Thanks for stopping by - I hope you enjoyed the review! Feel free to share your thoughts on the camera or any questions below. I don’t have all the answers, but I can try to answer! If you want to help support my astronomy purchases for the channel, feel free to order anything through my affiliate link in the video description. I just bought a pier extension with affiliate funds, so thank you everyone. :) Clear skies!
Cody, Great review. I enjoy your channel and clear descriptions. ZWO seems to be at the leading edge for amateur astronomy and they don't rest but always innovates.
Hi Cody. I own an EdgeHD8 and would be very curious if you could do a video with more details on how it works in that setup. You also mentioned how it works with Hyperstar. It would be great if you shared a bit more. I agree with your point that this makes for a very portable setup with a small focal length scope. It looks like this would be perfect with my Askar FRA300 or even a RedCat 50/60! I believe that is the set that ZWO has in mind for this camera. For the EdgeHD 8 or hyperstar/RASA the standalone 2600MC with OAG or separate guide scope, seems a better choice.
I see what you’re implying (reviewers are bought off. I’ll address this below), but I wouldn’t say I sung it’s praises - It does have great specs and 2 excellent sensors and did a great job for me. As I mentioned in the video, I think the main niche for it will be very portable travel. I’m not compensated for these reviews, and I wouldn’t accept a loaner for reviewer if I was required to sing its praises. Is the camera a solution in search of a problem? Perhaps. Does it do a great job? Over the last two months for me it did awesome. Just thought I’d clarify. Clear skies.
Great video! Looks like they found a way to make sure you use a ZWO camera and guider for the ASI Air. That was always my biggest gripe about the Air and not allowing non-ZWO equipment but having it all in one makes it that much more portable which is a huge benefit. Although I still love my Raspberry Pi and mini-PC setups.
Thanks for the quick concise review! I'm trying to figure out if this can work with regular (non-Alpaca) ASCOM via USB for fast live transfer of photos? For use with ASCOM compliant software like APT or NINA.
I have a Celestron 8” Newtonian Reflector AVX and I currently use the ZWO 533 camera. The software I use is ASI Studio but only for the camera, I do not use any software to move my Mount anywhere. If I wanted this camera to use to do guiding and imaging do you think that this camera would work with my setup.? Still new to guiding and all that, and this seems to simply it a lot. Thanks for the review and Any advice…
I cant believe the price honestly. Same price as the Duo yet so much more than a Duo. Perfect for travel and would be awesome for a person with zero equipment and no complications with cable management.
I think it would depend on the focal ratio of your optic. In “fast” scopes probably not a problem. In slower scopes, potentially, but I think the bigger problem would be finding a guide star and getting a 44mm image circle. I’d test that, but I don’t have any ultra narrow filters.
One question: are the 12V outputs regulatable?! The AA+ is suitable for dew heater band, which is not ideal in the AA Mini… so the question is: Is it a Mini or a plus they included?!
Thanks for interesting news. Can you tell us the Range of the wifi antenna? Because the lack of a lan port seems to me a downside of the system. Thanks Herbert
I'm intrigued by the unit. One concern I have is that it is running a computer right beside the sensor, will the heat produced affect sensor cooling? I know that the dark frames seem ok. But physics suggest their is no free ride where heat dissipation is concerned.
Hi there, I addressed this in the video (albeit it briefly) and I noticed no difference in image dark noise after a full night of imaging. It’s possible this could change with time, but for now I didn’t see any heat issues.
Cody could this camera be at all useful for planetary imaging? I was wondering if the built in guide scope could assist in keeping the planet centered on the camera sensor. I often have trouble with the planet drifting off the sensor during long planetary imaging recording sessions….
I think a dedicated planetary camera would be much better (and cheaper). I use the planetary auto guide feature in FireCapture. It allows you to acquire your planetary data and guide on the planet with the main sensor.
Great video as always, thanks! Do you know how to reach 55mm of back focus if you are using a ZWO filter drawer with this camerar? I always end up with 56mm...
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it. If you’re using a filter, 56mm is probably better than 55mm. I’ve made a video about this here: Back-Focus 101: How Filters Affect Back-Focus th-cam.com/video/iyDECOauzew/w-d-xo.html
Would not buy, camera dies, now you've got an ASI Air in a ridiculous "enclosure". ASI Air within the camera dies, well you've got a camera that weighs more than just a camera. Just like the "smart telescopes"; when the electronics die, you've a worthless assembly with optics in it.
