ZWO ASI120MM 1.2 MP CMOS Monochrome Astronomy Camera with USB 2.0 # ASI120MM

The ZWO ASI120MM is a sensitive and affordable monochrome astronomy camera with 1.2 megapixel resolution. Selected as a Sky and Telescope "Hot Product" for 2014, this versatile camera captures images of the Moon, planets, and the Sun (with a proper solar filter), as well as brighter deep-sky objects. It also includes a wide-angle 150-degree lens that turns the ASI120MM into an all-sky camera that captures meteors, aurora, and the slow movement of the stars and planets across the sky during the night.

The heart of this monochrome camera is a 1/3" CMOS sensor with 1.2 megapixels (1280x960) with a quantum efficiency (QE) of 75% and no fixed-pattern noise. The pixels are 3.75 μm in size, small enough for imaging solar-system objects but large enough to capture fainter objects such as nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The camera enables exposure times of 64 μs to 1000 s (16.67 minutes).

At full resolution of 1280x960, the USB 2.0 interface of this camera can transfer up to 35 frames per second. At reduced resolution, download rates up to 254 fps become possible. Such rates make it easier to produce high-quality images of solar system objects, especially quickly-rotating objects like Jupiter and Saturn when taking multiple monochrome images using a filter wheel.

Many cameras in this price range have plastic housings, but the ASI120MM has a robust and attractive CNC machined red-anodized aluminum body that stands up to heavy field use. An IR-cut glass window protects the sensor and helps keep images sharp. A 1/4-20 thread in the bottom of the camera makes it easy to attach the device to a camera tripod or mount, and four M4 threads along the outside edge offer additional mounting options.

ZWO is phasing out software CDs, but the ASI120MM astronomy camera comes with instructions to help you download the required control software and drivers directly from the ZWO website. Note that this USB2.0 camera is not compatible with MacOS or Linux (Windows only).

The camera also comes with a 2-meter USB 3.0 cable and a 2-meter ST4 guider cable for use in autoguiding, as well as a M42-threaded 1.25" nosepiece and a 1.25" cover.

This camera can be configured with the following connections for attachment to telescopes and imaging accessories:

• 1.25” nosepiece
• 2” nosepiece (optional 2” extension strongly recommended)
• Female T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
• Female C/CS thread (1”x32TPI)
• Female M28.5x0.6 thread

Camera Technical Details

• Sensor: 1/3″ CMOS AR0130CS(Color) / MT9M034(mono)
• Resolution: 1.2Mega Pixels 1280×960
• Pixel Size: 3.75µm
• Exposure Range: 64µs-1000s
• ROI: Supported
• Interface: USB2.0
• Bit rate: 12bit output(12bit ADC)
• Telescope connection: 2" nosepiece / 1.25" nosepiece / M42X0.75 female T thread
• 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%

Supported Resolutions

Binning 1×1:

• 1280X960@35FPS
• 1280X720@46FPS
• 1280X600@55FPS
• 1280X400@80FPS
• 960X960@46FPS
• 1024X768@54FPS
• 1024X600@69FPS
• 1024X400@101FPS
• 800X800@66FPS
• 800X640@74FPS
• 800X512@102FPS
• 800X400@108FPS
• 800X320@158FPS
• 640X560@98FPS
• 640X480@113FPS
• 512X440@123FPS
• 512X400@135FPS
• 480X320@165FPS
• 320X240@215FPS

Binning 2×2:

• 640X480@35FPS

Warning

• The lens can be screwed in too far, result in a scratch on the protect window! Please adjust it very slowly! Don’t turn it beyond the focus at infinity!
• Full resolution function of the ASI120 requires full 480mbs USB communication
• Mac OSX is not compatible. Windows though Bootcamp is recommended. Or use our ASI120-S USB3.0 Cameras which runs well under Mac OSX.

What's in the Box?

• ZWO ASI120MM Monochrome 1.2 Mega Pixel Astronomy Camera
• 150° Lens for use as an all-sky camera
• M42-1.25″ nosepiece
• 1.25″ IR-cut window
• 2 m long USB cable
• 2 m long ST4 guider cable
• Instructions for downloading drivers and software from ZWO website

Manufacturer part number: ASI120MM

Product carries a 1 year manufacturer warranty against mechanical defects (within USA only).