Imaging Galaxies with the ZWO 533 MC Pro

In this video, I put the ZWO 533 MC pro to the test imaging Messier 81 and 82. My main purpose in combining the ZWO 533 with my Celestron 8SCT and .63 focal reducer was to improve my galaxy imaging. In this video, I will share the results along with some other pictures I took of planetary nebula and the moon while offering my honest opinion about the camera and set-up.

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

No need to be embarrassed by your early photo's, as you learn you get better, but even if it is a fuzzy picture, at least you are taking photo's and learning ( hopefully )

[@stefanschneider3681]

PLEASE don‘t ever say „I am ambarassed of this picture“ again 😉! OF COURSE the actual image is fantastic, great job out of your backyard! But wasn‘t it amazing to you when you got the first one? What you can make visible as an amateur? The beauty of the object was already there. Thanks for the video. Chears out of rainy Switzerland in the middle of Europe 😱😢

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Great captures at the end Joe, and really nice setup you have going. Looking forward to seeing more of your galaxy captures this season!

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

Thanks

[@aw7425]

Very helpful as usual. You’re the reason I also got the 533 and now I also know what filter to get based on your L Extreme shoot out. Clear skies. Thanks again

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

Glad I could helpm

[@johannesofner2954]

Many thanks for your great input on this topic. Very helpful and well done! Greetings from rainy Austria…

[@AntPDC]

Brilliant review, thank you. Nobody used to worry about the square aspect ratio of Hasselblad's and other medium format cameras, including those spectacular shots from the Apollo missions. Your positive review has helped me decide to buy the 533 for EAA to start at the lower rungs of the learning curve.

[@ankitbudakoti9545]

I don't know how many galaxies are there in universe and how much big is the universe but I loved your youtube channel

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

Thanks. I enjoy putting these together and sharing my passion for the hobby.

[@licho52]

I got rid of my 533MC because of the format and size -- at the end of the day I want to have something printable, something to be used as wallpaper and in that respect, as you well pointed out, the camera fails. It sort of isn't a big deal as you said, until it is and after using it for a season I threw the towel and gave in. For example, none of my 533MC pictures could have been used for my own 2022 astro calendar (due to the awkward format) which sealed the deal and the camera was replaced by 2600MC.

[@tomwall8403]

Another great video! I'm shooting m51 tonight with almost an identical rig. I've been struggling with extracting more color from my galaxy shots, so you processing tips are very useful.

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

Here is the link to a set of actions that I have found helpful. There is an action in here called "Boost Color" with options for low, medium and high. I have found it helpful at times. photokemistartools.weebly.com/

[@deepthought1569]

Love the video, thanks for posting. I watched it because I just bought the 533 but those editing tips are great for a new guy like me. Fingers crossed I can learn how to make this c11 track accurately then learn to photo process 😅

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaeljarvis4612]

Great Video and nice analysis of the 533 MC Pro. Very Helpful.

[@MAXLAND7]

Thank you very much from Belgium for your great video. I Love them. Have a nice sky.

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

Thanks. I love making them and I'm glad they help.

[@evemitchellanderson]

That was great man I can't wait to get in this hobby

[@sky-watcher]

Excellent job!

[@markmruczek4391]

I know this is a little late to the game but how to you find your stars shapes when using the celestron 0.63 reducer and the 533 mc camera. I would think that with the camera you would not see any distortion at the edges of you shot. I have a c6 and waiting for the night owl or the starizona 0.63 but having issues trying to conecct either to the scope when using the Pegasus Astro focus cube zero in combination with the starizonavisual back. It’s to large and I can t connect the gram that goes on the telescope focuser knob. Think of just getting the Celestron reducer to use, any thoughts.? Thanks, Mark M

[@davidaylsworth8964]

I’ve been using the ASI533MC Pro for about a year now and I’m really pleased with how clean the subframes are. I’ve used this camera on refractors from 80mm to 150mm and a few Canon ED L series lenses too. The results have been great. Like most folks, the square form factor needs a bit of getting used to, but the results are worth it. Your point about wringing all the goodness from a current setup is apropos. Your point regarding going back to mark progress is very good. Even if it’s cringe-worthy it’s always worth it to take the time machine back. Good informative video.

[@GarnettLeary]

Awesome job. Enjoyed the video

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

Thanks

[@DSOImager]

Nice collection of images at the end. The 533MC is a great camera. Your first M81 looks like my first M81 :)

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

Thanks. I always like to look back, this hobby has a steep learning curve but it's rewarding to see improvement.

[@marcelorsc]

Great video and lessons! Thank you! 🙂 I'm choosing a camera to start and was thinking about a ASI585MC that is a planetary non-cooled camera but a newer generation, and I'm seeing good results even for DSO. But some people are recomending really go to a Pro cooled camera, even costing twice and for my basic NexStar 8SE setup with standard AZ mount and no guiding. I don't plan very long sessions, I would like to do shorter sessions and EAA for DSO (and planets). Considering that this is a 2019 camera, does the ASI533MCPro worth the investment for this purpose?

[@YASAJTV]

What gain you use on this camera for galaxies, please?

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

I use gain 110

[@TevisC]

I have a C5 I really want this camera. Forced to search for used.

[@thedigitalastronomer6442]

I really like it and have been impressed with its performance. you might want to check with Agena Astroproducts, they have it in stock. BTW- I am not affiliated or paid in anyway by them, but have made several purchases and they have always been great to deal with