About this product
Model: zwo_asi120mm_mini
Part Number: ZWO ASI120MINI
Compatible with the ZWO ASiair 
The ASI120MM Mini is a very capable guide camera that can easily handle most setups, including most OAG configurations.
Peak QE of 75% (better than the ICX618) and no Fixed-Pattern-Noise!
Supports 35 FPS at its maximum 1280 x 960 resolution and long time exposures up to 1000s!
Compared to ICX618-based cameras, the ZWO ASI120MM offers a faster frame rate, slightly higher visible light sensitivity and more pixels for lunar imaging.
An anti-reflection clear optical window protects the sensor. If imaging the Moon or planets, we recommend fitting a 1.25" UV/IR rejection filter.
The ASI120MM’s mono sensor can also be used with specialised UV or methane band filters and infrared passing filters for lunar and planetary imaging (i.e. Baader IR-Pass, Red and Orange visual filters). IR-passing filters cut short wavelengths, which prevents atmospheric dispersion from softening the image.
Note: The ASI120MM has a Micron sensor which might produce Newton Rings when used with solar telescopes. (Cameras fitted with Sony sensors are better in these circumstances).
Not recommended for use in Linux
FEATURES
- 1.2 Megapixels, 1280 x 960 pixel 1/3" AR0130CS CMOS Mono Sensor
- 3.75μm Square Pixels
- 12bit ADC
- Peak QE ~75%
- 4.0e Read Noise, 13000e Full Well
- ST4 Port
- USB2.0 Type C
- Weighs only 60g!
Reviews
Most popular astronomy magazines have reviewed ZWO ASI120 cameras. Please click the links below to read PDF documents:
All ZWO cameras include a 2-year warranty.
Camera Field of View Simulator
ASI120MM Mini Astrophotography Performance
The ASI120 mini camera offers very good performance for planetary imaging and guiding. Low read noise, high dynamic range, QE peak of 75%, AR protective window and much more.
ASI120MM Mini QE Curve
Absolute QE Curve, we estimate the Peak Value is over 75%.
ASI120MM Mini vs ASI120MM-S
Compared with the ASI120MM-S camera, the ASI120mini is smaller, lighter, and can reach focus at the same position as an eyepiece.
USB2.0 & ST4 Ports
USB 2.0 Port: The mini camera has one USB 2.0 type C port. Type C is very popular in mobile phones and reversible, so it doesn't matter which way around you insert the plug.
ST4 Port: To connect directly to a mount's auto guide port.
Connection Drawing
- M28.5-CS adapter
- CS-C adapter
- 1.25″ extender
- 1.25″ filter
Mechanical Drawing
What's in the box?
What's in the box
- ASI120MM Mini Camera
- 1.25" Cap
- 0.5m USB2.0 Cable
- 2m USB2.0 Cable
- 2m ST-4 Cable
- M28.5-CS Adapter
- 1.25" Extender
- Quick Guide
Specifications
| Sensor | 1/3″ CMOS AR0130CS(Color) |
| Resolution | 1.2Mega Pixels 1280×960 |
| Pixel Size | 3.75µm |
| Exposure Range | 64µs-1000s |
| ROI | Supported |
| ST4 Guider Port | Yes |
| Focus Distance to Sensor | 8.5mm |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| Protect window | AR coated window |
| Operating System Compatibility | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Interface | USB2.0 |
| Bit rate | 12bit output(12bit ADC) |
| Adaptor | 1.25″ / M28.5X0.6 |
| Dimension | φ36mm X 61mm |
| Weight | 60g or 3.1 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:
Binning 1×1:
- 1280X960@35FPS
- 1280X720@46FPS
- 1024X768@54FPS
- 800X600@90FPS
- 640X480@118FPS
- 320X240@224FPS
Binning 2×2:
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 (30 Reviews): | |
Probably better suited to the ZWO mini finder-guider 16 April 2024 | Tony
I bought this camera and the Astro Essentials (AE) 50mm f4 guide scope as the ZWO mini finder-guider wasn't available. The normal faultless and fast service from FLO did (of course) include clouds!
Since it arrived, I have been struggling to focus the camera but finally I can smile. It all works and I can focus on brickwork textures and mortar on a wall some 500m away. This was achieved with the internal barrel of the AE Scope extended to the 25mm mark, the ASi120mm camera inserted to align the join between the red body and the black lens with end of the AE Scope and with the AE helical screw at around mid position. If you have a similar bundle, I hope these settings will remove frustration and give you a decent steer to get started.
As a MAC user, simply and directly connecting the camera's USB-C port to my MacBook laptop brought up the image when the laptop is running ASiStrudio and the ASiCAP_2_10.3 software.
08 December 2023 | Gregory
Great Product
Zwo asi 120mm mini USB 2 mono camera 30 November 2023 | Peter
Fast delivery from FLO. I have not used the camera yet, Build quality feels great, the weather in South Yorkshire not great.
06 November 2023 | Timothy
Got my new guide camera from flo.When I got to open the box, it showed a planet camera this did confused me at first, but when I open the box, it was the guide camera. It's was well packaged. I still have not tried using it yet. It did come quickly from flo, so it was a good service from them.
26 October 2023 | Philip
I have had this guide camera for over a year and a half. When it went faulty I thought I would have to buy another camera. Then realised it had a 2 year warranty. I contacted FLO who asked me to carry a basic test, then they had it collected from my house (which I had not expected) . 2 days later a new camera delivered. It’s reassuring to know that when things go faulty, the 2 year warranty is a good cover period. Well done for excellent customer support.
15 May 2023 | John
Excellent after sales support, second to none, Excellent product, thanks again to the guys at First light Optics.....delivery was super fast
11 December 2022 | Ciaran
I bought this camera as an upgrade guide camera from my 120mc for better guiding. Excellent camera, works great. Delivery from FLO perfect as always. It arrived nestled in a foam filled box super protected. Thanks Alex and FLO for the great service.
24 November 2022 | Alan
I only bought this to replace my Altair GPCam as the ASIAIR does not support non-ZWO hardware. Works as it should and FLO were brilliant.
22 November 2022 | Carl
Excellent service. Thank you
31 August 2022 | Malcolm
Great quality and works superbly via my Asiair plus. Provided with superb customer service, as always, from FLO. Thanks
Read all 30 customer reviews...
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