With a large number of dedicated astronomy cameras on the market, it can be a daunting task to find the right model that best fits your needs. With a lot of the technical jargon about pixels, sensor size, full well depth, etc., it can be overwhelming, and before long, you’re lost in the proverbial “black hole” of camera selection. Well, here at High Point, with years of experience and customer feedback on our side, we’ve done the work for you and created a curated list of our Top 5 Astrophotography Cameras for 2024. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced imager looking for the next step, this list should be the first step in your cosmic journey.
Before we launch into the list, here are a few notes to consider: For our selection, each camera is cooled and comes ready to use out of the box. Additionally, each camera is compatible with the latest software and mount hardware on the market and supported by the manufacturer. Lastly, for this selection, we stayed within the ZWO Astronomy Cameras catalog as they are the leading camera brand and, by far, have the best interconnectivity through powerhouses such as the ASIAIR Wifi control system. Outside of that, each camera has its own highlights for why our team and customers love these cameras. We have also included at least one thing to consider for each when deciding to make a purchase. Alright, with that out of the way, let’s blast off!
ZWO ASI6200 Pro
ASI6200 Pro Monochrome Camera -
First up is the ZWO ASI6200 Pro. This is an impressive camera available in both monochrome and color sensor models with a 35mm full frame sensor. One standout feature is the zero amplifier glow. The absence of amp glow simplifies post-processing, allowing for cleaner and more detailed images straight from the camera. Additionally, the camera is equipped with an onboard anti-dew heater, ensuring the sensor remains free from humidity throughout the night, which is very important for high-humidity environments. It is worth noting that with the price currently sitting at just under $4,000 for the monochrome model, this is not the most budget-friendly option for some customers.
Advantages:
✓ Monochrome and One-Shot-Color (OSC) options, both with a 35mm full frame sensor
✓ Backlit sensor
✓ Zero Amp Glow control
✓ Integrated dew heater for humidity control
To Consider:
✗ Not always a budget-friendly option
ZWO ASI183 PRO
Next on our list is the ZWO ASI183. This camera comes with a 1” digital sensor and is available in both monochrome and color. This ZWO camera is tried and true, having been around for some time. Like most ZWO cameras, it comes with a backlit sensor, providing the advantage of exceptional low-light performance. The compact sensor allows customers to fit it into a wide array of imaging circles, greatly reducing possible vignetting. It's worth noting the camera exhibits amp glow due to the absence of amp control on this model. This can be mitigated through calibration frames, though. Despite the present amp glow, the ASI183MC is a great beginner model for those looking for a budget-friendly camera.
Advantages:
✓ Compact 1” sensor available in monochrome and OSC
✓ Backlit sensor
To Consider:
✗ No amplifier control (keeping in mind amp glow can be calibrated out with the right frames)
ZWO ASI294 Pro
ASI294 Pro Monochrome Camera -
Our third pick is the widely known and loved ZWO ASI294 Pro, which also comes in OSC and monochrome options. Slightly larger than the ASI183, the ASI294 Pro comes with a slightly larger 4/3” sensor. While the technical specifications of the ASI294 are extremely similar to the ASI183, there is slightly more real estate to work with in relation to sensor size. This ZWO cooled camera also comes equipped with a backlit sensor for noise control. Like the ASI183, this ASI camera model also does not come with amplifier glow control. This is an important consideration for some customers who are considering their next dedicated astronomy camera purchase.
Advantages:
✓ Large 4/3” sensor available in monochrome and OSC
✓ Backlit sensor
To Consider:
✗ No amplifier control (keeping in mind amp glow can be calibrated out with the right frames)
ZWO ASI2600 Pro
ASI2600 Pro Monochrome Camera -
Our penultimate recommendation is the ZWO ASI2600 Pro. The ZWO ASI2600 camera features a large APS-C sensor that comes in both OSC and monochrome options. ZWO has also released the ZWO2600 Duo, which features an integrated guide camera that also comes in OSC and monochrome sensor options. These cameras are backlit and also feature the Zero Amplifier Glow control. So, the images before post processing are astounding in and of themselves. With the cameras holding around 26 megapixels, it’s easy to imagine the impressive resolution. We would also like to note this camera model specifically works great with an extremely wide array of telescopes offered here at High Point! If a customer is looking for something new and innovative, the ASI2600 is the one to buy!
