As an astrophotographer, the equipment you choose to use is important! Taking pictures of the stars above requires a lot of focus from you and the camera you decide to holster. In this article we will offer an in-depth review of the ZWO ASI224MC camera and how it stacks up to its competition.
What Is the ZWO ASI224MC?
The ZWO ASI224MC is a high frame rate color camera with an impressive infrared sensitivity perfect for capturing images within astrophotography. The ASI224MC uses a Sony IMX224 sensor. As with most color sensors, this is a monochrome chip overlaid with a Bayer matrix, making this camera ideal for capturing the bright planets such as Jupiter and Saturn.
image via Pixabay
Product Specs
Design
The ZWO ASI224MC offers a unique cylindrical shape as well as a unique red color.
Great Exposure Range
The cameras excellent RGB sensitivity makes it perfect for Solar System targets of all types, offering an exposure range from 32 microseconds to 1000 seconds. The ASI224MC is capable of recording deep sky targets. The IMX224 sensor has an extremely low read noise (1.5 electrons), giving a great signal-to-noise ratio.
Key Features
The IMX224 chip allows for the ASI224MC to have some exciting infrared sensitivity. With such a filter, the camera is effectively able to run as a monochrome near-infrared device between 840-1000nm. The means you can use the ASI224MC as a regular color camera by fitting an infrared-blocking filter, or as a near-infrared camera by fitting an 840-1000nm infrared-pass filter.
The camera also features a ST-4 auto guider port is on the side and allows the camera to be directly connected to a mount for auto guiding.
Pricing
The cost of this device is anywhere from $250 to $350 and can be purchased at any trusted astrophotography retailer or online at places like Amazon.com.
How It Compares
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
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Celestron 95518 NexImage Burst Color
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Orion StarShoot USB Eyepiece Camera II
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Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera
ZWO ASI224MC
ISO 5 Stars
The ASI224MC offers an exposure range of 32 microseconds to 1000 seconds
Sensor Size 4 Stars
Equipped with the IMX224 sensor, the ASI224MC offers a 1304×976 pixel array containing 1.2 megapixels
dynamic Range 4 Stars
With a dynamic range of 10-, the options for exposure are endless
Lenses 3 Stars
A T- to C-mount adapter is provided along with a 1.2mm focal length CCTV lens.
Performance 4 Stars
Lightweight and use- friendly operation makes the performance of the ZWO ASI224MC impeccable when it comes to capturing deep-sky images.
Warranty 3 Stars
The manufacturer ZWO offers a 2 year warranty directly through them if any problems arise.
Pros
- Light-weight design
- The Sony IMX224 sensor offers extremely low read noise and high sensitivity
- The ZWO ACI224MC has a gain range of 0 – 60dB
- Sensitivity of the pixel Sony developed for this sensor is twice that of their existing product
Cons
- No other options for color aside from red
- The drivers required are specific to ZWO
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The size of the camera limits your option of lenses
Celestron 95518 NexImage Burst Color
- THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED WITH ASTROIMAGING: Capture amazing images of the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and more with...
- AR0132 COLOR IMAGING SENSOR: Enjoy sharp, detailed images thanks to the sensor’s ON Semiconductor technology which...
- INCLUDES SOPHISTICATED CAMERA CONTROL AND STACKING SOFTWARE: View and capture live video on your computer, stack the...
The Celestron 95518 NexImage Burst Color camera uses a high-quality CMOS sensor for astro-imaging. It is compatible with any computerized telescope or a non-computerized telescope with a motor drive for tracking celestial objects. This camera is easy enough for beginners to use while offering the ability to capture high-resolution planetary, lunar, and solar images.
ISO 4 Stars
The Celestron 95518 features the Aptina AR0132 CMOS imaging sensor, a state-of-the-art chip used by imaging companies worldwide, allowing the exposure range to be very specific.
Sensor Size 4 Stars
The size of the sensor equipped on the NexImage Burst Color is 4.8mm x 3.6mm.
Dynamic Range 3 Stars
The imaging sensor the Celestron 95518 has allows for the operator to adjust the settings accordingly.
Lenses 4 Stars
Machined aluminum 1.25″ adapter barrel with C-threads for direct threaded connection to almost any telescope.
Performance 4 Stars
Warranty 4 Stars
There is a 2-year warranty offered directly through the manufacturer Celestron.