@videotrexx That is a extremely good point. i was thinking it was a great idea to start with and thinking i might by one. but then i saw your comment and makes total sense so i will be avoiding this also now 😄 Thank you dude 😁
Totally fair and valid point. Counterpoint though is I see lots of cameras by themselves become paperweights until they are serviced. I imagine ZWO would support servicing these cameras just as they would their other astro cams. This camera won’t be for everyone, it’s why I mentioned in the review I think the main niche would be very portable travel.
Not able to use on my C8 with Starizona focal reducer. Not sure it would work with Hyperstar. I have an Air already plus a MiniPC with NINA. I had some issues with ASIAir and my AVX so tried NINA with CPWI and no mount issues. Looks like the ASIAir/AVX issues are fixed in the latest beta. If you want to use multiple cameras then you have to have a standalone Air.
Isn’t that that the case with any astro camera? You have to service them when a component goes wrong? I’m not defending the camera, but I think that statement could apply to a lot of things in general.
Thanks for stopping by - I hope you enjoyed the review! Feel free to share your thoughts on the camera or any questions below. I don’t have all the answers, but I can try to answer! If you want to help support my astronomy purchases for the channel, feel free to order anything through my affiliate link in the video description. I just bought a pier extension with affiliate funds, so thank you everyone. :) Clear skies!
Cody,
Great review. I enjoy your channel and clear descriptions. ZWO seems to be at the leading edge for amateur astronomy and they don't rest but always innovates.
I’m glad you liked it.
Hi Cody. I own an EdgeHD8 and would be very curious if you could do a video with more details on how it works in that setup. You also mentioned how it works with Hyperstar. It would be great if you shared a bit more.
I agree with your point that this makes for a very portable setup with a small focal length scope. It looks like this would be perfect with my Askar FRA300 or even a RedCat 50/60! I believe that is the set that ZWO has in mind for this camera.
For the EdgeHD 8 or hyperstar/RASA the standalone 2600MC with OAG or separate guide scope, seems a better choice.
Your awesome Cody been watching you since you were a kid
Thanks! Comments like these keep me going. I can’t believe it’s been that long.
This must be a great camera, as no less than 3 astrophotography channels have sung its praises in the last 24 hours.
I see what you’re implying (reviewers are bought off. I’ll address this below), but I wouldn’t say I sung it’s praises - It does have great specs and 2 excellent sensors and did a great job for me. As I mentioned in the video, I think the main niche for it will be very portable travel.
I’m not compensated for these reviews, and I wouldn’t accept a loaner for reviewer if I was required to sing its praises. Is the camera a solution in search of a problem? Perhaps. Does it do a great job? Over the last two months for me it did awesome. Just thought I’d clarify. Clear skies.
Great video! Looks like they found a way to make sure you use a ZWO camera and guider for the ASI Air. That was always my biggest gripe about the Air and not allowing non-ZWO equipment but having it all in one makes it that much more portable which is a huge benefit. Although I still love my Raspberry Pi and mini-PC setups.
Thanks for the quick concise review! I'm trying to figure out if this can work with regular (non-Alpaca) ASCOM via USB for fast live transfer of photos? For use with ASCOM compliant software like APT or NINA.
I have a Celestron 8” Newtonian Reflector AVX and I currently use the ZWO 533 camera. The software I use is ASI Studio but only for the camera, I do not use any software to move my Mount anywhere.
If I wanted this camera to use to do guiding and imaging do you think that this camera would work with my setup.?
Still new to guiding and all that, and this seems to simply it a lot.
Thanks for the review and Any advice…
I cant believe the price honestly. Same price as the Duo yet so much more than a Duo. Perfect for travel and would be awesome for a person with zero equipment and no complications with cable management.
That’s what’s I thought too. The camera is a perfect travel camera if people want to minimize their setup and still get an excellent sensor.
Great review and a really nice combo. How would this be for planetary?
Great video, thanks. My only concern is how good the guiding performance is with 3nm filters like the Optolong L-Ultimate.
I think it would depend on the focal ratio of your optic. In “fast” scopes probably not a problem. In slower scopes, potentially, but I think the bigger problem would be finding a guide star and getting a 44mm image circle. I’d test that, but I don’t have any ultra narrow filters.
