ZWO ASI533MC Pro Cooled Color Astronomy Camera
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Note: To use the ZWO ASI533MC Pro, you’ll need an external 12V DC power source (minimum 3 amps) to run the TEC cooler and ensure proper operation. Connecting the USB 3.0 cable may not work. You can use ZWO’s 12V DC power supply, the DC out port on an ASIAir, or an external battery (sold separately). ZWO does not include these with the camera.
- ZWO ASI533MC-Pro cooled color astronomy camera with a 1”-format square (11.3mm x 11.3mm) Sony IMX533 CMOS sensor
- High 3008x3008 resolution (9.0 megapixels) and 3.76-micron pixel size
- Ideal for capturing high-resolution color astronomical images of deep-sky objects and lunar/solar/planetary images
- Integrated two-stage TEC cooling reduces sensor temperature to 35C below ambient to enable low-noise imaging of faint deep-sky objects
- Fast USB3.0 transfer rate of up to 20fps
- 256MB DDR3 buffer for quick and stable data transfer and reduced amp glow
- Attractive red anodized CNC aluminum body stands up to heavy field use
- Ready to go out of the box with cables, adapters, and manual; Software and drivers available from manufacturer's website
- Compact body with 78mm diameter and weight of only 470 g (16.8 oz)
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro: Step Into the World of Breathtaking Deep-Space Astrophotography
Are you searching for the best entry-level astronomy camera that’ll give you professional-looking results to kick-start your astrophotography journey? Meet the ZWO ASI533MC Pro, a next-generation cooled one-shot color camera from ZWO and an absolute powerhouse for serious deep-sky imaging.
At its core is the Sony IMX533 CMOS sensor, which delivers 9.0 megapixels of high-resolution. Its back-illuminated design enhances light sensitivity and provides a high signal-to-noise ratio, perfect for capturing the faint details of distant galaxies and nebulae.
Whether your focal length is 400mm with a 1.6-degree field of view (FOV) or 1500mm with a 0.43-degree FOV, the ASI533MC offers impressive versatility. This OSC camera is a brilliant choice if you’re upgrading from a DSLR or mirrorless camera, diving into deep-sky astrophotography, or looking to add a reliable backup camera to your astro-kit. Not only does the ASI533MC Pro deliver outstanding performance, but it is built to last! Its rugged, red anodized CNC aluminum body is designed for regular field use, ensuring longevity and durability.
With this one-shot-color (OSC) camera, you don’t need filters or complicated processing techniques to get stunning color images. Just set up, shoot, and enjoy vibrant, detailed results. The ASI533 cooled astrophotography camera is the perfect gateway to stunning deep-space images.
ZWO ASI533 Color Camera Review Video
Agena Astro affiliate AstroBackyard created this helpful review video of the ZWO ASI533MC Pro:
Key Features of the ASI533MC Pro Color Astronomy Camera
- IMX533 Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor: Boosts light sensitivity and reduces noise, ensuring sharp, clear images with accurate color and fine detail.
- 3008x3008 Resolution: Provides crisp, high-resolution images that reveal intricate details of celestial objects.
- 3.76μm Pixel Size: Offers a balance of high resolution and sensitivity, and pairs perfectly with focal lengths from 400mm to 1000mm covering a range of uses from wide-field to deep-sky imaging.
- Unique Square Format Sensor (11.31mm x 11.31mm): Perfect for framing, making mosaics easy, and ideal for sharing on Instagram.
- Fast USB 3.0 Data Transfer and 20 FPS at Full Resolution: Enables fast captures for planetary imaging, reducing the risk of dropped frames.
- Ultra Low 1.0e-3.8e Read Noise: Delivers clean clear images during long exposures, providing smooth deep-sky shots without grain.
- 80% Quantum Efficiency (QE): With high quantum efficiency, you’ll capture more light and reveal stunning detail, even in the dimmest parts of the night sky.
- 50ke Full Well Capacity: Handles bright stars without overexposing, preserving sharp details and preventing saturation.
- 32μs to 2000s Exposure Range: Offers exceptional versatility, allowing you to fine-tune exposure times for a variety of imaging scenarios. This ensures optimal performance across a wide range of targets.
- 14-bit ADC: Gives you a high dynamic range, which means smoother tonal transitions and more depth in your images. Colors are richer, and contrast is sharper, so your photos will look more lifelike and detailed.
Unleash Stunning Color and Detail with the ZWO ASI533
Sony IMX533 Sensor: Advanced Design for Exceptional Astrophotography
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro camera is powered by Sony’s cutting-edge 9-megapixel IMX533 CMOS sensor. This square-format sensor has a 16mm diagonal (11.31mm x 11.31mm) with a 3008x3008 pixel array and a pixel size of 3.76 microns. This makes the ASI533MC Pro a perfect match for deep-sky imaging, especially for capturing symmetrical objects like globular clusters, and planetary nebulae, and it’s perfect for capturing mosaics!
