ZWO ASI 183 MC Color Astro Camera – uncooled astrophotography
The ZWO ASI 183 MC Color Astro Camera is a high-resolution color camera with 20 megapixels for lunar, planetary and deep-sky imaging. It is a good choice whenever high frame rates, a steady image and straightforward operation are more important than active cooling.
What is this camera suited for?
With its Sony IMX183 / ASI 183 MC, it is designed for Moon, planets, deep-sky imaging and autoguiding. The uncooled design keeps the camera compact and quick to set up. For long deep-sky exposures, a cooled camera is usually preferable; for the Moon, planets, guiding and many EAA applications, this model is especially practical.
Key features
| Series / sensor | Sony IMX183 / ASI 183 MC |
|---|---|
| Camera type | Color |
| Cooling | uncooled, passive heat dissipation |
| Typical applications | Moon, planets, deep-sky imaging and autoguiding |
| Connection | USB camera with autoguider/ST4 support depending on model |
The camera works with the relevant ZWO software and common capture applications. For solar imaging, use it only with a suitable solar filter mounted in front of the telescope.
CMOS sensor in detail
With its Sony IMX183, the ASI 183 MC offers unusually high resolution for an uncooled color camera. The small 2.4 µm pixels record fine structures and work well with telescopes of short to medium focal length. The back-illuminated sensor is sensitive and, in addition to lunar and planetary imaging, is also suitable for smaller deep-sky objects and EAA.
Sensor specifications
| Sensor | Sony IMX183 Color CMOS, back-illuminated |
|---|---|
| Sensor format | 1 inch; approx. 13.2 × 8,8 mm |
| Resolution | 5496 × 3672 pixels / approx. 20.18 MP |
| Pixel size | 2.4 µm |
| ADC / full well | 12 bit / approx. 15 ke⁻ |
| Quantum efficiency | up to approx. 84 % |
| Frame rate | up to 19 fps at full resolution |
| Shutter | rolling shutter |
| Connection | USB 3.0; ST4 guiding |
These figures help when choosing the right focal length and imaging method. Especially with small pixels, the actual level of detail depends on the combination of telescope, seeing and image scale. For solar imaging, always use a suitable solar filter mounted in front of the telescope.
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