ZWO ASI585MC Pro color astro camera with active Peltier cooling - A camera for all astrophotographic applications

This camera is equipped with a 1/1.2" sensor with 3840*2160 pixels (4K UHD). The modern Sony IMX585 sensor is particularly impressive due to its high resolution (2.9 µm pixels), high frame rate and the complete absence of annoying amp glow. This makes this camera very interesting not only for planets and the sun and moon, but also for long exposures (deep-sky photography). The sensor is large enough for many deep-sky objects, yet you can usually manage without a corrector. The ASI585MP Pro is an ideal entry-level camera but also an exciting second camera for dedicated astrophotographers. The camera is very well suited for: Lunar and planetary photography with high detail resolution Solar photography (with suitable filter) with high detail resolution Long exposures of nebulae and galaxies Infrared photography to reduce the effects of seeing, resulting in a sharper luminance channel EAA (electronically assisted astronomy) for planets, moon and sun

This camera is an alternative to DSLR and mirrorless system cameras for deep-sky photography

Even the raw images are of high quality, as the sensor no longer shows any amplifier glow and the images are very smooth. Added to this is the powerful Peltier cooling up to 35 °C below ambient temperature, which means that low-noise images can be taken even at the height of summer.

Moon and planetary photography

Thanks to the fine 2.9 µm pixels, you can achieve a very high resolution from f/10, which makes the use of Barlow and converter systems superfluous.

EAA (electronically assisted astronomy)

The high resolution, combined with a high frame rate of 47 fps at full resolution (RAW8 format), allows real-time observation not only of planets, but also of the moon and sun due to the relatively large sensor. Simply observe together in a group - without having to wait until everyone has had a turn!

Anti-reflective clear glass filter protects the sensor from dust

The clear glass filter prevents dust from penetrating the sensor. It also lets UV and infrared light through so that you can also use the camera for infrared photography. With the right choice of contrast filters, fog filters, IR pass filters or UV/IR blocking filters, you have full control over which light falls on the sensor.

Peltier cooling - reduces the sensor temperature

The sensor heats up during shooting. Thanks to the controlled Peltier cooling, you can keep the sensor well cooled even at high outside temperatures. At an ambient temperature of 20 °C you can cool the sensor down to -15 °C.

Very high sensitivity for short exposure times

One advantage of the back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the reduced readout noise and improved sensitivity. In particular, Sony uses STARVIS-2 technology with the IMX585 sensor, which ensures excellent visibility in low light. You can achieve a very high light yield in astrophotography and obtain high image quality not only in visible light but also in the near infrared range (to reduce seeing). In addition, the low readout noise and the high full-well capacity ensure a larger dynamic range.In combination with the large field of view offered by the large sensor format, the ASI585MC is not only ideal for solar, lunar and planetary imaging, but can also be used as a live streaming camera or as an all-sky camera for observing or monitoring weather conditions.The low noise and anti-ampglow circuit make this Peltier-cooled camera interesting for capturing deep-sky objects such as faint nebulae, star clusters and galaxies.

The HCG mode:

The camera has a built-in HCG mode that can effectively reduce readout noise at high gain while maintaining the same wide dynamic range you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 252, the HCG mode turns on automatically. As a result, the readout noise is only 0.7 e-, while the dynamic range can still reach almost 12 f-stops.

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

The camera is often used on correctors that do not offer 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 image section Quick coupling - you can remove the camera from the remote ear at any time without screws and thus tangling the cables
Adaptation is very simple, the 21 mm T2 extension is replaced by: 1x TSROTT2-T2 and 2x T2AbstimmA1
One tuning ring goes on the camera side, one tuning ring goes on the telescope side of the rotator. Then screw on the M42-M48 adapter with 16.5 mm length and you are at the correct distance with the camera.

Practical tip 2 from APM: Storing cameras and accessories

Especially in our latitudes, the nights are often very humid. This moisture settles on your camera, eyepiece or filter when they come into the warm interior of your home. Cooled cameras are particularly affected by this. A photo session can quickly come to an end because the sensor ices up.

Proper storage is an important preventative measure against dew and also extends the service life of the camera.

After use, put the camera immediately into the TS Protect Case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel absorbs the moisture from the camera. At the same time, the penetration of moist room air is prevented. Dry storage can even partially regenerate the small drying tablets in cooled cameras. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimum 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 camerasZWO 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.

Scope of Delivery:

• ASI camera cooled, with 11 mm T2 ring
• Camera bag
• USB3.0 cable, 2 m
• Quick guide (English)
• T2 extension (21 mm long)
• M48 to T2 adapter (16.5 mm long)
• Adapter from T2 to 1.25" receptacle with filter thread
• Cover cap 1.25"
• M42-M48 adapter (without optical path)
• 2x USB 2.0 cable, 0.5 m
• Flat adapter T2 to 1.25" thread (without optical path)
• 4x spacer ring