ZWO ASI120MM Mini Monochrome CMOS Camera And Guide Camera

ZWO ASI120MM Mini – Compact, Capable, and Designed for Precision Guiding

The ZWO ASI120MM Mini is a feature-packed monochrome CMOS camera designed with astrophotographers in mind. Whether you're looking for a high-performance guide camera or an entry into planetary imaging, this compact powerhouse delivers exceptional sensitivity, low read noise, and a streamlined design that integrates seamlessly with most imaging setups.

A Proven Performer for Guiding and Imaging

At the heart of the ASI120MM Mini is the 1/3” AR0130CS monochrome CMOS sensor from ON Semiconductor. With a 1280x960 pixel array and 3.75µm pixel size, this camera strikes a perfect balance between high resolution and light sensitivity, making it ideal for deep-space guiding and detailed planetary imaging.

Compared to its standard ASI120MM counterpart, the Mini version offers improved guiding performance thanks to its more optimized optical path and lightweight construction. The cylindrical shape allows for better compatibility with off-axis guiders (OAGs), reducing back focus and making it an excellent choice for those using dedicated astrophotography setups.

Sensitivity Where It Matters

For those chasing dim guide stars or fine planetary details, sensitivity is a key factor. The ASI120MM Mini boasts an impressive QE (Quantum Efficiency) of 80% at 520nm, ensuring that it captures more light with minimal loss. This high efficiency translates to improved performance in challenging conditions, allowing you to lock onto faint stars for precise guiding or capture finer details on the lunar surface.

Low Noise, High Speed

Thanks to its 12-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) and low read noise performance, the ASI120MM Mini delivers clean images with a strong dynamic range. You’ll notice smoother gradients and better signal-to-noise ratios, especially in long-exposure guiding applications. The camera also supports high-speed frame rates, making it well-suited for planetary imaging where quick exposures help freeze atmospheric turbulence.

Frame rates include:

• 35 FPS at full resolution (1280x960)
• 224 FPS at 320x240 resolution

With USB 2.0 connectivity, the camera ensures stable, reliable data transfer for guiding and imaging, even when using long exposure settings.

Perfect for Off-Axis Guiding

One of the standout features of the ASI120MM Mini is its optimized optical path for off-axis guiding. If you use a ZWO Off-Axis Guider (OAG), this camera’s cylindrical housing and reduced sensor-to-prism distance allow it to pick up guide stars that other cameras might miss. This makes it a go-to option for those using long focal length telescopes where finding bright guide stars can be a challenge.

Compact, Lightweight, and Easy to Integrate

Weighing just 60 grams, the ASI120MM Mini is one of the lightest cameras in its class. The small footprint and 1.25” form factor allow it to fit seamlessly into your existing imaging train, whether you’re mounting it to a guide scope, an OAG, or using it for planetary work with a filter wheel.

Software and Compatibility

The ASI120MM Mini is fully compatible with PHD2 guiding software, SharpCap, FireCapture, and other popular astrophotography applications. Whether you're using Windows, macOS, or Linux, drivers and software support are readily available through ZWO’s website.

For planetary imaging, lunar imaging, or guiding, this camera integrates effortlessly with most modern setups, ensuring smooth operation with ASCOM compatibility and native support in leading imaging software.

Who is This Camera For?

If you’re an astrophotographer looking for a dedicated guiding camera that excels with off-axis guiders and guide scopes, or if you want a high-speed monochrome planetary camera with excellent sensitivity, the ASI120MM Mini is a fantastic choice. Its compact size, high QE, and strong software compatibility make it a trusted performer for amateur and advanced astrophotographers alike.

Drivers and Softwares:

The ZWO website has the newest camera drivers and many DSO and Planetary capture software choices available.. Please make sure the newest driver and software has been installed before you start imaging:

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/software/

One of the coolest gadgets, and a neccessity according to a majority of ZWO users, is the ASIair Pro.  It is an all-in-one wireless camera solution.  The ASIair pro gives you control of focus, image taking, plate solving, and computerized mount control with the included SkySafari bridge all controlled by your smartdevice or tablet.  It really is pretty awesome.