cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI585MC Pro vs ZWO ASI178MM
ZWO
ASI585MC Pro
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers 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
44% larger sensor
Larger pixels (2.9µm vs 2.4µm)
30% more resolution
Cooled sensor
Color vs mono
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI585MC Pro | ZWO ASI178MM |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Dedicated Cooled | dedicated |
| Sensor | Sony IMX585 | Sony IMX178 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 1/1.2-inch | 1/1.8" |
| Sensor size | 11.2×6.3mm | 7.4×4.9mm |
| Diagonal | 12.8mm | 8.9mm |
| Pixel size | 2.90µm | 2.40µm |
| Resolution | 3840×2160 | 3096×2080 |
| Megapixels | 8.3MP | 6.4MP |
| Color | Yes | No |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | Yes | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 40000e⁻ | 15000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 91% | 81% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI585MC Pro
- Larger sensor (12.85mm vs 8.9mm diagonal) — wider field
- Larger pixels — better low-light per-pixel sensitivity
- Higher resolution (8.3MP vs 6.4MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
- One-shot color — simpler workflow
Advantages of ZWO ASI178MM
- Finer sampling at 2.4µm pixels
- Mono sensor — ideal for narrowband and LRGB
Best for — ZWO ASI585MC Pro
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- Long-exposure deep-sky under any sky
- 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 ASI585MC Pro — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 2.57° × 1.44°Scale: 2.39"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.80° × 0.45°Scale: 0.75"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.32° × 0.18°Scale: 0.30"/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 ASI585MC Pro — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers 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.