ASI585MM Pro monochrome camera

ZWO has quietly launched a powerful new tool for serious astrophotographers: the ASI585MM Pro, a mono version of their popular ASI585 series with professional-grade cooling and imaging performance. While it’s packaged alongside the older ASI585MC Pro (the color version), make no mistake, the MM Pro is the real news here.

This marks the first time ZWO has introduced a monochrome variant of the IMX585 sensor, unlocking the full potential of this highly sensitive chip for advanced imaging. From its increased flexibility with filters to its vastly improved sensitivity for deep-sky objects, the ASI585MM Pro is a compelling addition to ZWO’s Pro series, especially for those looking to shoot narrowband or maximize image quality. Let’s dive into what makes the ASI585MM Pro a standout upgrade, how it compares to its color counterpart, and why the mono format is a game-changer for astrophotography.

What’s new: Key features of the ASI585MM Pro monochrome camera

Here’s a quick breakdown of what sets the ASI585MM Pro apart from the ASI585MC Pro model:

• Monochrome Sensor (Sony IMX585MM): First use of the IMX585 in mono format, allowing higher sensitivity and full control over wavelength capture via filters.
• Two-Stage TEC Cooling: Reduces sensor temperature by up to 35°F below ambient for clean long exposures.
• 512MB DDR3 Buffer: Prevents dropped frames and improves data transfer for high-speed planetary imaging.
• High Peak Quantum Efficiency (>91%): Maximizes light capture, especially useful in narrowband work.
• Ideal for Narrowband Imaging: Works seamlessly with Ha, OIII, and SII filters, perfect for deep-sky targets.
• Same High Dynamic Range and Low Read Noise: Up to 12 stops of dynamic range and read noise as low as 0.8e.
   

These improvements make the MM Pro especially powerful for those looking to capture high-contrast lunar detail, Jovian storms, or faint nebulae in narrowband with precision.

What does “MM” mean and why mono matters

In the ZWO naming convention, “MC” refers to color cameras (Multi-Color), while “MM” means monochrome. The difference may seem small, but for astrophotographers, it’s a game-changer.

A color camera uses a Bayer matrix (a grid of red, green, and blue filters) to capture color images. This makes it simple for beginners, just shoot and go. However, the downside is that each pixel only captures part of the light spectrum.

A monochrome camera like the ASI585MM Pro, on the other hand, records the full intensity of light at every pixel, with no color filter in the way. This translates into:

• Higher sensitivity
• Better resolution
• More accurate color mapping (when using filters)
• Increased signal-to-noise ratio, especially for faint details
   

With a mono camera, you use individual filters (Luminance, Red, Green, Blue, and Narrowband like Ha, OIII, SII) to build your image. This offers more control and better results, especially in deep-sky imaging.

ASI585MM Pro monochrome camera specifications

Let’s take a look at the detailed specs of the ASI585MM Pro, which shares its core design with the MC Pro but brings significant advantages thanks to its mono sensor:

• Sensor: Sony IMX585MM (Monochrome, back-illuminated CMOS)
• Sensor Format: 1/1.2”
• Sensor Dimensions: 11.13mm x 6.26mm
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (8.29 MP)
• Pixel Size: 2.9µm
• Full Well Capacity: 40,000 e⁻
• Dynamic Range: Up to 12 stops
• Read Noise: As low as 0.8e
• Quantum Efficiency: Peak QE >91%
• Shutter Type: Rolling shutter
• Cooling: Two-stage TEC cooling (up to 35°F below ambient)
• Memory Buffer: 512MB DDR3
• Data Interface: USB 3.0
• Accessory Ports: 2x USB 2.0 ports
• Power Requirement: 12V DC for cooling
• Body Material: CNC-machined aluminum
• Camera Dimensions: 3.11" diameter x 1.5" height
• Weight: Approx. 0.91 lbs (14.5 oz / 410g)
   

This compact powerhouse checks all the boxes for advanced planetary and deep-sky imaging, especially when paired with a filter wheel and quality filters.

