cameracomparison · 2-way
QHYCCD QHY10 vs ZWO ASI120MM Mini
ZWO
ASI120MM Mini
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
368% larger sensor
Larger pixels (6.05µm vs 3.75µm)
729% more resolution
Cooled sensor
Color vs mono
Specifications
| Specification | QHYCCD QHY10 | ZWO ASI120MM Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | dedicated | guide-camera |
| Sensor | Sony ICX493AQA | AR0130CS |
| Sensor tech | CCD | CMOS |
| Format | APS-C | 1/3" |
| Sensor size | 23.4×15.6mm | 4.8×3.6mm |
| Diagonal | 28.1mm | 6.0mm |
| Pixel size | 6.05µm | 3.75µm |
| Resolution | 3900×2620 | 1280×960 |
| Megapixels | 10.2MP | 1.2MP |
| Color | Yes | No |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | Yes | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 25000e⁻ | 13000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 55% | 80% |
Advantages of QHYCCD QHY10
- Larger sensor (28.1mm vs 6mm diagonal) — wider field
- Larger pixels — better low-light per-pixel sensitivity
- Higher resolution (10.2MP vs 1.23MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
- One-shot color — simpler workflow
Advantages of ZWO ASI120MM Mini
- Finer sampling at 3.75µm pixels
- Mono sensor — ideal for narrowband and LRGB
Best for — QHYCCD QHY10
- Balanced field for most refractors
- Fast, low-noise deep-sky at short focal lengths
- Long-exposure deep-sky under any sky
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
Best for — ZWO ASI120MM Mini
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- Narrowband and LRGB workflows
QHYCCD QHY10 — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 5.36° × 3.58°Scale: 4.99"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 1.68° × 1.12°Scale: 1.56"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.67° × 0.45°Scale: 0.62"/px
ZWO ASI120MM Mini — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 1.10° × 0.83°Scale: 3.09"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.34° × 0.26°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.14° × 0.10°Scale: 0.39"/px
QHYCCD QHY10 — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
ZWO ASI120MM Mini — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.