Gear Review - ZWO ASI533MC Pro in a White Zone!!

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
  • (timestamps below)
    The ASI533MC Pro is one of ZWO's latest cooled astro cameras - in this video, I am putting it through its spaces, but with a twist: I am in a white zone! How will this little red camera perform on galaxies and clusters in such bad conditions? Watch to find out!
    If you feel like buying this camera, this affiliate link is to OPT, and I would get a small commission - if you feel like supporting me!
    bit.ly/3fKPmsv
    00:00 Introduction
    03:51 Comparison with ZWO lineup
    06:20 Specs and Unity Gain
    08:33 Cooling Performance
    10:23 Dark Frame Analysis
    11:42 Flat Frame Analysis
    13:00 Single Light Frame Analysis
    15:07 Stacks Analysis
    16:48 Sample Final Results
    17:23 Conclusion
    My Instagram: / cuivlazygeek
    My Facebook page: / cuivlazygeek
    Music: www.purple-planet.com
    #astrophotography
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 277

  • @tobbler0ne
    @tobbler0ne 4 роки тому +28

    Wow, great review, wonderful personality and awesome images! Its just not possible to not click subscribe after watching this!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +2

      Thank you! That means a lot, and I'm glad you're liking the content :)

  • @sanjayajha362
    @sanjayajha362 3 роки тому

    Thank you for your great and highly informative review of this camera! Very much appreciated!

  • @georgehall6423
    @georgehall6423 3 роки тому +1

    Great convincing review! I have enjoyed many of your videos. I just placed an order for an ASI533MC base on your enthusiastic review and other imaging results that I have seen form this camera. I live in the white zone in the city of Dallas, Texas USA. I hope to be able to reproduce results similar to what you have demonstrated. Thanks for your great videos, I look forward to reviewing them again and again to help me reach my goals.

  • @CosmuzzAstro
    @CosmuzzAstro 3 роки тому

    I have just pushed the button on this camera. I was after the 183 MC Pro at first but it was out of stock but going off your video I am glad that happened, I think I could be in for a treat.
    Great video! Lots of information, many thanks!

  • @ScottDavies
    @ScottDavies 3 роки тому

    Many thanks for the great review Cuiv! Helped me decide which astro camera to buy 🙏👍😉 (533mc pro) of course!

  • @steppen57
    @steppen57 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this detailed review. I live in a Bortle 8 - 9 zone, and I have been looking at this camera. I think I am going to get it.

  • @samcmckee
    @samcmckee 3 роки тому

    Thank you for your great review. Very much appreciated!

  • @captgbakos1291
    @captgbakos1291 3 роки тому +3

    Great gear review. I have an 8" f/4 Newtonian on EQ6-R Pro and it was reassuring to hear that you found the 533MC to match so well with your similar setup. I'm lucky to live in Bortle CL-4 and am looking to upgrade from an old DSLR. The 533MC Pro appears to fall in a price performance sweet spot. Thanks again!

  • @srikanthmeg
    @srikanthmeg 3 роки тому +1

    Daamn, that is amazing! Thanks for sharing and excellent review. I like the format

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому

      My pleasure! I really, really like this camera :)

  • @beatriceheinze2294
    @beatriceheinze2294 4 роки тому

    Thank you for this great review! You're images are beautiful! I bought this camera but I'm waiting for clear skies to test it out :-).

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +1

      The curse of new equipment :D I think you'll enjoy this camera a lot!

  • @hymanmj
    @hymanmj 2 роки тому

    Great in-depth review and love your enthusiasm! :)

  • @AstroGuy99
    @AstroGuy99 Рік тому

    A wonderful review Cuiv. Very thorough, contains all the information a potential user could want, and well produced. Many thanks.

  • @andyweeks2216
    @andyweeks2216 4 роки тому

    How encouraging this is for me! I'm shooting from Bortle 7 with very similar equipment. I was able to use 2 minute subs last night with good results. So thank you!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      Wow, two minute subs is nice! Good luck with your imaging, and clear skies!

  • @astrobri
    @astrobri 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the Info , I hope I get the same feelings when I use mine which should be turning up on Saturday .....

  • @hostesscupcakes8130
    @hostesscupcakes8130 3 роки тому +1

    Hey! I'm in Tokyo also looking to start astrophotography! Glad I found you on youtube. Subscribed!

  • @jster91
    @jster91 Рік тому

    Looks like I found my next camera! I have an older Meade Schmidt Newtonian SN8 8" scope. I think it will be a good fit with this camera since it's f/4 and 812mm. Great Video!

  • @patchnovae
    @patchnovae 4 роки тому +1

    I'm a week into my 533 in Austin bortle 8 skies and i'm impressed. Amazing camera. Can't wait to get to dark skies to really see it shine

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      Wow, I went through Austin a couple of years ago and yeah... I feel for you! I am sure it will be absolutely amazing under dark skies - it is a cracking camera!