Side-by-Side: ASI585MM Pro vs ASI585MC Pro

To better understand the MM Pro’s benefits, here’s a direct comparison with the ASI585MC Pro:

Shared Features:

• Sony IMX585 sensor (mono or color)
• 8.29MP resolution (3840 x 2160)
• 2.9µm pixels
• Full well: 40,000 e⁻
• Read noise: 0.8e (min)
• 512MB DDR3 memory
• Two-stage TEC cooling
• USB 3.0 + 2x USB 2.0 hub
• 12-bit ADC
• Aluminum body with active fan and anti-dew heater
   

The Sony IMX585 sensor at the heart of the ASI585 Pro cameras is a big deal. It’s the successor to the IMX485 and improves on it in several ways:

• Lower Read Noise: Down to 0.8e for cleaner signal in stacked exposures
• Higher QE: Over 91% peak quantum efficiency
• Greater Full Well Capacity: Up to 40ke⁻, great for bright planetary surfaces and lunar scenes
• Back-Illuminated Design: Enhances sensitivity and reduces noise further
   

With its 2.9µm pixels and large dynamic range, the IMX585 is optimized for both high-speed planetary imaging and long-exposure deep-sky work, especially when paired with TEC cooling.

Key differences: ASI585MM vs ASI585MC

While both cameras share the same sensor and core features, the ASI585MM Pro offers several key advantages thanks to its monochrome design:

Sensor Type

• MM Pro: Monochrome (no Bayer filter)
• MC Pro: Color (uses Bayer matrix)
   

Light Sensitivity

• MM Pro: Higher sensitivity due to no color filter array
• MC Pro: Moderate sensitivity, reduced by Bayer matrix
   

Color Capture

• MM Pro: Requires external filters for RGB or narrowband
• MC Pro: Captures color natively in a single exposure
   

Image Resolution

• MM Pro: Higher effective resolution (no debayering)
• MC Pro: Slight resolution loss due to interpolation
   

Narrowband Imaging

• MM Pro: Ideal for Ha, OIII, and SII imaging
• MC Pro: Limited due to color filter pattern
   

Workflow

• MM Pro: More advanced, requires filter wheel and stacking
• MC Pro: Simpler setup, quicker image capture
   

Flexibility & Control

• MM Pro: Full control over wavelength and channel mapping
• MC Pro: Less flexibility, fixed color response
   

What the ASI585MM Pro excels at

Planetary Imaging: Thanks to its small pixel size, low read noise, and fast frame rates (via USB 3.0), the MM Pro is perfect for capturing high-speed video of planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. The monochrome sensor captures finer details, especially when used with IR-pass or methane filters.

Lunar Imaging: The large sensor area and 8.29MP resolution provide wide fields of the Moon with razor-sharp detail. Use short exposures and stack them for incredibly detailed mosaics.

Solar Imaging: With proper solar filters (Ha, CaK, etc.), the ASI585MM Pro delivers stunning surface and prominence detail, helped by its high contrast and fast frame rates.

Deep-Sky Imaging: Perhaps the most exciting use of the MM Pro is for deep-sky imaging with narrowband filters. With cooling enabled, the camera is capable of hours-long imaging sessions with minimal thermal noise. It excels at capturing nebulae, galaxies, and faint structures using filters like H-alpha, OIII, and SII.

Cooling Performance

The Pro designation means more than just marketing, the two-stage thermoelectric cooler is one of the most important upgrades. Cooling the sensor reduces thermal noise, which becomes a serious problem during long exposures, especially in warmer climates.

• Reduction of hot pixels and background glow
• Improved calibration with darks
• Longer effective exposure times with better signal-to-noise ratio
   

Combined with the mono sensor, this makes the ASI585MM Pro one of the best value cooled monochrome cameras available for under $700.

