cameracomparison · 2-way
ZWO ASI533MC Air vs ZWO ASI120MC-S
ZWO
ASI533MC Air
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers 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
167% larger sensor
632% more resolution
Cooled sensor
Specifications
| Specification | ZWO ASI533MC Air | ZWO ASI120MC-S |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | dedicated | guide-camera |
| Sensor | Sony IMX533 | AR0130CS |
| Sensor tech | CMOS | CMOS |
| Format | 1" | 1/3" |
| Sensor size | 11.3×11.3mm | 4.8×3.6mm |
| Diagonal | 16.0mm | 6.0mm |
| Pixel size | 3.76µm | 3.75µm |
| Resolution | 3008×3008 | 1280×960 |
| Megapixels | 9.0MP | 1.2MP |
| Color | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling | ||
| Cooled | Yes | No |
| Performance | ||
| Full well | 50000e⁻ | 13000e⁻ |
| Peak QE | 80% | 50% |
Advantages of ZWO ASI533MC Air
- Larger sensor (16mm vs 6mm diagonal) — wider field
- Higher resolution (9MP vs 1.23MP)
- Regulated cooling for long exposures
Advantages of ZWO ASI120MC-S
Closely matched on the compared specs.
Best for — ZWO ASI533MC Air
- Longer focal lengths — tighter framing on small targets
- Well-sampled deep-sky at medium 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 ASI533MC Air — typical FOV & scale
- On 250mm refractor (wide)FOV: 2.59° × 2.59°Scale: 3.10"/px
- On 800mm SCT reducerFOV: 0.81° × 0.81°Scale: 0.97"/px
- On 2000mm SCT nativeFOV: 0.32° × 0.32°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 ASI533MC Air — recommended user
A strong fit for dedicated deep-sky imagers 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.