  • @physmc1
    @physmc1 3 роки тому

    Thanks for the great review! I've got this camera for my Hyperstar 8 based on your review and get great results from Bortle 8-9. You are right that the flat noise makes calibration much easier. Before, I always struggled with the background hue on the asi294mc. The asi2600mc also looked interesting, but larger FOV means lower threshold to tilt and collimation would probably drive me crazy on the hyperstar setup.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  2 роки тому

      Exactly! Small sensor is cheaper, easier, less frustrating... it's just better and FOV be damned!

  • @ronlundgren4391
    @ronlundgren4391 2 роки тому

    Miss you Cuiv. Hope you are feeling good and having fun!🍻

  • @MrPedalpaddle
    @MrPedalpaddle 3 роки тому +5

    I was tempted to “upgrade” my ASI533 to the ASI2600, but having watched your video again and read your very helpful comments, I think I will stick with the ASI533 - I don’t need a wider field that often and, as you say, the bigger camera and wider field brings its own challenges.

  • @zparagi
    @zparagi 3 роки тому +1

    I find this review more useful than some of the other popular channels.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому

      Thanks Zsolt! I try to be fairly thorough in my reviews, although it's always hard...

  • @icespray247
    @icespray247 3 роки тому

    I bought the 533 when it was first launched. It was a revelation to me since I've been using a DSLR for a while

  • @cucubits
    @cucubits 3 роки тому +2

    I was keeping my eye on this camera for a while now. This pushed me to actually get it now. Can't wait to try it out. I'm also in a white zone and shooting with an unmodded mirrorless is just not working.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому

      Oh it's going to make a big difference! Enjoy it and I hope you'll get a lot of clear skies to test it!

  • @deep_space_dave
    @deep_space_dave 2 роки тому

    Thanks to your video, I may have a solution to being a little too close to Chicago :-) My new ASI533MC Pro is on it's way along. Thanks this video really helped.

  • @amp2amp800
    @amp2amp800 3 роки тому

    Nice. Thanks! That was on my shortlist. It just took a step to the top.

  • @jjbloch
    @jjbloch 13 днів тому

    Thank you so much for this video. For the past few days, I've been trying to figure out whether to get an ASI533MC or an ASI294MC for my first dedicated astro camera. I live in San Jose, California. It's not Tokyo, but light pollution is definitely a problem here, and you've made my decision a lot easier. My scope (a Vixen VC200L) has a focal length of 1278mm with its focal reducer, so the narrow FOV is a bit of a problem, but it's still good for many DSOs.

  • @louisrosner7902
    @louisrosner7902 4 роки тому +1

    Absolutely agree. I love my 533mc pro. Use it with my 102 as well, as my 8hd with reducer . A perfect match. I am in Bortle 5 and 6 and the signal to noise always blows me away. I usually shoot 2 min subs at unity. As soon as I learn to post some of my images I will send them along. Another great video.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      Yep - I still can't get over how good of a camera it is...! Now if only we could get a 533MM or a 2600MM!! One can only dream...

  • @sebas_ruel
    @sebas_ruel 4 роки тому +1

    Salut Cuiv, Very interresting video! I'm currently using a ASI294MC uncooled with a 80mm APO, in a white zone also. I've been checking all the pros and cons for upgrading to mono+narrowband (ex: ASI1600MM). The ASI533 seems to be a nice upgrade for me before diving into mono later...

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +1

      Salut Sebastien - au final, from a white zone, monochrome+narrowband (especially with the recent relatively cheap ultra-narrow filters from Antlia or Baader) really is king. If you go with the ASI533 (cooled!!) you can get great shots of galaxies (check my videos from April and May) without a Light Pollution filter, and nebulae work best with a filter like the Optolong L-Extreme (which I am currently testing on the Crescent Nebula, at this very moment!).

  • @scidav87
    @scidav87 2 роки тому

    Bought one yesterday, I can't wait

  • @cj-nj7vt
    @cj-nj7vt 3 роки тому

    Hi great review just ordered 1 for my Skywatcher 80ed esprit triple apo refractor sounds as if I have made a great choice.

  • @robertcalise8634
    @robertcalise8634 4 роки тому

    Amazing i cant believe how beautiful your images are from a white zone and no LPF. I image with the ZWO294MC Pro. from a bortel class 3 zone and cant get images like yours. Nice camera great images. Keep the videos coming. I check every day to see if you posted a new one

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      The 294MC does require quite some work to get proper calibration frames. Flats are particularly tricky. I found that being just above unity gain for flats and darks on the 294MC, and having the flat frames 2-3 seconds long helped a lot (and for that, an adjustable flat panel is a must). Otherwise, it was easier to just forego flats entirely!