Sony’s IMX533 sensor features a back-illuminated design which boosts light sensitivity and minimizes noise, delivering sharp, clear images. By moving the metal wiring and transistors behind the sensor, more light reaches each pixel. This results in brighter and more detailed shots compared to traditional CMOS sensors, and it does so without sacrificing any of its perks like low power consumption and fast performance!
Zero Amp Glow
Amp glow is a common issue in traditional CMOS sensors. It's caused by weak infrared light that's emitted during exposures. This often appears as bright, unwanted patches—usually in the corners of images—making post-processing more challenging.
The ASI533MC Pro eliminates this problem with its zero amp glow circuitry. Even during high-gain or long-exposure imaging, the camera produces clean, evenly illuminated frames.
Superb Low-Noise Performance
Noise in images often appears as random speckles or graininess, especially in darker areas, which can affect the fainter details in galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects. In astrophotography, minimizing noise is critical to producing clean, detailed images that reveal the subtle beauty of galaxies and nebulae. The ASI533MC’s ultra-low noise CMOS sensor has exceptional noise performance and makes post processing a breeze!
This astro-camera offers an impressive dynamic range of 8 to 14 stops, depending on your gain settings. At a gain of 100, the ASI533 delivers 13 stops of dynamic range with a low read noise of just 1.5e. When gain is increased, read noise drops even further to as low as 1.0e. This low-noise performance ensures that your images maintain excellent contrast and clarity, capturing the faintest details without overwhelming the signal with unwanted interference.
Unlock Pro-Level Performance with the ASI533MC OSC Camera
High Dynamic Range & Low Noise
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro is equipped with a finely tuned camera curve that enhances sensitivity, dynamic range, and noise reduction, making it ideal for deep-sky imaging. Thanks to its 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the camera captures a wide range of details, from the brightest stars to the faintest nebulae, with a remarkable 14-stop dynamic range.
When the gain is set to 100, High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode kicks in, significantly reducing read noise while maintaining the camera’s full dynamic range. This ensures you can capture both bright stars and delicate nebulae with stunning clarity.
The camera’s IMX533 sensor also boasts an impressive 50,000e full-well capacity, allowing it to capture bright stars without overexposing them. The result? Stunning, well-balanced images with beautiful star colors and minimal noise.
80% Quantum Efficiency for Stunning Detail
The ZWO ASI533MC features a remarkable quantum efficiency (QE) of 80%, meaning that 80% of the light hitting the sensor is turned into a usable signal. For astrophotographers, this high efficiency is a big deal. With increased light sensitivity, you can capture images faster. It also lets the camera reveal fainter details and greater clarity in deep-sky objects without the need for extremely long exposures. Combined with the camera’s low read noise, the high QE helps produce clean, detailed images with less effort.
2-Stage Tec Cooling
The ASI533 cooled camera is built to tackle long-exposure astrophotography with its advanced two-stage TEC cooling system. This powerful cooling tech drops the sensor temperature by up to 95°F (35°C) below ambient, drastically reducing thermal noise for ultra-clean, detailed images—even on warm summer nights.
But that’s not all—the heat generated by the TEC isn’t wasted. Instead, it is used to help prevent dew buildup on the camera’s front window. Dew can be a major issue in astrophotography, forming a foggy layer that scatters light, reduces contrast, and blurs fine details. Not to mention the potential issues the dew can have on electronics and optics. Thus, by keeping moisture from accumulating the ASI533 eliminates the need for additional anti-dew solutions on the camera side of your setup.
The cooling system requires a 12V@3A power supply, which is not included. If the camera is powered via USB 2.0, an external 12V power supply is also required.
ASI533MC Combats Dark Current
Dark current is a type of noise caused by heat in a camera’s sensor, even when no light is hitting it. In long exposures, this unwanted signal can build up, creating grainy or speckled spots that hide the faint details astrophotographers want to capture. The ZWO ASI533MC solves this problem by lowering the sensor’s temperature. This reduces thermal activity and keeps dark current noise to a minimum. The result? Clean, detailed images, even during long exposures. With the ASI533MC, you’ll spend less time fighting noise and more time enjoying stunning deep-sky photos.
Quick & Stable Data Transfers
The "Pro" in the ASI533MC Pro refers to its advanced features designed for high-performance astrophotography. One of these features is the 256MB DDR3 buffer, which ensures quick and stable data transfer during long exposures, minimizing delays and interruptions. This also helps reduce amp glow, ensuring cleaner images.
