Contrasting the Zwo ASI 224MC & the SvBony 305

[Greenman]

As I now have both of these I thought I would give some comparative information. The 305 [Sony's IMX290] spiked my interest enough to buy one as it looks a slightly better planetary camera with some aspersions to deep sky work (the results being less blocky than the 224).

I should make it clear that SvBony only market this as a planetary camera and they are very clear it is not for deep sky. The chip (Sony 290) however is being sold happily by Bresser as an HD deep sky imager.

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/revi ... ky-camera/

Comparative pricing on Amazon UK

*Bresser £233.19; ZWO-ASI224MC £219.00 (RVO £); *SvBony £149.99 (* 290 Sony).

Compared chip size: ASI is red.



Unboxed SvBony 305



Camera, C-mount adapter, 1.25 inch extension. IR cut filter in front of sensor (fixed) Brief manual.

Similar setups ready for mounting on scope.

[url=[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/505 ... 3cf4_b.jpg[/img][/url.

More to follow, on next post.

[Greenman]

Now to look more deeply at the differences:



Note that the interface on the Svbony is USB 2 this attaches through a Y USB dual PC input (this supports the buffering).
The ASI 224 uses USB 3; and also ST4 for guiding (you need to buy the Pro 305 to get this. On these features the 224 really has the edge. The on board memory on the 305 should avoid data loss, but the frame rate will be lower.

Sharp cap interface ASI 224MC:



Sharp cap interface for Svbony 503:



More complex and many find it very different to the settings for the ZWO in particular Gain. I find the default white balance skewed towards green.

More to follow, next post.

[cumbrianwolf]

I know that I am late to the table but is there any more information on how you got on using this camera for DSO?

[Greenman]

Ah, sorry no - I was let off the leash to buy a ZWO ASI533MC Pro. I should revisit this - I’ve seen some work on the 224, a bit limited though, I think the 305 would be better suited. I’m running on an ASIAir Pro, for DSO, so I need to fire up my laptop for the Sbvony. I will give it a go when the moon has receded.

[cumbrianwolf]

Ah, sorry no - I was let off the leash to buy a ZWO ASI533MC Pro. I should revisit this - I’ve seen some work on the 224, a bit limited though, I think the 305 would be better suited. I’m running on an ASIAir Pro, for DSO, so I need to fire up my laptop for the Sbvony. I will give it a go when the moon has receded.

Thank you, I was just curious as I have one of the SVBONY 305 and seeing that I am not up-to-date or experienced enough to give a genuinely educated view on dedicated astro cameras, whereas you seemed like you know your stuff and hence why I pounced on your post. No rush at the moment as I am using it for guiding currently. Respect and speak soon.