cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI533MM Pro vs ZWO ASI385MC
ZWO
ASI533MM Pro
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO
ASI385MC
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
90% larger sensor
325% more resolution
Cooled sensor
Mono vs color
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI533MM Pro | ZWO ASI385MC |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Dedicated Cooled | dedicated |
| Sensor | Sony IMX533 | Sony IMX385 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 1-inch square | 1/2" |
| Sensor size | 11.3×11.3mm | 7.3×4.1mm |
| Diagonal | 16.0mm | 8.4mm |
| Pixel size | 3.76µm | 3.75µm |
| Resolution | 3008×3008 | 1936×1096 |
| Megapixels | 9.0MP | 2.1MP |
| Color | No | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | Yes | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 50000e⁻ | 25000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 91% | 80% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI533MM Pro
- Larger sensor (16mm vs 8.4mm diagonal) — wider field
- Higher resolution (9MP vs 2.12MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
- Mono sensor — ideal for narrowband and LRGB
Advantages of ZWO ASI385MC
- One-shot color — simpler workflow
Best for — ZWO ASI533MM Pro
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- Long-exposure deep-sky under any sky
- Narrowband and LRGB workflows
Best for — ZWO ASI385MC
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
ZWO ASI533MM Pro — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 2.59° × 2.59°Scale: 3.10"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.81° × 0.81°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.32° × 0.32°Scale: 0.39"/px
ZWO ASI385MC — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 1.67° × 0.94°Scale: 3.09"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.52° × 0.29°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.21° × 0.12°Scale: 0.39"/px
ZWO ASI533MM Pro — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO ASI385MC — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.