Pi HQ or ASI662MC?

[iRootPro]

Hi!
I want to start monitoring. I ordered a Pi 5 8GB . I'm choosing a camera. I have the option of either the Pi HQ or the ASI662MC.
Which one is more trouble-free and will produce the best image?
And which lenses should I choose?

[aaronwmorris]

This is definitely one of those "it depends" questions.

There is no question that the ASI662MC uses better sensor technology (IMX662) than the Raspberry HQ Camera (IMX447). The IMX662 has a Starvis-2 sensor which means it supports higher gain and is generally more sensitive.

The challenge with the IMX662 is the sensor is relatively short (height-wise). The sensor is 5.6x3.1mm vs 6.3x4.7mm for the IMX477. This makes it more of a challenge if you want to capture a full circle. I have only found 1 lens that could project an image circle small enough for this sensor. If you do not care about a full image circle, this is less of a concern.

The Raspi HQ camera is cheaper (and slightly larger). It also has a higher resolution if you are interested in that. Both cameras should be relatively trouble-free, although the Raspi HQ camera might take a little more effort to tune the image.

Use my Camera Simulator to see what the field of view will look like with different lenses:

https://allsky.aarmor.net/indi-allsky/camerasimulator?lens=zwo_f1.2_2.5mm_1-2&sensor=imx662&offset_x=0&offset_y=0

https://allsky.aarmor.net/indi-allsky/camerasimulator?lens=zwo_f1.2_2.5mm_1-2&sensor=imx477&offset_x=0&offset_y=0

[iRootPro]

Thanks for answer!

I live in a country where there's not a huge selection of equipment. The only ones I could find were the Pi HQ, ASI662MC, and
ArduCam | 64MP HawkEye. The price for all of these cameras is roughly the same.

But there is a problem with lenses, there is practically no choice...