Software and Ecosystem

ZWO’s strength lies in its ecosystem. The ASI585MM Pro works flawlessly with:

• ASIAIR Plus: Ideal for remote, Wi-Fi-controlled imaging
• ASIStudio: For previewing, focusing, and capturing data
• Third-Party Apps: Compatible with SharpCap, FireCapture, NINA, and others via ASCOM/Alpaca

This flexibility ensures it fits smoothly into nearly any imaging workflow.

Final verdict for the ASI585MM Pro

If you’re serious about astrophotography, the ASI585MM Pro offers professional-grade features in a compact, affordable package. It’s best suited for:

• Planetary imagers wanting ultra-fine detail
• Deep-sky shooters using narrowband filters
• Lunar photographers building high-res mosaics
• Astrophotographers looking for their first cooled mono camera
   

Priced at $699, it sits at a sweet spot in ZWO’s lineup, offering many of the features of more expensive mono cameras without the cost or bulk.

For those who prefer a simpler, all-in-one color solution, the ASI585MC Pro ($599) still holds value. But for those who want to take full control of their imaging, especially with narrowband, the ASI585MM Pro is clearly the standout.

ASI585MM (Non-Pro) review: Affordable monochrome imaging

ZWO has officially released the ASI585MM, a budget-friendly monochrome camera priced at $349, aimed at astrophotographers who want the flexibility and performance of a mono sensor without the added cost or complexity of a cooled Pro model.

Built around the same Sony IMX585 sensor found in the ASI585MC and ASI585MM Pro, this non-Pro version brings the benefits of mono imaging, higher sensitivity, improved detail, and narrowband compatibility, at half the cost of the Pro version.

While it skips TEC cooling and internal memory buffering, the ASI585MM is still a powerful camera for lunar, solar, and planetary work, and with proper technique, even capable of impressive deep-sky images using narrowband filters.

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What’s New: highlights of the ASI585MM

Here’s a quick look at what makes the ASI585MM a new and noteworthy option in ZWO’s camera lineup:

• Monochrome Version of IMX585 Sensor: Offers full spectral sensitivity and greater detail than the color version.
• Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for grab-and-go setups or planetary rigs.
• High QE and Low Read Noise: Same sensor performance as the Pro, just without active cooling.
• Affordable Price Point: At $349, it’s one of the most accessible mono cameras on the market.
• USB 3.0 Interface: Supports high-speed data capture for planetary imaging and live views.
• ASIAIR Compatibility: Fully supports ZWO’s ASIAIR ecosystem and most popular astrophotography software.

ASI585MM specifications (Non-Pro)

• Sensor: Sony IMX585MM (Monochrome CMOS, back-illuminated)
• Sensor Format: 1/1.2”
• Sensor Dimensions: 11.13mm x 6.26mm
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (8.29 MP)
• Pixel Size: 2.9µm
• Full Well Capacity: 40,000 e⁻
• Dynamic Range: Up to 12 stops
• Read Noise: As low as 0.8e
• Quantum Efficiency: Peak QE >91%
• Shutter Type: Rolling shutter
• Cooling: None (no TEC)
• Memory Buffer: None
• Data Interface: USB 3.0
• Power Supply: Powered via USB (no 12V input required)
• Body Material: CNC-machined aluminum
• Camera Dimensions: 2.5" diameter x 1.2" height (approx.)
• Weight: Approx. 0.28 lbs (130g)
   

The ASI585MM (non-Pro) is best suited for:

• Beginner or intermediate astrophotographers looking to step into mono imaging without spending $700+
• Planetary and lunar imagers wanting to extract more detail than what’s possible with color cameras
• Solar imagers using Ha or CaK filters
• Budget-conscious users who plan to image short exposures or already have a cooled setup
   

It’s also an excellent choice for anyone wanting to build a compact mono imaging rig, particularly for travel, outreach, or wide-field solar system work.

ASI585MM vs ASI585MM Pro: What’s missing?

