Mini Camera Review: Conditional Recommendation for ZWO ASI120MM
The ZWO ASI120MM Mini is a groundbreaking addition to the world of astrophotography, offering a unique set of features designed specifically for precise autoguiding. This compact and lightweight camera, weighing just 60 grams, is a perfect fit for mini guide scopes and small setups without adding significant weight or bulk[1][2].
One of the standout features of the ASI120MM Mini is its high sensitivity and decent resolution, which provide reliable detection of guide stars even in less-than-ideal conditions, essential for accurate tracking during long exposures[2]. This sensitivity allows the camera to pick up dimmer stars, despite its 1⁄3 inch sensor size[6].
The ASI120MM Mini also boasts excellent software compatibility, particularly with ZWO’s ASIAIR system. This facilitates straightforward setup, calibration, and guiding control through intuitive interfaces and exposure time adjustments[3]. Its affordability, while still delivering accuracy and reliability, makes it popular among amateur astronomers seeking high-quality autoguiding without a large investment[4].
The camera's pixel scale (resolution of roughly 6.44 arc sec/pixel as noted in related autoguiding contexts) suits short to medium focal length telescopes, which are common setups for astrophotography[5]. The ASI120MM Mini's sensor is located close to the face of the camera, and its off-axis guider setup allows for easier focusing compared to cameras with sensors placed far away from the tube[11].
The ASI120MM Mini uses a CMOS sensor capable of reading out at up to 35 FPS[10]. It is worth noting that, while it supports USB 2, this may have some disadvantages compared to more modern interfaces[7]. However, the ASI120MM Mini's use of a USB-C interface is a step towards future-proofing the device[8].
The ASI120MM Mini shares the same sensor as the 120MM, but with some functionality removed to make it a more budget-friendly option[9]. Despite these changes, the ASI120MM Mini is particularly useful for autoguiding due to its unique body shape and close sensor placement[12]. The quantum efficiency of the ASI120MM Mini is 80%, ensuring that it can capture a significant amount of light[13].
The ASI120MM Mini is designed for deep sky or guiding purposes and is not ideal for planetary work, as a faster FPS is needed for better performance[14]. Its resolution of 1280×960, while not the highest on the market, is more than sufficient for its intended purpose[15]. With a smaller body, with a diameter of 1.25 inches until the end of the camera[11], the ASI120MM Mini is a versatile and powerful tool for amateur astronomers.
The ZWO ASI120MM Mini is a new camera from ZWO, based on the company's ASI1 20MM camera[16]. This latest offering from ZWO promises to revolutionise the autoguiding experience for amateur astronomers, offering a balance of compactness, sensitivity, software integration, and affordability that makes it particularly effective for precise and user-friendly autoguiding in a broad range of amateur astrophotography setups.
[1] https://www.zwo.eu/product/asi120mm-mini [2] https://www.astronomy.com/news/2021/06/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review [3] https://www.zwo.eu/product/asiair-pro [4] https://www.astrophotographytonight.com/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review/ [5] https://www.telescope.com/blog/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review/ [6] https://www.astrophotographytonight.com/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review/ [7] https://www.astrophotographytonight.com/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review/ [8] https://www.zwo.eu/product/asi120mm-mini [9] https://www.astrophotographytonight.com/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review/ [10] https://www.zwo.eu/product/asi120mm-mini [11] https://www.zwo.eu/product/asi120mm-mini [12] https://www.telescope.com/blog/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review/ [13] https://www.zwo.eu/product/asi120mm-mini [14] https://www.astrophotographytonight.com/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review/ [15] https://www.astrophotographytonight.com/zwo-asi120mm-mini-review/ [16] https://www.zwo.eu/product/asi120mm-mini
- The ASI120MM Mini, despite its small size, can effectively handle deep sky autoguiding due to its high sensitivity, optimal resolution, and great compatibility with astronomy-focused gadgets like ZWO's ASIAIR system.
- In the field of view of an astrophotographer, the ASI120MM Mini's pixel scale offers an ideal resolution for short to medium focal length telescopes, making it suitable for a broad range of amateur astrophotography setups.
- Although the ASI120MM Mini is not recommended for planetary work due to its 35 FPS reading rate, it remains a versatile and powerful tool for amateur astronomers, particularly for deep sky purposes, thanks to its compactness, affordability, and high quantum efficiency.
