ZWO ASI183MM Pro Monochrome Camera – High-Resolution Performance for Astrophotography
For astrophotographers looking to capture intricate details in deep-sky and planetary imaging, the ZWO ASI183MM Pro offers a powerful combination of high sensitivity, low noise, and advanced cooling. This monochrome camera is built around a state-of-the-art Sony CMOS sensor, designed to deliver exceptional clarity in both long-exposure deep-sky imaging and high-speed planetary captures. With a high quantum efficiency and a fine pixel size, the ASI183MM Pro is an excellent choice for those who demand precision and versatility in their imaging setup.
A High-Resolution Monochrome Sensor for Unmatched Detail
At the heart of the ASI183MM Pro is the Sony IMX183 sensor, which boasts a resolution of 20.18 megapixels. This translates to a high pixel count of 5496 x 3672, allowing astrophotographers to capture incredible detail in their images. The sensor's back-illuminated design enhances light collection efficiency, reaching a peak quantum efficiency of approximately 84%. This means more photons are converted into usable data, improving signal strength and reducing noise, especially when imaging faint deep-sky objects.
The camera's pixel size of 2.4 microns makes it particularly well-suited for short focal length telescopes, where it can resolve fine structures with remarkable sharpness. When paired with a longer focal length system, it provides an excellent balance of resolution and field of view, making it an adaptable choice for various imaging applications.
Advanced Cooling System for Deep-Sky Imaging
Long-exposure astrophotography requires a camera capable of handling thermal noise, and the ASI183MM Pro delivers with its two-stage TEC (thermoelectric cooling) system. This cooling technology allows the sensor to reach temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius below the ambient temperature, significantly reducing thermal noise that can degrade long-exposure images.
With less noise in each frame, deep-sky objects appear with greater clarity, and stacking images becomes more effective. The improved signal-to-noise ratio helps reveal the faintest details in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. This feature is especially useful for those working with narrowband filters, where exposure times tend to be longer, and noise control is critical.
The ASI183MM Pro also supports hardware binning, a process that combines adjacent pixels to increase sensitivity. At 2x2 binning, the effective pixel size grows to 4.8 microns, allowing for a higher signal-to-noise ratio at the cost of some resolution. This can be particularly useful when imaging dimmer objects where capturing as much light as possible is a priority.
High-Speed Performance for Planetary Imaging
While the ASI183MM Pro excels in deep-sky imaging, it also shines in planetary and lunar photography. Thanks to its high-speed readout capabilities, the camera can capture full-resolution video at 19 frames per second. When reducing the resolution, frame rates increase significantly, exceeding 100 frames per second in certain configurations.
This rapid frame rate is essential for planetary imaging, where capturing multiple frames in quick succession helps freeze moments of stable atmospheric conditions. The ability to take high-speed video means more frames can be stacked, improving the final image quality by reducing atmospheric distortions and enhancing fine details in planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.
12-Bit ADC for Balanced Dynamic Range and Data Precision
The ASI183MM Pro is equipped with a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), striking a balance between high dynamic range and fast data transfer. A higher dynamic range allows the camera to capture subtle variations in brightness, preventing overexposure of stars while preserving shadow details in nebulae and galaxies.
With a full-well capacity of 15,000 electrons, bright stars and planetary surfaces retain their structural integrity without saturating too quickly. This makes it easier to achieve well-balanced exposures across a wide range of celestial objects, from high-contrast lunar landscapes to faint deep-sky targets.
Reliable Data Transfer and Buffering
The camera is designed with a USB 3.0 interface, ensuring high-speed data transfer and efficient handling of large image files. Whether capturing single long-exposure frames or high-speed planetary videos, the ASI183MM Pro efficiently processes and transmits data to your imaging software without bottlenecks.
To further enhance performance, the camera includes a built-in 256MB DDR3 memory buffer. This feature reduces the risk of frame dropping during high-speed imaging sessions, ensuring smooth data transfer even when using slower storage devices or older computer hardware.
Designed for Filter and Accessory Compatibility
As a monochrome camera, the ASI183MM Pro is intended for use with LRGB and narrowband filters, giving astrophotographers full control over color data and contrast enhancement. The ability to use different filters allows for precise image composition, particularly when capturing emission nebulae in hydrogen-alpha, oxygen-III, and sulfur-II wavelengths.
ZWO has designed the camera to integrate seamlessly with its ecosystem of accessories, including the Electronic Filter Wheel (EFW) and the ASIAIR Plus for fully automated imaging. The standard M42 and 1.25-inch adapters ensure compatibility with a wide range of telescope setups, from compact refractors to larger Newtonian and Schmidt-Cassegrain systems.
Why Choose the ZWO ASI183MM Pro for Your Imaging Setup?
- High-resolution 20.18-megapixel monochrome sensor for capturing fine detail in deep-sky and planetary imaging
- Small 2.4-micron pixel size, ideal for high-resolution imaging with short focal length telescopes
- Back-illuminated sensor design with approximately 84% peak quantum efficiency for improved light sensitivity
- Two-stage TEC cooling system capable of reducing sensor temperature by 40 degrees Celsius, minimizing thermal noise in long exposures
- High-speed data transfer via USB 3.0 with a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer for stable performance
- 12-bit ADC and a full-well capacity of 15,000 electrons for a balanced dynamic range
- Support for LRGB and narrowband filters, offering versatility for deep-sky astrophotography
- Compatible with ZWO accessories such as the Electronic Filter Wheel and ASIAIR Plus for streamlined automation
The ZWO ASI183MM Pro is a feature-rich, high-performance camera designed to meet the demands of astrophotographers who require both precision and flexibility. Whether you are capturing the intricate structures of deep-space nebulae or the fine details of planetary surfaces, this camera provides the tools needed to take your imaging to the next level. With its advanced cooling system, high sensitivity, and fast frame rates, the ASI183MM Pro is an excellent investment for serious astrophotographers looking to push their imaging capabilities further.
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.
1. M43-T2 adapter (optional)
2. EOS-T2 adapter (optional)
3. 2”Filter (optional)
4. 1.25” T-Mount
5. 1.25” Filter (optional)
6. M42-1.25” Filter (optional)
7. T2 extender 11mm
8. M42-M48 extender 16.5mm
9. T2-T2 adapter
10. EFW mini(optional)
11. EOS adapter for EFW(optional)
One of the coolest gadgets, and a neccessity according to a majority of ZWO users, is the ASIair Plus. It is an all-in-one wireless camera solution. The ASIair Plus 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.