Seamless Connectivity with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Hub
ZWO has designed the ASI533MC OSC astro camera for hassle-free setup, keeping your imaging rig neat and efficient. The camera’s electronics (excluding the cooler) run through the USB 3.0 port, ensuring fast, stable power and data transfer!
Need to power accessories? The ASI533MC Pro has you covered with a built-in USB 2.0 hub, perfect for connecting a guide camera, electronic focuser, or filter wheel. This reduces cable clutter and simplifies your setup, so you can focus on what matters—capturing incredible deep-sky images!
For optimal cooling performance, the TEC cooler requires a 12V@3A external power supply (not included).
Connection configurations
The 533MC. It can be configured with the following connections for attachment to telescopes and imaging accessories:
- 1.25” nosepiece
- 2” nosepiece (composed of 2 or 3 included adapters)
- Female T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
- Male T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
- Female M28.5x0.6 thread via 1.25" nosepiece
ZWO has phased out software CDs, but the camera comes with instructions to help you download the required control software and drivers directly from the ZWO website.
Dialing in the Correct Back-Focus
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro is a compact yet powerful astrophotography camera. It has a diameter of 78mm and weighs 16.8 oz (470 grams), making it lightweight and easy to integrate into your imaging setup. The camera features a 17.5mm back-focus distance.
You'll need to add 37.5mm of spacers between the camera and your optics to achieve the standard 55mm back-focus required for most reducers, flatteners, and coma correctors.
The 533MC has a:
- M42x0.75 (T-thread) front interface for direct connection to standard astrophotography accessories.
- M48 adapter included, allowing easy use of 2” filters for enhanced image quality.
- 1/4-20 tripod mount on the camera body for additional mounting options.
Need help selecting the right adapters for your setup? Let us know, and we’ll guide you through the options!
Additional Info
What sensor does the ASI533MC Pro use?
The ASI533MC Pro features the Sony IMX533 back-illuminated CMOS sensor, delivering a 9MP resolution (3008x3008). With a 1-inch sensor size, it’s capable of producing detailed, high-quality images, ideal for capturing deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
What are the key benefits of the ASI533MC Pro?
This camera is designed for high-quality astrophotography, with zero amp glow, low read noise (down to 1.0e), and high quantum efficiency (over 80%). It also incorporates a two-stage TEC cooling system, which reduces thermal noise.
What is the back focus distance of the ASI533MC Pro?
The ASI533MC Pro has a default back focus distance of 17.5mm. If needed, the back focus can be adjusted to 6.5mm by removing the 11mm T2 extender.
What thread size does the ASI533MC Pro use?
The camera uses M42x0.75 (T2) threads, allowing it to easily attach to most astrophotography equipment, making it a flexible choice for your setups.
What is the size and weight of the camera?
The ASI533MC Pro measures 78mm in diameter and weighs 16.8 oz (470 grams), offering a compact and lightweight solution for deep-sky imaging without sacrificing performance.
Does the ASI533MC Pro require an external power supply?
Yes, the camera requires a 12V 3A DC external power supply for its cooling system. While it can operate without this power for regular functions, the cooling system will not work unless externally powered. This power supply is not included with the ZWO ASI533MC Pro, but we recommend the TPO AC Adapter & Power Supply.
How much cooling does the ASI533MC Pro provide?
The ASI533MC Pro offers two-stage TEC cooling, which can lower the sensor temperature by 86-95°F (30-35°C) below ambient, helping to reduce thermal noise, especially useful during long exposure imaging.
What operating systems support the ASI533MC Pro?
The camera is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it easy to integrate with most astrophotography software regardless of your preferred operating system.
Does the ASI533MC Pro support USB 3.0?
Yes, the ASI533MC Pro has a USB 3.0 interface, providing fast data transfer for high-speed imaging and video capture at up to 20 frames per second (fps) at full resolution.
What software can I use with the ASI533MC Pro?
The camera works seamlessly with astrophotography software such as ZWO ASIStudio, ACSOM, NINA, SharpCap, FireCapture, the ASIAir, and others, allowing you to get the most out of your imaging sessions.
Does the ASI533MC Pro support guiding?
The ASI533MC Pro is designed for deep-sky imaging, it does not have built-in guiding support. For auto-guiding, you can pair it with a ZWO guide camera, like the ASI120MM Mini.
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: China
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro: Step Into the World of Breathtaking Deep-Space Astrophotography
Are you searching for the best entry-level astronomy camera that’ll give you professional-looking results to kick-start your astrophotography journey? Meet the ZWO ASI533MC Pro, a next-generation cooled one-shot color camera from ZWO and an absolute powerhouse for serious deep-sky imaging.
At its core is the Sony IMX533 CMOS sensor, which delivers 9.0 megapixels of high-resolution. Its back-illuminated design enhances light sensitivity and provides a high signal-to-noise ratio, perfect for capturing the faint details of distant galaxies and nebulae.
