If you’re into astrophotography good planetary cameras are a must. There are quite a few things about planetary cameras that need to be considered too.
For example, its resolution, sensor size, and fps rating. Celestron Neximage has quite promising planetary cameras considering all these aspects.
So, among neximage 5 vs neximage burst vs neximage 10 which one is the best?
Neximage 10 has the best resolution compared to neximage 5 and neximage burst cameras. It also has the biggest sensor size of the three. Which means it has a bigger field of view. Neximage 10 is an upgraded version of Neximage 5. While Neximage burst is the latest addition with a higher fps rate.
That’s the sneak peek of the whole discussion. Join us to learn further from here on.
Let’s start!
Neximage 5 Vs Neximage Burst vs Neximage 10: Quick Comparison
Before we jump into the long conversations, let’s see the highlighting differences between these cameras.
| Aspect | Celestron Neximage 5 | Celestron Neximage 10 | Celestron Neximage Burst Colour |
| Pixel Size | 2.2 Micron Square | 1.67 Micron Square | 3.75 Micron Square |
| Imaging Sensor | Micron MT9P031 CMOS | ON Semi MT9J003 CMOS | Aptina AR0132AT CMOS |
| USB | USB 2.0, cable 5′ long | High-speed USB 3.0, cable 10′ long | USB 2.0, cable 5′ long |
| Total No Of Pixels | 5.0 MP | 10.7 MP | 1.2 MP |
| Camera Resolution | 2592 x 1944 | 3856 x 2764 | 1280 x 960 |
| Sensor Size | 5.7mm x 4.28mm | 6.4mm x 4.6mm | 4.8mm x 3.6mm |
| Software Compatibility | IC Capture, iCap, DirectShow | IC Capture, iCap, oaCapture, DirectShow | IC Capture, iCap, DirectShow, FireCapture |
| Operating Environment (temperature) | -30°C to 70°C | -40°C to 40°C | -40°C to 40°C |
| Frames Per Second | 6.23-52.37 (lowest resolution), 0.71-5.99 (highest resolution) | Up to 60 (14.7 fps at full frame) | Over 120 (30 fps at full frame) |
| Price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
Well this is only a short run down on all the specifications. Check out this graph for a more comprehensive view:
Ready for the next segment? Let’s begin!
Neximage 5 Vs Neximage Burst vs Neximage 10: Detail Comparison
Previously you’ve seen the fundamental differences between all the three Neximage planetary cameras.
Now, let’s see in-depth how different they are from each other.
Key Specification:
Neximage 5, Neximage 10 and Neximage burst have quite some similarities in their key specification. Since they are of the same line of product.
Apart from a few hardware similarities, these solar system cameras have spec differences. For example, Celestron Neximage 5 has a pixel size of 2.2-micron square.
For Celestron Neximage 10 the pixel size is 1.67-micron square. Lastly, Celestron Neximage Burst has a pixel size of 3.75-micron square.
As you can see the pixel size decreases from Neximage burst to Neximage 5. And lastly, Neximage 10 has the lowest frames per second rate.
The smaller the pixel size is the slower the frame rate will be. The rate is 14.7 at full rate and 60 on average. Neximage 5 has a higher fps rate than Neximage 10.
But Neximage burst has the best fps rate among all the three cameras. The higher the fps rate the better output you’ll get when capturing a video.
We get a smoother motion from cameras with high fps ratio. The imaging sensor these cameras use is all CMOS chips. Compared with DSLR and CMOS chips, CMOS is definitely better.
Previously, they used to be noisier. But the new CMOS chips are more sensitive and have fewer noise problems. Comparing the chips of all their cameras, Neximage Burst and Neximage 10 chips are better.
Winner: Neximage Burst and Neximage 10 chips are more sensitive and thus the winners of this category.
Image Quality:
When it comes to planetary imaging, the megapixels of cameras don’t really matter. What matters more is the frame rate and the reading noise of the camera.
