ZWO ASI 183 MC color camera

The ZWO ASI 183 MC colour cameras are optimised for high quality planetary and deep-sky photography. It first attracts attention with its powerful 20.18 megapixel 5496x3672 pixel sensor and 12-bit output from SONY, as well as its particularly high frame rate (19 frames per second). The pixel size of 2.4 microns makes it optimal for short-focus, high brightness instruments. Its extremely high light utilisation of 87% is due to its back-illuminated sensor. With appropriate software, it can also be used as a driving camera.

Small pixel size ensures fine details are captured, and the 12-bit output allows 4096 colour shades to be recorded (compared to 8-bit, or "only" 256 shades per colour channel on most cameras). The large sensor is also useful for capturing sun and moon images. Built-in ST-4 autoguider port also makes these devices great for use as a guide camera.

The camera has a T2 thread, but can be inserted into any 1.25" or 2" mount using the adapters included in the package. The ZWO ASI 183 MC colour camera has a USB 3.0 connection, but can also be used with a USB 2.0 connection at a lower speed.

There is a range of free software available to download from the internet for image capture, and we particularly recommend SharpCap and FireCapture.