Can an ASI294MM Pro be used as an adequate planetary camera?

WalterT

Hey everyone. I have a rookie question here. I see that a lot of planetary imagers prefer to buy the cameras with the smaller chips, such as AISs 224, 290, 174, etc but at the time of imaging a planet for example they use an ROI of say 480. So at the end of the day if I already own an ASI294MM Pro that has 2.3um pixels and use it to image a planet with a 480 ROI what would be the disadvantage of doing that vs say doing the same with an ASI290MM for example?

I understand there will be a difference in fps between the two cameras and the 290 will capture more frames overall. But I'm wondering if there is a big difference in the quality of the images ( or videos) captured by the cameras that will make for a better stack at the end?

Tech@ZWO

WalterT
There is no disadvantage, you can use it as an adequate planetary camera.

a.cidadao

Hi, the ASI294 could also be a good alternative for me as a lunar and planetary camera, so I am also interested in the answer.

What I can tell you is that the 183MM pro that I currently use is a very good option, unless you are mainly interested in IR imaging. Good response in the visible, 2.4um pixels, fast (was, before the current driver issue), with very large FOV for the moon and for centering planets.

Extra FOV allows for software like SharpCap to maintain the planet centered during ling periods even if alignment is not perfect.

I leave you with a recent planetary mosaic and a lunarscape (Tych

o) obtained with the 183MM.

Also check this link for a 294 evaluation:

http://www.astrosurf.com/buil/asi294mm/

António

WalterT

@a.cidadao#48457 Wrote that s great review Antonio. Thanks for the feedback.

WalterT

WalterT Great. Thank you.

a.cidadao

By the way Walter, the review is from Christian Buil.

António