Cameras

Color provides a complete image in a single exposure: it’s the easiest way to get started, whether with planetary or deep-sky photography. Monochrome imaging is more sensitive and offers greater detail, but requires filters (LRGB or narrowband), a filter wheel, and more processing time. It really comes into its own in urban areas when using narrowband filters.

Your camera is perfect for getting started: wide fields, the Milky Way, and your first nebulae with a tracking mount. A cooled astro camera significantly reduces noise during long exposures and captures the red light from nebulae more effectively. For planetary photography, a small dedicated camera captures images much faster than an SLR.

Not necessarily: the'ASIAIR Plus controls the camera, mount, and accessories from a smartphone or tablet, without needing a PC in the field. The SynLink Universal from Sky-Watcher and the StellaVita ToupTek products do the same, while remaining compatible with cameras and mounts from many brands (ZWO, ToupTek, Player One, etc.). Our preferred method, however, is still a fanless mini PC like the MeLE Quieter 4C, on which you can install any software you want (NINA, PHD2, etc.). It's a little less «plug-and-play,» but we're happy to assist you during the installation.

Calculate the resolution: 206 × pixel size (µm) ÷ focal length (mm) gives arcseconds per pixel. With the 3.76 µm pixels of an ASI2600, a 400 mm refractor yields approximately 1.9″/pixel, which is a good value under Swiss skies; at 2000 mm, this drops to 0.4″/pixel, which is too fine, so a reducer or pixel binning is required. Also make sure that the instrument’s image circle covers the sensor.

For planetary photography, aim for an f/D ratio of about 5 times the pixel size: with 2.9 µm pixels, that’s about f/15, often using a Barlow lens. Our Camera and Barlow Lens Guide explains the calculation in detail.

Yes, regarding cooling: A cooled ZWO camera runs about 30 to 35 °C below room temperature, but only if it is connected to a 12 V power source. When powered solely by the USB cable, it operates without cooling. The'ZWO 12 V 5 A power supply with Swiss adapter is suitable; make sure that the total current drawn by the connected devices does not exceed its capacity.

Yes: You record short videos, and then software selects and stacks the best frames. Without tracking, you have to re-frame the subject between videos, but the result far surpasses that of a phone, thanks to the gain and exposure settings.