cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI071MC Pro vs ZWO ASI120MC-S
ZWO
ASI071MC Pro
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
ZWO
ASI120MC-S
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
373% larger sensor
Larger pixels (4.78µm vs 3.75µm)
1217% more resolution
Cooled sensor
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI071MC Pro | ZWO ASI120MC-S |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | dedicated | guide-camera |
| Sensor | Sony IMX071 | AR0130CS |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | APS-C | 1/3" |
| Sensor size | 23.6×15.6mm | 4.8×3.6mm |
| Diagonal | 28.4mm | 6.0mm |
| Pixel size | 4.78µm | 3.75µm |
| Resolution | 4944×3284 | 1280×960 |
| Megapixels | 16.2MP | 1.2MP |
| Color | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | Yes | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 46000e⁻ | 13000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 50% | 50% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI071MC Pro
- Larger sensor (28.4mm vs 6mm diagonal) — wider field
- Larger pixels — better low-light per-pixel sensitivity
- Higher resolution (16.2MP vs 1.23MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
Advantages of ZWO ASI120MC-S
- Finer sampling at 3.75µm pixels
Best for — ZWO ASI071MC Pro
- 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 ASI120MC-S
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
ZWO ASI071MC Pro — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 5.41° × 3.58°Scale: 3.94"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 1.69° × 1.12°Scale: 1.23"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.68° × 0.45°Scale: 0.49"/px
ZWO ASI120MC-S — 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
ZWO ASI071MC Pro — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
ZWO ASI120MC-S — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.