cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI178MC vs ZWO ASI183MM Pro
ZWO
ASI178MC
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO
ASI183MM Pro
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
-44% larger sensor
-68% more resolution
Uncooled
Color vs mono
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI178MC | ZWO ASI183MM Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | dedicated | dedicated |
| Sensor | Sony IMX178 | Sony IMX183 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 1/1.8" | 1" |
| Sensor size | 7.4×4.9mm | 13.2×8.8mm |
| Diagonal | 8.9mm | 15.9mm |
| Pixel size | 2.40µm | 2.40µm |
| Resolution | 3096×2080 | 5496×3672 |
| Megapixels | 6.4MP | 20.2MP |
| Color | Yes | No |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | No | Yes |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 15000e⁻ | 15000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 81% | 84% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI178MC
- One-shot color — simpler workflow
Advantages of ZWO ASI183MM Pro
- Larger sensor (15.9mm vs 8.9mm diagonal) — wider field
- Higher resolution (20.2MP vs 6.4MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
- Mono sensor — ideal for narrowband and LRGB
Best for — ZWO ASI178MC
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Planetary and lunar high-resolution imaging
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
Best for — ZWO ASI183MM Pro
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Planetary and lunar high-resolution imaging
- Long-exposure deep-sky under any sky
- Narrowband and LRGB workflows
ZWO ASI178MC — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 1.70° × 1.12°Scale: 1.98"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.53° × 0.35°Scale: 0.62"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.21° × 0.14°Scale: 0.25"/px
ZWO ASI183MM Pro — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 3.03° × 2.02°Scale: 1.98"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.95° × 0.63°Scale: 0.62"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.38° × 0.25°Scale: 0.25"/px
ZWO ASI178MC — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO ASI183MM Pro — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.