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The ZWO ASI 533MC PRO is a cooled camera with great performance for a very competitive price.
The ZWO ASI 553MC contains the Sony IMX533 CMOS colour sensor which has a diagonal of 15.99mm and a resolution of 9 MPx. The Sony back-illuminated sensor technology improves sensitivity and reduces the noise for the best performance.
The ZWO PRO cameras incorporate a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer that improves data transfer reliability and it minimizes amp-glow caused by slow data transfer speeds.
A higher QE means more of the light is converted into signal. The ASI 533MC has a maximum QE of 80%.
The USB 3.0 Port provides 5Gbps bandwidth and lets the camera run at 20fps at full resolution.
The USB 2.0 Hub allows to connect 2 USB controlled accessories such as a filter wheel, a guiding camera or an electronic focuser, reducing the amount of cables that run directly from your computer.
The thermoelectric cooling system allows a ΔT of 40°CC below ambient.
Note: All cooled ZWO cameras require an external power supply of 12V at 3-5A with a 2.1×5.5 mm connector (positive tip).
The dark current of the ASI533MC is extremely low, based on ZWO's test results.
Traditional CMOS sensors emit a weak infrared light and quite often it is seen in the corner of uncalibrated images. This is called "amp glow". The ASI533MC PRO uses a zero amp glow circuitry which eliminates the problem, even when using high gain and a long exposure.
With amp glow – exposure of 300 seconds:
ASI553 frame with no amp glow – exposure of 300 seconds:
Sensor |
1″ CMOS Sony IMX533 - colour |
Resolution |
9 megapixels 3008 x 3008 |
Pixel size |
3.76 µm |
Sensor size |
11.31 x 11.31 mm (16 mm diagonal) |
Quantum efficiency |
80% |
Exposure range |
470 g |
Read noise |
1.0 e (@ 30 dB) |
Full well capacity |
50,000 e |
Bit rate |
14 bit |
Speed |
20 fps |
Shutter type |
Rolling shutter |
Cooling |
ΔT of 40°C |
Memory buffer |
256Mb DDR III |
ROI |
Supported |
Compatibility |
Mac, Windows, Linux |
Protecting window |
AR coated |
Ports |
USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 |
Back focus |
6.5 mm |
Connections |
2" / 1.25" / M42 x 0.75 |
Dimensions |
Ø 78 mm; ↨ 77.5 mm |
Weight |
480 g |
Power supply |
9-15V 3 A (2.1×5.5 mm connector) |
SKU |
ASI533MC-P |
- Camera bag
- Camera body
- USB 3.0 cable 2m
- 21mm extender (M42 male - M42 female)
- 16.5mm extender (M48 female - M42 male)
- 11mm M42 female extender (screwed to the camera)
- Nose piece (M42 male to 1.25" female)
- Internal adapter M42 (female) to M48 (male)
- 2x USB 2.0 cables 0.5m
- M42 male to 1.25" filter thread (necessary to connect a 1.25" filter inside the 11mm extender)
- Set of shims
- Plastic cap for 11mm M42 extender
- Quick start guide
I was a total noob, I purchased an ASAIR and ASI224MC for my Nexstar6SE to try my hand at planetary imaging and had some great results.
Next step was this gorgeous 533MC-Pro, I wanted to make sure I was buying gear that was compatible with what I had.
A quick email with some noob questions to Testar and I promptly received a brilliant concise reply from Jamie on which adaptors I may need.
I ordered from New Zealand in the morning and had my consignment in less than 24 hours.
I like to support local but with service like this from Testar, I just don't want to go anywhere else!
Totally impressed with this camera and as always fantastic service from all at Testar
The Zwo533MC pro is my first Astro cooled camera after using a stock dslr and the difference is immense.
Much better signal to
Noise ratio and the quality of the images I’m able to capture are much improved IMO
Testar advice was fantastic as usual.
Here are my first 2 pics (7.5hrs each)
Hope you like them
The order arrived promptly, well wrapped and cushioned, and the purchase was at a good price. As I've read in lots of reviews and seen on YouTube it was not supplied with a power supply. I'm philosophical about this as if you research the product you will be aware of this. It is probably an item worth $5 max and the box could be a little bigger to accommodate its inclusion. Not a deal breaker.
The nice little zip case enclosing the camera is a bonus, I use it for covering the camera which currently remains attached to my OTA. The other thing I really liked was the RED and Black (ASI ZWO colour coded?)USB 3 cable. It makes it easy to distinguish what it's for, it is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.
I downloaded the ASI Suite software and this was brilliant. The camera connected instantly and worked perfectly with no platform. It is not clunky at all.
I am new to Deep Sky, having only used a DSL/R to this point and wished to avoid filter wheels and re-focussing etc.
I am very pleased with this camera. My results are good even without much knowledge of processing.