The ZWO ASI120MM mini monochrome camera is a compact, 1.25" focuser version of the proven ASI120MM camera, optimized for high-quality planetary imaging. It features a small pixel size of 3.75 microns, a respectable 1280x960 pixel sensor, 12-bit output and a high frame rate. With the right software, it can be used as a guide camera and can easily get focus in guide scope applications where conventional cameras would fail. The backfocus is just 8.5 mm.
The small pixel size guarantees the capture of fine detail, and the 12-bit output allows 4096 shades of colour to be recorded (compared to 8-bit, or "only" 256 shades per colour channel on most cameras). The large sensor is also useful for shooting the Sun and Moon. The Built-in ST-4 autoguider port makes these devices also great for use as a guide camera. The 75% QE also makes the camera useful for capturing faint nebulae and galaxies. The camera does not include a UV/IR block filter and is therefore sensitive in this range. The use of a UV/IR block filter is highly recommended if you do not want to capture images in this range!
The package includes a 0.5m and a 2m USB 2.0 cable, an ST4 cable, a 1.25" extension cable and a C-mount converter to use the camera with C-mount threaded lenses.
The camera has a USB 2.0 connector and ST-4 port, and the serious capability is matched by a modest 60g weight.
For image capture, there's a range of free software available for download from the internet, and for Windows we particularly recommend SharpCap and FireCapture.
