ZWO ASI183MC Pro Cooled Color CMOS Astrophotography Camera
Best high-resolution camera for serious deep-sky and planetary astrophotographers.
Capture stunning celestial images with this advanced cooled CMOS camera. Designed for serious astrophotographers, it excels at both planetary and deep-sky imaging. Experience incredibly low noise and a wide dynamic range, revealing intricate details in your cosmic subjects. Its high-resolution sensor, powered by a Sony back-illuminated chip, delivers exceptional clarity and sharpness. This color model offers a gateway to professional-level astrophotography, bringing the wonders of the universe closer than ever before.
$799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1569
/ 2593
#1569 in Telescope Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+20%
Above average
ADC
12
/ bit
Who it's for
- Astrophotographers seeking high-resolution detail in deep-sky objects
- Imagers needing clean, low-noise results during long exposures
- Observers targeting faint celestial bodies with high efficiency
Who should skip it
- Photographers wanting to avoid complex dark frame calibration workflows
- Users with limited computer storage or slower processing hardware
- Owners of long focal length telescopes prone to oversampling
Performance breakdown
Thermal Noise Control
Advanced cooling system effectively eliminates heat-induced artifacts during long-exposure sessions.
Sensor Resolution
High megapixel count captures impressive detail for both planetary and deep-sky targets.
Dynamic Range
Twelve stops of range provide excellent contrast between bright stars and nebulosity.
Read Noise Performance
Low read noise ensures clean, usable data even in challenging light conditions.
Frame Rate Versatility
Exceptional capture speeds make this a top choice for planetary imaging.
Build Quality
Rugged aluminum housing protects sensitive electronics during frequent field setups.
Key Specs
ADC
12 bit
Back Focus
6.5 mm
Camera Connection
M42x0.75
Color or Mono
Color
Cooled
Cooled
Delta T
45C
Dynamic Range
12 Stops
Full Rez Frame Rate
19fps
Know before you buy
Yes, the ASI183MC Pro is versatile enough for both. Its high frame rate is excellent for capturing planetary details, while the cooling system effectively manages thermal noise for long-exposure deep-sky photography.
The integrated cooling system reduces thermal noise, which is essential for long-exposure deep-sky imaging. By maintaining a lower sensor temperature, you get cleaner, more consistent images with significantly fewer artifacts.
While the camera connects via USB 3.0 for data, you will need an external 12V power supply to operate the cooling fan and thermoelectric cooler. The USB connection alone is not sufficient to power the cooling features.
The small pixel size provides high resolution, which is great for short focal length telescopes. However, if you are using a telescope with a very long focal length, you may experience oversampling, so consider your focal ratio when pairing this camera.
The camera features a standard M42x0.75 T-thread connection. This is a common industry standard, making it easy to attach to most telescopes using standard T-rings or adapters.
It is a powerful tool that offers a professional-level experience, but it does have a learning curve. If you are comfortable with basic image acquisition software and post-processing, it is an excellent choice for growing your skills.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$799