cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI385MC vs ZWO ASI120MC-S
ZWO
ASI385MC
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO
ASI120MC-S
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
Key differences
40% larger sensor
72% more resolution
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI385MC | ZWO ASI120MC-S |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | dedicated | guide-camera |
| Sensor | Sony IMX385 | AR0130CS |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 1/2" | 1/3" |
| Sensor size | 7.3×4.1mm | 4.8×3.6mm |
| Diagonal | 8.4mm | 6.0mm |
| Pixel size | 3.75µm | 3.75µm |
| Resolution | 1936×1096 | 1280×960 |
| Megapixels | 2.1MP | 1.2MP |
| Color | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | No | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 25000e⁻ | 13000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 80% | 50% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI385MC
- Larger sensor (8.4mm vs 6mm diagonal) — wider field
- Higher resolution (2.12MP vs 1.23MP)
Advantages of ZWO ASI120MC-S
Closely matched on the compared specs.
Best for — ZWO ASI385MC
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium focal lengths
- 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 ASI385MC — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 1.67° × 0.94°Scale: 3.09"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.52° × 0.29°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.21° × 0.12°Scale: 0.39"/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 ASI385MC — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.
ZWO ASI120MC-S — recommended user
A strong fit for photographers stepping into astro pairing with longer focal lengths where framing is tight.