Whether your focal length is 400mm with a 1.6-degree field of view (FOV) or 1500mm with a 0.43-degree FOV, the ASI533MC offers impressive versatility. This OSC camera is a brilliant choice if you’re upgrading from a DSLR or mirrorless camera, diving into deep-sky astrophotography, or looking to add a reliable backup camera to your astro-kit. Not only does the ASI533MC Pro deliver outstanding performance, but it is built to last! Its rugged, red anodized CNC aluminum body is designed for regular field use, ensuring longevity and durability.
With this one-shot-color (OSC) camera, you don’t need filters or complicated processing techniques to get stunning color images. Just set up, shoot, and enjoy vibrant, detailed results. The ASI533 cooled astrophotography camera is the perfect gateway to stunning deep-space images.
ZWO ASI533 Color Camera Review Video
Agena Astro affiliate AstroBackyard created this helpful review video of the ZWO ASI533MC Pro:
Key Features of the ASI533MC Pro Color Astronomy Camera
- IMX533 Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor: Boosts light sensitivity and reduces noise, ensuring sharp, clear images with accurate color and fine detail.
- 3008x3008 Resolution: Provides crisp, high-resolution images that reveal intricate details of celestial objects.
- 3.76μm Pixel Size: Offers a balance of high resolution and sensitivity, and pairs perfectly with focal lengths from 400mm to 1000mm covering a range of uses from wide-field to deep-sky imaging.
- Unique Square Format Sensor (11.31mm x 11.31mm): Perfect for framing, making mosaics easy, and ideal for sharing on Instagram.
- Fast USB 3.0 Data Transfer and 20 FPS at Full Resolution: Enables fast captures for planetary imaging, reducing the risk of dropped frames.
- Ultra Low 1.0e-3.8e Read Noise: Delivers clean clear images during long exposures, providing smooth deep-sky shots without grain.
- 80% Quantum Efficiency (QE): With high quantum efficiency, you’ll capture more light and reveal stunning detail, even in the dimmest parts of the night sky.
- 50ke Full Well Capacity: Handles bright stars without overexposing, preserving sharp details and preventing saturation.
- 32μs to 2000s Exposure Range: Offers exceptional versatility, allowing you to fine-tune exposure times for a variety of imaging scenarios. This ensures optimal performance across a wide range of targets.
- 14-bit ADC: Gives you a high dynamic range, which means smoother tonal transitions and more depth in your images. Colors are richer, and contrast is sharper, so your photos will look more lifelike and detailed.
Unleash Stunning Color and Detail with the ZWO ASI533
Sony IMX533 Sensor: Advanced Design for Exceptional Astrophotography
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro camera is powered by Sony’s cutting-edge 9-megapixel IMX533 CMOS sensor. This square-format sensor has a 16mm diagonal (11.31mm x 11.31mm) with a 3008x3008 pixel array and a pixel size of 3.76 microns. This makes the ASI533MC Pro a perfect match for deep-sky imaging, especially for capturing symmetrical objects like globular clusters, and planetary nebulae, and it’s perfect for capturing mosaics!
Sony’s IMX533 sensor features a back-illuminated design which boosts light sensitivity and minimizes noise, delivering sharp, clear images. By moving the metal wiring and transistors behind the sensor, more light reaches each pixel. This results in brighter and more detailed shots compared to traditional CMOS sensors, and it does so without sacrificing any of its perks like low power consumption and fast performance!
Zero Amp Glow
Amp glow is a common issue in traditional CMOS sensors. It's caused by weak infrared light that's emitted during exposures. This often appears as bright, unwanted patches—usually in the corners of images—making post-processing more challenging.
The ASI533MC Pro eliminates this problem with its zero amp glow circuitry. Even during high-gain or long-exposure imaging, the camera produces clean, evenly illuminated frames.
Superb Low-Noise Performance
Noise in images often appears as random speckles or graininess, especially in darker areas, which can affect the fainter details in galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects. In astrophotography, minimizing noise is critical to producing clean, detailed images that reveal the subtle beauty of galaxies and nebulae. The ASI533MC’s ultra-low noise CMOS sensor has exceptional noise performance and makes post processing a breeze!
This astro-camera offers an impressive dynamic range of 8 to 14 stops, depending on your gain settings. At a gain of 100, the ASI533 delivers 13 stops of dynamic range with a low read noise of just 1.5e. When gain is increased, read noise drops even further to as low as 1.0e. This low-noise performance ensures that your images maintain excellent contrast and clarity, capturing the faintest details without overwhelming the signal with unwanted interference.
Unlock Pro-Level Performance with the ASI533MC OSC Camera
High Dynamic Range & Low Noise
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro is equipped with a finely tuned camera curve that enhances sensitivity, dynamic range, and noise reduction, making it ideal for deep-sky imaging. Thanks to its 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the camera captures a wide range of details, from the brightest stars to the faintest nebulae, with a remarkable 14-stop dynamic range.
