The ZWO ASI585MM is a high-performance monochrome planetary camera designed for astrophotographers seeking to enhance their short-exposure imaging. With exceptional sensitivity, this camera captures detailed images of celestial objects such as Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon. It also supports Electronically Assisted Astrophotography (EAA), enabling the capture of distant galaxies and deep-space objects. Featuring outstanding low-light performance, high resolution, and fast data transmission, the ASI585MM delivers impressive results.

Equipped with Sony’s STARVIS 2 technology, the onboard IMX585 sensor provides a wider dynamic range and excellent near-infrared sensitivity for sharp, detailed images. The back-illuminated sensor design enhances signal collection while minimizing readout noise, resulting in high signal-to-noise ratio images. Additionally, the camera includes advanced features such as a DDR3 memory buffer, a reliable USB 3.0 port, and zero amp glow, ensuring a seamless imaging experience. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the ASI585MM Monochrome Astronomy Camera is an outstanding choice for astrophotographers.

Equipped with a USB 3.0 transmission interface and built in 256MB DDR3 cache for secure and stable data transmission, the ASI585 will avoid frame dropping during long exposures further reducing glow caused by slow read speeds. Planetary imaging and Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) require rapid data acquisition, making efficient data transfer essential for optimal performance. To meet this demand, the ASI585MM is equipped with a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer, ensuring stable and reliable data transmission to your computer. This buffer minimizes frame drops and prevents bottlenecks, even when capturing at the camera’s maximum frame rate of 46.9 frames per second (FPS).

In addition to seamless data handling, the ASI585MM is engineered to eliminate amp glow through precise internal wiring. This design choice enhances image clarity by reducing unwanted background noise, allowing for cleaner, more detailed astrophotography results. Whether capturing planetary details or deep-sky objects in real time, this camera delivers smooth performance and high-quality imaging.

• FW(e-) Full Well Capacity: Refers to the maximum signal a pixel can store before reaching its limit. It can be compared to a bucket’s volume—once full, excess signal is lost until the image is read out and a new exposure begins. To achieve the highest full well depth, refer to the charts and follow values down to the lowest gain setting. The same method applies to finding other desired performance values.
• GAIN (e-/ADU): Digital cameras convert light into numerical values stored as image files. ADU (Analog to Digital Unit) represents this conversion. Gain determines how many photons are stored per pixel, affecting sensitivity and full well capacity.
• DR (stops): Dynamic range refers to the difference between the darkest and brightest details a camera can capture in a single exposure. A higher dynamic range preserves more detail in both shadows and highlights, preventing underexposed dark areas and overexposed bright spots. Think of it like adjusting the volume on a speaker.  If the range is too limited, you either miss the quietest sounds or distort the loudest ones. A broader range ensures clarity at both extremes.
• Read Noise (e-rms): Read noise is the unwanted signal introduced when converting light into a digital image. Lower read noise results in a cleaner image with a higher signal-to-noise ratio. The ideal gain setting balances low read noise, high dynamic range, and large full well capacity—typically around 100 gain on many ZWO cameras. Check the charts to find the best setting.
• QE (Quantum Efficiency): Quantum Efficiency (QE) is the percentage of light converted into a usable signal. Older cameras had around 50% QE, while modern sensors reach 90% or more, improving signal-to-noise ratio and image quality.