How to ZWO cameras stack up against modded webcams?

mostlyemptyspace

I would like to buy either an ASI120MC or ASI034MC for planetary imaging. On some forums, people have recommended I either buy a webcam and mod it myself, or buy one pre-modded. They say the results will be similar. I have an 8" SCT, so they said the resolution may be limited by the scope, and the ZWO would be overkill for the money. What do you guys think? Are the ZWO's worth the money?

riklaunim

Rubbish talk about those webcams, totally. I used C8 with a DMK and that gave much better results than webcams.

8" is quite much for planetary imaging. A webcam like the old SPC900 have many limitations in speed, sensitivity or image compression. Some newer webcams may give better quality image but it still won't be as good as from "machine vision" camera usable in planetary imaging - like the ASI cameras and others. No compression, fast framerate, various sensors to pick.

ASI034MC is the entry level while ASI120MC is the more advanced one (although mono ASI120MM would allow/give more - like for lunar imaging).

mostlyemptyspace

riklaunim wrote:
ASI034MC is the entry level while ASI120MC is the more advanced one (although mono ASI120MM would allow/give more - like for lunar imaging).

So is the ASI120MC worth the extra cost over the 034MC? If I use a 3x Barlow with the 034, would it give similar results to the 120MC with a 2x barlow?

Sam@ZWO

mostlyemptyspace wrote:
riklaunim wrote:ASI034MC is the entry level while ASI120MC is the more advanced one (although mono ASI120MM would allow/give more - like for lunar imaging).

So is the ASI120MC worth the extra cost over the 034MC? If I use a 3x Barlow with the 034, would it give similar results to the 120MC with a 2x barlow?

you may capture at 20fps use an 3x barlow with 034 but you may reach 30fps use a 2x barlow with 120 under the same SNR.

so 120 will bring more frames for you and you will get better result under the same condition

calypsob

the asi120 will blow any webcam out of the water.