When the gain is set to 100, High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode kicks in, significantly reducing read noise while maintaining the camera’s full dynamic range. This ensures you can capture both bright stars and delicate nebulae with stunning clarity.
The camera’s IMX533 sensor also boasts an impressive 50,000e full-well capacity, allowing it to capture bright stars without overexposing them. The result? Stunning, well-balanced images with beautiful star colors and minimal noise.
80% Quantum Efficiency for Stunning Detail
The ZWO ASI533MC features a remarkable quantum efficiency (QE) of 80%, meaning that 80% of the light hitting the sensor is turned into a usable signal. For astrophotographers, this high efficiency is a big deal. With increased light sensitivity, you can capture images faster. It also lets the camera reveal fainter details and greater clarity in deep-sky objects without the need for extremely long exposures. Combined with the camera’s low read noise, the high QE helps produce clean, detailed images with less effort.
2-Stage Tec Cooling
The ASI533 cooled camera is built to tackle long-exposure astrophotography with its advanced two-stage TEC cooling system. This powerful cooling tech drops the sensor temperature by up to 95°F (35°C) below ambient, drastically reducing thermal noise for ultra-clean, detailed images—even on warm summer nights.
But that’s not all—the heat generated by the TEC isn’t wasted. Instead, it is used to help prevent dew buildup on the camera’s front window. Dew can be a major issue in astrophotography, forming a foggy layer that scatters light, reduces contrast, and blurs fine details. Not to mention the potential issues the dew can have on electronics and optics. Thus, by keeping moisture from accumulating the ASI533 eliminates the need for additional anti-dew solutions on the camera side of your setup.
The cooling system requires a 12V@3A power supply, which is not included. If the camera is powered via USB 2.0, an external 12V power supply is also required.
ASI533MC Combats Dark Current
Dark current is a type of noise caused by heat in a camera’s sensor, even when no light is hitting it. In long exposures, this unwanted signal can build up, creating grainy or speckled spots that hide the faint details astrophotographers want to capture. The ZWO ASI533MC solves this problem by lowering the sensor’s temperature. This reduces thermal activity and keeps dark current noise to a minimum. The result? Clean, detailed images, even during long exposures. With the ASI533MC, you’ll spend less time fighting noise and more time enjoying stunning deep-sky photos.
Quick & Stable Data Transfers
The "Pro" in the ASI533MC Pro refers to its advanced features designed for high-performance astrophotography. One of these features is the 256MB DDR3 buffer, which ensures quick and stable data transfer during long exposures, minimizing delays and interruptions. This also helps reduce amp glow, ensuring cleaner images.
Seamless Connectivity with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Hub
ZWO has designed the ASI533MC OSC astro camera for hassle-free setup, keeping your imaging rig neat and efficient. The camera’s electronics (excluding the cooler) run through the USB 3.0 port, ensuring fast, stable power and data transfer!
Need to power accessories? The ASI533MC Pro has you covered with a built-in USB 2.0 hub, perfect for connecting a guide camera, electronic focuser, or filter wheel. This reduces cable clutter and simplifies your setup, so you can focus on what matters—capturing incredible deep-sky images!
For optimal cooling performance, the TEC cooler requires a 12V@3A external power supply (not included).
Connection configurations
The 533MC. It can be configured with the following connections for attachment to telescopes and imaging accessories:
- 1.25” nosepiece
- 2” nosepiece (composed of 2 or 3 included adapters)
- Female T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
- Male T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
- Female M28.5x0.6 thread via 1.25" nosepiece
ZWO has phased out software CDs, but the camera comes with instructions to help you download the required control software and drivers directly from the ZWO website.
Dialing in the Correct Back-Focus
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro is a compact yet powerful astrophotography camera. It has a diameter of 78mm and weighs 16.8 oz (470 grams), making it lightweight and easy to integrate into your imaging setup. The camera features a 17.5mm back-focus distance.
You'll need to add 37.5mm of spacers between the camera and your optics to achieve the standard 55mm back-focus required for most reducers, flatteners, and coma correctors.
The 533MC has a:
- M42x0.75 (T-thread) front interface for direct connection to standard astrophotography accessories.
- M48 adapter included, allowing easy use of 2” filters for enhanced image quality.
- 1/4-20 tripod mount on the camera body for additional mounting options.
Need help selecting the right adapters for your setup? Let us know, and we’ll guide you through the options!
