Product Description
ASI183MC Pro
ASI183MC Pro uses Sony’s IMX183CQJ-J sensor. With a high QE-value and low provides excellent image quality at an affordable price. Some of the features include:
- 2 megapixel sensor with 2.4 μm pixel size. – able to capture19 frames/s frame rate in 12-bit mode with high detail
- Very low 6e- readout noise – bringing out more details in your images with improved dynamic range
- Full-well capacity of 15ke– – reduces the risk of oversaturated stars in longer exposures
This back-illuminated, rolling shutter-type CMOS sensor has a diagonal of 15.86 mm and approximately 20.2 megapixels.
▶High-Speed and High-Picture-Quality Rolling Shutter-Type Back-Illuminated CMOS Image Sensors
Designed for astrophotography, the Sony IMX183CLK-J (monochrome) and IMX183CQJ-J (color) sensors use high sensitivity back-illuminated structures with high resolution 2.4 μm square pixels. The optical size is 1 inch.
DDR Memory Buffer
The ASI183 Pro camera includes a 256MB 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.
The DDR memory buffer is the main difference between ASI “Cool” and “Pro” cameras.
DDR memory buffer is the main difference between ASI “Cool” and “Pro” cameras.
Astrophotography Performance
The ASI183 cameras has an impressive list of characteristics suited for astrophotography including a large full well capacity of 15000 e-, small pixel size, 1.6e read noise @ 30dB, and 12 stops dynamic range @ Gain=0. The ASI183 cameras also utilize firmware features to minimize amplifier glow for maximum performance in astrophotography.
Reliable Mechanics
ASI183 Pro has same mechanics as ASI1600 Pro. There are four screws that seal the sensor chamber. Our camera design has been extensively tested and is very stable even in demanding environments.
Even when used in environments with higher humidity, ASI183 Pro will still work fine without dew problems.
High Speed
Fast FPS and high-speed readout come in handy for many applications in astrophotography such as in
- solar and lunar imaging,
- as well as for live viewing or electronically assisted astronomy (EAA)
- real-time focusing,
- true lucky imaging of double stars and other small objects,
- planetary imaging of the major planets in the solar system, and much more.
10Bit ADC
5496×3672 19fps
3840×2160 41.04fps
1920×1080 80.10fps
1280×720 117.30fps
12bit ADC
5496×3672 19fps
3840×2160 36.12fps
1920×1080 70.48fps
1280×720 103.23fps
High QE
Sony’s back-illuminated Exmor R technology, giving it excellent Deep Sky performance. ASI183 QE peak reaches a respectable 84%. In Ha channel, QE is still over 60%.
Having high QE means that more of the light that enters your telescope and reaches the sensor is actually used. With 84% peak Q.E. and no less than ~50% within the visible spectrum, the ASI183 will utilize a high percentage of the light that reaches it, improving your signal quality.
Dark Current
The dark current of the ASI183 is extremely low, based on our test results.
Dark frame sample @ Highest dynamic range settings(gain=0), 300s, -10°C, bin1. Please check the dark frame to make sure you are fully aware of the performance.
Notice: For the possible amp glow that shows on your images, please refer to this tutorial: “What is Amp-glow and how do I manage it? “
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/faq
USB 3.0 Port & USB2.0 HUB
USB 3.0 Port: Provide 5Gb bandwidth to make it possible for ASI183 Pro to run at 19 fps (12bit, normal mode) or 19 fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution(20.18Mega).
USB 2.0 HUB: can connect with various accessories, such as filter wheel, guide camera and electronic focuser, so you can better manage your cables. The ASI183 Pro includes two short 0.5m USB 2.0 cables. The integrated USB 2.0 hub is powered by the external power source if you connect one.
Cooling System
Thanks to the two stage TEC cooling, ASI183MC Pro can lower the sensor temperature to 40-45 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, which can greatly reduce dark current generation and sensor noise even during extended exposure times.
Please notice that the camera needs to be connected to an external 11-15v power supply to implement the cooling function. We recommend you use 12V@3A DC adapter (5.5*2.1mm, center pole positive) or lithium battery with 11-15V to power the camera. If you don’t have one, please click here to buy a 12V power adapter. There are 4 different standards for different countries, please make sure you selected the correct adapter when placing the order.
