ZWO ASI224MC Vs Altair GPCAM2 290C

[DeanSL]

For various reasons I've not been able to devote time for a few years, but am now looking to get going again.  Obviously already looking at upgrades 😁.  I've got a Celestron C8N and am looking to do a bit of planetary and some DS.  First upgrade I think will be the camera, (other options were changing out the R &P focuser or upgrading from enhanced motor drive to the synscan one on my CG5).  

Currently using a converted webcam,  but looking at the two on the title as they are similar priced,  I think the Altair is the one I might go for but want to hear others opinions.  Might use for guidong later if I can fit it to the 9 x 50 finder scope and my daughter let's me use her Canon 😁). 

 

Edited August 23, 2022 by DeanSL

[CraigT82]

I think you mean the Altair 290c? The main difference between those two is that the asi224 is a USB3 camera and so you’ll get faster frame rates than the GPCAM2 which is a USB2 camera. For planetary imaging high frame rates are key.

Altair do a GPCAM3 290c which is USB3 and so that would be a good choice. I used to have the mono version of this one and it was a great camera. Also had the Altair 224c and that was a good un too. 

 

Edited August 23, 2022 by CraigT82

[Elp]

The ZWO 224mc is a decent camera, my profile pic was taken with it, you'll need an IR cut filter to take true colour images with it.

[DeanSL]

45 minutes ago, CraigT82 said:

I think you mean the Altair 290c? The main difference between those two is that the asi224 is a USB3 camera and so you’ll get faster frame rates than the GPCAM2 which is a USB2 camera. For planetary imaging high frame rates are key.

Altair do a GPCAM3 290c which is USB3 and so that would be a good choice. I used to have the mono version of this one and it was a great camera. Also had the Altair 224c and that was a good un too. 

 

Yes,,  thank you I did mean 290, I've  now changed it. I did see the USB3 version,  but it's a bit more exoensive

[DeanSL]

2 hours ago, Elp said:

The ZWO 224mc is a decent camera, my profile pic was taken with it, you'll need an IR cut filter to take true colour images with it.

I was originally looking at the ZWO to buy,  then came across the Altair,  both seem to have happy owners.  Thought I might have found somewhere or someone comparing them on the net,  but not found anything.!

[Elp]

I've also got the ZWO 290 though mines the mini mono version so can't really compare them together. What I would say is the mono is much more sensitive and finds more guidestars when guiding, the slight increase in resolution is also slightly beneficial.

[AstroMuni]

10 hours ago, DeanSL said:

I was originally looking at the ZWO to buy,  then came across the Altair,  both seem to have happy owners.  Thought I might have found somewhere or someone comparing them on the net,  but not found anything.!

I have the ASI224mc and happy with it. The only difference I could spot was the included wideangle lens on the ZWO. At the moment due to discount offered by ZWO these are cheaper than Altair

Edited August 24, 2022 by AstroMuni