The ASI224MC colour camera has a 1.2 megapixel, 1/3" sensor equipped with Sony's Exmor and NIR technology.

The relatively small size of the sensor, extremely low readout noise, high sensitivity in the near infrared region and high frame rate, make this camera a very good choice for ambitious planetary astrophotographers. The frame rate is 64fps ('frames per second') at full resolution and 12bit ADC or even 150fps at 10bit ADC.

These features make the camera mainly of interest for planetary imaging but, in principle, it can also be used for deep sky imaging as an exposure times of up to 1000 seconds are possible.

Since this is a colour camera, you do not have to worry about any needing colour filters or a filter wheel. So, if you have limited time and are willing to make a small compromise, this is certainly the best planetary camera that you can buy in this price range.

ZWO delivers this camera with a small 2.1mm lens. This lens lets you operate the camera during the day - in order to become familiar with the software, for example.