While both models use the exact same sensor, the ASI585MM is a stripped-down version built for portability and affordability. Here are the main differences:

Cooling System

• MM: No cooling (ambient temperature only)
• MM Pro: Dual-stage TEC cooling (~35°F below ambient)
   

Memory Buffer

• MM: None
• MM Pro: 512MB DDR3 for faster and smoother data transfer
   

Power Input

• MM: Powered via USB 3.0 only
• MM Pro: Requires 12V DC for cooling system
   

Weight & Size

• MM: Smaller, ~0.28 lbs
• MM Pro: Larger and heavier (~0.91 lbs)
   

Use Case

• MM: Best for fast imaging (planets, Moon, Sun)
• MM Pro: Adds deep-sky capabilities thanks to cooling
   

If you mostly shoot bright targets with short exposures, the non-Pro version is a great value. But if you want to shoot faint galaxies, nebulae, or long exposures, the Pro version’s cooling will make a noticeable difference.

ASI585MM vs ASI585MC (Color): Which one to get?

If you’re deciding between the ASI585MM (mono) and the ASI585MC (color), both priced around $349, here’s how they compare:

Sensor Type

• MM: Monochrome
• MC: Color (Bayer matrix)
   

• Sensitivity

• MM: Higher, especially with filters
• MC: Lower, due to RGB filter array
   

Filter Use

• MM: Requires filters (RGB, narrowband)
• MC: No filters required for color imaging
   

Image Quality

• MM: Sharper, higher resolution per pixel
• MC: Lower resolution due to debayering
   

Post-Processing

• MM: Requires stacking separate channels
• MC: Easier and faster for beginners
   

Flexibility

• MM: Full control over every wavelength
• MC: More limited but more convenient
   

Choose the MC if you want simplicity and quick results. Choose the MM if you want more control, better detail, and room to grow with your imaging skills. Even without cooling, the ASI585MM can perform extremely well on:

• Planets: Captures fine cloud structures, surface details, and subtle contrast using IR-pass filters.
• Moon: Resolves craters, rilles, and shadows with crisp mono clarity. Ideal for mosaics and high-res imaging.
• Sun (with proper solar filters): Excellent for white light or narrowband (Ha/CaK) solar imaging.
• Bright Deep-Sky Objects: While not ideal for faint targets, you can still shoot M42, M27, or star clusters, especially with narrowband filters and good calibration frames.
   

Paired with a filter wheel and some basic processing skills, this camera can produce professional-grade results at a hobbyist price.

The budget mono king

At $349, the ASI585MM is one of the most exciting mono camera releases in recent memory. It gives more users access to the mono workflow, something previously locked behind higher-end models with cooling and hefty price tags.

For planetary and lunar imagers, this is a stellar upgrade from typical one-shot color cameras. And for deep-sky shooters on a budget, it’s a great entry point to narrowband imaging with proper technique and stacking. Pair it with an EFW filter wheel, a set of RGB or narrowband filters, and a good telescope, and you’ve got a serious imaging setup without breaking the bank.

Outten Astrophotography's thoughts on the new ASI585MM and MM Pro: A monochrome milestone for astrophotographers

In his latest video on the Outten Astrophotography YouTube channel, Hunter shares his personal reactions and commentary about ZWO’s newly released ASI585MM and ASI585MM Pro cameras. This wasn’t just another product drop for him, he's been eagerly waiting for a monochrome version of the 585 sensor for nearly a year, and now that it’s here, he’s fully committed to switching over to mono imaging.

Hunter opens the video by expressing genuine excitement. The ASI585MM Pro is something he’s wanted for a long time, and the moment it became available, he didn’t hesitate, he immediately ordered one for himself. He plans to make it his main camera going forward, not just for testing, but as a permanent part of his rig.

The reason? It hits a rare sweet spot of performance, versatility, and price. In his words, this camera is an “affordable powerhouse” that can handle deep-sky, lunar, planetary, and solar imaging, all from a single package.