    • @robertcalise8634
      @robertcalise8634 4 роки тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek Thank you i have read that thread in CN and started adjusting my flats and dark flats to longer exposures. I up to 6 sec on both and they do look better. Unfortunately i cant get to my dark site and equipment do to the lock down going on here. So i haven't been able to do any imaging for the last 21/2 months. Hopefully by the end of the month for the memorial day holiday ill get up there. Unless the clouds have something to say

  • @jaimepacheco721
    @jaimepacheco721 Рік тому +1

    Curve, thank you so much for all your collaboration in the hobby. You made me switch from observation to astrophotography. Now, can you help me find focus with the 8Se with and without the 6.3 Celestron reducer. Thank you in advance.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  Рік тому

      Without reducer, focus should be fairly easy (just search for it during the daytime on a far away target). Then add a Bahtinov mask for star focus. With reducer, you want to make sure that the correct reducer to sensor distance is respected (not sure what it is for yours). Then you can do the same as without reducer.
      Clear skies!

  • @GregShaw
    @GregShaw 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks Cuiv, this was brilliant and thanks for comparing to the 294. I was planning to get the 294 but after hearing about the amp glow and other issues I now know this is not the camera for me. Not too sure about the size of the sensor as i live in a mortal 5 and use a 150PDS OTA. Reading through your comments it looks like the ASI2600MC Pro is the one to get.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +2

      My pleasure Greg! Your scope has basically the same focal length as mine, so the FOV would be the same. The ASI2600MC Pro is indeed basically just a bigger version of that sensor and behaves basically in the same way, so that may be what you want (assuming OSC is what you want to go with)! If you end up buying something, please consider getting it from OPT using my affiliate link in the description :p

  • @KalashKat
    @KalashKat Рік тому

    This is Skye, those results are phenomenal!

  • @JaganathAchari
    @JaganathAchari 4 роки тому

    Great video. I live in Bortle 8 area and I am able to get 5 minute exposures on a 533 with a cheap light pollution filter. I just got an IDAS LPS D2 and I am waiting for clear skies to try.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +1

      I'm actually really interested in the IDAS LPS D2, so if you have any feedback on it, let me know! I hope you get clear skies soon!

  • @livingstar1741
    @livingstar1741 3 роки тому

    nice review It was helpful to buy 533mc pro thanks

  • @salvadorjimenez1344
    @salvadorjimenez1344 4 роки тому +1

    Thank very much, now I have clear my decision.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      My pleasure! It is an amazing little camera! I wish Sony made a monochrome version of that sensor...

  • @massimo541
    @massimo541 2 роки тому

    Great test!

  • @jacquesbeauropert
    @jacquesbeauropert Рік тому

    That's exactly right.👍

  • @JamesPetruzzi_MyHawaiianImages
    @JamesPetruzzi_MyHawaiianImages 4 роки тому +1

    My ASI533MC-Pro is due to arrive tomorrow. Your review helped me make up my mind, thank you!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      Excellent! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I am!

  • @flemminghansen7429
    @flemminghansen7429 2 роки тому +1

    Did you know, that you just dragged me further down the dark astro-gear hole. I just ordered the 533 (veTEC Omegon Pro) It will be glorious!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  2 роки тому

      Mwahaha, awesome! Enjoy the camera and the view of the astro-event horizon!

  • @ACEOFSPACE2000
    @ACEOFSPACE2000 4 роки тому +1

    Great review and nice final images well done.New subscriber

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      Thank you! And welcome to the channel - tons of contents on here already, I hope you will enjoy! :)

  • @fazergazer
    @fazergazer 2 роки тому +1

    Beautiful galaxies I have a used 533MC pro on order

  • @50sKid
    @50sKid 3 роки тому +6

    Ah, I wish I had seen this video before I bought the ASI294MC Pro. I'm also in a white zone: Los Angeles. I would love to see more videos about how you deal with this, why shooting shorter exposures, etc. Thanks for this video.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +6

      I actually have a few of those videos already up :-) Los Angeles sounds horrible... Good luck!

    • @Mara-xd7bg
      @Mara-xd7bg 3 роки тому +1

      Get mono + NB filters, lel.

    • @derekderek2570
      @derekderek2570 3 роки тому +1

      What did you end up doing? Highly recommend a narrowband filter like an LeXtreme for bortle 4 and higher. It's magic in light pollution.

    • @AstroB7
      @AstroB7 3 роки тому +2

      @@derekderek2570 I agree. I bought an L-Extreme to pair it with my 294mc Pro, and it's fabulous ! Big difference when doing 300s (5min) subs. I will also buy L-Pro for galaxies and reflective nebulaes such as Iris.

    • @bluegrassmagee8697
      @bluegrassmagee8697 3 роки тому +1

      Hello, I also live in So Cal - Light Pollution City! Your 1294 is still a beautiful camera, & a narrow-band filter would help you big time. I also recommend talking to Mike @ OC Telescopes in Santa Ana, He's super helpful !

  • @AstroQuest1
    @AstroQuest1 2 роки тому

    Excellent images Cuiv. I am thinking on getting another color camera and this is high on my list. I am avoiding ASI2600 due to the price and larger files to deal with and not to mention oil/grease leaks. - Cheers Kurt

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  2 роки тому +1

      Yeah I just bought an APS-C sensor camera (Touptek/Risingcam) the larger files are crazy :)

  • @astrophotonow8479
    @astrophotonow8479 4 роки тому +1

    Super impressive!