Advantages:
✓ Large APS-C sensor available in monochrome and OSC
✓ ASI2600 Duo with integrated guide camera
✓ 26-megapixel powerhouse
✓ High QE
✓ Backlit sensor
✓ Zero Amp Glow control
✓ Integrated dew heater for humidity control
To Consider:
✗ Not as budget friendly—think mid-priced, but high-performance
ZWO ASI533 Pro
ASI533 Pro Monochrome Camera -
On to our top recommendation! The ZWO ASI533 Pro is the top choice amongst our customer base and the entire High Point Scientific team. This is true particularly for myself as I have owned this model for years, and it is a trusted component of my astrophotography gear. This ZWO camera comes with a smaller 1” square sensor and is available in both monochrome and OSC options. This smaller camera still has the same backlit sensor design and Zero Amp Glow control as the larger ASI6200 and ASI2600 models. The ASI533 camera is especially good with smaller refactors and imaging Newtonians like the Apertura CarbonStar 150, a telescope we typically suggest for deep-space imaging. When pairing my ASI533 with a 60mm refractor, the single subs I capture always blow my mind. This is a great budget-friendly camera that works for both beginning and experienced astrophotographers and still includes all the sought after features of the larger cameras on this list. This is why our team and customers favor the ASI533 Pro.
Advantages:
✓ Top choice for our team and customers
✓ 1” square sensor available in monochrome or OSC
✓ Backlit sensor
✓ Amp Glow control
✓ Budget-friendly option
✓ Great paired with small refractors for deep-space imaging
To Consider:
✗ Framing a 1” square aspect ratio is out of the norm for “cameras” and can take some getting used to
Honorable Mention
We couldn’t end it there! Making the list as an honorable mention is the ZWO ASI585MC Pro. This camera is offered in only a 1/1.2" color sensor. While not in our top five, this ZWO camera is worth highlighting. The uncooled version of the ASI585MC is already highly regarded for its performance in electronically assisted astronomy (EAA), the process of connecting a camera directly to a telescope and using a screen to view. With the introduction of the cooled version, ZWO has expanded the appeal of this camera to astrophotographers looking to incorporate longer exposures. The cooled ASI585MC Pro offers a compelling option for those seeking enhanced performance and flexibility in their imaging ventures.
At High Point Scientific, we don’t just sell these products, we use and test them by incorporating them into our personal rigs. Our entire team understands that selecting the right dedicated astro-camera can be daunting, given the array of options available. A camera is not a minor investment, which is why we feel strongly about giving our customers a list of our sure-fire favorites! If this top five cooled astronomy camera list has piqued your interest but you still require additional guidance, we invite you to explore our comprehensive "Choosing a Deep Sky Camera" article. At High Point Scientific, our goal is to empower you and give you the knowledge and tools needed to make an informed decision that aligns perfectly with your astrophotography goals.
Learn More
Interested in learning more about telescope mounts and astrophotography? Not sure where to begin? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
Glossary
Amp Glow
Amp glow is a glow seen in images that is generated by the camera, often a result of the heat from readout circuitry.
Astronomy
Astronomy is the scientific study of space and the celestial objects within it. It also deals with the physical universe as a whole. Astronomy can be broken up into four subcategories: astrophysics, astrometry, astrogeology, and astrobiology. The study of astronomy has helped measure time, seasons, and navigation on Earth.
Astrophotography
This refers to photography of astronomical bodies and phenomena. Astrophotography is not new, for example the popular T threading still used today harkens from Tamron’s T-mount developed for their 35 mm cameras - however it has seen a notable increase in popularity with improvements in cameras, mounts, filters, and software making astrophotography much more accessible. This is not limited to celestial bodies such as nebulae, planets, or galaxies either, as solar imaging is now more within the reach of the average consumer than ever before.
Backlit / Back-Side Illuminated / Back-Illuminated (BSI)
A backlit or back-illuminated sensor is a type of digital camera sensor that places all of the wiring and circuitry for electronic signals behind the sensor. BSI sensors increase image quality in low-light conditions because the position of the wiring and circuitry prevents illumination loss.
Color Camera / One-Shot-Color Cameras (OSC)
Often referred to as One-Shot-Color (OSC) cameras, these cameras are able to produce an image in full color without the use of additional filters. This greatly simplifies the imaging process, and allows astrophotographers to complete a project in far less amount of time. They are especially useful for those who have limited clear nights, where they can go weeks to months without having an imaging opportunity due to their climate. These cameras are excellent choices to image the planets, the Sun, the Moon, and deep space.
Cooled Camera
A cooled camera utilizes cooling technology to decrease the temperature of the sensor below ambient temperature. This allows for a reduction in the thermal noise of the images.
Dedicated Astronomy Camera
These cameras don’t look like what one traditionally thinks of when imaging a camera; instead taking the form of cylinders or pucks, with no physical controls, displays, or viewfinders to speak of. These require a computer or WiFi control device to take images, with more advanced models additionally requiring external power. What they give in return for all of these concessions is granular control over the sensor settings, increased sensitivity to wavelengths that more traditional cameras filter out, options for deBayered sensors (true monochrome), designs that easily connect with astronomy equipment, and in some cases cooling for increased performance.
