MLAstro IMX183 COLDMOS (Preorder)
One camera to rule them all!!!
$850.00
Overview
The MLAstro IMX183 COLDMOS is our rebranded version of the highly regarded ToupTek IMX183, offered at an unbeatable $850 USD. Built around Sony’s IMX183 sensor, this camera delivers the pixel density, sensor size, and cooling performance to get the most out of your SHG 700 — especially when paired with the 10 mm slit upgrade. You can enjoy ToupTek wide driver support and great foundation of hardware while still have MLAstro's unparalleled customer service.
Whether you’re after razor-sharp solar spectroheliographs, precise high-resolution spectra, or want to extend into nighttime spectroscopy, the IMX183 COLDMOS is the ideal all-rounder.
Why It’s Perfect with the 10 mm Slit
Small Pixel Size = Higher Spectral Resolution
The 2.4 µm pixels match beautifully with the SHG 700 optics, translating into maximum spectral resolution and contrast.Full Slit Coverage with Margin to Spare
The sensor’s 13.2 mm horizontal dimension easily captures the full 10 mm slit length with extra room, ensuring you won’t clip data at the edges. The extra sensor estate also allow for wiggle room for alignment error.High QE, low readnoise
IMX183, despite relatively old, is still the most common camera sensor in industrial and astronomy application for a good reason: It's just very good.
Key Features
Sony IMX183 BSI Sensor – 20 MP resolution, 2.4 µm pixels for extreme detail.
Cooled CMOS – Thermoelectric cooling reduces thermal noise, making it equally capable for nighttime spectroscopy.
Wide Sensor – 5496 × 3672 resolution ensures generous coverage of the slit and spectrum.
Low Read Noise – Low noise, more detail
USB 3.0 Interface – Fast, stable data transfer for high-frame-rate solar scanning.
Robust Build – All-metal housing, designed for continuous operation in harsh conditions.
Price
$850 USD – the best price you’ll find for this camera, anywhere.
Who Should Get It?
If you want to push your SHG 700 and 10 mm slit to their limits in spectral resolution, keep your margins safe, and have a cooled camera ready for nighttime spectroscopy, the MLAstro IMX183 COLDMOS is your go-to.
Q: When will this ship?
A: The first of the IMX183 will ship mid Oct 2025, if you ordered the 10mm slit with it, both will be shipped along with the camera.
Q: What software and drivers does it use?
A: It works with ToupTek’s drivers, which support all major platforms and specialized astronomy software, including SharpCap, ASCOM, and INDI. It even runs natively on Windows ARM and Macs with Apple silicon which is in compatible with most other astro camera brands out there.
Q: What’s the warranty?
A: 1 year.
Q: How do I get it repaired or replaced under warranty?
A: MLAstro has warehouses in the US, Australia, UK, EU, Japan, and Korea. Simply ship it domestically to the nearest warehouse — we’ll handle the replacement or repair from there.
Q: Does it have a sensor chamber window heater?
A: Yes. Condensation control on ToupTek cameras is excellent — in fact, better than many other well-known astro camera brands.
Q: What’s included in the box?
A: Camera body, USB 3.0 cable, adapters, and extensions.
Note: A 12V DC power adapter is not included — you’ll need to supply your own.
Q: SharpCap doesn’t recognize the camera when I plug in the USB — what’s wrong?
A: You need to supply 12V 3A power before connecting via USB. This design is ideal for remote observatories, as you can simulate a USB unplug simply by cycling the 12V power.