ZWO ASI585MM Air Launched: A Smart All-in-One Mono Astronomy Camera

When ZWO introduced the ASI585MC Air, it marked a shift in how many astrophotographers think about imaging equipment. Instead of managing several independent devices: a primary camera, a guiding system, and a laptop or controller, the ASI585MC Air brought all of these elements into one compact unit. It combined imaging, guiding, data storage, and system control. The result is a simplified workflow, a lighter load, and fewer cables. And now, ZWO has launched its monochrome version: ASI585MM Air.

ZWO ASI585MM Air: An overview

Traditional deep-sky imaging rigs often appear complex. A cooled camera sits on the focuser. A separate guiding camera is placed on a guide-scope or off-axis guider. A laptop or mini-PC handles scripts, guiding, plate-solving, and automation. Power bricks and cables run in every direction. The entire setup requires time, effort, and planning.

The ASI585MM Air changes this approach. It integrates three major functions into one system:

• A cooled monochrome imaging sensor
• A built-in guiding sensor
• A smart controller with internal storage and connectivity

This 3-in-1 configuration simplifies the entire imaging rig. You attach your telescope, connect power, and add accessories such as a focuser or filter wheel if needed. The Air manages imaging and guiding internally. When you use wireless control through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, you no longer need a laptop at the telescope. For astrophotographers who travel or work in remote environments, this is a substantial benefit. It reduces setup time, minimizes cable clutter, and cuts down overall weight.

The imaging sensor: Sony IMX585

At the core of the ASI585MM Air is the Sony IMX585 sensor. It is not a large full-frame chip. Instead, it belongs to the 1/1.2″ class. Its active area is about 11.13 × 6.3 mm. It produces 3840 × 2160 frames, which totals approximately 8.3 megapixels. The pixel size is 2.9 µm.

With 2.9 µm pixels, the sensor performs well on telescopes with moderate focal lengths. On refractors, compact SCTs, or RCs, you achieve a balanced pixel scale without severe oversampling. That gives you clean detail on nebulae, clusters, and small galaxies. The IMX585 uses Sony’s STARVIS 2 back-illuminated architecture. This enhances sensitivity, particularly in the red and near-infrared regions, important for emission nebulae and narrowband imaging.

The architecture also keeps read noise low. Based on ZWO’s data, the camera reaches read noise as low as ~0.7 electrons in high-gain mode while maintaining a dynamic range of around 12 bits. Quantum efficiency peaks near ~91%. That, combined with low read noise and a back-illuminated design, enables strong performance on faint deep-sky objects and brighter targets alike. In short, the IMX585 provides a capable small-format sensor with a good balance between resolution, sensitivity, and noise performance.

Cooling and other mechanics

A sensor’s performance depends heavily on operating temperature and stability. The ASI585MM Air addresses this through an active two-stage TEC (thermo-electric cooler). Under typical conditions, the sensor can cool roughly 30–35 °C below ambient temperature. Effective cooling lowers dark current. This improves long-exposure performance and reduces thermal noise. It also produces dark frames that calibrate more consistently.

Another advantage is the absence of amp-glow. Older CMOS sensors often produce a faint corner glow caused by internal electronics heating during long exposures. ZWO suppresses amp-glow at the hardware level in this camera. The result is cleaner backgrounds and easier calibration.

Data handling is stable. The camera includes 256 GB of internal eMMC storage, enough for long sessions without external drives. Additional USB ports allow you to connect external storage if needed. The internal buffer reduces the chance of dropped frames during long sequences. These features, cooling, low noise, stable electronics, and reliable data handling, give you a consistent and predictable imaging platform.

Integrated guiding and complete rig control

One of the ASI585MM Air’s strongest features is its integrated guiding system and internal control hub. The guiding sensor operates inside the same body, eliminating the need for a separate guide-camera or guide-scope. The internal guider locks onto a star and corrects mount drift during long exposures.

On the control side, the Air includes multiple USB ports for filter wheels, focusers, and rotators. It also provides USB-C for data sync and a 12V power input/output for mounts or accessories. With these connections, the Air functions as a complete system controller, allowing you to run an entire rig through one device. Wireless control adds convenience. The Air supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, along with Bluetooth. You manage the entire setup from your phone or tablet, without needing a laptop. This is especially useful during travel or remote-site imaging.

The camera supports live stacking as well. This feature builds a preview image in real time, helping you confirm framing, focus, and alignment. For workshops or outreach sessions, live stacking provides immediate visual feedback.

Strengths and typical use-cases

Considering its design, the ASI585MM Air fits naturally into several use cases:

Travel and field astrophotography: For trips to dark-sky locations, the Air minimizes the number of devices you must pack. With a telescope, mount, and this camera, you can operate a full deep-sky setup with minimal equipment.

Small to medium telescopes: The 1/1.2″ sensor and 2.9 µm pixels work well with compact refractors, SCTs, and RCs. For nebulae, clusters, and many galaxies, the field of view and sampling are suitable. High QE and low read noise support faint-target imaging.

Hybrid imaging: The sensor’s dynamic range and low noise make it suitable for both deep-sky and lunar/planetary work. It performs well with narrowband filters and effectively handles bright objects.

Outreach and teaching: The built-in controller, wireless operation, and live stacking features simplify demonstrations. For your astrophotography exhibitions or workshops, the Air helps reduce technical overhead and keeps the focus on learning.

Price and availability

The ZWO ASI585MM Air is priced at $999, which is $180 more than its one-shot colour ASI585MC Air counterpart. It is available for ordering via ZWO’s official website.

The ASI585MM Air does not aim to replace a full observatory-class camera. Instead, it offers a solution for real-world astrophotography, especially for travel, remote sessions, and workshop environments. It delivers simplicity, portability, and strong imaging performance. The integrated system reduces cables, integrates guiding, and manages the entire rig through one compact device.

As always, results depend on the complete system: the mount, the power supply, the alignment, and, of course, the sky. But if you take the ASI585MM Air to your next astrophotography destination, you will likely enjoy a smoother workflow and a more efficient night under the stars.

Clear skies!

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