Evaluating the ZWO ASI120MM Mini: Suggested with Caveats
Dive into the world of astronomy with the latest offering from ZWO, the ASI120MM Mini. This tight-knit sibling of the popular ASI1 20MM camera is a game-changer, designed for deep-sky exploration and guiding purposes.
The Mini shares some functionality with its bigger brother, but it's the price tag that makes it a real standout. It's perfect for those who don't need all the bells and whistles of the non-mini version and are specifically using it for autoguiding or deep-sky imaging.
Let's take a closer look at what makes the ASI120MM Mini such an attractive option.
Technical Specs at a Glance
The ASI120MM Mini boasts the same AR0130CS CMOS sensor as the 120MM. Here's a rundown of the shared features:
- CMOS sensor: Efficient and quick, laying the groundwork for swift video recording and guiding.
- Sensor size: With a 1⁄3" sensor, it's relatively petite for deep-sky cameras but typical for guiding cameras in today's market. This smaller sensor translates to a smaller field of view, but it's more than enough for planetary imaging.
- Resolution: At 1280×960, the resolution isn't eye-catching like other ZWO models, but it's to be expected given the tiny sensor.
- Quantum efficiency: An impressive 80% - an excellent feature that enhances the camera's sensitivity, allowing for shorter exposure times and improved light capture.
So, What's New with the Mini?
While the ASI120MM Mini and the 120 share the same sensor, they are worlds apart in design and features:
- Compact body: Standing at just 1.25 inches in diameter, the Mini is a space-saver, perfect for mounting in tight spaces.
- USB 2.0 support: While this means the camera is cheaper, it also has its drawbacks. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into this topic.
- Modern interface: The ASI120MM Mini employs USB-C, offering a future-proof connection that's becoming standard even on mobile devices.
- Lightweight design: Weighing in at 60 grams, this lightweight camera ensures minimal impact on the balance of your equatorial mount.
Why Choose a Camera with Reduced Functionality?
You might be wondering, "Why is ZWO offering a camera with less functionality?"
The simple answer is for those who are autoguiding. The Mini isn't suitable for deep-sky imaging or planetary work unless you opt for a faster FPS (frames per second), which is available with the non-mini version.
For deep-sky and autoguiding purposes, the frame rate isn't critical, as download times will be shorter than your exposures. On the other hand, in planetary imaging, when download times become longer than frame rates, you'll encounter limitations in your maximum FPS. Fortunately, guide and deep-sky exposures are typically longer than 1 second, so a camera like the ZWO ASI120MM Mini will serve you well.
Moreover, the Mini's sensor is positioned close to the camera face, and the camera's body extends far down, making it easy to focus using an off-axis guider setup. This is a significant advantage, as focusing is much simpler than with cameras that have sensors deeper within the camera. The Mini's extremely sensitive sensor can also detect dimmer stars within the small field of view, even with the 1⁄3" sensor size.
The ZWO ASI120MM Mini is a valuable asset for autoguiding enthusiasts. Its sensitive sensor ensures that dim stars are always within the field of view, and the compact design offers easier focusing and improved compatibility with smaller guide scopes. If you're planning to use the Mini for planetary work, you may be better off with the ASI120MM-c, as it offers a MUCH faster frame rate.
Happy stargazing! 🚀✨🌟
- The ASI120MM Mini's design makes it an ideal choice for deep-sky exploration and autoguiding purposes, particularly in the field of astronomy.
- With a compact body, modern interface, and USB-C connection, the ASI120MM Mini is a space-saving, future-proof gadget for astronomers.
- The ZWO ASI120MM Mini's smaller sensor size translates to a smaller field of view, but it's more than enough for planetary imaging, thanks to its impressive quantum efficiency and sensitivity.