Deep Sky Camera
A deep sky camera is designed to capture images of celestial objects such as galaxies and nebulae. They tend to utilize larger sensors than planetary cameras, often making them larger in body size and weight, as well as more expensive
Dew Heater
Dew heaters are a low wattage dew prevention tool. It utilizes an electrical heater to warm up a lens to prevent the accumulation of moisture.
Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA)
Electronically Assisted Astronomy describes the process of attaching a digital camera to a telescope and viewing through a screen rather than a traditional eyepiece. Essentially, the camera replaces the eyepiece in the telescope set up.
Full Well Capacity/ Full Well Depth
This refers to the amount of signal that a pixel can store before it becomes fully saturated. This becomes important especially with longer exposure times, as if pixels become fully saturated then the contrast between them and surrounding detail will be lost as those details continue to brighten but the saturated pixels remain the same. It is important to understand that this is not a static figure, but rather one that much like other camera specifications changes depending on the gain setting.
Imaging Newtonian
An Imaging Newtonian is a Newtonian telescope that has been optimized for astrophotography equipment. Where a traditional Newtonian would have its point of focus just above the end of the draw tube (in order to best focus with eyepieces), an imaging Newtonian is designed to focus further back to provide adequate space for astrophotography cameras and accessories. A side-effect of this focal point shift is a decrease in field-illumination, which presents as vignetting in images. Accordingly, imaging Newtonians also have larger secondary mirrors than their traditionally designed counterparts, which evens out illumination. In addition to these optical changes, these scopes can (but don't always) have hardware that has been upgraded or replaced with components that make attaching supporting equipment easier. Some of these scopes can be used visually as well as for astrophotography, however the optical changes and astrophotography hardware focused design does not make them the best candidate for visual observation.
Monochrome Camera
Monochrome cameras deliver the most detail and sensitivity out of all other camera options. Color cameras have an arrangement of pixel filters in a 2x2 grid, typically consisting of two green, one red, and one blue, which is then repeated across the entire sensor in what is known as a Bayer pattern. Monochrome cameras however, have photosites that do not contain an alternating pattern of those red, green, and blue light pre-filters. Instead, their photosites collect all incoming light regardless of color – allowing for up to 3x the collection of signal (red, green, and blue light). Because the camera itself is not pre-filtering each color, in order to produce a full color image, they must be paired with filters to create a full color image. These filters can range from simple RGB filters to narrowband filters, and the collected data is then combined in a photo editing software. Though light is still passed through an external filter, every pixel well is utilized, resulting in 4x more red or blue signal and 2x more green signal compared to a color camera.
Peak QE
Camera sensors have differing sensitivities to different wavelengths, which are often described as a percentage of how much light of a certain wavelength is converted to actual signal. These are plotted on a graph, which often overlays the sensitivity of the green pixels, red pixels, and blue pixels for each wavelength. The peak quantum efficiency, or peak QE value, is the highest percentage measured across all of the pixels on the camera sensor.
Pixel
Digital images are made up of many, many, small boxes arranged in a grid, and these boxes are called pixels. To create these digital images, camera sensors are similarly made up of thousands or millions of small light measuring components arranged in a grid. These too are referred to as pixels.
Refractor
A refractor telescope is an optical instrument that utilizes refraction of light to create a visual image. This telescope type uses an objective lens to bend/refract light from far away objects to magnify them, as well as allowing them to appear brighter and clearer. Refractors were created in 1608, and their creation is attributed to Hans Lippershey, a Dutch lens maker.
Sensor
A camera sensor is the main component of a DSLR, deep sky camera, or smart telescope that turns incoming light into data that can then be displayed on digital devices like mobile phones or computers. Accordingly, these are just as important as the optics of a system for a quality image. There are a wide variety of specifications that are important for a sensor - physical size, pixel size, resolution, dynamic range, amounts of image “noise”, and other technologies such as back-side illumination. As a result there is also a wide variety of sensors available that attempt to balance these in differing ways for different applications and price points.
Sensor Size (Full Frame, APS-C, Micro 4/3, Etc)
Imaging sensors come in many different proportions, such as 4:3 or 1:1, and physical sizes. There are some common combinations that have received a name - full-frame, APS-C, micro four thirds (4/3). The most important component of sensor size for astrophotography is the measurement from corner to corner (diagonal) of the sensor, which can then be compared to a telescope/ corrective element's image circle to assess how well the two may pair.
Zero Amp Glow
Zero Amp Glow is a camera feature that prevents amp glow, any glow in an image caused by the camera. This control feature is managed using a combination of software and/or hardware that reduces the power consumption of the sensor and supporting circuitry.
