ZWO ASI120MC-S 1.2 Megapixel USB3.0 Color Astronomy Camera for Astrophotography

The ZWO ASI120MC-S is an affordable and sensitive color astronomy camera for imaging the planets, Moon, Sun (with a safe solar filter), and brighter deep-sky objects through a tele. The camera incorporates a 1.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with a quantum efficiency (QE) as high as 75% to keep exposure time to a minimum. The pixels of the sensor are 3.75 microns in size, small enough for imaging solar-system objects but large enough to capture low-noise images of brighter nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The ASI120MC-S is the faster USB3.0 version of the ASI120MC camera from ZWO. At full resolution of 1280x960, the USB3.0 interface of this camera can transfer up to 60 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. Many cameras in this price range have plastic housings, but the ASI120MC-S has a robust and attractive CNC machined red-anodized aluminum body that stands up to heavy field use. All software and drivers for this camera are available from the manufacturer’s website. This camera is compatible with Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) XP or later versions and Mac OS. NOTE: This camera is best used with a refractor or reflector tele ed on a solid equatorial that can accurately track the motion of the sky. It is not intended for taking images through the eyepiece of a tele. This camera produces color images without the need for additional color filters, but you may require additional accessories such as an autoguider or focal reducer to get the best results.

• ZWO ASI120MC-S 1.2 megapixel color astronomy camera for capturing color images of the Moon, planets, brighter deep sky objects, and the Sun (with a safe solar filter, not included).
• Uses CMOS camera sensor with 1280x960 resolution; USB3.0 data transfer at up to 60 frames per second at maximum resolution and 254 frames per second minimum resolution; Also compatible with USB2.0 at reduced data transfer rates.
• Compact, lightweight, and attractive red anodized CNC aluminum body stands up to heavy field use; Connects to 1.25” tele focusers with included T-threaded 1.25” nosepiece.
• Camera electronics draw power from your computer’s USB interface; All software and drivers are available from the manufacturer’s website; compatible with Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) XP and later.
• Not compatible with MacOS.