The Best ZWO Cameras for Planetary Imaging: Our Top Picks for Detail, Speed & Clarity

Capturing crisp images of Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon or Mars is one of the most satisfying parts of astronomy. But when it comes to choosing a planetary camera, things can get confusing. Frame rates, sensor sizes, pixel scales — there’s a lot to weigh up.

ZWO offers some of the best cameras available for this purpose, and in this guide, we’ll help you narrow down the options.

We’ve compared sensor specs, real-world performance, and what actually works in UK conditions — and picked out a handful of top ZWO planetary cameras we think are worth considering in 2024.

Note: These are our personal recommendations based on practical use and verified performance. Other models may suit different needs, scopes, or imaging styles just as well.

What Makes a Great Planetary Camera?

Planetary imaging is all about speed, detail, and sensitivity. The planets are small and bright, but atmospheric turbulence means you only have split-second moments of clarity. That’s why the best planetary cameras are designed to:

• Capture hundreds of frames per second (FPS)

• Use small pixels to capture fine surface detail

• Minimise read noise so faint features aren’t lost

• Crop the sensor (ROI) for maximum speed and framing control

• Stay compatible with high-magnification setups, including Barlow lenses

All ZWO cameras below are USB 3.0 models with Region of Interest (ROI) support for higher frame rates and better control.

Image courtesy of NASA

Our Top ZWO Planetary Camera Picks

Camera Highlights

ASI462MC – Best Entry-Level Choice

If you’re just getting into planetary imaging and want something fast, clean and forgiving, the ASI462MC is a brilliant place to start. It handles poor seeing well, is highly sensitive to infrared (great for IR-pass filters), and delivers detailed images without breaking the bank.

• Excellent low-light sensitivity

• Works well with modest telescopes and Barlows

• Fast enough to freeze atmospheric turbulence

ASI585MC – Larger Sensor, Better Flexibility

The ASI585MC uses the same sensor as ZWO’s DSO hybrid camera, but its speed and pixel size also make it highly capable for planetary imaging — especially lunar work. The wide sensor means you can capture the entire Moon at once or crop in for detailed planetary imaging.

• Full 16:9 format

• Very high dynamic range

• Ideal for those wanting a camera that also does lunar and solar

ASI678MC – High-Resolution Imaging with Small Pixels

This newer camera packs 8.3MP into a smaller sensor with 2.0µm pixels — perfect for capturing fine planetary detail if your seeing supports it. It’s especially popular for Mars and Jupiter, where resolution and fast shutter speeds are key.

• High pixel density for detailed crops

• Great choice for users with premium optics and good guiding

• Slightly lower FPS than ASI462, but much higher resolution

ASI290MM – Trusted Monochrome Performer

A proven mono planetary camera used by many top imagers. It offers excellent sensitivity, low noise, and razor-sharp detail. If you’re comfortable with filter wheels and LRGB workflows, this is a go-to choice.

• Peak QE over 80%

• Sharp performance even at small apertures

• Widely used with IR-pass filters for improved seeing correction

ASI174MM – Ideal for Solar and Large-Field Work

The ASI174MM features large 5.86µm pixels and a wider sensor than most planetary cameras. While not as pixel-dense as others, it’s unbeatable for full disc solar imaging (especially in H-alpha) or wide-field lunar mosaics.

• Global shutter – ideal for solar timelapses

• Great for full-disc captures

• Lower resolution per pixel, but cleaner images in poor seeing

Not Sure Which to Choose? Here’s Our Summary

Practical Tips for Better Planetary Imaging

• Use a Barlow lens to reach f/15–f/25. Most planetary cameras perform best at high focal ratios.

• ROI mode is your friend – crop to boost frame rate and reduce file size.

• Capture in SER or RAW AVI, not video formats like MP4. Planetary imaging is all about stacking frames, not recording clips.

• Stack using AutoStakkert! then sharpen in RegiStax or AstroSurface for best results.

• IR-pass filters can cut through poor seeing and reveal extra contrast, especially with mono cameras.

Glossary

FPS (Frames Per Second) – Speed of capture. More frames = more chances to catch sharp ones.
ROI (Region of Interest) – Select only a portion of the sensor to improve speed and reduce data.
QE (Quantum Efficiency) – How effectively a camera turns light into signal. Higher is better.
Read Noise – Random signal created during image readout. Lower = cleaner stacking.
Mono/Colour – Monochrome requires filters but gives more detail; colour (OSC) captures full colour in one go.
Global Shutter – Captures entire frame at once. Ideal for fast-moving solar detail.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing Jupiter’s storms, resolving Saturn’s rings, or capturing solar filaments, ZWO offers a planetary camera to suit every level of ambition.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here — just the right match for your scope, seeing, and workflow. The models above are our top recommendations based on performance, usability, and UK-friendly conditions.

Explore Planetary Cameras at Vega Vision

We stock the full ZWO range, including Barlow lenses, filter wheels, and accessories to match. Need help deciding which camera suits your telescope? Just ask — we’ll help you capture the sharpest view possible.