The ASI533MC Pro VS The ASI294MC Pro: 3 Key Differences!

Just picked up the ASI533MC Pro and in this video I'll compare it to the ASI294MC Pro for an overview of each and 3 key differences that can help you decide which camera is for you. Spoiler alert... both are great astrophotography cameras!

[@jpastroguy]

I am really looking forward to viewing your next video which I believe will compare the two cameras on side-by-side performance (against the same target?). Thanks for the information and advice. Keep up the great videos!

[@lowliifer]

What a wonderful channel to find, absolutely beautiful photography and you have a great attitude.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@midnightowl3945]

You can always shoot a mosaic with the 533 to get more in the fov

[@kenproctor3824]

Great info, I’m looking for my next camera and this video is terrifically helpful. Thanks.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks so much for the kind words and support! 🙏

[@avt_astro206]

Great comparison mate!! Intresting Info on Camera Specs!!📷👍🏻👍🏻

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks bud!

[@Wolfie6020]

Thanks for the detailed review. I have the 294 colour and use it often. Looking at the 533 for a difference scope so nice to hear some positive information on it.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks so much!

[@Wolfie6020]

@@keystothecosmos7527 New to your channel and enjoying the videos. Great work.

[@wallbke]

I'm just chosing between them right now so this was very valuable for me. Thank you!

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks! Both are great but there are definitely key differences 👍

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Interesting video. When I was researching astro-cameras my decision tree distilled my choices down to the 294 and 533. I ended up going with the 533 because of the amp glow and post processing challenges. I have used both the L-eXtreme and L-Pro with my sample of the 533 and so far haven’t had any issues. Great review you’ve done here. It makes me think that I might be looking into a used 294 in future. As much as I’d like to get the 2600, the expense is not doable for me.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks so much. They're both great cameras for sure but I definitely gravitate to the 533. I just picked up a 2600 so stay tuned! 😃

[@KopLamp]

This video has a real potential to become very expensive (for me). A friendly tip from a fellow Astro-KZbinr; I once was told that I wasn't looking in the camera and I notice that you aren't too. You are probably making the same 'mistake' as I did - looking at the display instead of the camera. Keep up the good work!

[@Pletharoe]

nice, simple, to the point video. I can assure you, AMP glow is a killer on the 294, and not having to take dark frames is a massive pro on the list for the 533.... if only it wasn't for the size of the sensor, but that too has its advantages. This and the 2600 is my dream combo...

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks so much! Yes I agree, that 2600 is also on my list down the road. That's definitely a next level camera 👌

[@anata5127]

@@keystothecosmos7527 What about 6200?

[@jeancarlobarba6420]

Hello there, what of this 2 cameras you recomend for a combo with a newton 150/750 telescope? Thanks 😀

[@JungleEddie]

I love the target tips but appreciate the gear reviews.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks. I hope to have more soon!

[@vinikrish]

Thanks a lot for this comparison video... I am planning to go with ASI533MC. One question - is it required to use a UV/ IR Cut filter with this camera? Or it can be used without any filter as well... TIA

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks so much for your support and comment. I can't say 100% but I believe you can use it without a filter. I wouldn't know because I shoot in Bortle 9 skies but I'm quite certain it doesn't require a filter. It's a great camera 👌

[@alvarofigueiro1606]

Hi buddy, first of all I would like to congrats you. What a nice video! I have a question. I have a Celestron 130 SLT and I would like to get into astrophotography with it, but I want to avoid DSL because I dont want to make a mirror mod with my scope in order to get it in better focus. Do you think the ASI533MC would perform well with my small/cheap scope?

[@ly8370]

130 newt should have around 600mm+ of focal length which the 533mc is great for that focal length range. Definitely you can fit many DSOs into this field of view.

[@AstroEverett]

I would love to get a dedicated camera but not enough funds lol. The rabbit hole gets deeper! Great video bud. Keep them coming.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

All in due time my friend 👍

[@AstroEverett]

@@keystothecosmos7527 If I can get the ok from the boss ;-)

[@ssdheeraj6347]

I faced the same problem with the artifacts with L-Ultimate using with 294 MC Pro

[@willswings]

Thanks for this vid , speaking about details in the image, wich one is the best? I was aiming for the 533 for my usage but considering the number of pixels and the size of them far superior in the 294, I'm wondering wich one to choose. Thanks for your answer.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks for your comment. Its tough to say... I'd say on paper, the 294 is a better camera. But I find myself frequently grabbing the 533, especially when I'm shooting something smaller and I want the smaller sensor. I also hate the red artifacts with the 294 when I use a narrowband filter, even though they can be processed out. The square sensor on the 533 is not good for wide field images. Both are definitely great cameras though!

