ZWO ASI120MM-S USB3.0 Monochrome CMOS Camera with Autoguider Port
Excellent Choice for Affordable Planetary and Deep Sky Imaging
The NEW USB3.0 version of ZWO ASI120MM-S is an excellent choice for those starting in astro photography and looking for an affordable planetary and deep sky camera. It is perfect for beginners who want to step up from modified webcams or cheaper planetary imagers without breaking the bank.
Enhanced USB3.0 Connectivity
This NEW version comes with USB3.0 connection, enabling higher frame rates and better results in planetary imaging when used with newer laptops.
Autoguider Port for Versatility
The camera is equipped with an AUTOGUIDER PORT, allowing you to use it for both imaging and guiding, making it a versatile tool for astro photography.
Better Results and Great Value for Money
The ZWO ASI120MM camera offers better results compared to beginner cameras like TSSI or Scopiumcam, providing improved performance at an affordable price. While there are more expensive options like Moravian Instruments cameras available, ZWO cameras are considered to offer the best value for money on the market.
Monochrome Version for Enhanced Imaging
Mostly used for planetary imaging, the camera can also be used for deep sky imaging up to a certain level. The monochrome version is recommended for L-RGB or narrow band deep sky photography, allowing you to achieve sharp, contrasty images. If you prefer a simpler imaging process, the colour version (ZWO ASI120MC-S USB3.0) is a great alternative.
Features and Specifications:
- Recommended for the Sun, Moon, and some deep sky objects
- Resolution: 1280X960 at up to 60fps - 70fps
- Long time exposure up to 1000s
- Autoguider Port (NEW)
- Built-in RAW mode and Grey mode output support, requiring about 30% less storage space compared to Colour data format
- Peak Quantum Efficiency: 75% (better than ICX618)
- No fixed pattern noise (FPN)
- Full aluminium housing with standard 2" interface
- M42X0.75 internal thread
- Compatible with DirectShow and ASCOM
- Compatible with MaxIm-DL
AUTOGUIDING
This camera is widely used for autoguiding. Monochrome cameras are more frequently used for guiding due to the higher sensitivity, but if you are going to use it as a guide camera as well as a planetary imager, then you might consider buying a colour version or alternatively you can use a monochrome camera with filter wheel and LRGB filters for imaging the planets. Bear in mind that due to the fast rotation of Jupiter, you will have to take very short single videos in each colour, i.e. half a minute, maybe one minute then combine the stacks into a colour image.
150 degree wide lens included! You don't even need a telescope to start imaging the stars!
Image courtesy of Scott Anttia.
Specification of ZWO ASI120MM-S USB3.0
Sensor: 1/3" CMOS MT9M034 (mono)
Resolution: 1.2Mega Pixels 1280x960
Pixel Size: 3.75µm
Exposure Rage: 64µs-1000s
ROI: Supported
Interface: USB3.0 / USB2.0
Bit rate: 12bit output（12bit ADC）
Adaptor: 2" / 1.25" / M42X0.75
Dimension: φ62mm X 28mm
Weight: 100g
Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%
