cameracomparison · 2-way
Nikon Z8 vs ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
ZWO
ASI2600MC Pro
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
Key differences
52% larger sensor
Larger pixels (4.35µm vs 3.76µm)
75% more resolution
Uncooled
Specifications
| Specification | Nikon Z8 | ZWO ASI2600MC Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Mirrorless | Dedicated Cooled |
| Sensor | Sony IMX609 | Sony IMX571 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | Full Frame | APS-C |
| Sensor size | 35.9×23.9mm | 23.5×15.7mm |
| Diagonal | 43.1mm | 28.3mm |
| Pixel size | 4.35µm | 3.76µm |
| Resolution | 8256×5504 | 6248×4176 |
| Megapixels | 45.7MP | 26.1MP |
| Color | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | No | Yes |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | — | 50000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | — | 80% |
Advantages of Nikon Z8
- Larger sensor (43.1mm vs 28.3mm diagonal) — wider field
- Larger pixels — better low-light per-pixel sensitivity
- Higher resolution (45.7MP vs 26.1MP)
Advantages of ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
- Finer sampling at 3.76µm pixels
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
Best for — Nikon Z8
- Wide-field mosaics and full-frame telescopes
- Fast, low-noise deep-sky at short focal lengths
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
Best for — ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
- Balanced field for most refractors
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- Long-exposure deep-sky under any sky
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
Nikon Z8 — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 8.23° × 5.48°Scale: 3.59"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 2.57° × 1.71°Scale: 1.12"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 1.03° × 0.68°Scale: 0.45"/px
ZWO ASI2600MC Pro — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 5.39° × 3.60°Scale: 3.10"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 1.68° × 1.12°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.67° × 0.45°Scale: 0.39"/px
Nikon Z8 — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with wide-field refractors.
ZWO ASI2600MC Pro — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.