12 replies to this topic

[saemark30]

Seems this device would work for a planetary and deep sky camera.

Anyone tried using it other than for guiding?

[sozen]

the ASI120MM/C was a flagship for them for like half a decade; however, they only produced the ASI120 with USB2.0 for about a year before going to 3.0.  This will limit its utility for todays standards with the 120 mini being usb 2.0 and lower frame rates

Edited by sozen, 19 May 2025 - 09:52 AM.

[Tapio]

In fact ASI120MM mini is more aimed at guiding camera.

There are more suitable cameras for planetary imaging (and deep sky as well)

For planetary imaging I recommend reading the FAQ.

[flightlogic]

I suspect it may be the most common guide camera out there.  At least from what I have observed in the category of beginning deep space photography. 

[BlueMoon]

Seems this device would work for a planetary and deep sky camera.

Anyone tried using it other than for guiding?

Try it and see. What others use it for doesn't mean it can't be used in other imaging configurations.

[soojooko]

the ASI120MM/C was a flagship for them for like half a decade; however, they only produced the ASI120 with USB2.0 for about a year before going to 3.0.  This will limit its utility for todays standards with the 120 mini being usb 2.0 and lower frame rates

ZWO also made a variant called the ASI120mm-s which is USB3. That's what I use. But I'm not sure if it's still available.

Edited by soojooko, 19 May 2025 - 10:48 AM.

[matt_astro_tx]

Try it and see. What others use it for doesn't mean it can't be used in other imaging configurations.

This! Personally, I wouldn’t recommend the 120MM Mini for what you’re proposing… but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it for yourself. Experimentation is a tremendous way to learn about your equipment - both its capabilities and limitations. We can all sit around and tell you what we think but maybe you’ll find a way to make it happen and surprise us all.

If you’ve already got this camera then what have you got to lose?

If you are looking for a camera to purchase then yes there are far better ones.

[saemark30]

How do I install the 120MM mini and what software do I need?

I just received a used one with no instructions.

[AdrianoMS]

How do I install the 120MM mini and what software do I need?

I just received a used one with no instructions.

You need to download the drivers from the ZWO website first. Will you use the camera for guiding or imaging?

[saemark30]

I would like to do some imaging now but guiding later on.

[tectonik]

Follow the directions on this web page:

 

https://www.zwoastro.com/software/

 

Also has image capture software.

 

Tek

[saemark30]

Does using PHD2 require installing the ASCOM driver?

[Spaceman 56]

I would like to do some imaging now but guiding later on.

the ZWO-120MM is a mono camera that does not take colour pictures.

most people will use it as a guiding camera, often attached to a small Guide Scope. like a ZWO 30F4 or similar.

 

you could attach it to any telescope that you want to, and take pictures, but they will be Black and white. 

to get a colour picture out of a mono camera you would need to add Coloured filters and take at least 3 sets of images, and combine them together.

 

the other option is to buy a Colour Camera and take Colour pictures without all the fuss, and use the 120mm as a guide camera later on.

Edited by Spaceman 56, 23 May 2025 - 05:19 PM.