cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI120MM Mini vs ZWO ASI462MC
ZWO
ASI120MM Mini
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO
ASI462MC
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
-7% larger sensor
Larger pixels (3.75µm vs 2.9µm)
-42% more resolution
Mono vs color
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI120MM Mini | ZWO ASI462MC |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | guide-camera | dedicated |
| Sensor | AR0130CS | Sony IMX462 |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 1/3" | 1/2.8" |
| Sensor size | 4.8×3.6mm | 5.6×3.2mm |
| Diagonal | 6.0mm | 6.5mm |
| Pixel size | 3.75µm | 2.90µm |
| Resolution | 1280×960 | 1936×1096 |
| Megapixels | 1.2MP | 2.1MP |
| Color | No | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | No | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 13000e⁻ | 12000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 80% | 90% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI120MM Mini
- Larger pixels — better low-light per-pixel sensitivity
- Mono sensor — ideal for narrowband and LRGB
Advantages of ZWO ASI462MC
- Finer sampling at 2.9µm pixels
- Higher resolution (2.12MP vs 1.23MP)
- 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 ASI462MC
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- 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 ASI462MC — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 1.28° × 0.73°Scale: 2.39"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.40° × 0.23°Scale: 0.75"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.16° × 0.09°Scale: 0.30"/px
ZWO ASI120MM Mini — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO ASI462MC — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.