ZWO ASI120MC 1.2 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera with USB 2.0 # ASI120MC

ZWO ASI120MC 1.2 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera with USB 2.0 # ASI120MC



  • 1.2 megapixel CMOS color astronomy camera with 1280x960 resolution and 3.75 μm pixels with no fixed-pattern noise
  • A single, affordable camera that’s ideal for lunar, planetary, solar, and brighter deep-sky objects
  • USB 2.0 transfer at up to 35 fps at maximum resolution and 254 fps at minimum resolution
  • Configurable with included 150-deg lens adapter for capturing all-sky images
  • Attractive red anodized CNC aluminum body stands up to heavy field use
  • Ready to go out of the box with software, cables, adapters, and manual
  • Compact body with dimension 62MC diameter and 28MC length, and weight of only 100 g (3.5 oz)
  • Produces single-shot color images without the need for a filter wheel and color filters

The ZWO ASI120MC is a sensitive and affordable color astronomy camera with 1.2 megapixel resolution. Selected as a Sky and Telescope "Hot Product" for 2014, this versatile camera captures images of the Moon, planets, and the Sun (with a proper solar filter), as well as brighter deep-sky objects. It also includes a wide-angle 150-degree lens that turns the ASI120MC into an all-sky camera that captures meteors, aurora, and the slow movement of the stars and planets across the sky during the night.

The heart of this color camera is a 1/3" CMOS sensor with 1.2 megapixels (1280x960) with a quantum efficiency (QE) of 75% and no fixed-pattern noise. The pixels are 3.75 μm in size, small enough for imaging solar-system objects but large enough to capture fainter objects such as nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The camera enables exposure times of 64 μs to 1000 s (16.67 minutes).

At full resolution of 1280x960, the USB 2.0 interface of this camera can transfer up to 35 frames per second. At reduced resolution, download rates up to 254 fps become possible. Such rates make it easier to produce high-quality images of solar system objects, especially quickly-rotating objects like Jupiter and Saturn when taking multiple color images using a filter wheel.

Many cameras in this price range have plastic housings, but the ASI120MC has a robust and attractive CNC machined red-anodized aluminum body that stands up to heavy field use. An IR-cut glass window protects the sensor and helps keep images sharp. A 1/4-20 thread in the bottom of the camera makes it easy to attach the device to a camera tripod or mount, and four M4 threads along the outside edge offer additional mounting options.

The camera body features a standard T/T2 female thread (M42x0.75) so that it can be directly connected to T-threaded accessories. Included is a 1.25"-T threaded nosepiece adapter that allows you to use the camera in standard 1.25" telescope focusers. The front of the camera also has a short (8mm long) 2" barrel that can be directly inserted into 2" telescope focusers. However, we recommend that use of a 2" T threaded prime focus adapter (not included) for a more robust connection to 2" telescope focusers.

The ZWO ASI120MC astronomy camera comes with everything you need to get started including a CD with the user manual, Windows camera driver, ASCOM driver, SharpCap Image Capturing software, FireCapture Image Capturing software, and Stakkert 2 Stacking software. You also get a 2-meter USB 3.0 cable and a 2-meter ST4 guider cable for use in autoguiding. A M42-threaded 1.25" nosepiece, and a 1.25" cover also come with the camera.

Camera Technical Details

  • Sensor: 1/3″ CMOS AR0130CS(Color) / MT9M034(mono)
  • Resolution: 1.2 Mega Pixels 1280×960
  • Pixel Size: 3.75µm
  • Exposure Range: 64µs-1000s
  • ROI: Supported
  • Interface: USB2.0
  • Bit rate: 12bit output(12bit ADC)
  • Telescope connection: 2" nosepiece / 1.25" nosepiece / M42X0.75 female T thread
  • Dimension: φ62mm X 28mm
  • Weight: 100g
  • Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
  • Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
  • Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
  • Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%

Supported Resolutions

Binning 1×1:

  • 1280X960@35FPS
  • 1280X720@46FPS
  • 1280X600@55FPS
  • 1280X400@80FPS
  • 960X960@46FPS
  • 1024X768@54FPS
  • 1024X600@69FPS
  • 1024X400@101FPS
  • 800X800@66FPS
  • 800X640@74FPS
  • 800X512@102FPS
  • 800X400@108FPS
  • 800X320@158FPS
  • 640X560@98FPS
  • 640X480@113FPS
  • 512X440@123FPS
  • 512X400@135FPS
  • 480X320@165FPS
  • 320X240@215FPS

Binning 2×2:

  • 640X480@35FPS
 Warning
  • The lens can be screwed in too far, result in a scratch on the protect window! Please adjust it very slowly! Don’t turn it beyond the focus at infinity!
  • Full resolution function of the ASI120 requires full 480mbs USB communication!
  • Mac OSX may not compatible well. Neither Windows though virtual machine. Windows though Bootcamp is recommended. Or use our ASI120S USB3.0 Cameras which runs well under Mac OSX.

