ZWO ASI183MM Monochrome Astronomy CMOS Camera

ZWO ASI183MM Monochrome Astronomy CMOS Camera

The ZWO ASI183MM is a high-resolution monochrome CMOS astronomy camera built around the Sony Exmor R BSI IMX183 sensor. With approximately 20 megapixels spread across a 1-inch sensor diagonal of 15.9 mm, the ASI183MM ranks among the largest CMOS astro cameras in its category. The combination of exceptional pixel count, a tiny 2.4 µm pixel size and Sony's back-illuminated sensor architecture places this camera in a class of its own for astrophotographers who demand the highest possible resolution and light sensitivity.

Exceptional sensitivity thanks to back-illuminated sensor technology

The Sony IMX183 uses BSI (Back Side Illumination) technology, which repositions the wiring layer behind the photodiode array rather than in front of it. This seemingly small engineering change has a profound effect on light collection - the sensor achieves a peak quantum efficiency of 84%, meaning it converts the vast majority of incoming photons into usable signal. Combined with an extremely low read noise of just 1.6 electrons at 30 dB gain, the ASI183MM captures faint detail with a clarity that surpasses conventional DSLR cameras and even many dedicated CCD cameras.

What can you photograph with the ASI183MM?

• Lunar and planetary imaging - the small 2.4 µm pixels allow you to exploit the full resolving power of fast, high-focal-length telescopes without any additional optical components such as a Barlow lens. The high sensitivity enables very short exposures that effectively freeze atmospheric seeing, resulting in sharp, high-contrast planetary images and detailed lunar mosaics.
• Deep-sky imaging - the ASI183MM captures stars and deep-sky objects that are completely invisible to the eye through the eyepiece, often within just a few seconds of exposure. Its light sensitivity significantly exceeds that of DSLRs and CCD cameras, making it possible to image faint galaxies, nebulae and star clusters with remarkably short integration times. Lucky imaging of extended deep-sky objects is also entirely feasible.
• Autoguiding - the built-in ST-4 guider port allows direct connection to most computerised telescope mounts without the need for a separate guide computer. Thanks to the high resolution of the sensor, the ASI183MM can guide large, long focal length telescopes even when used with a small guide scope of just 50 mm aperture. At only 120 grams, the camera adds virtually no load to the focuser drawtube.

Small pixels, high resolution - a perfect match for fast optics

The 2.4 µm pixel size of the ASI183MM makes it particularly well suited to fast telescopes and camera lenses with a relatively short focal length. Where larger pixels would under-sample the image, the fine pixel grid of the IMX183 captures all the detail the optics can deliver. At the same time, the 1-inch sensor covers a generous field of view, making the camera equally attractive for wide-field deep-sky work when paired with short refractors or camera lenses.

Software and drivers

ZWO provides free drivers and software for download directly from their website. The ASI183MM is compatible with all major astrophotography platforms including SharpCap, FireCapture, Sequence Generator Pro, Astro Photography Tool, NINA and others, as well as with the ASCOM and INDI frameworks for full integration into automated imaging workflows.

Technical specifications