Mini Camera Review: ZWO ASI120MM - Suggested with Caveats
In the cosmos of astrophotography, the ZWO ASI120MM Mini shines as a diminutive, yet formidable addition to ZWO's lineup. It shares the same stellar sensor as the renowned ASI120MM, but with a twist—it's smaller, cheaper, and designed primarily for deep sky or guiding purposes.
Technical Specs: A Shimmering Stellar Chamber
Similarities abound in the technical specifications of these cameras. Both sport a CMOS sensor, vital for their high-efficiency, swift readout, and quantum efficiency of 80%. The sensor size, measuring 1/3", is on par with today's average guiding cameras and, while smaller compared to deep-sky cameras, serves our miniature model well. The resolution clocks in at 1280 x 960 pixels, which, while ordinary compared to large sensor models, is fitting for its compact stature.
Mini Improvements: A Molecular Upgrade
The ASI120MM Mini may be petite, but it's anything but underwhelming. Key differences set it apart from its larger sibling. The body is a sleek 1.25 inches, allowing it to delve further into a 1.25" focuser, compared to other cameras with bulky protrusions. The miniature marvel also forgoes USB 3.0 for USB 2.0, resulting in a less expensive and more dependable device, albeit with slower transfer rates.
A modern, USB-C interface distinguishes this camera from its competitors, employing a forward-thinking interface that's easier to find cables for than other antiquated ports. Finally, the bantamweight camera tips the scales at a feathery 60 grams, ensuring balance and ease in even the most sensitive equatorial mounts.
Who Seeks a Reduced Functionality Camera?
One may wonder, "Why would ZWO sell a camera with limited USB 2.0 connectivity?" The answer lies in autoguiding. The ASI120MM Mini is unnecessary for deep sky imaging and will underperform in planetary tasks compared to its non-mini counterpart. For deep sky and autoguiding purposes, however, frames per second aren't as crucial, particularly when download times surpass exposure durations.
Additionally, the sensor drawn close to the camera face, combined with a compact body, grants a more extensive focusing range and improved performance with off-axis guider setups. This reduced star-finding issue made potential by smaller sensor areas has been eliminated due to advancements in CMOS technology.
In Closing: A Miniature Marvel for the Stars
In wrapping up my appraisal of the ZWO ASI120MM Mini, it's evident that this camera caters beautifully to astrophotographers looking for a compact, lightweight alternative, suitable for minimal rigs or travel. It's a beacon for those place a premium on portability and ease of integration in small-scale, lightweight setups. For classic, heavy-duty astrophotography setups, however, the larger ASI120MM may prove to be the more fitting choice.
- In the realm of deep sky astrophotography, the ZWO ASI120MM Mini, with its compact size and efficient sensor, excels as a stellar option for those seeking a reduced functionality camera, particularly for autoguiding purposes.
- The field of view offered by the ASI120MM Mini, though smaller than its larger counterpart, is suitable for deep sky imaging and provides improved performance with off-axis guider setups, making it an attractive choice for those with limited equipment or traveling with minimal rigs.
- With the advent of technology and advancements in CMOS sensors, the ZWO ASI120MM Mini—despite its smaller sensor area—eliminates the reduced star-finding issue often associated with smaller sensors, thereby making it a suitable contender for planetary imaging, albeit not as formidable as the larger ASI120MM.