Connecting Diagram
1. M43-T2 adapter
2. EOS-T2 adapter
3. 2”Filter (optional)
4. 1.25” T-Mount
5. 1.25” Filter (optional)
6. M42-1.25” adapter (optional)
7. T2 extender 11mm
Mechanical Diagram
What is in the box?
ASI183 Pro box includes all necessary cables, adapters, and manuals.
Spacer thickness: 0.1mm *1+0.2mm *2+0.5mm *1
The best solution of 55mm back focus length
Read more:https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/best-back-focus-length-solutions-55mm.html
Product review:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/599475-sony-imx183-mono-test-thread-asi-qhy-etc/
Oleksii – :
Hi!
I bought Zenithstar 73 and now choose camera for it. Does ASI183MC Pro will be best solution for my telescope?
Regards,
Oleksii
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Moson – :
There are two links for your reference:
http://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/
https://astronomy.tools/calculators/ccd_suitability
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Mete – :
Can I mount a 2″ filter (e.g. IDAS D2-LPF) with ASI183MC Pro out of the box ? or do I need an EFW or filter drawer ? Thanks.
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Moson – :
You could use M42 filter drawer, there is the link for your reference:https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-filter-drawer-m42
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Lukasz Switaj – :
What is the thickness of the spacers?
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Moson – :
We have 4 spacers come with the camera, 0.1mm*1, 0.2mm*2, 0.5mm*1.
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J.L.BROADSTONE – :
I am using a Skywatcher Evostar ed80 along with a Skywatcher field flattener which needs 55mm backfocus, an ASI183MC which needs 55mm backfocus, and an IR/UV cutoff filter. What spacing is needed? 55mm, 56, 54mm or something altogether different? Thanks.
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Moson – :
It needs 55mm backfocus.And it depends on telescope, instead of the camera.
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Brandon Keefer – :
I have an Explore Scientific – 152mm f6.5 Achromatic telescope and the ZWO ASI183MC Pro (Color) CMOS camera. What adapter would I have to have in order to use this without the diagonal adapter? Is this possible? Thanks in advance.
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Katherine Tsai – :
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/best-back-focus-length-solutions-55mm.html
Hope this can help you.
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Markus Schwabenland – :
Hello
I am planning to buy the ASI183MC Pro. Which parts do I need to ensure the right back focus distance with a Bresser 152/1200L Hecafoc? Thanks for your anwser in advance.
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Katherine Tsai – :
Does this telescope have reducer or flattener?
How much is the back focus of this telescope?
We provide standard 55mm back focus solution for your reference.
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/best-back-focus-length-solutions-55mm.html
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thomas – :
Hi, i want to capture deepsky nebula with my samyang 135mm and the asi 183color, so can i use a wheel filter for Ha with this one
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ZWO ASI Camera – :
yes, you can, but the results are not very good.
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Peter Komatović – :
I’m planing to buy the ASI183MC PRO. Which parts do I need to ensure the right back focus distance with EF lenses. I will use EF 200 L f2.8 II and EF 400 L f5.6. I will also buy the ZWO OAG becasue the guidecam will be in center with the lens for better balance on the mount. Which other adapters do I need? Should I use 2″ or can I live with 1,25″ filters on the 1″ chipsize? Thanks for your anwser in advance.
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Katherine Tsai – :
For 183, 1.25 inch filter is enough.
Before you use OAG, please make sure the light path to the OAG would not be covered by the edge of the lens.
183MC pro provides 6.5mm +T2 ring(11mm)+OAG(16.5mm), you will need another 10mm extension tube.
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udayan – :
Hi,
I’m new to AP. Have ordered sw 80mm ed, and sw HEQ5 goto mount. I saw the split issues from 183mc pro @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPq658dNYs4. The user returned the camera and upgraded to 1600 pro. Please share if the split issue has been resolved or was it a one off issue with a particular user.
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Katherine Tsai – :
This issue has been solved.
Just upgrade the native driver and ASCOM driver.
Also you could send us the firmware version for confirmation.
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Simon – :
Hi, should you use a uv/ir filter when imaging with this camera ? Thanks.
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Katherine Tsai – :
Yes.Color camera generallyneed UV/IR filter，especially when you are using refractor telescope.
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Markus – :
Hi ZWO Team,
I am thinking of buying a 183MC for my Newton 200/100 PDS to get pictures of smaller DSO, like M57 with higher resolution? Is this a good choice or is another cam recommended.
