About this product
Model: zwo_asi385mc
Part Number: ASI385MC
The new ASI-385 series replaces the ASI-185 series with almost double it's sensitivity!
Features Sony's highly sensitive IMX385LQR CMOS sensor with large 1936x1096 (2.12mp) resolution.
FEATURES
- Sony IMX385 (8.35mm diagonal, 2.12 megapixels, 1/2" format)
- Low read noise - 0.7e
- 12Bit ADC - provides real 12bit dynamic range
- Electronic shutter - no issues with vibrations sometimes found in mechanical shutters
- USB3.0 Port (back compatible with USB2.0) - 67fps @ 1936x1096
- AR coated protective window - all light can pass
- Compatible with Windows / Mac OS / Linux
IMX385 Sensor
8.35mm diagonal, approximately 2.12 megapixels.
High sensitivity with 3.75μm pixels.
Sony developed the IMX385LQR CMOS image sensor for industrial applications but it's sensitivity is nearly twice that of the sensor it replaces (IMX185LQJ) so is an excellent choice for astrophotography.
The IMX385LQR sensor's large 3.75μm pixels have a sensitivity of 2350 mV (the highest among Sony image sensors for industrial applications) and SNR1s of 0.13 lx (the highest among Sony Full HD-compatible image sensors for industrial applications). This is achieved via an internal programmable gain amplifier and high conversion gain pixels. It also combines HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology with technology that improves sensitivity in the near-infrared light region for truly remarkable performance!
All ZWO cameras include a 2-year warranty.
Camera Field of View Simulator
Astrophotography Performance
ASI385MC offers very good performance for astrophotography. Low read noise, high dynamic range, QE peak >80%, AR protective window and much more.

Dark Currents
ASI385MC-Cool has extremely low dark current, click here to see a dark frame from ASI385 camera (HDR settings, 60s, -10°C).
USB Ports
USB 3.0 Port: Provide 5Gb bandwidth to make it possible for ASI385 to run at 67 fps (12bit, normal mode) or 120 fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution (2.13Meg).

Power Requirements
This camera is powered entirely by USB 5V when connected to a laptop, ASIAIR or a USB hub. So you need only the included USB 3.0 Type-B to A cable.
ASI385MC Mechanical Drawing

What's in the box
- ASI385MC Camera
- T2-1.25" Nosepiece Adapter
- 1.25" Cap
- 2-metre USB 3.0 Cable
- 150 degree lens
- ST4 Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Driver CD
Specifications
Sensor | 1/2″ CMOS IMX385 |
Diagonal | 8.35mm |
Resolution | 2.12Mega Pixels 1936×1096 |
Pixel Size | 3.75µm |
Exposure Range | 32µs-2000s |
ROI | Supported |
ST4 Guider Port | Yes |
Focus Distance to Sensor | 12.5mm |
Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
Protect window | AR coated window |
Operating System Compatibility | Mac, Windows, Linux |
Interface | USB3.0/USB2.0 |
Bit rate | 12bit output(12bit ADC) |
Adaptor | 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75 |
Dimension | φ62mm X 36mm |
Weight | 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens) |
Working Temperature | -5°C—45°C |
Storage Temperature | -20°C—60°C |
Working Relative Humidity | 20%—80% |
Storage Relative Humidity | 20%—95% |
Supported Resolutions:
10Bit ADC
12bit ADC
Additional resolutions can be user defined.
Downloads / Manuals
The following manuals and downloads are available for this product:
Software
ZWO Software and Drivers
Customer reviews
Average Rating (10 Reviews): | |
23 July 2022 | Stephen
ZWO doesn't rate this for Deep Sky stuff, but it's not too shabby! I originally got it as part of a budget "smart scope" project, so I could that I could operate the scope and & camera, & live-stack with my tablet for doing outreach (to avoid "eyepiece issues" in Covid times. It wouldn't be my first choice of OSC camera for serious deep sky imaging (but then I would expect to pay a lot more than this price for my first choice!), but it was perfectly adequate for the task for which I wanted it, and had the added advantage that it was in stock when I needed it!
19 July 2022 | Michael
Tested the camera with ZWO recommended and my favorite RPi software and it performed very well without any glitches.
31 August 2021 | Les
The weather being what the weather is, I have managed to use the camera once so far. In that one time of using it, I managed the best picture of Jupiter I have yet taken and that was just from a single shot picture using the pc software that came with the camera. Things can only get better as they say. I chose this camera after using FLO FOV and CCD suitability calculator and it seems to suit my telescope very well. Downloaded the software detailed on the info that came with the camera and it worked first time with no challenges at all. Looking forward to a few clear nights now.
Good quality lunar and planetary camera 04 December 2020 | Jamie
I've had this camera since May and I've used it many times imaging Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and the Moon.
Managed to get the best lunar mosaics and close ups that I've ever had with this camera combined with C9.25 and ES 2x focal extender. For the quality of the lunar shots alone it's been worth the money.
Being low to the horizon in the UK Saturn and Jupiter have been a challenge, but I've still managed to get a couple of images that I'm happy with.
This camera has really impressed when imaging Mars through the months around opposition. 'Seeing' hasn't been great but I've still managed to resolve detail on Valles Marineris, the Tharsis volcanoes and Olympus Mons.
I've even managed to shoot high speed video of Uranus and Neptune with this camera, which I didn't realise was possible on such distant and faint objects.
There are many planetary cameras on the market, but I definitely made the right choice with this one.
29 September 2020 | Chris
Received the camera the same day as the weather in Norfolk descended into chaos so unfortunately not been able to use it yet. Software etc. easy to download and now waiting to see if the clouds will ever clear again. FLO and staff excellent as usual despite pandemic.
27 June 2020 | Gaouyer
I have an APN baader modified and it's a good camera for my small telescopes ( Schmidt cassegrain 4"and 10"
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Very good quality and light camera.
Used with sharpcap give many possibilities !
F.L.O is very good seller , fast send (France) and neat package !
zwo asi 385 colour camera 13 June 2020 | Michael
have not had an oppertunity to use the camera yet as the weather has been overcast for weeks.
some summer
camera looks great
23 September 2019 | Melvyn
First class
17 October 2018 | John
I would certainly recommend FLO for all your astro needs, fast delivery and keen prices.
High rate of frames and valid for DSO 26 April 2018 | Mario
I recently acquired one of this cameras to replace my old AS120MM as a guide camera, and also for the incoming planetary season.
Shooting at the Moon at full resolution I got almost a 170fps rate, just amazing. I also use this camera as a lucky DSO imaging, and the bigger sensor allows you to use it as a globular cluster and individual galaxies smasher. Waiting forward to use it with Jupiter soon.
FAQ
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