I want ZWO, QHY and others to work hard to liven up the astronomical world.😃
One question: are the 12V outputs regulatable?! The AA+ is suitable for dew heater band, which is not ideal in the AA Mini… so the question is: Is it a Mini or a plus they included?!
Thanks for interesting news. Can you tell us the Range of the wifi antenna? Because the lack of a lan port seems to me a downside of the system. Thanks Herbert
Hi Herbert,
I’d say outside it’s about 18-20 meters if you have a direct line to the camera. Indoors I get about 10-12 meters through my brick house.
How narrow are those fillters? If the air not working or the guide camera can you still use the camera?
Time to upgrade to the C11?
I think that my concern is because everything is integrated, if one component goes down, the whole thing does.
I'm intrigued by the unit. One concern I have is that it is running a computer right beside the sensor, will the heat produced affect sensor cooling? I know that the dark frames seem ok. But physics suggest their is no free ride where heat dissipation is concerned.
Hi there, I addressed this in the video (albeit it briefly) and I noticed no difference in image dark noise after a full night of imaging. It’s possible this could change with time, but for now I didn’t see any heat issues.
what Celestron T-Adapter did you used i have a c11
I wonder what would happen if the air computer bricks? Can the camera be controlled without it?
Cody could this camera be at all useful for planetary imaging? I was wondering if the built in guide scope could assist in keeping the planet centered on the camera sensor. I often have trouble with the planet drifting off the sensor during long planetary imaging recording sessions….
I think a dedicated planetary camera would be much better (and cheaper). I use the planetary auto guide feature in FireCapture. It allows you to acquire your planetary data and guide on the planet with the main sensor.
Great video as always, thanks! Do you know how to reach 55mm of back focus if you are using a ZWO filter drawer with this camerar? I always end up with 56mm...
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it. If you’re using a filter, 56mm is probably better than 55mm. I’ve made a video about this here: Back-Focus 101: How Filters Affect Back-Focus
th-cam.com/video/iyDECOauzew/w-d-xo.html
Is fan vibration an issue. ..??
Mot gonna work with my sct 8 with hyperstar. I wouldn't have a large enough I mage circle to guide.
Correct, you can get away with a 42mm image circle, but below that I wouldn’t bother trying to guide with the 2600MC Air.
Back to another video you did on the am5n mount to that you put on a different tripod. What kind if tripod to you put it on?
It’s on a Celestron Advanced VX tripod.
Why would it matter what amperage your power supply is rated at ? I would have thought the more the better tbh
I wouldn’t think it would matter either, but I’m just relaying the specs ZWO told me when it came to input.
Nice.
Don’t understand why they did not put it in the mount… would be much better! You often change a Cam, not that often the mount!
I would only support the ASI Air in the mount if ZWO didn’t lock you into using it.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Would not buy, camera dies, now you've got an ASI Air in a ridiculous "enclosure". ASI Air within the camera dies, well you've got a camera that weighs more than just a camera. Just like the "smart telescopes"; when the electronics die, you've a worthless assembly with optics in it.
@videotrexx That is a extremely good point. i was thinking it was a great idea to start with and thinking i might by one. but then i saw your comment and makes total sense so i will be avoiding this also now 😄
Thank you dude 😁
Totally fair and valid point. Counterpoint though is I see lots of cameras by themselves become paperweights until they are serviced. I imagine ZWO would support servicing these cameras just as they would their other astro cams. This camera won’t be for everyone, it’s why I mentioned in the review I think the main niche would be very portable travel.
Not able to use on my C8 with Starizona focal reducer. Not sure it would work with Hyperstar. I have an Air already plus a MiniPC with NINA. I had some issues with ASIAir and my AVX so tried NINA with CPWI and no mount issues. Looks like the ASIAir/AVX issues are fixed in the latest beta. If you want to use multiple cameras then you have to have a standalone Air.
Yeah don’t use it with a Hyperstar. For fun I tested it on my RASA8, and the guide stars are horizontal lines. 😂
Seems like a good thing to have if you are starting out. But, I don't want to spend $2,000 on equipment I already have. Rather buy another telescope.
One component goes wrong it's an expensive paperweight.
Isn’t that that the case with any astro camera? You have to service them when a component goes wrong? I’m not defending the camera, but I think that statement could apply to a lot of things in general.