The resolution capability also matters greatly. Since planets are very small you’d require higher resolution and a good frame rate.
Another important thing is the sensor size of the camera. The larger the sensor size is the better picture you will get. It would help you get a wide field of view for the target you’re capturing.
Among the three cameras we’re comparing today, Neximage 10 has the highest resolution. It also has a bigger sensor size. But Neximage burst has an even higher frame rate than that.
That is one aspect where Neximage burst outdone Neximage 10. But overall, Neximage 10 is better considering all the other criteria.
If you don’t believe the fact that Neximage 10 cameras capture top tier pictures, take a look at this-
These images speak for themselves about the image quality of the Neximage 10 astronomy camera.
Comparing pictures taken of the same object with these cameras will further explain the differences. Pictures taken with Neximage 5 may have blurs if you zoom into more details.
But with Neximage 10 you will get a more clear view of those areas. It also has less reading noise compared to other options here.
Neximage burst compared to both has the lowest resolution. We suggest you go with any of the other two for better planetary imaging.
Winner: Neximage 10 is the winner in this category.
Best Usage:
Although all three cameras are built for planetary imaging they have their best usage areas. Among these three, Neximage 5 and Neximage 10 have almost the same recommended usage.
They are both suitable for taking solar, lunar, and planetary imaging. Of course, you can try capturing any other celestial object with them.
But the mentioned names offer the best in its capability. They would go pretty well with Celestron Starsense dx 102az or 130az telescopes.
Neximage Burst is also suitable for the same stuff except solar imaging. If your priority is to capture solar images you have better options than Neximage burst.
Winner: Neximage 5 and Neximage 10 are better for capturing solar images.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Get?
Neximage 5, Neximage 10, and Neximage burst colour all are pretty good planetary cameras. They have quite a high fps rate with high resolution and good sensors.
Here’s a table that summarises the whole debate:
| Astronomy Camera | Features | Price |
| Neximage 5 | Easy to use and ideal for beginners who are just getting into astronomy photography | Check Price |
| Neximage 10 | Has the best fps ratio and more options regarding software compatibility | Check Price |
| Neximage Burst | Difficult to operate and cannot capture solar images | Check Price |
All three have their own strong points. But we side our verdict with Neximage 10 here. It can be called an upgraded version of Neximage 5. That is considering the resolution and sensor size it has.
It has more options regarding software compatibility and a good fps ratio. Neximage burst isn’t bad compared to the fps ratio either. In fact, it has higher fps than Neximage 10.
If you need a camera with a higher fps rate this might be more suitable. But know that, Neximage burst is rather difficult to operate than the other two cameras.
It’s not really beginner-friendly as per people’s reviews. The other two cameras are comparatively easier to operate. Neximage 5 is a decent camera for beginners.
The final decision is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A few more facts that you might didn’t know-
Is the magnification of the camera related to the sensor size?
Yes, the camera’s sensor size is related to its magnification power. The smaller the sensor is the higher the magnification of the camera will be. But it also means you get a smaller field of view. But high magnification is needed for watching the moon or planets.
How do I use the Celestron Neximage 10 camera?
Using the Neximage 10 camera is easy. First, screw the barrel (1.25”) with the camera. Then mount it on the focuser. Connect the USB 3 cable by plugging it into a laptop. You’ve to connect the software with the iCap software. Make sure to download it from the Celestron website.
Is USB 3 worth the cost for planetary cameras?
Yes, the new USB 3.0 wires are better than the 2.0 version. For planetary imaging, you’d require a faster frame rate. With USB 3.0 you’ll be able to achieve higher speeds. It can download images a lot faster than USB 2.0.
Conclusion
That’s all about neximage 5 vs neximage burst vs neximage 10. Hopefully, our discussion was helpful for you to make your decision.
Celestron Neximage 10 is quite pricier than the other cameras. If you’re worried about the price, just know that the money is worth it.
Happy stargazing!
