ZWO ASI585MC Color
- 8.29 Megapixel 4K Resolution (3840 x 2160)
- 2.9µm Square Pixels
- 91% Peak Quantum Efficiency
- 46.9 FPS at Full Resolution
- Zero Amplifier Glow Circuitry
- 256MB DDR3 Internal Buffer
The ZWO ASI585MC captures full 4K planetary video using its 8.29 MP Sony IMX585 sensor, with 2.9µm pixels resolving fine detail on Jupiter's cloud bands and Saturn's rings. A peak Quantum Efficiency of 91% and exceptionally low 0.8e read noise pull faint signals out of the background, while the 256MB DDR3 buffer sustains a full-resolution frame rate of 46.9 FPS over USB 3.0 without dropping frames.
The ASI585MC's native 3840 x 2160 resolution is ideal for capturing the entire disk of Jupiter or the Moon in a single frame, eliminating the need for mosaics. The high 46.9 FPS frame rate allows you to collect thousands of frames in minutes, letting software stack the sharpest data from moments of steady seeing. This high-speed capture is stabilized by the onboard 256MB DDR3 memory buffer, preventing data loss during transfer to your computer.
With a peak QE of 91% and a deep 40ke full well capacity, the back-illuminated IMX585 sensor gathers photons with extreme efficiency and offers significant dynamic range. This combination is critical for "lucky imaging" of brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) or the Hercules Cluster (M13). You can use short exposures to freeze atmospheric turbulence while still capturing both faint nebulosity and the bright stellar cores without saturation.
The ASI585MC is a direct successor to the popular ASI485MC, incorporating two critical improvements for astrophotography. While the ASI485MC has a limited full well depth and exhibits amp glow on longer exposures, the ASI585MC addresses both limitations directly.
Amplifier glow is a faint infrared light source on the sensor itself that can contaminate long exposures. The ASI585MC's Zero Amp Glow circuit prevents this entirely, regardless of exposure length or gain setting. As an uncooled camera, it is still subject to thermal noise on multi-minute exposures of faint targets. However, the absence of amp glow means your dark frames only need to subtract this predictable thermal signal, resulting in cleaner, easier-to-process images.
The ASI585MC provides two native back focus distances to accommodate different imaging trains. The standard 17.5mm distance is used when placing accessories like a filter wheel or off-axis guider in front of the camera. For setups without these accessories, a 6.5mm distance allows for a more direct connection, which can be critical when working with certain focal reducers or lens adapters.
The ASI585MC combines three key specifications for high-resolution planetary work: 4K resolution (3840x2160) to capture the entire planetary disk, small 2.9µm pixels to resolve fine detail at the correct focal ratio, and a high frame rate of 46.9 FPS to gather thousands of frames quickly, maximizing your chances of capturing moments of perfect seeing.
This is an excellent pairing. For the ASI585MC's 2.9µm pixels, the ideal focal ratio for planetary imaging is between f/14.5 and f/20. With an f/10 SCT, using a 1.5x or 2x Barlow lens will place your system in this optimal range, allowing the camera's small pixels to resolve the finest details in Jupiter's cloud bands that your telescope and local seeing conditions can deliver.
Yes, the ASI585MC is very capable for Electronically-Assisted Astronomy (EAA) and "lucky imaging" of brighter deep-sky objects. Its high sensitivity and zero amp glow make it a great choice for capturing targets like the Orion Nebula (M42), the Hercules Cluster (M13), or the Ring Nebula (M57) using stacks of short exposures. As an uncooled camera, it is less suited for very long exposures (5+ minutes) on faint nebulae where a cooled camera would be necessary to control thermal noise.
The two biggest advantages are its 40ke full well capacity (more than 3x deeper than the ASI485MC) for greater dynamic range, and its Zero Amp Glow circuit. The lack of amp glow makes dark frame calibration much easier and more effective, especially for deep-sky lucky imaging.
No, you still need to take dark frames. The Zero Amp Glow feature eliminates the sensor's own light pollution, but it does not eliminate thermal noise (dark current) that accumulates during an exposure. Dark frames are still essential for calibrating out this thermal signal, but they work much better because they don't also have to subtract a complex, temperature-sensitive glow pattern.
These two options provide flexibility for building your imaging train.
| Sensor | 1/1.2" Sony IMX585 BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (8.29 MP) |
| Pixel Size | 2.9µm |
| Sensor Dimensions | 11.2mm x 6.3mm |
| Sensor Diagonal | 12.84mm |
| Peak Quantum Efficiency (QE) | 91% |
| Full Well Capacity | 40ke |
| Readout Noise | 0.8e |
| Max Frame Rate | 46.9 FPS (at full resolution) |
| Bit Depth | 12-bit |
| Exposure Range | 32µs - 2000s |
| Amp Glow Control | Zero Amplifier Glow |
| Image Buffer | 256MB DDR3 |
| Shutter Type | Electronic Rolling Shutter |
| ROI Support | Yes |
| Back Focus | 6.5mm / 17.5mm |
| Camera Window | AR Coated |
| Data Interface | USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 |
| Guide Port | ST-4 |
| Telescope Connection | M42x0.75 Female Thread |
| Camera Type | Uncooled, Color |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs |
| Working Temperature | -5℃ to 50℃ |
| Storage Temperature | -10℃ to 60℃ |
| Working Relative Humidity | 0% to 80% |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 7/8/10 (32 & 64-bit), Linux, Mac |
ZWO ASI585MC Camera Body
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1.25" Nosepiece
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1.25" Cover
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2" Cover
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USB 3.0 Cable (2m)
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ST-4 Autoguider Cable
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Quick Start Guide
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