolution per pixel (ideal between 1 and 2)
1,03
1,6
0,8
0,8
Megapixels
2.12
2.07
8.29
8.4
TFOV (in my telescope)
0.55° x 0.31°
0.85° x 0.48°
0.85° x 0.48°
0.85° x 0.48°
QE (higher = better)
80%
85%@530nm
85%@530nm
High (?)
Read Noise (lower = better)
0,7e-2,7e
1,5e-12,9e
0.7e-6,4e
1.0e- to 2.4e- Standard Mode, 0.6e- to 1.09e- sHGC Mode
SNR1 (lower = better)
0,13lx
0,07lx
0,18lx
0,18lx
FPS (in full resolution) | not so relevant for EAA
67 (12 bit)
57,50 (12 bit)
27,5 (12 bit)
18,5 (16 bit)
Internal Memory
none ?
none ?
none ?
128DDR
Exposure Range
32 μs ~ 2000s
32 μs ~ 2000s
32μs~2000s
10μ-300s
Full Well Depth (higher = better)
18700e
51000e
13000e
12236e
Bit Depth (higher = better)
12bit
12bit
12bit
12bit
Optical Window
AR
AR
AR
UV/IR cut and AR coated
Back-focus (mm)
12,5
17,5
17,5
11
Extra Info
Full compatibility with
ZWO software + All Sky Lens
Full compatibility with ZWO software
Full compatibility with ZWO software
2.5mm All Sky Lens