 What’s in the Box?

  • ZWO ASI120MC Colour 1.2 Mega Pixel Astronomy Camera
  • 150° Lens for use as an all-sky camera
  • M42-1.25″ nosepiece
  • 1.25″ IR-cut window
  • 2 m long USB cable
  • 2 m long ST4 guider cable
  • Driver & Extra Software CD

Manufacturer Part Number: ASI20MC

Product carries a 1 year manufacturer warranty against mechanical defects (within USA only).


Note: Occasionally, the product you receive might have a slightly different cosmetic appearance or labeling than what is shown. This can often change from batch to batch according to the whims of the manufacturer. However, you will always receive a brand new, original product as described above.

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2. ORDERING INFORMATION

Payment: We only accept Paypal and major credit cards through Paypal.

Shipping Method: United States Postal Service (USPS), unless otherwise specified.

Checkout: Please pay for the item(s) within 3 days from your account on eBay or by using the link in the email you receive from eBay.

Shipping Discount: We offer shipping discounts if you order multiple quantities/items. eBay will automatically show you the correct, discounted shipping costs when you check-out.

Combining Purchases: You can combine shipping for items purchased from us on eBay within 3 days. Buy the items individually, and check out together for all items. eBay will combine the shipping weights and show you the discounted shipping cost. You must check out for all items together via eBay for this. We cannot combine shipping costs after you check out individually for your purchases.

Sales Tax: 8.5% sales tax added if your Ship-To address is in California.

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3. US SHIPPING

Delivery Time: Most orders ship within 1 business day of receiving payment. First Class shipments will take 3-5 days to arrive after we ship it. Priority Mail shipments will take 2-3 days. However, these delivery times are NOT guaranteed by the USPS. Delays of up to 2 weeks can occur in about 5% of the shipments.

Tracking/Delivery Confirmation: eBay will update you once your order ships. You can see the order status or tracking information from your eBay account at any time.

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4. INTERNATIONAL ORDERING / SHIPPING

Shipping Cost: Click on the "Shipping and Payments" tab above and select your country to see your shipping choices and cost. If you need a shipping cost estimate for multiple items, please contact us.

Delivery Time:

1) USPS First Class International: Delivery takes about 3-4 weeks after we ship your package. This can frequently take 4-6 weeks or more for several countries (8 weeks for Italy, Argentina, and South Africa; 8-12 weeks for Brazil). THERE IS NO TRACKING FOR FIRST CLASS SHIPMENTS. The information shown in your eBay account is just a customs form number - it is NOT a tracking number as incorrectly indicated by eBay. Once your package ships, we can do nothing but wait until your package arrives. Please do not become impatient and contact us in 2-3 weeks if your package has not arrived. If you don't receive the package in 6 weeks, contact us and we will work with you to resolve the issue. If you don't want to take the risk of this delay, then DO NOT USE First Class mail - use Priority or Express shipping instead.

(2) USPS Priority Mail International: Delivery takes 1 - 2 weeks after we ship your package. This can sometimes take 3-4 weeks to several countries. The USPS provides some basic tracking information for Priority shipping.

(3) USPS Express Mail International: Delivery usually takes 5-10 business days after we ship your package. You will receive a tracking number with which you can track your shipment from USPS.com. Note: If you use this option, you must send us your phone number when you check-out or else your shipment will be delayed. This is required for international postal forms.

Again, these delivery times are NOT guaranteed by the US Postal Service. The most common reason for delays is slow customs inspection and clearance in your country, and can be very long, even for Express mail packages. Upon shipping your order, delivery delays are beyond our control, so do not leave us negative feedback or file a Paypal claim if your package is delayed. Delays are quite common but losses are very rare, so your patience/cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Customs and Duties: You are responsible for any duties and taxes that may be levied in your country. These are not included in the item price or shipping cost. We have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be or if they will be levied upon delivery. Customs policies vary widely from country to country (Some countries such as UK are strict about imposing hefty customs duties). It is your responsibility to check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the delivery company or your country's postal service, or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are NOT additional shipping charges.

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5. RETURN/EXCHANGE POLICY

US Orders: Returns must be shipped back within 30 days. All returned items must be in brand new, resalable condition with original manufacturer’s packaging. A minimum restocking fee of 10% will be deducted if there is any evidence of use or wear, dirt, scratches, missing packaging/parts, etc. We may levy a larger restocking fee if the condition warrants it, or even refuse returns entirely if returned in heavily used/abused condition. Shipping fees are non-refundable (for items with free or discounted fixed shipping, the actual outbound S&H cost we incurred will be deducted) and you are responsible for all return shipping costs. Please contact us first before returning an item.

International Orders: No returns/exchanges accepted unless the item we shipped is defective. Please research the product and ask us any questions BEFORE you purchase to make sure you are buying the correct item for your needs.

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