Mini Camera Review: Slightly Recommended (Regarding ZWO ASI120MM)
XTreme Reboot: The ZWO ASI120MM Mini is the latest addition to CMOS camera powerhouse ZWO's lineup, based on their popular ASI1 20MM camera. This budget-friendly camera is perfect for guiding and planetary work, delivering high-quality results.
The ASI120mm Mini shares some functions with the pricier non-Mini version, but with a significant drop in cost. Its smaller size and emphasis on deep sky or guiding purposes make it an attractive option, especially for users engaged in autoguiding.
A Glimpse at ASI120MM Mini's Tech Specs
Much like its bigger counterpart, the ASI120MM Mini employs the same sensor. Here's a sneak peek at the shared tech specs:
- CMOS Sensor: The camera boasts an AR0130CS CMOS sensor, boasting a readout speed of up to 35 FPS (mini version). This sensor type is vital for planetary cameras, known for their high efficiency (closely related to sensitivity) and rapid readout capabilities.
- Sensor Size (1/3" diagonal): This is a typical size for guiding cameras, offering a decent field of view. Sensor size may limit the camera's capability for deep-sky imaging, but for guiding purposes, it's just right.
- Resolution (1280x960): Although this isn't as impressive as larger sensor models, it aligns with expectations for a small sensor. This does mean that images might not scale well on large displays.
- Quantum Efficiency (80%): This is fantastic! Quantum efficiency, akin to the camera's sensitivity, determines the number of photons converted into electrons during a capture. Compared to high-end cameras like the ASI1600 Pro, offering just 60% efficiency, and CCD cameras, hovering around 40%, the Mini offers a significant boost in sensitivity.
Fresh Features in the Mini
The ASI120mm Mini shares some tech with its predecessor but brings some new tricks to the table:
- Sleeker Body: The Mini camera sports a slick, petite design, measuring only 1.25 inches in diameter at the end. This design feature allows it to nest further into a 1.25" focuser, making it an excellent fit for specific setups where other cameras encounter limitations.
- USB 2.0: This might seem like a downgrade, but it keeps the cost low. However, note that USB 2.0 limits the data transfer speed and can cause delays in planetary imaging scenarios where download times become longer than the frame rate.
- USB-C Interface: The USB-C connection is more modern and future-proof than most other astronomy cameras' interfaces, which typically employ older solutions like USB-B.
- Lightweight (60 grams): The Mini's lightweight construction doesn't add much strain to sensitive equatorial mounts when used for autoguiding.
A Tiny Camera for the Right Purpose
One might wonder, "Why would ZWO create a camera limited to USB 2.0?" The answer lies in its intended purpose—autoguiding. The Mini is not ideal for deep sky imaging or planetary work. For these activities, a camera like the ASI120MM-c would be a better choice due to its faster frame rates.
The Mini's sensor proximity to the camera face, combined with its compact body, significantly simplifies focusing for off-axis guider setups, where focusing range is critical. The Mini's extremely sensitive sensor also compensates for its smaller size, allowing it to pick up dim stars, even in a limited field of view.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the ZWO ASI120MM Mini is an excellent choice for autoguiding due to its sensitive sensor, compact size, and simplified focusing range. It might not shine in deep-sky or planetary imaging, but for its intended purpose, it delivers exceptional performance. Just keep in mind that, for planetary work, a camera like the ASI120MM-c would be a better fit. Take a peek at the night sky through this mini marvel!
- The ASI120MM Mini's smaller size and emphasis on deep sky or guiding purposes make it an attractive option, especially for users engaged in autoguiding, as its sensitive sensor significantly simplifies focusing for off-axis guider setups.
- In the realm of astronomy, the ASI120MM Mini's CMOS sensor, boasting a readout speed of up to 35 FPS and 80% quantum efficiency, is vital for planetary cameras, known for their high efficiency and rapid readout capabilities.
- Apart from gadgets like the popular ZWO ASI1 20MM camera, the ASI120MM Mini is also a great choice for users interested in deep sky astronomy, given its decent field of view and the ability to pick up dim stars with its extremely sensitive sensor. However, for planetary work or high-end deep sky imaging, other gadgets like the ASI120MM-c with faster frame rates might be more suitable.
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