cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI120MM Mini vs ZWO ASI2600MC Air
ZWO
ASI120MM Mini
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO
ASI2600MC Air
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.
Key differences
-79% larger sensor
-95% more resolution
Uncooled
Mono vs color
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI120MM Mini | ZWO ASI2600MC Air |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | guide-camera | dedicated |
| Sensor | AR0130CS | Sony IMX571 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 1/3" | APS-C |
| Sensor size | 4.8×3.6mm | 23.5×15.7mm |
| Diagonal | 6.0mm | 28.3mm |
| Pixel size | 3.75µm | 3.76µm |
| Resolution | 1280×960 | 6248×4176 |
| Megapixels | 1.2MP | 26.1MP |
| Color | No | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | No | Yes |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 13000e⁻ | 50000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 80% | 80% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI120MM Mini
- Mono sensor — ideal for narrowband and LRGB
Advantages of ZWO ASI2600MC Air
- Larger sensor (28.3mm vs 6mm diagonal) — wider field
- Higher resolution (26.1MP vs 1.23MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
- One-shot color — simpler workflow
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
Best for — ZWO ASI2600MC Air
- Balanced field for most refractors
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- Long-exposure deep-sky under any sky
- One-shot color — quick results, less processing
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
ZWO ASI2600MC Air — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 5.39° × 3.60°Scale: 3.10"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 1.68° × 1.12°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.67° × 0.45°Scale: 0.39"/px
ZWO ASI120MM Mini — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO ASI2600MC Air — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers pairing with a broad range of focal lengths.