  • @randallpatrickc
    @randallpatrickc 3 місяці тому

    Thanks!

  • @Robert08010
    @Robert08010 3 роки тому +6

    Imagine if they made the debayering filter to match the narrow band filters commonly in use today

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +6

      That would be neat :D HA OIII OIII SII would be nice as a Bayer pattern :)

  • @MacGyverGTP
    @MacGyverGTP 4 роки тому +1

    Been looking at the ZWO Color Cooled cameras for a while now, trying to find a middle ground camera that would work for both my Redcat 51 and my LXD75 SN-10AT. This one seems to fit the bill. I just ordered one, make that backordered one... Thanks for the video!!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      That will be an excellent match - Once it arrives, I'm sure you'll love it. Crossing fingers so the new equipment curse doesn't strike!

  • @IcedReaver
    @IcedReaver 3 роки тому

    Great video Cuiv, thanks for sharing! I just received my ASI533 a couple of weeks ago, a step up from my Canon DSLR. A question. Did you peform a white balance of your stacks shown at 15:08? After debayering, I review the raw & stacked FIT images in Pixinsight and the histogram of the Green channel is always a bit further to the right of the Red & Blue channels. I am using the ASI default driver and an ASI Air Pro for image acquisition. I'm not sure whether this is normal or not and how I would correct it.

  • @behindthelens9554
    @behindthelens9554 2 роки тому

    Hi cuiv, I loved your indepth review. I would like to ask something. I use astronomy tools CCD sustainability test to find out my pixel scale. I would like to ask if I should input my focal length on there multiplied with the crop factor of the sensor or should I just input the native focal length, this has been confusing me alot.

  • @thepacketnarc7634
    @thepacketnarc7634 4 роки тому +1

    Fantastic review. And a great choice for wide or ultra-wide field. I'm concerned the FoV is far too small for my large'ish 102-115-127 refractors.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +2

      Thank you! I think it all depends on what the imager is thinking about doing - for galaxy images, it was great when paired with my 760mm FL Newt. And I think that to image the heart of nebulae, it will be amazing as well. I personally like to go deep (mostly because there are fewer gradients to deal with during processing :D ) and so it works well for me at longer focal lengths!

  • @paulbarrett423
    @paulbarrett423 2 роки тому

    cracking review

  • @maxru5591
    @maxru5591 4 роки тому +1

    great result

  • @LaNa1174
    @LaNa1174 Рік тому

    Gracias!!! Muy util para mi, mi asi553mc viene en camino para mi cumpleaños a fines de noviembre... 😁😁😁

  • @bluegrassmagee8697
    @bluegrassmagee8697 3 роки тому

    This is such a great video! I've been in the Astro world for over 30 years & just got this Camera. Your info to help me get started is fantastic! Really appreciate your knowledge & was wondering if you've tried the ZWO WiFi System & Focuser? Thank You!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +1

      Oooh you will have a blast with the camera!! I haven't tried the ZWO ASIAir at this point - I think I'm too addicted to the free capture software I added features in called NINA!

  • @whenpigsflyobservatory
    @whenpigsflyobservatory 2 роки тому

    I’ve been using my sample of the ASI533MC Pro since May 2021 from a Bortle 8 zone. It’s produced many amazing images and has quickly become my workhorse imager. The square form factor took some getting accustomed to but now I really like it. The lack of amp glow was and remains a strong plus in its favour. Appreciate your review style. Well laid out with lots of info and your sample shots are truly breathtaking. Cheers!

  • @andrekovacs7954
    @andrekovacs7954 Рік тому

    Hello Cuiv, love your reviews and tips! With the most recent Sony sensors, like the IMX533, do you think it’s still worth the extra cost, size and weight of a TEC cooled version over a standard non-cooled one, under heavy light-polluted skies like in Tokio? Cheers

  • @astrodad656
    @astrodad656 3 роки тому +1

    I really, really appreciate all of the detailed information that you have provided. I have been considering another backlit sensor zwo osc product that is double the price but I might go for this one. If anyone has any thoughts about the square sensor (which I initially found off putting) I would love to hear it.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому

      The 2600MC / 2600MM is basically the same sensor, but bigger. Of course much more expensive... In the end it's up to you, good luck!

  • @petetube111
    @petetube111 4 роки тому +1

    Hi Cuiv, another great vid. Debayering darks and flats? I’ve never done that, didn’t know I had to. Does it make much difference? Excellent pics also.
    Peter

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +2

      Just to be clear, you should never debayer darks in flats in your normal process - here I did it for analysis purposes! In a normal workflow, don't debayer them!

  • @mikehardy8247
    @mikehardy8247 Рік тому

    Catching up with old videos. I'm buying this camera! Bortle 9 Milwaukee Wisconsin USA. What light pollution, and as you mentioned luminance Filters do you recommend. I won't be using a filter wheel for foreseeable future. Your fricon' awsome, thanks!

  • @astrogerard2022
    @astrogerard2022 3 роки тому +4

    Nice video. I would like to know how you processed the final images to get the color out of them. I struggle with that part a lot.

