ZWO ASI585MC-Air: A Compact Smart Camera for Streamlined Astrophotography

The ASI585MC-Air is a compact, Wi-Fi-enabled smart astro camera that blends imaging, guiding, and control into one neat package. Designed by ZWO, it brings the power of the popular ASIAIR platform directly into the camera body, removing the need for separate modules or tangled cables. Whether you’re just starting out or want a minimalist setup, this device aims to make deep-sky imaging simple.

What Sets the ASI585MC-Air Apart?

Let’s break down what makes this camera stand out:

• Built-in Wi-Fi & Control Hub – You can run the entire imaging session wirelessly using the ASIAIR mobile app. It supports polar alignment, platesolving, guiding, autofocus, and even filter control.

• Dual Sensors in One Unit – It includes an 8.3MP colour sensor for imaging and a dedicated mono guiding sensor, providing a complete solution without the need for a separate guide scope.

• Connectivity Built-In – Four USB 2.0 ports, a USB-C data port for fast file transfer, and two 12V DC outputs let you run key accessories like mounts, filter wheels, or focusers directly from the camera.

• Sony IMX585 Sensor – With a resolution of 3840×2160 and 2.9µm pixel size, this sensor delivers excellent performance on short- to medium-focal length telescopes.

• Actively Cooled – Featuring a two-stage TEC system, the camera offers cooling to approximately −30°C below ambient, helping reduce noise and improve signal-to-noise ratio in long exposures.

• Zero Amp-Glow – Thanks to sensor design and onboard electronics, the ASI585MC-Air produces no amp-glow whatsoever, even in long exposures.

🛰️ Coming Soon to Vega Vision
This new ZWO smart camera will soon be available to order from Vega Vision. Register your interest or join the waitlist to be the first to know when it lands.

Practical Use in the Field

During live testing under clear skies, the ASI585MC-Air impressed with its smooth and efficient workflow. Everything from polar alignment to image capture was handled through the app, with no laptop or cables required beyond power. Paired with a fast apochromatic refractor and narrowband filter, it delivered accurate guiding—even through the filter—with one-second exposures.

The ease of setup was particularly striking. With fewer parts to manage, long imaging sessions ran for 8–9 hours with zero guiding issues or software interruptions. It’s the kind of streamlined experience that used to take years to dial in with a traditional setup.

Who Is It For?

This smart camera is a strong fit for:

• Beginners seeking an accessible entry point into deep-sky imaging

• DSLR users transitioning to a dedicated astro camera with better control and integration

• Travelling imagers needing a compact, cable-free setup

• ASIAIR fans looking to reduce the number of devices in their system

When used with a typical 80mm refractor, the camera delivers a resolution close to 1.0 arcsecond per pixel—just right for most UK seeing conditions.

Limitations and Considerations

• Sensor Size – While the IMX585 is sensitive and clean, it has less dynamic range and sensor area than full-frame or APS-C models like the ASI2600MC Pro.

• All-in-One Design – The integrated nature means you can't upgrade the ASIAIR separately in future.

• USB 2.0 Speed – Accessory ports are fine for guiding and filter wheels, but not designed for high-speed data devices. USB-C handles the main data transfer duties.

Quick Spec Summary

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a neat, wireless, cable-free imaging solution with integrated control, the ASI585MC-Air ticks all the right boxes. It simplifies setup, cuts down on equipment bulk, and performs reliably in the field. Whether you’re imaging from the garden or heading to a dark-sky site, this camera offers a hassle-free gateway to high-quality astrophotography.

For those who value ease, portability, and technical refinement, it’s one of the most user-friendly options available today.