One of the standout points in the video is Hunter announcing that he’s finally making the full transition to monochrome imaging. For the past three to four years, he’s worked exclusively with color cameras. But the release of the ASI585MM Pro was the push he needed to take the next step. He’s more than ready to deal with filter wheels and added complexity in exchange for better quality.

Hunter calls it like it is: “We all know monochrome cameras are just better for astrophotography.” From the improved sensitivity to the sharper detail and full-pixel light capture, he’s convinced that mono imaging is the way to go if you’re serious about taking your shots to the next level.

While ZWO released both a standard ASI585MM and a cooled Pro version, Hunter didn’t hesitate to go with the $699 Pro model. Even though the uncooled mono version comes in at $499, he believes that extra $200 is well worth it for what the Pro adds, primarily the cooling system.

He strongly recommends that anyone planning to spend around $500 on a mono camera should just stretch their budget slightly and get the cooled version. The cooling not only reduces noise during long exposures, but also gives you more imaging flexibility year-round. For him, it’s a long-term investment in image quality, and he believes the value is unmatched at this price point.

Hunter’s especially impressed with how much this camera can do. He says it’s perfect for people who want one device that can handle everything, from shooting faint nebulae to capturing high-speed planetary footage. The 585 sensor’s ability to pull off both types of imaging well is a major win in his eyes.

He talks about how the sensor performs well in the infrared range, which is a big plus for planetary shooters. For example, it should work beautifully for imaging Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus using IR-pass filters. He’s looking forward to seeing how it does under real-world conditions, especially with narrowband filters.

He also loves the fact that there’s no amplifier glow with this sensor, a common problem in older ZWO models. To him, that makes calibration easier and dark frames more reusable over time. That’s not just a spec sheet detail, it’s something that directly improves day-to-day imaging sessions.

Hunter doesn’t just stop at general praise, he also offers insight into the real-life adjustments he’ll need to make when using this camera. For example, he notes that the unity gain setting is much higher than what he’s used to. On his ASI2600, unity gain is around 100. On the ASI585MM Pro, it’s 252. That’s a big difference, and he knows he’ll have to mentally adjust his workflow to match.

Still, he’s up for the challenge. It’s not something that bothers him, in fact, he seems genuinely excited to explore what the camera can do once he gets familiar with it.

Hunter doesn’t dismiss the standard ASI585MM. In fact, he points out that at $499, it’s probably the most affordable monochrome camera with this level of sensitivity on the market. He sees it as a great choice for beginners or anyone on a budget who still wants the benefits of mono imaging.

He explains that even without cooling, the uncooled version can deliver solid results for planetary, lunar, and even bright deep-sky targets. If you're not ready to dive into full deep-sky workflows with long exposure times, it could be a perfect starting point. He’s just personally past that point, which is why he’s going all-in on the Pro.

While the ASI585MM Pro is clearly the highlight for him, Hunter also teases that there are more ZWO releases on the way, including Air versions of the 585 and 2600 series cameras. He expects the ASI2600MM Air to launch at around $2,250 or $2,500, offering an all-in-one monochrome solution with integrated ASIAIR functionality. He also suspects a more budget-friendly ASI585MC Air may come first, followed later by a mono version.

Still, the 585MM Pro is where his focus is right now. He’s already planning a full review as soon as the camera arrives, and he says he’s keeping this one for good, no return, no flip, no test-and-sell. It’s his new main camera.

By the end of the video, it’s clear that the ASI585MM Pro isn’t just another camera to Hunter. It represents a shift, both for his own work and for ZWO’s product direction. He sees it as the camera that finally makes mono imaging accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing serious performance.

If you’re on the fence about trying monochrome imaging, his advice is clear: this is the moment. These new cameras open the door for more people to experience the detail, clarity, and creative control that mono makes possible.

For Hunter, the ASI585MM Pro isn’t just a camera, it’s a milestone in his astrophotography journey. And judging by his excitement, it’s going to be one that many others follow as well.

NEW ZWO RELEASE & Teases* The ASI585MM Pro Is Available! / New Guide Scope

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