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Sean Wang – :
your choise is the best option.
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Hide – :
Hi, I’m using this camera with ASIAIR. When I preview the picture on my iPad, it shows color picture. However, saved FIT files in SD card are all 16bit gray-scale images. How can I save pictures as color FIT file? I also tried to take picture on ASICAP application on my Mac with this camera. The preview image on this application is always color image, but when I save it as 16bit, saved FIT files are gray-scale as same as ASIAIR does.
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Sean Wang – :
Hi there. RAW data is gary, ususally we will debayer it in post-processing. If you would like color images, in ASICAP, don’t click “raw data” box, and choose RAW8, you will get color images. But in ASIAIR, the data must be saved as original RAW data. you can use the SAVE button on the buttom-right to save a JPG in your iPad.
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Kelvin – :
Hi. I bought this camera a month ago and have not been happy with it. I was struggling with very bloated stars and spent a lot of time trying to fix focusing problems with DSLR lenses, thinking that was the problem. I was told by someone on an internet forum yesterday that it is most likely because this model camera does not have a UV / IR cut filter. This might also explain the poor colours I get in my images. So I understand I have 3 options to fix this issue. 1- replace the AR window covering the sensor with a UV-IR window. This seems like the best option but I dont see one listed for the ASI183MC Pro. Option 2 is to buy a 1.25″ UV-IR filter and mount it between the camera and the EOS-T2 adapter. The problem with this option is that I think it will create too much distance between the camera flange and the sensor (unless I buy the thinner EOS-T2 for the EFW and also a spacer ring). Option 3 is to buy a 77mm UV-IR cut filter for the front of my camera lenses. Fortunately the one 77mm filter will work on the two lenses I would be using with this camera. Can you please advise ASAP which of these the options is best and will fix this problem for me as quickly as possible. Thanks.
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Kelvin
I think the option 2 is best, the EOS-T2 can hold a 2″ filter inside it.
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/nikon-t2-adapter-suitable-for-all-asi-cameras
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Artem M85 – :
Hello, I bought this camera and a trial survey found on the matrix a large speck of dust. Can I remove the cover over the matrix and clean the matrix without losing the warranty? Or I’m in Russia and guarantee I don’t get anyway?) Because I didn’t find the coupon anyway…(
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Sean Wang – :
Hi there
It’s OK to clean the camera sensor, won’t interfere warranty.
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Edgard F. – :
Hello,
Does this camera work with Mac OS X El Capitan? I also have a 80mm f/6 APO, does it would be a good fit?
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Sean Wang – :
Yes, I think so. it is very good for small APO, and We support Mac and INDI Driver.
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Jeremy Morgan – :
Thanks for the information Sean! How about between the ASI183MC and the ASI294MC for EAA and DSO Astrophotography?
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Sean Wang – :
ASI294 is better for EAA. it not only has bigger sensor, but also has HCG mode(have high dynamic range under 120 gain).
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Davidi – :
It’s alredy april, do you have this model in stock?
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Davidi, this model still out of stock for a few days.
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Davidi
ASI183MC Pro is in stock now!
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Jeremy Morgan – :
Would this camera (ASI183 Pro) be a good match for the Stellarvue SV80 Access F/7 APO Refractor? Or would the ASI385MC COOL be a better match? I am mainly interested in EAA and DSO Astrophotography.
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Jeremy
I think ASI183 will be better than 385. because 183 have bigger FOV and higher resolution. Thoes are very important for DSO imaging with small telescopes.
In EAA, bin2 mode will improve brightness of target, after bin2, 183 still have nearly 5 mega pixels.
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Kai-Oliver Detken – :
I had some kind of banding in one of my final picture results. This banding occured in the lights and darks simultaneously. How can I avoid it? Is it possible to get a firmware upgrade for the camera? Or do you have other idears?
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Sean Wang – :
Hi Kai-Oliver
Thanks for feedback this issue. Could you send us a email to support(at)zwoptical.com. send us one original dark and light frame for check, put on dropbox will be good too. Thanks.
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Stephen – :
Could you please provide a step file model for the ASI183MC Pro camera and the ASI178MC camera?
Thank you,
Steve
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Sean Wang – :
Sorry, Stephen. We can’t provide, it’s classified.
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