cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI385MC vs ZWO ASI178MM
ZWO
ASI385MC
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO
ASI178MM
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
-6% larger sensor
Larger pixels (3.75µm vs 2.4µm)
-67% more resolution
Color vs mono
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI385MC | ZWO ASI178MM |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | dedicated | dedicated |
| Sensor | Sony IMX385 | Sony IMX178 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 1/2" | 1/1.8" |
| Sensor size | 7.3×4.1mm | 7.4×4.9mm |
| Diagonal | 8.4mm | 8.9mm |
| Pixel size | 3.75µm | 2.40µm |
| Resolution | 1936×1096 | 3096×2080 |
| Megapixels | 2.1MP | 6.4MP |
| Color | Yes | No |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | No | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 25000e⁻ | 15000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 80% | 81% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI385MC
- Larger pixels — better low-light per-pixel sensitivity
- One-shot color — simpler workflow
Advantages of ZWO ASI178MM
- Finer sampling at 2.4µm pixels
- Higher resolution (6.4MP vs 2.12MP)
- Mono sensor — ideal for narrowband and LRGB
Best for — ZWO ASI385MC
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
Best for — ZWO ASI178MM
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Planetary and lunar high-resolution imaging
- Narrowband and LRGB workflows
ZWO ASI385MC — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 1.67° × 0.94°Scale: 3.09"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.52° × 0.29°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.21° × 0.12°Scale: 0.39"/px
ZWO ASI178MM — 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 ASI385MC — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO ASI178MM — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.