[@willswings]

@@keystothecosmos7527 thanks for this qucik response. As a newbe in astrocam coming from DSLR , with all the arrangements I've got to do for a good image, I think I'm gone go for the 533 for the moment and maybe in a few years switch for a monochrom cam when my skills will be enough .Thanks for helping me choose. Have a nice day, grettings from France.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

@@willswings Awesome. I'm sure you will love it. Thanks for your support

[@lavers_1]

very well explained thx! Question, I have an F4 Newtonian at 800 mm focal length Which one would be overall in you opinion?.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks. If you're going for smaller targets, I like the 533 personally

[@BrokenPik]

@16:15 Electroluminescent starburst. its built into the circuitry.

[@Oxizee]

If i am in bortle 3 and 4. Do i still need a filter when i am using an 294MC Pro or 533MC Pro?

[@tullyfisher]

Great video. And very well explained! 👍🏼 Personally, I don't like the square shape of the sensor..and for me not having amp glow with the 533 is not a big enough selling point to buy that camera. I would rather consider to buy the 294. Don't get me wrong: I think the 533 is a great camera as well...no question about that. As you said: Personal taste and weighting of technical data. - Thank you for the awesome video. cs

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks for your comment. Yeah the square sensor is definitely not for everyone. They're both great cameras with different strengths and I frequently switch back and forth between the 2

[@NMHC1978]

What about the result with 30 sec short exposures

[@faizanrao3574]

I like ur video, very helpful for newbie like me. Do we face same challenges with L-Extreme with ASI 294 MM. Kindly advise (I'm planning to buy my 1st Astro camera)..... Thax

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks. If you're referring to the red artifacts from the filter with the 294, I wouldn't let it stop you from purchasing it. They can be fairly easily removed in processing. Both are great cameras 👍

[@jeff5163]

You mentioned that ZWO was having a sale on the ASI533 camera. Would you mind sharing where you bought it from?

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Yes of course! I bought it from DavidsAstro but most places had it on sale. At least here in Canada anyway

[@JudeRoger]

Hey zio maybe make a video of every picture you took in the week it would get a lot of views, you can easily peice them all together with cap cut or iMovie also do a QNA!

[@rosegaming9926]

I love this!!!

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks!

[@davegibson6604]

The 533 is backlit and has no amp glow. The 294 isn't backlit and has significant amp glow.

[@toolan]

Great comparison thanks... I was planing to use 294 with my Samyang 135mm lens to get this wide field but when you told here about that L-ex filter issue.. I dont know what to do ;P Currently I'm using UHC filter and was planing to buy L-enhance (not extreme) but not sure what to after this video. The 1 inch sensor on 533 seems to small for me..

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Yeah the 533 would really limit a wide field lens like that. I don't think the L-Enhance would be as bad as the L-Extreme (assuming you're not in horrible light pollution like I am). Also, apparently shooting flat frames will help with that so I wouldn't be too hesitant to use the 294 👍

[@toolan]

@@keystothecosmos7527 flats did help in your case?

[@keystothecosmos7527]

@@toolan I haven't tried taking any yet... Too lazy 😃 Others however have said they definitely helped

[@langedimitri4784]

Hello, I have a 533 and I wanted to take a second camera to use it with my Samyang 135 because I find that the field is too limited with the 533. I was thinking of the second-hand 294. How do you find yourself with yours and the Samyang? THANKS

[@PopeAstro]

Just ordered the 294mc pro. Want something more similar to my DSLR for framing. No issues with taking darks!!

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Nice!

[@domino089]

Any chance to make a video of a process how do you remove those artefacts in post-process? I do have exactly same combo (L-extreme and 294MC Pro)...

[@keystothecosmos7527]

That's a good idea. Mostly, as I mention in most videos, isolate the background using the 'select inverse' option once you've lasso'd the target itself. Then I play with exposure, black point, shadows etc. and use gradient exterminator to get a clean, consistent background.

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

Nice comparison. The field of view and square sensor there are the low points of the 533. However the background pattern noticeable in ha with narrow band filter can be removed with longer exposure flats. My advice would be to sell both of them and get instead the zwo 2600mc pro or an equivalent and get a bigger better sensor. Clear sky mate!