    • @bluegrassmagee8697
      @bluegrassmagee8697 3 роки тому

      Keep playing with Stacking & all the Resiprocity & Color Saturation Controls in Photoshop. :]

  • @helgenordal3506
    @helgenordal3506 3 роки тому

    Thank you Cuiv for your Great videos. You are not so lazy 😊 I bought Asi533MC because of you 😊 Have you, or will you ever test the ASIAIR?

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +1

      I've never tested the ASIAIR, and I don't think I will in the near future!

  • @sshashi67
    @sshashi67 2 роки тому

    Great Review.. i was thinking between 294MCPro & 533MC.. Now leaning towards the 533. You spoke about the luminance filter. Which do you use? Thanks.

  • @chrbecerra
    @chrbecerra 4 роки тому +1

    Estaba seguro de comprarme una 294 sobre todo por el tamaño de pixel 4.6um esto permite longitudes focales mayores.Después de tu vídeo cambié de opinión, voy por una 533 (vivo en Bortle 8). Espero disfrutarla.
    Gracias

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      Excellent to hear! I think you made the right choice, and I'm very glad my video helped. I am sure you will very much enjoy the camera!

    • @chrbecerra
      @chrbecerra 4 роки тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek Por favor solo una pregunta mas. Qué filtro usas?
      Gracias de nuevo.

  • @astrobert1254
    @astrobert1254 3 роки тому

    Hi, great video. Im thinking about getting this camera but I am only mobile by foot so I have to carry my stuff. Mobile 12V batteries are either super heavy or only low in capacity and I wonder if you can confirm that the cooling at 20% produces already d-20C and only draws 0.5 A as it is shown in the graph in the manual? Since this would allow me to get a way smaller battery than one that can support the recommended 12V/3A!
    CS Robert

  • @chrisoriordan6975
    @chrisoriordan6975 2 роки тому

    Thanks Cuiv, am looking for my first Astrocam and for the price this sounds hard to beat. Your results in white zone were amazing, I am in Bortle 4 would this still be a great camera or is there something else I should consider .? Thanks for all your amazing content

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  2 роки тому

      It is still a great, great camera in Bortle 4!

  • @aww100100
    @aww100100 3 роки тому +1

    Another great review with passion! So do you suggest this camera over a monochrome like a 294MMP? Or buy both using 533 for galaxies and mono for SHO or Ha/Oiii targets?

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому

      Both! :D OSC is always a compromise, but it's very convenient.

  • @geirvalsvik1780
    @geirvalsvik1780 3 роки тому

    Great video again. I am watching most of your videos, and must say you have a great channel! Always look forward to your new posts :) Regarding this review of the ASI533MC camera, I was introduced to a new term, "White Zone". I think this refers to the heaviest light polluted part of the Bortle Scale, so does it mean class 9 on that scale? I am also in the process of stepping up from DSLR to dedicated astrocameras. I live in a suburban place, around 6-7 on Brotle scale. I'm considering the APS-C colour type cameras like the ASI071MC-PRO, ASI 2600MC-PRO or the QHY268C. The ASI 294MC-PRO is also one option, even if it is not a APS-C size. Any idea how these cameras would perform under my conditions? (not exactly White Zone, but quite light polluted skies) Thanks, and keep those great videos coming. Best regards from Norway :)

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому

      Thanks for watching Geir, and glad you're liking the videos! Yes, a White Zone refers to Bortle 8-9, due to the color they appear in in light pollution maps (you have red zones, orange zones, green zones, blue zones, dark zones - also it's not super codified, but white and red are the most recognized - you're in an orange-red zone :) ). If you're looking at color cameras, I would absolutely recommend the 2600MC Pro or QHY268C (they're basically the same sensor as the ASI533MC Pro, just bigger), followed by the very nice ASI071MC Pro (I had one in the past!). I personally would avoid the ASI 294MC Pro, it is a very temperamental camera in my experience, with some variability between units. And man, I'd love to visit Norway one day!

  • @ASTROPLANETES
    @ASTROPLANETES 4 роки тому +1

    thanks a lot for sharing

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      My pleasure, glad it is useful! Always open to suggestions on what to do next as well :)

  • @juancarlosgarcia8403
    @juancarlosgarcia8403 3 роки тому

    thanks for the video, would you recommend this jacket to use with a Meade lx90 10 "

  • @michael.a.covington
    @michael.a.covington 2 роки тому

    Very good point that amp glow costs dynamic range. (Obvious once you think about it, but I hadn't thought much about it.)