- Camera Body
- Camera Bag
- 1.25-inch T-Mount Nosepiece with Cover
- 2x USB 2.0 Cable (0.5 meters)
- USB 3.0 Cable (2 meters)
- Quick guide
- T2-M48 Extender (16.5mm)
- T2 Extender (21mm)
- M42-M48 Adapter
- T2-1.25-inch Adapter
- 4x Spacers
Note: To use the ZWO ASI533MC Pro, you’ll need an external 12V DC power source (minimum 3 amps) to run the TEC cooler and ensure proper operation. Connecting the USB 3.0 cable may not work. You can use ZWO’s 12V DC power supply, the DC out port on an ASIAir, or an external battery (sold separately). ZWO does not include these with the camera.
- ZWO ASI533MC-Pro cooled color astronomy camera with a 1”-format square (11.3mm x 11.3mm) Sony IMX533 CMOS sensor
- High 3008x3008 resolution (9.0 megapixels) and 3.76-micron pixel size
- Ideal for capturing high-resolution color astronomical images of deep-sky objects and lunar/solar/planetary images
- Integrated two-stage TEC cooling reduces sensor temperature to 35C below ambient to enable low-noise imaging of faint deep-sky objects
- Fast USB3.0 transfer rate of up to 20fps
- 256MB DDR3 buffer for quick and stable data transfer and reduced amp glow
- Attractive red anodized CNC aluminum body stands up to heavy field use
- Ready to go out of the box with cables, adapters, and manual; Software and drivers available from manufacturer's website
- Compact body with 78mm diameter and weight of only 470 g (16.8 oz)
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro: Step Into the World of Breathtaking Deep-Space Astrophotography
Are you searching for the best entry-level astronomy camera that’ll give you professional-looking results to kick-start your astrophotography journey? Meet the ZWO ASI533MC Pro, a next-generation cooled one-shot color camera from ZWO and an absolute powerhouse for serious deep-sky imaging.
At its core is the Sony IMX533 CMOS sensor, which delivers 9.0 megapixels of high-resolution. Its back-illuminated design enhances light sensitivity and provides a high signal-to-noise ratio, perfect for capturing the faint details of distant galaxies and nebulae.
Whether your focal length is 400mm with a 1.6-degree field of view (FOV) or 1500mm with a 0.43-degree FOV, the ASI533MC offers impressive versatility. This OSC camera is a brilliant choice if you’re upgrading from a DSLR or mirrorless camera, diving into deep-sky astrophotography, or looking to add a reliable backup camera to your astro-kit. Not only does the ASI533MC Pro deliver outstanding performance, but it is built to last! Its rugged, red anodized CNC aluminum body is designed for regular field use, ensuring longevity and durability.
With this one-shot-color (OSC) camera, you don’t need filters or complicated processing techniques to get stunning color images. Just set up, shoot, and enjoy vibrant, detailed results. The ASI533 cooled astrophotography camera is the perfect gateway to stunning deep-space images.
ZWO ASI533 Color Camera Review Video
Agena Astro affiliate AstroBackyard created this helpful review video of the ZWO ASI533MC Pro:
Key Features of the ASI533MC Pro Color Astronomy Camera
- IMX533 Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor: Boosts light sensitivity and reduces noise, ensuring sharp, clear images with accurate color and fine detail.
- 3008x3008 Resolution: Provides crisp, high-resolution images that reveal intricate details of celestial objects.
- 3.76μm Pixel Size: Offers a balance of high resolution and sensitivity, and pairs perfectly with focal lengths from 400mm to 1000mm covering a range of uses from wide-field to deep-sky imaging.
- Unique Square Format Sensor (11.31mm x 11.31mm): Perfect for framing, making mosaics easy, and ideal for sharing on Instagram.
- Fast USB 3.0 Data Transfer and 20 FPS at Full Resolution: Enables fast captures for planetary imaging, reducing the risk of dropped frames.
- Ultra Low 1.0e-3.8e Read Noise: Delivers clean clear images during long exposures, providing smooth deep-sky shots without grain.
- 80% Quantum Efficiency (QE): With high quantum efficiency, you’ll capture more light and reveal stunning detail, even in the dimmest parts of the night sky.
- 50ke Full Well Capacity: Handles bright stars without overexposing, preserving sharp details and preventing saturation.
- 32μs to 2000s Exposure Range: Offers exceptional versatility, allowing you to fine-tune exposure times for a variety of imaging scenarios. This ensures optimal performance across a wide range of targets.
- 14-bit ADC: Gives you a high dynamic range, which means smoother tonal transitions and more depth in your images. Colors are richer, and contrast is sharper, so your photos will look more lifelike and detailed.
Unleash Stunning Color and Detail with the ZWO ASI533
Sony IMX533 Sensor: Advanced Design for Exceptional Astrophotography
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro camera is powered by Sony’s cutting-edge 9-megapixel IMX533 CMOS sensor. This square-format sensor has a 16mm diagonal (11.31mm x 11.31mm) with a 3008x3008 pixel array and a pixel size of 3.76 microns. This makes the ASI533MC Pro a perfect match for deep-sky imaging, especially for capturing symmetrical objects like globular clusters, and planetary nebulae, and it’s perfect for capturing mosaics!
