ZWO Mono Astro Camera ASI120MM-S, Sensor D=6.1 mm, Pixel Size 3.75 µm

ZWO ASI120MM-S - High Speed Monochrome Camera with High Sensitivity

With up to 60 fps at maximum resolution, it is especially suitable for imaging moon and planets, but it can also be used for deep-sky.

Lower resolutions result in significantly higher frame rates, appropriate for "lucky imaging". VGA (640x480 pixels) offers 133 fps, the maximum rate of 254 fps can be achieved at 320x240 pixels.

With its high sensitivity and frame rate, the ASI120MM-S is very well suitable as autoguider which is connected via a standard ST guider port.

Oberving nebulae and galaxies:

With the free "FireCapture" software from the internet, individual control of the camera is possible. Within seconds, even faint objects can be shown on the computer display.

Automatic stacking

Longer exposure times and higher gain

Great feature: a sharp 2.1 mm objective is included

The 150° wide angle lens permits the camera to be used fot meteor capturing and also for observation of the observatory or taking nice time-lapses.

For this application, you can mount the camera on a tripod or ball-head by using the 1/4" photo thread at the back side.

Resolutions

Binning 1×1:

1280X960@60FPS
1280X720@98FPS
1280X600@116FPS
1280X400@168FPS
960X960@74FPS
1024X768@90FPS
1024X400@160FPS
800X800@85FPS
800X640@106FPS
800X480@141FPS
640X480@133FPS
512X440@145FPS
512X400@158FPS
480X320@196FPS
320X240@254FPS

Binning 2×2:

640X480@45FPS

Downloads, drivers:

ZWO provides software and drivers online for free download.

Software and drivers for all ZWO cameras

System requirements:

USB 3.0 must be available and supported by the operating system. Support exists since

Windows 8

This camera model is not very compatible with Linux and Mac OS, needs a virtual machine.

The camera manufacturer writes:

"most important is USB3.0 host controller
we recommend "Intel® USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller"
from customer´s feedback, all intel host controller works and can provide the maximum data transfer

and here is more detail test result:

tested platform and USB Host controller:
Lenovo IdeaPad Z580: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
MacBook air 2014: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
Dell Inspiron 17-7737 i7: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
HP Pavilion dv7 Notebook PC: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
MacBook Pro 2013: intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
PC: Renesas Electronics USB3.0 Host Controller
PC: AMD USB3.0 Host Controller

PCIE-USB3.0 Card: NEC/Renesas ?PD720200A ?PD720201 & ?PD720202
PCIE-USB3.0 Card: VIA Labs VL800

already know incompatible USB host:
PCIE-USB3.0 Card: NEC/Renesas ?PD720200 under windows 8
PCIE-USB3.0 Card: Trendnet TU3-H2PIE card
PC: Etron usb3.0 host controller"

Frequently asked questions about ZWO cameras:

The FAQ area is constantly updated by ZWO, here you will find answers to many questions.

FAQ about ZWO cameras

ZWO Users Forum

Manuals for ZWO products:

The manuals page is constantly updated by ZWO, here you can find user guides for ZWO products.

Link to the manuals

How to clean my ZWO camera:

The manufacturer provides a manual that covers how to clean an ASI camera and regenerate the desiccant tablets: Please click here.

Question:
How to mount the camera on a tripod or dovetail bar?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
In the center of the back of the body, there is a female 1.25" photo thread. This allows you to mount the camera on a tripod or dovetail bar (possibly via an L-bracket for binoculars):