  • @JohnS916
    @JohnS916 3 роки тому

    Very enjoyable and informative review. However, I get the impression a strong point of this camera is its performance in heavily light polluted skies, this is a good thing since human activity is overwhelming nature in so many ways. I should watch the video again to see any of his comments about how the camera does under dark skies. I can readily assume it likely performs very well as most cameras produce their best images under those circumstances. Near the end of the video, he did mention the ASI294MC Pro he used at dark sky sites in California and it performed well. I suppose the gist of this video is to highlight the ASI533 under max light pollution conditions and demonstrating with the right tools and processing, taking quality deep sky images in a white zone shouldn't be a major obstacle. At this time I have decided to move up from my wonderful Canon 60Da, if only I didn't have ongoing guiding issues with my mount (replaced by the mfg recently) I would have been further along in this hobby. I have no complaints about the camera, but I wanted to try a camera equipped with cooling. All the other positive features that go with it are a plus.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому

      So taking quality deep sky images in a white zone is always a major obstacle - tools, processing only take you so far. There's the unescapable reality of the light pollution shot noise that HAS to vanquished by the target signal, and that means much, much, much longer integration times...
      Cooled cameras will provide a massive gain on uncooled camera - and you can reuse darks!

  • @victorbasileastuto2007
    @victorbasileastuto2007 2 роки тому

    Fantastic man. What gain did you use?

  • @edappi8172
    @edappi8172 4 роки тому +1

    Hello Cuiz, Nice video, the images at the end are stunning. could you go into what luminance filter you used, thanks. Ed

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +1

      Well, I looked into my emails, and it's an Optolong L filter I bought back in 2017.

    • @edappi8172
      @edappi8172 4 роки тому

      Hello Cuiv, I have been following your NINA videos with interest, I have a ZWO 294MC colour camera and am having trouble getting colour images, they seemed to be saved as mono images. I am using Astro Pixel Processor mainly and get nice mono but not colour, I have also checked the files with DeepSkyStacker and it is showing them as mono files, If I load a colour image in DSS it shows it is a colour image in the thumbnail ( where it shows the other images as a mono thumbnail ) any ideas what I am doing wrong would be gratefully received. Best regards, Ed

  • @AmatureAstronomer
    @AmatureAstronomer 5 місяців тому

    Nice.

  • @ericmazaleyrat4559
    @ericmazaleyrat4559 4 роки тому

    Thanks a lot for your bright and clear review! I own this camera but I am quite disapointed (first camera, previously APN) , but now I can understand partly why: I shoot with gain at 200 (wrong) and exposure at 180s (second error). BUt... May I ask why you shoot with only 30'' exposure? How did you choose?

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому

      Gain 200 is possible if and only if you need to reduce your exposure time - but ideally you should avoid it, and yes 180s will likely saturate the sensor. I have a series of two videos coming up exactly on that subject: gain, offset, and exposure time - so look out for those!

  • @georgehall6423
    @georgehall6423 3 роки тому

    I have a ASI533MC that I recently purchased. I have been attempting to do some dark frames with the camera and NINA. The dark frames saved to the disk always appear to be debayered. As I understand the OSC camera the procedure. should be to save bayered frames which can be stacked to form the master dark which is applied to bayered light frames before debayering. I can not get anything that resembles the bayered image that appears at minute 10:39 in the video above. Is there some setting in the NINA or driver software that will cause/prevent debayering of the saved dark frames?

  • @darrenbuchan3957
    @darrenbuchan3957 2 роки тому

    Great Video !!
    Do you think this camera would be great also using it with the WO Redcat 51 in bortle 8 skies here in the uk ?
    Thx !

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  2 роки тому

      Definitely! You'll likely want to pair it with a filter like the L-eXtreme if you're imaging nebulae

  • @astrodysseus
    @astrodysseus 3 роки тому +1

    It's true the results from a white zone without a light pollution filter are amazing.. I suppose you were still trying to shoot as close as possible to the Zenith, but still. My only worry is the limited resolution, 3k is really intermediate, especially if you have to crop, which we usually always have to do. It's ok to share on instagram but if you want to print larger than A4 it's complicated. Did you get your hands on a ZWO 2600MC ? Seems to be the same clean sensor but higher resolution.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +1

      That's very true - 9 megapixels is limited. The 2600MC Pro is apparently basically the same camera, just bigger ( and the same can be said in turn of the 6200MC Pro). So they should perform exactly the same. The per pixel resolution will be the same, but the FOV would be larger!

  • @matteodonega618
    @matteodonega618 3 роки тому +1

    Great review! Can I ask if you would still recommend the 533 over the 294 even from Bartley’s 5-6? I struggle to imagine why the 533 would not be still the best option also in that case. Am I wrong? Thanks

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +1

      To be honest, unless you're looking for the larger field of view, I would pick the 533 over the 294 even in a Bortle 1. The 294 is just too temperamental to work with (at least for me!). BUT the drawbacks of the 294 become less and less visible as the SNR of the object increases with the lower Bortle zone, and its big pixels and high sensitivity can then be quite attractive!

  • @BrokenPik
    @BrokenPik 4 роки тому

    Great info keep it up...im looking at the 533 ! Cuiv, can you post the mean ADU of a single sub of the triplets in Leo.. thanks.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +1

      I don't have the individual subs for the Leo Triplet anymore, but in a recent M3 frame, I'm getting a Mean of 2434, and median of 2430 for a single, calibrated and debayered sub (on 16 bit 0,65535 scale).

