About this product
Model: zwo_asi120mm_mini
Part Number: 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 (25 Reviews): | |
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
09 August 2022 | Samir
The camera works perfectly with my equatorial mount, received in excellent condition, well packed with fast shipping. Thank you to FLO for their professional and quality service.
17 June 2022 | Grant
I am using this camera with a small 50mm Orion guide scope (only 162mm focal length). Even with such a small scope, this is guiding my 6" Celestron scope on an AVX mount with excellent tracking. Any tracking errors are much smaller than any disturbances caused by seeing conditions so stars remain sharp on my DSLR even with 3 minute exposures (I could go as long as I want, but 3 mins is a suitable cutoff time for me). Sensitivity with this setup is amazing even with short (less than a second) exposures and never fails to find stars wherever I point the scope.
ZWO ASI 120MM Mini not just a guide camera. 11 April 2022 | Stephen
I have used one of these cameras as a guide camera and it is fine for this purpose. However I needed a low light sensitive camera to monitor the position of the scopes within the dome to ensure the aperture tracking was accurate. The ASI120 with a ZWO wide angle lens fitted running through SharpCap produces a crisp, zoomable image in near darkness, which can now be monitored remotely, given it is PC based. I notice ZWO now include right angled USB plugs, which put less strain on the connector. Thoroughly recommended.
Works perfectly with ASIAIR Plus 10 March 2022 | Iain
Great Service from FLO as usual and this camera works a treat when combined with my WO Guide scope. Connected to the ASIAIR plus (also ordered and fast delivery from FLO) via my ZWO 2600MC Pro on the USB2 Guide port, I’ve managed to focus and get star sizes right down. Sure there is the more sensitive guide camera but it’s almost double the price - there’s really no need for the more sensitive version IMO as the 120 does a great job with a guide scope. Maybe I’ll get the more sensitive version if I go down the OAG route but I’d be using that with a longer focal length OTA than I currently have… Recommended for quality and service !
04 February 2022 | Harry
I have recently started astrophotography and initially I was taking photos without guiding and wasn’t able to get above 40 second subs but with the guide camera, PHD and sharp cap my polar alignment is way better and I can now usually get around 5 minute exposures before trailing.
Read all 25 customer reviews...
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