About this product
Model: zwo_asi290mm_mini
Part Number: ASI290MINI
Compatible with the new ZWO ASiair 
The ZWO ASI290MM/MC features the new 1.28" 2.13Mp Sony IMX290LQR / IMX291LQR back-Illuminated CMOS sensors with 2.9 µm pixels.
Improved visible light and near-Infrared sensitivity.
Supports Full HD 1080p
Anti-reflective (AR) optical window.
ZWO Mini Camera Body
Compared to the standard ASI290MM camera the ASI290MM Mini is considerably smaller and lighter enabling it to fit directly into a 1.25" focuser so it can reach focus with an eyepiece positioned at the same position.
All ZWO cameras include a 2-year warranty.
Not recommended for use in Linux
Camera Field of View Simulator
Astrophotography Performance
The ASI290MM Mini camera offers great planetary imaging and guiding performance with low read noise, high dynamic range, QE peak >80% and an AR protective window.

290MM vs 290MM Mini
Compared to the standard ASI290MM camera the ASI290MM Mini is significantly smaller and lighter.

USB2.0 Port & ST4 Port
USB2.0 Port: Mini cameras have one USB2.0 type C port. Type C port is very popular among mobile phones, it doesn't matter which way up it is inserted.
ST4 Port: Can connect the camera directly to the auto guide port of the mount.

Connection Drawing

Mechanical Drawing

What's in the box
- ASI290MM Mini Camera
- 1.25" Cap
- M28.5-CS Adapter
- 1.25" Extender
- 2-metre USB 2.0 Cable
- 0.5-metre USB 2.0 Cable
- 2-metre ST-4 Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Driver CD
Specifications
Sensor | 1/2.8″ CMOS IMX290/IMX291 |
Resolution | 2.1Mega Pixels 1936×1096 |
Pixel Size | 2.9µm |
Exposure Range | 32µs-2000s |
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 |
Working Temperature | -5°C—45°C |
Storage Temperature | -20°C—60°C |
Working Relative Humidity | 20%—80% |
Storage Relative Humidity | 20%—95% |
Supported Resolutions:
USB2.0 MAX FPS
- 1936×1096: 20.4
- 1280×960: 35.3
- 640×480: 141.5
- 320×240: 355.9
- 2X2Bin :968×548: 20.4
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 (9 Reviews): | |
19 February 2023 | Daniel
This camera is great! I bought it originally for guiding but i have even used it for some imaging (before my main imaging camera arrived).
It works really well both in the ZWO OAG-L and on a separate guiding scope.
Recommended!
05 April 2022 | Robert
using it fine with ekos/indi etc
22 February 2022 | Steve
Looked for another mono camera for guiding having swapped my other onto another rig
Wanted to save some money and put it towards a higher quality main camera so plumped for middle of the range ... 290MM mini
Have read the specs and reviews and the 290 mini scaled well with my guide scope.
I have only been able to test it out for just shy of 2 hours before the clouds, rain then winds came (still far too windy for proper trials)
It did however perform very well in that short period - I was imaging in the same area to get a comparison and this camera definitely picked up on a lot more stars and sharper to-boot
It did give a better 'shape' for HDR / HDF profile and did give a better guiding with comparable seeing when using the 120MM mini
The promoted figure of 30%, thereabouts, better than the 120 mini, so far, seems to be very true
A good guiding camera in my view .... Thanks FLO for a quick delivery, well packaged.
14 February 2022 | Olly
I’ve now upgraded both my 120mm Mini Guide Cameras to the 290mm Mini… It’s smaller pixel size and improved sensor allows guide stars to be detected with ease, I rarely get any interruptions with guiding with this camera and through a 50mm guide scope get 0.3-0.5 arc sec accuracy on both my rigs. Can’t recommend it enough, it’s expensive compared to the 120mm Mini but well worth the investment.
03 February 2022 | Robert
Perfect for the task lightweight and very sensitive
ZWO ASI 290MM Mini USB 2.0 Mono Camera 30 June 2021 | Andrew
Perfect guiding camera , excellent service as always.
25 September 2020 | Giles
This has been a great upgrade from my ASI120-S, I'm experiencing lower noise, higher resolution - giving better star detection in guiding, coupled with the Helical focuser on my ZWO OAG it has allowed me to half the exposure time I need to get stable guiding.
05 December 2019 | Paul
Previous guidecam was the ASI120mm usb2. This is a significant upgrade. Smaller and lighter, and more sensitive. Gives me a smaller pixel scale and hence better guiding, the increased sensitivity means I have a choice of many more guide stars. Finally unlike the 120 it plays nicely with the USB2 hub on the back of my 294MC Pro, so simpler wiring. Is sensitive enough that it will work well if I ever decide to move from guidescope to OAG. Currently using it with the ZWO guidescope (280mm) which it suits well.
19 April 2018 | Duncan
I used this for the first-time last night along with my new ZWO OAG. Having had an Altair Astro GPCAM previously, I wanted something with better sensitivity to pick off guide stars with my F5.8 TSQ100ED as the GPCAM sometimes struggled with just a separate F4 guide scope. When I fired up PHD for the first time I was amazed at the number of stars available in the FOV all with great SNR. As I was only really testing my setup I tried it in a few different locations and not once did I have to move the scope to find a suitable guide star. This is a fantastic, very sensitive, little guide camera and worth every penny in my view.
FAQ
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