ZWO Color Astro Camera ASI183 MC Pro cooled, Sensor D=15.9 mm

ZWO ASI183MC Pro - cooled Color CMOS Camera for astrophotography

The cooled ZWOptical ASI183MC uses the modern SONY Exmor R BSI IMX183 color sensor. With about 20 million pixels, this camera belongs to the large CMOS astro cameras. Due to the pixel size of only 2.4 µm, the resolution of the camera is sensational. With this, the ASI183 becomes attractiv especially for sharp and fast telescopes and camera lenses.

One of the outstanding features of the ASI183 is the sensational light sensitivity. The QE of 84%, due to the BACK ILLUMINATION technology, and the very low amplifier glow make the camera very well suited for all astronomical applications, but above all for deep-sky astrophotography.

The "single shot" color camera offers more comfort, compared with monochrome cameras. Not everyone wants to follow through the laborious L-RGB technique for beautiful colored nebula or planetary images. The color cameras offer a possibility to obtain beautiful images without changing filters. In direct comparison to the DSLR camera, the ASI183MC convinces with much higher light sensitivity, a smoother image and more depth. Stars become saturated less fast.

Further advantages and features of the ASI 183MC Pro color camera:

USB 3.0 for quick download - can also be used with USB 2.0

DDR3 memory buffer to help improve data transfer reliability. Additionally, the use of a memory buffer minimizes amp-glow, which is caused by the slow transfer speeds when the camera is used with a USB 2.0 port.

Powerful Peltier cooling up to 45 °C below environment.

One of the most light-sensitive CMOS sensors from Sony with 15.9 mm diagonal - 20 megapixels

Extremely high resolution through 2.4 µm pixels - ideal for fast and sharp telescopes like apos, Hyperstar, Celestron Faststar, fast Newtonian telescopes, ...

Comes with AR protect window - full transmission also in infrared. If IR should be blocked, an IR block filter is needed.

Distance T2-thread (female) to camera sensor: 17.5 mm

High sensitivity - QE up to 84% - ideal astronomy camera for dim objects

12 bit ADC

Application ranges of the camera:

Deep sky images (nebulae and galaxies): Due to the high sensitivity, nebulae and galaxies are captured after only a few seconds. By cooling down the camera up to 45 °C below ambient, the already low noise can be further reduced. By increasing gain (like the ISO setting of DSLR cameras), you can reduce exposure times below 30 seconds. Effects from seeing or inaccuracies of the drive are eliminated.

Solar, lunar and planetary images: extremely short exposure times (due to high sensitivity) freeze the seeing. Through the high resolution of the sensor, many details can be reproduced even at shorter focal length. Video astronomy is also possible.

Important: external power supply required!

Please notice that all ZWO cameras with cooler need to be connected to an external 11-15 V power supply to work.

Even when the cooler is not being used the power supply must be used for the camera to be reliably recognized.

Optimal support by Teleskop-Service before and after purchase:

We work with the cameras ourselves and can offer you optimal advice. Which camera matches your telescope, how do you achieve optimal adaption? Teleskop-Service is one of the biggest ZWO dealers. Due to our contacts, we offer best possible service also after purchase.

Practical tip 1 from TS: Integration of 2" filters, 360° rotation and quick coupling

The camera is often used on correctors that do not have a filter thread. In addition, the filters should always be used as close as possible to the camera. Here we offer you a solution that can do much more.

2" filter holder directly in front of the camera

360° rotation for the right choice of the image section

Quick release - you can remove the camera from the remote ear at any time, without screws and thus entangling the cables

The adaptation is very simple, the 21 mm T2 extension is replaced by:

1x TSROTT2-T2 and 2x T2AbstimmA1

One tuning ring comes to the camera side, one tuning ring comes to the telescope side of the rotator. Then screw on the M42-M48 adapter with 16.5 mm length and you are in the right distance with the camera.

Practical tip 2 from TS: Storage of cameras and accessories

Especially in our latitudes, the nights are often very humid. This humidity condenses on your camera, eyepiece or filter when they come into the warm interior of the apartment. Especially cooled cameras are affected by this. Quickly a photo session is over because the sensor ices up.

Good storage is an important prevention against dew and also extends the life span.

After use, put the camera immediately into the TS Protect Case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel will suck the moisture out of the camera. At the same time, the penetration of humid room air is prevented. Dry storage even allows the small dry tablets in cooled cameras to partially regenerate. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimal condition. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.

The cameras are not airtight, so if the camera remains on the telescope, it is exposed to moisture. The small amount of desiccant in the camera can protect the sensor and the inside of the protective glass from moisture for the duration of the exposure, but not for days on end. Moisture problems can be the result. A simple trick is to stretch a plastic bag around the focuser to which the camera is attached so that no air can get in. Silica gel is placed in a small cloth bag inside the plastic bag. This will also create a "dry climate zone" for the camera on the telescope. This allows you to leave the camera on the telescope for a few days for an imaging session lasting several days.

In the medium and long term, however, this is no substitute for proper storage in an airtight case with silica gel.

Downloads, drivers:

ZWO provides software and drivers online for free download.

Software and drivers for all ZWO cameras

Frequently asked questions about ZWO cameras:

The FAQ area is constantly updated by ZWO, here you will find answers to many questions.

FAQ about ZWO cameras

ZWO Users Forum

Manuals for ZWO products:

The manuals page is constantly updated by ZWO, here you can find user guides for ZWO products.

Link to the manuals

How to clean my ZWO camera:

The manufacturer provides a manual that covers how to clean an ASI camera and regenerate the desiccant tablets: Please click here.

Cooled ASI cameras - quick guide

Quick Guide for the quick first use of your cooled ASI camera.

Link to the manual in English - PDF file

Sensor cleaning and desiccant cartridge replacement

Here you will find tips on how to identify where the dirt is and how to clean the sensor or change the drying cartridges.

Link to the manual in English - PDF file

Question:
Will my Pro camera work without extra power supply if I don´t turn on the cooling?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
No, the current Pro cameras always require extra power supply, even without cooling.



Question:
Can the ASI183 be recommended for solar photography?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
Some users have experienced that when shooting the sun in H-alpha light, a regular light-dark pattern overlaps the images of the IMX183 sensor. In most cases it is sufficient to calibrate the images with a flatframe.
As an alternative to the ASI183, the ASI1600 and the ASI174 monochrome cameras are recommended because the pattern does not occur with these.

Safety informations: PDF Download