ZWO ASI183MC Pro Color Astronomy Camera
When it comes to capturing the breathtaking beauty of the cosmos, the ZWO ASI183MC Pro is a standout performer. This state-of-the-art one-shot color camera is built for astrophotographers who demand superior resolution, extreme sensitivity, and the ability to capture both deep-sky and planetary images with unmatched clarity.
At the heart of the ASI183MC Pro is the highly acclaimed Sony IMX183 CMOS sensor, featuring a 20.18-megapixel resolution, 2.4-micron pixel size, and back-illuminated architecture for maximum light-gathering efficiency. Whether you’re shooting galaxies, nebulae, or our own Solar System, this camera provides an optimal balance of high dynamic range, low noise, and cooling capabilities to help you produce stunning astro-images.
Sony IMX183 Sensor – Superior Sensitivity and Detail
The Sony IMX183 sensor is one of the most advanced CMOS sensors available in the astrophotography world, offering outstanding performance across a wide range of celestial targets.
High-Resolution Imaging
With an impressive 5496 x 3672 pixel resolution, the ASI183MC Pro delivers extremely fine detail, making it an excellent choice for high-magnification imaging. If you’re using a short focal-length refractor, the small 2.4-micron pixels help maximize resolution and extract sharp details from deep-sky objects.
Back-Illuminated CMOS Architecture
The ASI183MC Pro utilizes a back-illuminated (BSI) sensor, significantly increasing its light sensitivity. With a peak quantum efficiency (QE) of over 84%, this means more photons are effectively converted into electronic signals, reducing the need for long exposure times and improving signal-to-noise ratios, even when imaging fainter targets.
Ultra-Low Read Noise
One of the standout features of the ASI183MC Pro is its exceptionally low read noise, which can go as low as 1.6e at high gain settings. This is crucial for deep-space imaging, where long exposures can often introduce unwanted noise. With the High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode, noise is significantly reduced without compromising dynamic range, allowing you to capture fainter details with cleaner backgrounds.
Advanced Two-Stage Cooling System for Deep-Sky Imaging
Astrophotographers often struggle with thermal noise when capturing long-exposure images. The ASI183MC Pro eliminates this issue with its powerful two-stage TEC (Thermoelectric Cooling) system, which effectively lowers sensor temperature by up to 40°C below ambient conditions.
Why Cooling Matters
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Reduces Dark Current Noise – Lowering sensor temperature reduces thermal noise accumulation over long exposures.
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Increases Image Quality – Cooled sensors deliver smoother, more detailed images with better signal-to-noise ratios.
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Consistent Performance – With regulated cooling, exposures remain stable, allowing for easier calibration with dark frames.
The sealed chamber design prevents condensation and moisture buildup, ensuring reliable operation even in humid conditions. Whether you’re capturing 5-minute or 30-minute exposures, the ASI183MC Pro ensures your images remain clear and free of unwanted thermal artifacts.
High-Speed Data Transfer & Efficient Frame Rates
Fast frame rates are essential for capturing planetary detail, and the ASI183MC Pro delivers impressive speeds via USB 3.0 connectivity. At full resolution (20.18 MP), it reaches 19 frames per second (fps), making it one of the fastest cameras in its class.
For planetary imaging, you can use a Region of Interest (ROI) to boost frame rates even further, allowing for ultra-fast capture of Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, or the Moon’s craters. The high frame rates reduce atmospheric distortion (seeing effects) and improve overall detail when stacking multiple frames.
Frame Rate Table
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5496 x 3672 (full resolution) – 19 fps
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3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) – 41 fps
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1920 x 1080 (Full HD 1080p) – 80 fps
With these speeds, the ASI183MC Pro is not only a deep-sky imaging powerhouse but also an excellent choice for planetary and lunar photography.
High Dynamic Range & 12-Bit ADC for Stunning Contrast
Dynamic range plays a crucial role in astrophotography, determining how well a camera can capture faint nebulae and bright stars without losing detail. The ASI183MC Pro features a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), ensuring smooth transitions between light and dark areas.
With a dynamic range of up to 12 stops, this camera excels in capturing the subtle color variations in nebulae, the intricate structures of galaxies, and the brilliant details of planetary surfaces.
Versatile Performance – A Camera for Every Target
The ASI183MC Pro is designed to be a true multi-purpose camera, handling a wide variety of celestial objects with precision:
Deep-Sky Imaging
- Captures fine detail in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
- Works well with short focal-length telescopes due to its small pixel size.
- High sensitivity means you can gather more light with shorter exposures.
Planetary & Lunar Photography
- High-speed frame rates allow for excellent detail on Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and the Moon.
- Low read noise and high dynamic range enhance planetary imaging.
Electronically-Assisted Astronomy (EAA)
- Live-stacking with software such as Sharpcap allows real-time views of deep-sky objects.
- Highly sensitive sensor makes fainter objects visible in just a few seconds.
Compact and Lightweight Design – Perfect for Any Setup
The ASI183MC Pro is designed with convenience in mind. With a compact 2-inch body diameter and a standard M42 x 0.75 thread, it easily integrates into most imaging setups. Whether you’re using a small refractor or a large SCT, the camera’s lightweight design ensures it won’t cause balance issues on your mount.
Included in the package:
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USB 3.0 Cable for fast data transfer.
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2” & 1.25” Nosepiece Adapters for flexible telescope connections.
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Power Adapter for Cooling System to maximize thermal control.
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ZWO Camera Drivers & Software for seamless integration with imaging software.
Why Choose the ZWO ASI183MC Pro?
The ASI183MC Pro is one of the best all-around astrophotography cameras available today. Whether you’re capturing faint nebulae, high-resolution planetary detail, or real-time EAA observations, this camera delivers unmatched performance.
Key Advantages:
- Ultra-high resolution (20.18 MP) with small 2.4-micron pixels for detailed imaging
- Back-illuminated Sony IMX183 sensor for extreme sensitivity
- Two-stage TEC cooling reduces thermal noise for deep-sky imaging
- High-speed USB 3.0 transfer for smooth planetary imaging
- Low read noise with HCG mode for clean, high-contrast images
- Versatile design suitable for deep-sky, planetary, and EAA applications
If you’re serious about astrophotography and want a camera that can handle a wide range of targets with stunning detail, the ASI183MC Pro is the perfect investment.
ZWO has all their information available for download on their website in a perfectly laid out section. Check it out here for software and drivers and here for manuals and guides.
One of the coolest gadgets, and a neccessity according to a majority of ZWO users, is the ASIair Pro. It is an all-in-one wireless camera solution. The ASIair pro gives you control of focus, image taking, plate solving, and computerized mount control with the included SkySafari bridge all controlled by your smartdevice or tablet. It really is pretty awesome.