    • @BrokenPik
      @BrokenPik 4 роки тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek that's what i wanted to know , thanks, on a Gain of 101 and offset 20... i think...

  • @donaldmeyer257
    @donaldmeyer257 3 роки тому

    Great video! Enjoying my ASI533MC Pro, but seeing little sets of red and green hot pixels in images. Is this common with the camera? I am able to remove most with dark frames and dithering, but curious as to whether these are always there in your experience. Thanks!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +1

      Basically hot or hotter pixels, it's fairly normal indeed, but if you feel like there are too many you may want to check on the ZWO FB groups for instance!

  • @chridignan9178
    @chridignan9178 3 роки тому

    Fab! I was so impressed with your review of the camera that I have just received the ASI533 and I use NINA. Problem is that in 'Imaging' I only get the 'Live View' option with a video icon rather than a camera icon and cannot actually take an image. Settings etc say the camera is connected and display all the correct specs about the camera. It seems to work fine in SGP but I have committed all my profiles and future (!) etc to NINA. Would appreciate any suggestions? Thanks for all you do.

    • @chridignan9178
      @chridignan9178 3 роки тому

      Hi - just replying to my own message for those who may have had similar issue. It was solved by going into Equipment/Camera and then choosing 'ASI Camera 1' and not the actual name of the camera 'ASI533'. This puts you on the ZWO ASI ASCOM driver rather than their 'native' driver.

  • @tameemy81
    @tameemy81 4 роки тому +1

    Excellent review.. Really you made love this camera
    I live in Bortle 8/9 so i believe this will work well.
    I have a 152mm David H. Levy Comet Hunter with Focal length 731mm and Focal Ratio of f/4.8
    Will it work fine with this Focal and the square size of the sensor?

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  4 роки тому +1

      Cool, a fellow Bortle 8/9 astro-adventurer! Oh man, a Mak-Newt scope - those are excellent for astrophotography! I have a whole series coming up on my channel in the next week or so, about starting deep sky astrophotography, including a video about field of view and resolution which I think will be very useful to you, but yes indeed, I think it will be a very good match for your telescope. You will have a very similar FOV to me as well (this can help you get a better idea: astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/), and you will likely need to take maybe 30s exposures in your light pollution. If you are interested in learning more about gain/offset and all the camera parameters, I have some videos on that as well. Good luck!

    • @tameemy81
      @tameemy81 4 роки тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek thank you so much 🌹 🌹.. Yes.. I'll subscribe to your channel for upcoming updates and will Learn more about these techniques.. 👍
      Appreciate your prompt response.. 👍 Currently using Celestron CPC 800 and here some of my results
      instagram.com/tss.astro/
      Thank you 🌹

  • @adrienleone6829
    @adrienleone6829 3 роки тому +1

    Wow. The galaxies shots are stupefying. Never got so much colours and definition with my ASI071 MC pro...

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому

      Thanks Adrien! The ASI071 is a great camera as well though - could depend on your scope and conditions...

    • @adrienleone6829
      @adrienleone6829 3 роки тому

      You are welcome Cuiv. For me it was a ES102 F7, so focal length (or lack of ) probably has an effect. Larger pixels as well. And perhaps processing skills ! 😂

  • @Mainuh
    @Mainuh 11 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for a great video, Cuiv! I am looking for my first dedicated astro camera and planning to add a new scope for astrophotography. This looks like it might be a good prospect. I live about 20 miles north of Tucson AZ and Bortle class 4 but can get to class 2 within 1/2 hour. Do you think this camera would do well with a 72mm f/5?

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  11 місяців тому +1

      It's still a great camera now - and yes it can give good results with that scope

  • @AmatureAstronomer
    @AmatureAstronomer 6 місяців тому

    I had a ZWO asi294mc (imx294) and a SvBony 405cc cooled camera (imx294). My ZWO asi294mc died tonight. I may replace it with a SvBony 605cc cooled camera(imx533). Thanks for the recommendation.

  • @astrodiver8096
    @astrodiver8096 2 роки тому

    beautiful review , questions, what is the optimal exposure for shooting galaxies with 533mcpro and did you used any filter to cut light pollution? thanks for this wonderful channel .

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you! Optimal exposure depends on too many factors to detail - in effect you want to swamp the read noise. For me in Tokyoa few seconds is enough. For someone in a darker zone, they can expose far longer. On the galaxies I didn't use any light pollution filter, just a UV/IR filter.