Pros
- State-of-the-art Aptina AR0132 CMOS imaging sensor
- View and capture live videos of the Sun, Moon, and other planets
- Software included for PC to help capture high-quality images
- Descriptive manual to help with any troubleshooting
Cons
- Color slides potentially have no effect within the software
- Only two options of color available
- Weight of the camera is a little more than similar models
Orion StarShoot USB Eyepiece Camera II
- Fun and useful USB Eyepiece Camera allows you to transmit the real-time view through your telescope to a laptop or PC,...
- Share the view of bright planets, the Moon, and terrestrial targets through your telescope with friends, family, and...
- An affordable introduction to the rewarding hobby of astrophotography. Great for lunar and planetary shots - not...
The Orion StarShoot USB Eyepiece Camera II provides an affordable route to getting into astrophotography. This eyepiece camera allows you to share views of bright solar system objects and daytime terrestrial views on your laptop or PC. This camera is equipped with a CMOS sensor chip with 8-bit output and RGB 24-bit color resolution.
ISO 3 Stars
The size of the camera reflects what technology can go inside of it. The capacity is 24 FPS at 640 x 480 pixels.
Sensor Size 2 Stars
The Orion StarShoot Eyepiece Camera II features a 0.3MP color CMOS sensor, that is 1/4″. Due to the mobility of the camera, the size of the sensor is limited.
Dynamic Range 3 Stars
The exposure range is only 0.004s to 0.006s, so the range is limited.
Lenses 2 Stars
Due to the size of the camera, you are limited when it comes to choices and interchangeability of the lenses.
Performance 4 Stars
The operational performance of the Orion StarShoot Eyepiece Camera II is impressive simply due to the size of the camera, and the convenience it offers for any traveling astronomer.
Warranty 2 Stars
The warranty offered for the Orion StarShoot Eyepiece is only a year long, but for the price makes that a reasonable deal.
Pros
- The price is more than affordable
- The value offered within the package of this camera is superb
- User-friendly operation and interface
Cons
- Although you can view the planets, the quality of the imagery could be subpar
- Software is downloaded separately and is poor quality
Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera
- Nikon designed back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor with no optical low pass filter
- 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of moiré
- Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
Above the rest of its competition, the Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera allows you to create astounding images that meet the strictest professional requirements. With 45.7 effective megapixels and ISO sensitivity from 64 to 25600, it surpasses its predecessor, the D810, with flying colors. The D850 offers a silent photography function causing no mechanical vibration or shutter release sound. Up to 1840 still images can be captured from a single of the EN-EL15a rechargeable li-Ion battery.
ISO 5 Stars
The Nikon D850 offers an astounding 64 to 25,600 ISO sensitivity.
Sensor Size 5 Stars
The image sensor of the D850 is a giant 35.9 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor.
Dynamic Range 4 Stars
The TTL exposure metering using RGB sensor with approximately 180,000 pixels.
Lenses 5 Stars
This camera offers a 50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m.
Performance 5 Stars
The performance of the Nikon D850 is unlike anything else in its class, offering everything you require to capture countless astrophotography images
Warranty 5 Stars
The warranty offered on the Nikon D850 is the manufacturers limited lifetime warranty through Nikon.
Pros
- FX Format with 45.7 megapixel Back-side illuminated CMOS sensor
- 7 FPS continuous shooting
- 64 – 25,600 ISO; expandable to 102,400
- 4K UHD (3840×2160 at 30/25/24p)
- NIKKOR Lenses featured
- 4k and 8k time-lapse capabilities
Cons
- Equipment is a little heavy
- Steep learning curve; not as user-friendly as some other DSLR camera options
Conclusion
There are a vast number of options when it comes to DSLR camera choices, which come in many price ranges and features. The specifications can vary drastically depending on what it is you are trying to achieve and whether you are a professional photographer or just getting into the hobby. We reviewed and compared a handful of cameras to the ZWO ASI244MC to see how it stood up next to its competition.
We found that one of the key features that makes the ASI244MC a 4-star camera overall was the diversity offered in such a small, unique package. The lightweight, split personality camera offers above standard infrared technologies that allow for the user to capture beautiful images of the planets and solar systems.
Easy to use and able to attach to any telescope, the ASI244MC offers an astounding exposure range of 32 microseconds to 1,000 seconds. With this camera, an expert can use it to refine any of his skills within the craft, or a beginner can learn the ropes of one of the greatest mysteries of our lifetime and existence; the planets and surrounding stars.
Last update on 2023-09-27 at 18:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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