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks for your comment. I like having a few options when it comes to sensors so I'll keep both cameras, depending on what I'm imaging. I actually have another camera but that's for another video 😉

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

@@keystothecosmos7527 two cameras can be usefull if you use 2 rigs in the same time.

[@williamkacensky4796]

Hi, are you presently replying to questions?

[@BehindEarthTamil]

How much it is sir ?

[@moemode]

Great review 👍. Nicely explained without the in depth tech language. Which suits me better. Subscribe and I'll be watching more of your vids . Thanks for the advice. I'm doing my research on these particularly models , which lead me to your channel . Thanks again .

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks so much!

[@poruatokin]

Sensor shape is not the only issue, the difference is the sensor size. 11.3x11.3 vs 19.1x13. The small sensor has the effect of zooming you in more with a given scope setup. The benefits vary depending on what you are shooting. The Amp glow problems of the 294 really is a deal breaker.

[@patrickpat5277]

Hi, can you compare them to the QHY8L ? Is it similar?

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Unfortunately I'm not really familiar with QHY products. They aren't compatible with the ZWO ASIair

[@fixationuk]

Do you know if you get the same artifacts with the L-pro?

[@keystothecosmos7527]

No I do not get the same artifacts

[@refetastro]

Perfect video for my capacity

[@AB-ft2lb]

Mosaics are also an option for anyone wanting wide field with the 533.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks and very true. Haven't attempted one of those yet

[@AB-ft2lb]

@@keystothecosmos7527 me neither to be honest. I have the 533mc and was considering swapping for the 294mc. The framing on M31, M42 etc bugged me, and could just do a mosaic 🙂

[@anata5127]

All top CCD cameras have more noise than these both cameras. However, they detect more. Why? Dynamic range and pixel size. These two parameters well more important to get faint signal.

[@mlethbridge76]

I'm going to have to stop watching your videos because my wallet can't handle it anymore **starts shopping for a 533**😂. Great comparison Dave, that's very interesting about how the 533 plays with the L-Extreme.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Lol! Thanks Mike

[@micham.9057]

Did you use flats for 294?

[@keystothecosmos7527]

No I don't cause I'm lazy 😃 I'm sure that would help

[@micham.9057]

@@keystothecosmos7527 various source suggest that this will fix the pattern that you mentioned.

[@ppi57]

@@keystothecosmos7527 you & Cuiv. lol

[@jesuschrist2284]

One inch is 25.4mm so im sonfused why this is called a one inch sensor

[@williamkacensky4796]

Hi are you still answering questions?

[@keystothecosmos7527]

I will try my best to 😃

[@williamkacensky4796]

@@keystothecosmos7527 Thank you. Can a Zwo ASI 178 MC astro camera mounted on a tripod, using a ZWO ASiair Plus wifi setup plugged into a labtop record photos from 5,000 to 25,000 feet (White Light only) without a telescope? If applicable, is there a way to mount a Sony or Cannon low light f stop focal lens to this application? This will not be used for stars or planetary bodies. Thank you, Will

[@keystothecosmos7527]

@@williamkacensky4796 Ok, so you definitely need a telescope or lens with the camera but yes a lens can be directly attached to a ZWO camera with an adapter 👍

[@williamkacensky4796]

@@keystothecosmos7527 ok thank you for the reply.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

@@williamkacensky4796 Anytime 👍

[@AstroQuest1]

Well done video. I use the ASI294MC Pro now and am looking to get another color cam and was looking into the ASI533. I have that same issue with the the red artifacts as do most people with the ASI294 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6mknKemgKtmhqc). Flats do remove it but it would be nice to know what it is. I contacted ZWO but and they responded but never answered the question. - Cheers Kurt

[@keystothecosmos7527]

Thanks Kurt. Yes it is definitely something unique to this camera. I've recently been using the Triad Ultra filter and I get the same thing.

[@AstroQuest1]

@@keystothecosmos7527 Cuiv did an extensive video on ha filters and this camera. The conclusion was the more narrow the band pass, the worse the problem.

[@user-dr8ug3gs3c]

My wallet is lost in space. Let me know if you see it. lol.

[@keystothecosmos7527]

🤣

[@bobmusil1458]

If you keep telling your viewers “you guys know me”, you assume that you only have regular viewers. You shouldn’t assume that.

[@anata5127]

294MM is by far better than 294mc.

[@gunnarjensen5910]

Tried my ASIair plus, Zwo533 and William Optics Z81 for the first time last night. Polar alignment, perfect, guiding good. ZWO533 total crap. unusable pictures.. Like taking pictures with a 2 pixel toy camera..Fraud ?