OSC or Mono

[Jmr (Jason)]

New to deep space astrophotography and looking to upgrade to a cooled camera for longer exposures as use small refractor. I have heard the new OSC cameras like the ZWO ASI553 are getting good quality for the cost compared to mono with filters.
What would you recommend in my situation I don't want to spend too much.

[Drac0 (Mark)]

I don't want to spend too much.

With that in mind, certainly a good OSC would be the way to go. Mono cameras on their own are more expensive and you need to add the additional cost of decent filters & a filter wheel. Good filters on their own could cost more than the OSC camera.

I was going to get the cooled ASI533MC, I think it looks like a great camera, but a relatively new 294MM came up in the classifieds here for the same price as buying a 533MC new so I jumped on that - then of course had to get the extras - and I haven't been able to afford "good" ones yet, even my filter wheel is manual.

A good cooled OSC like the 533MC will give you great results. Add a decent duo or tri-band filter & it may still be cheaper than a similar mono cam on it's own. Just be sure the camera is suitable for the telescope you intend to use.

Cheers,
Mark

[Jmr (Jason)]

Thanks all I purchased the ZWO ASI 533MS Pro

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

looking forward to your images Jason! congrats on the purchase.

[AdamJL]

Good luck, Jason! OSC is definitely the choice if you want to keep costs down. The filter wheel + filters are easily the cost of the camera itself.