Planetary/guiding camera

[msacco]

Hi, I currently own an ASI224MC for both guiding and planetary imaging, I'm building a second imaging rig and I need a new guiding camera, it looks like there are a bunch of new planetary cameras now by ZWO, so I'm wondering whether I'd want to move the 224MC to the new rig, and get myself a new planetary/guiding camera.

On the other hand, I could just get the cheapest ASI120 camera and that's it maybe...Overall I've been happy with the 224MC, but I didn't try other cameras, the 462 is only $50 more, the 385 is $100 more, the 178 should be pretty good as well I believe.

Would love to hear some suggestions

Thanks.

I'm doing planetary imaging with a C8 Edge HD btw.

Edited May 5, 2021 by msacco

[nfotis]

I am quite impressed by my ASI462MC, with its high IR sensitivity I can shoot both in infrared and as a colour camera (using an IR pass and IR cut filter, respectively).

I haven't used other dedicated cameras until now, so I cannot offer a comparison (I posted some samples in the Lunar photography forum):

 

I haven't still started shooting the planets, but I am optimist about my chances with this camera.

N.F.

 

[barbulo]

On 05/05/2021 at 14:33, msacco said:

I could just get the cheapest ASI120 camera

+1

I sold my 224, along with other gear, and ended buying another one: I consider it has optimal quality/price, speaking of planetary/guiding camms. 

[wouterdhoye]

Hi,

I have several planetary cameras. ASI 174M, ASI  224C and QHY 462C. All are great. My most recent purchase is the QHY and I'm very happy with it. It's really sensitive both in visible spectrum as well as IR. Noise levels are also very low. The most recent images taken on my astrobin page are with the 462. It seems that due to the sensitivity and the low read noise i can get away with stacking considerably less images to get a virtually noise free stacked image.

Now in the end you can take absolutley fabulous iamges with any of the planetary cameras sold today. even the "old" ASI120 is still one fabulous camera.

[msacco]

4 hours ago, wouterdhoye said:

Hi,

I have several planetary cameras. ASI 174M, ASI  224C and QHY 462C. All are great. My most recent purchase is the QHY and I'm very happy with it. It's really sensitive both in visible spectrum as well as IR. Noise levels are also very low. The most recent images taken on my astrobin page are with the 462. It seems that due to the sensitivity and the low read noise i can get away with stacking considerably less images to get a virtually noise free stacked image.

Now in the end you can take absolutley fabulous iamges with any of the planetary cameras sold today. even the "old" ASI120 is still one fabulous camera.

Thanks for the comment, I already decided to go with the 120mm only for guiding and staying with my 224MC for planetary