  • @molykote1271
    @molykote1271 3 роки тому +1

    Looking for some advice I live in the north of the UK, Newcastle, Bortle 8, and I am new to astro imaging! From the research I have done everything seems to say mono camera with LRGB and or narrowband filters to overcome light pollution. But the sheer number of subs this requires, including dark, bias and flats! Is really daunting and we get lots of cloud here so very few good nights to obtain all these subs for 1 target. I don't like to spend money 3 times by starting low end and upgrading so tend to go for the best I can just about afford, so was looking at ZWO1600mm pro cooled +LRGB, O3, S2 and HA with filter wheel, really stretching the can afford bit here:). Then I see this video, excellent content and learned so much from you already by the way, and now not sure what to do 533 or 1600! If you were in my position what would you go for, just dont want to spend and regret it later, had too much practice at that ;) Thanks. Oh current gear is WO Zenithstar 81 with WO flattener, Celestron AVX (I know!), ASI air pro, ZWO EAF, ZWO 120mm mini guide, WO 50mm Guide scope, and imaging cameras ZWO 120MC-S with a Nikon Z7 DSLR.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +1

      You've got excellent equipment already! If you want the most flexibility, the 1600MM (or the 294MM, which looks like it could be amazing on paper, I'm just wary of the sensor), LRGB, and something like the Baader ultra-narrowband HA, SII, OIII (or HA and OIII to start with) are your best bet. The 533MC + L-eXtreme works as well, it's just not as good or flexible as monochrome + LRGB+SHO. Of course, it gets very expensive very quickly, and the 533MC is definitely a great alternative!

    • @molykote1271
      @molykote1271 3 роки тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks Cuiv! You put a lot of work into this and I am really grateful for all of the videos, like I said I have learned so much from your channel, and you make it easy to understand +++++

    • @aww100100
      @aww100100 3 роки тому

      @@molykote1271 Hi. At the end which camera did you choose? I am in the same situation. No time for monochrome but heavily affected by LP.

  • @Vernoflyer
    @Vernoflyer 3 роки тому +1

    Wow. I must be tired. I tried to scroll down the web page to see the rest of the cameras when you brought up the ZWO camera web site at 4:00-ish. Lol.

  • @syl5986
    @syl5986 2 роки тому

    hello Cuiv, what is the correct setting for the offset?

  • @DeereX748
    @DeereX748 3 місяці тому

    I just ordered this camera and looking forward to learning how best to use it. How do you think it would do with a 8" SCT with a 0.7 reducer (f/7)? I'll use it mostly with a short refractor at f/4.7 (382mm f/l) or f/5.9 (478mm f/l). Great video, BTW

  • @alexandrosstogiannis9589
    @alexandrosstogiannis9589 Рік тому +1

    Ok, I just ordered it.

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  Рік тому +2

      You won't regret it, that little thing is a blast!

  • @gunnarjensen5910
    @gunnarjensen5910 2 роки тому

    What focal length is your telescope ? My William Optics (Z81) is 447mm with a reducer and I just ordered a Zwo533. Is that a mistake. Andromeda does not fit the frame. Orion barely ? Mistake ? Should I have got a APS-C sensor ? I already have a Canon 7D and a canon 5D MkII unmodified ? The Zwo2600 is twice the price of Zwo533 in Iceland.. I image in a Bordel 4 zone.. Ambient temperature from minus 4 to minus 17 degrees..celsius..

  • @malanstecker
    @malanstecker 2 роки тому

    I have the ASI533MC-Pro on a Celestron EdgeHD 925 at f/7, acquiring the image with an Asiair Plus in Los Angeles, CA USA. When I photograph the moon in Preview, I see horrible green photos of the moon. How do I get to normal color and how does one debayer the image and save as a tiff?

  • @alegomanYTPs
    @alegomanYTPs 3 роки тому

    Is white zone bortle 9? i'm in an 8 and i think it's garbo, also I just got this camera before watching this vid, was concerned whether i made the right decision or not because I didn't check the framing, and my rct 8" f/l is too big, my ed80 is about the same framing on the triplet as your setup

  • @koppervik1
    @koppervik1 3 роки тому

    Great review! I am currently looking at moving from dslr (canon 60d) to a dedicated astro camera. I have been looking at Zwo Asi 533, 183 and 294. All mc pro. I have two locations from where I will be shooting. My home at bortle 5, and a mountain cabin at bortle 2-3ish... For now I am using prime lenses. 16, 50, 100 and 300mm. Of the three candidates, which one should I pull the trigger on...? 😄 Seems the 294 is 'out'. Thanks, and cheers from Norway!

    • @CuivTheLazyGeek
      @CuivTheLazyGeek  3 роки тому +1

      Wow, those are nice conditions you have! I think in those conditions, the 294 could actually perform very well (although still be a bit temperamental). If you are using short focal lengths, the 183 with its smaller pixels would be very tempting, but I read mitigated reviews about the color version. If you're going to go for a longer FL in the end, I would buy the 533 as a compromise.

    • @koppervik1
      @koppervik1 3 роки тому

      @@CuivTheLazyGeek , yes, love my cabin. No electricty there, so my EQ6 mount is solar powered 😄 But am also desperate to travel again. Tokyo is on my list !

  • @TiagoRamos79
    @TiagoRamos79 3 роки тому

    Hello Cuiv, for someone who wants to switch from a DSLR to a refrigerated one, but doesn't have much time and money, what advice can you give me, Mono cheaper without being 1600 MM, or 533 MC?

  • @christopheguigot841
    @christopheguigot841 5 місяців тому

    Nickel 👌 ta vidéo..!.tu as quoi comme filtre anti pollution..?.merci beaucoup.