Sony’s IMX533 sensor features a back-illuminated design which boosts light sensitivity and minimizes noise, delivering sharp, clear images. By moving the metal wiring and transistors behind the sensor, more light reaches each pixel. This results in brighter and more detailed shots compared to traditional CMOS sensors, and it does so without sacrificing any of its perks like low power consumption and fast performance!
Zero Amp Glow
Amp glow is a common issue in traditional CMOS sensors. It's caused by weak infrared light that's emitted during exposures. This often appears as bright, unwanted patches—usually in the corners of images—making post-processing more challenging.
The ASI533MC Pro eliminates this problem with its zero amp glow circuitry. Even during high-gain or long-exposure imaging, the camera produces clean, evenly illuminated frames.
Superb Low-Noise Performance
Noise in images often appears as random speckles or graininess, especially in darker areas, which can affect the fainter details in galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects. In astrophotography, minimizing noise is critical to producing clean, detailed images that reveal the subtle beauty of galaxies and nebulae. The ASI533MC’s ultra-low noise CMOS sensor has exceptional noise performance and makes post processing a breeze!
This astro-camera offers an impressive dynamic range of 8 to 14 stops, depending on your gain settings. At a gain of 100, the ASI533 delivers 13 stops of dynamic range with a low read noise of just 1.5e. When gain is increased, read noise drops even further to as low as 1.0e. This low-noise performance ensures that your images maintain excellent contrast and clarity, capturing the faintest details without overwhelming the signal with unwanted interference.
Unlock Pro-Level Performance with the ASI533MC OSC Camera
High Dynamic Range & Low Noise
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro is equipped with a finely tuned camera curve that enhances sensitivity, dynamic range, and noise reduction, making it ideal for deep-sky imaging. Thanks to its 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the camera captures a wide range of details, from the brightest stars to the faintest nebulae, with a remarkable 14-stop dynamic range.
When the gain is set to 100, High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode kicks in, significantly reducing read noise while maintaining the camera’s full dynamic range. This ensures you can capture both bright stars and delicate nebulae with stunning clarity.
The camera’s IMX533 sensor also boasts an impressive 50,000e full-well capacity, allowing it to capture bright stars without overexposing them. The result? Stunning, well-balanced images with beautiful star colors and minimal noise.
80% Quantum Efficiency for Stunning Detail
The ZWO ASI533MC features a remarkable quantum efficiency (QE) of 80%, meaning that 80% of the light hitting the sensor is turned into a usable signal. For astrophotographers, this high efficiency is a big deal. With increased light sensitivity, you can capture images faster. It also lets the camera reveal fainter details and greater clarity in deep-sky objects without the need for extremely long exposures. Combined with the camera’s low read noise, the high QE helps produce clean, detailed images with less effort.
2-Stage Tec Cooling
The ASI533 cooled camera is built to tackle long-exposure astrophotography with its advanced two-stage TEC cooling system. This powerful cooling tech drops the sensor temperature by up to 95°F (35°C) below ambient, drastically reducing thermal noise for ultra-clean, detailed images—even on warm summer nights.
But that’s not all—the heat generated by the TEC isn’t wasted. Instead, it is used to help prevent dew buildup on the camera’s front window. Dew can be a major issue in astrophotography, forming a foggy layer that scatters light, reduces contrast, and blurs fine details. Not to mention the potential issues the dew can have on electronics and optics. Thus, by keeping moisture from accumulating the ASI533 eliminates the need for additional anti-dew solutions on the camera side of your setup.
The cooling system requires a 12V@3A power supply, which is not included. If the camera is powered via USB 2.0, an external 12V power supply is also required.
ASI533MC Combats Dark Current
Dark current is a type of noise caused by heat in a camera’s sensor, even when no light is hitting it. In long exposures, this unwanted signal can build up, creating grainy or speckled spots that hide the faint details astrophotographers want to capture. The ZWO ASI533MC solves this problem by lowering the sensor’s temperature. This reduces thermal activity and keeps dark current noise to a minimum. The result? Clean, detailed images, even during long exposures. With the ASI533MC, you’ll spend less time fighting noise and more time enjoying stunning deep-sky photos.
Quick & Stable Data Transfers
The "Pro" in the ASI533MC Pro refers to its advanced features designed for high-performance astrophotography. One of these features is the 256MB DDR3 buffer, which ensures quick and stable data transfer during long exposures, minimizing delays and interruptions. This also helps reduce amp glow, ensuring cleaner images.
Seamless Connectivity with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Hub
ZWO has designed the ASI533MC OSC astro camera for hassle-free setup, keeping your imaging rig neat and efficient. The camera’s electronics (excluding the cooler) run through the USB 3.0 port, ensuring fast, stable power and data transfer!
Need to power accessories? The ASI533MC Pro has you covered with a built-in USB 2.0 hub, perfect for connecting a guide camera, electronic focuser, or filter wheel. This reduces cable clutter and simplifies your setup, so you can focus on what matters—capturing incredible deep-sky images!
For optimal cooling performance, the TEC cooler requires a 12V@3A external power supply (not included).
Connection configurations
The 533MC. It can be configured with the following connections for attachment to telescopes and imaging accessories:
- 1.25” nosepiece
- 2” nosepiece (composed of 2 or 3 included adapters)
- Female T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
- Male T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
- Female M28.5x0.6 thread via 1.25" nosepiece
ZWO has phased out software CDs, but the camera comes with instructions to help you download the required control software and drivers directly from the ZWO website.
Dialing in the Correct Back-Focus
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro is a compact yet powerful astrophotography camera. It has a diameter of 78mm and weighs 16.8 oz (470 grams), making it lightweight and easy to integrate into your imaging setup. The camera features a 17.5mm back-focus distance.
You'll need to add 37.5mm of spacers between the camera and your optics to achieve the standard 55mm back-focus required for most reducers, flatteners, and coma correctors.
The 533MC has a:
- M42x0.75 (T-thread) front interface for direct connection to standard astrophotography accessories.
- M48 adapter included, allowing easy use of 2” filters for enhanced image quality.
- 1/4-20 tripod mount on the camera body for additional mounting options.
Need help selecting the right adapters for your setup? Let us know, and we’ll guide you through the options!
Additional Info
What sensor does the ASI533MC Pro use?
The ASI533MC Pro features the Sony IMX533 back-illuminated CMOS sensor, delivering a 9MP resolution (3008x3008). With a 1-inch sensor size, it’s capable of producing detailed, high-quality images, ideal for capturing deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
What are the key benefits of the ASI533MC Pro?
This camera is designed for high-quality astrophotography, with zero amp glow, low read noise (down to 1.0e), and high quantum efficiency (over 80%). It also incorporates a two-stage TEC cooling system, which reduces thermal noise.
What is the back focus distance of the ASI533MC Pro?
The ASI533MC Pro has a default back focus distance of 17.5mm. If needed, the back focus can be adjusted to 6.5mm by removing the 11mm T2 extender.
What thread size does the ASI533MC Pro use?
The camera uses M42x0.75 (T2) threads, allowing it to easily attach to most astrophotography equipment, making it a flexible choice for your setups.
What is the size and weight of the camera?
The ASI533MC Pro measures 78mm in diameter and weighs 16.8 oz (470 grams), offering a compact and lightweight solution for deep-sky imaging without sacrificing performance.
Does the ASI533MC Pro require an external power supply?
Yes, the camera requires a 12V 3A DC external power supply for its cooling system. While it can operate without this power for regular functions, the cooling system will not work unless externally powered. This power supply is not included with the ZWO ASI533MC Pro, but we recommend the TPO AC Adapter & Power Supply.
How much cooling does the ASI533MC Pro provide?
The ASI533MC Pro offers two-stage TEC cooling, which can lower the sensor temperature by 86-95°F (30-35°C) below ambient, helping to reduce thermal noise, especially useful during long exposure imaging.
What operating systems support the ASI533MC Pro?
The camera is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it easy to integrate with most astrophotography software regardless of your preferred operating system.
Does the ASI533MC Pro support USB 3.0?
Yes, the ASI533MC Pro has a USB 3.0 interface, providing fast data transfer for high-speed imaging and video capture at up to 20 frames per second (fps) at full resolution.
What software can I use with the ASI533MC Pro?
The camera works seamlessly with astrophotography software such as ZWO ASIStudio, ACSOM, NINA, SharpCap, FireCapture, the ASIAir, and others, allowing you to get the most out of your imaging sessions.
Does the ASI533MC Pro support guiding?
The ASI533MC Pro is designed for deep-sky imaging, it does not have built-in guiding support. For auto-guiding, you can pair it with a ZWO guide camera, like the ASI120MM Mini.
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: China
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- Camera Body
- Camera Bag
- 1.25-inch T-Mount Nosepiece with Cover
- 2x USB 2.0 Cable (0.5 meters)
- USB 3.0 Cable (2 meters)
- Quick guide
- T2-M48 Extender (16.5mm)
- T2 Extender (21mm)
- M42-M48 Adapter
- T2-1.25-inch Adapter
- 4x Spacers
ZWO ASI533MC Pro Cooled Color Astronomy Camera