5 Best Cameras For Astrophotography 2022 (Reviews & Guide)

best camera for astrophotography

expert choice

NIKON D 850

  • One of the best DSLR cameras for astrophotography
  • 45.7 megapixel for milky way, night sky, and deep-sky objects photography.
  • 4k Video recording and outstanding AF performance.
  • incredible battery life for Astro imaging.
budget choice

NIKON D5600

  • best entry-level camera for astrophotography 
  • 3.2 inches LCD screen
  • SnapBridge makes it easy to share pictures with family and friends 
  • Best image quality in this price point 
  • Suitable for newbie astrophotographers.
  • Full HD 1080P video recording .

Do you ever look up at the night sky and feel that the beauty of those tiny shining stars in the deep sky must be captured? But you don’t have a camera that can catch all those delicate details you observed with your own eyes. And that’s a problem. Astrophotography requires some high-level equipment to take astounding photos of the cosmos. You’ll need more than just a simple point and shoot camera. 

Brand

Mega Pixel

Resolution

   Price


1. Nikon D850

45.7

      4K UHD

2. Canon EOS 6D

26.2

      4K UHD

3. Sony A7r 3

44.2

   4K UHD

4. Nikon D5600

24

FHD 1080p

5. Kodak Pixpro

16

HD 720p


Picture of space

Are you the one who is looking for an Astrophotography camera and doesn’t know what works best in the same type and what are the essential functionalities to look for? If yes, then you have come to the right place.
This article will talk about the list of essential features or functionalities that you need to know about in detail. But, of course, you have to consider them in the Camera so the quality of the Camera will be as supportive for you as possible.

Thankfully, astrophotography is no longer limited to just astronomers or researchers. You can become a photographer of the milky way with just a camera that has a few good qualities to fit the criteria. So, here we have compiled for you a list of the best cameras for astrophotography. But before we get to that, certain points must be made about what qualities to look for in a camera for astrophotography.

What You'll Need in Your astrophotography Camera

Astrophotography means you’re going to be taking images of the shiny stars and planets millions of miles away embedded into the dark sky. What you need to capture that breathtaking photo you always wished for, is a camera that handles long exposure best. Your objective is to trap lights coming from the dark sky in your camera. This is why you’ll need a camera with a good ISO range for deep sky imaging. To ensure top-tier quality with no noise in your photos, we recommend you opt for a camera that has a solid sensor for the job. Megapixel specifications are every photographer’s demand while buying a camera and the same goes for Astrophotographers.

Night photography

As promised, here are our top 5 picks of best cameras for astrophotography. Our list varies on different cameras with all ranges. Some are expensive yet advanced but some are for beginners and affordable. But one thing is for sure, that all of these are great picks to photograph distant nebulae. Let's discuss the top 5 best astrophotography cameras.

1. Nikon D850 F-X Format: best camera for astrophotography

Outstanding dynamic range, brilliant photo resolution, and high speed are what the Nikon D850 is all about. The most exciting feature that we must describe first is the DSLR’s ability to take jaw-dropping time-lapses of the sky in 4K quality. Astrophotography is taken to the next level thanks to the ISO range of the Nikon D850. 

The camera comes with so much more such as an accurate autofocus system, a silent photography mode, and locked on subject tracking. Not only is this the best choice for photography, but you can also make high-quality videos of shooting stars in low light exposure without worrying about noise or color. This camera allows you to shoot deep sky objects in high resolution. All these innovative features are every camera enthusiast's wish, it was fair for us to list the Nikon D850 on our list of top 5 best cameras for astrophotography.

  • 45.7 Megapixels full-frame CMOS sensor
  • 7 fps continuous shooting
  • ISO 64-25,600 (expandable to 102,400)
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 153-point AF system
  • Low noise
  • AF down to -4 EV
  • 4K and 8K time-lapse
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • One of the best camera for astrophotography

2. Canon EOS 6D Mark II (Full-frame camera)

The Canon EOS 6D is one of the most popular cameras that are used for photography of all types. The reason we listed it here is due to its efficiency in capturing even the slightest details in low light exposure. The large ISO range is what makes it an ideal camera for astrophotography. The photosensor size of this DSLR camera is a full-frame.

The EOS 6D works with several lenses which gives you an upper hand on choosing whichever one suits you the most. Similar to the Nikon above, the EOS 6D is also capable of recording breathtaking 4K time-lapses which you can use to record the changes in the night sky.

  • 26.2 Megapixels CMOS sensor
  • Intelligent Viewfinder for long exposures
  • ISO max 40,000 expands to 102,400
  • Touch screen LCD
  • Cross-type AF
  • Low noise 
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF
  • Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS support
  • DIGIC 7 Image Processor

3. Sony A7R II full frame mirrorless camera for milky way shooting

Up next on our list of best cameras for astrophotography is the Sony A7R II. This DSLR camera offers you all the flexibility you’ll need while gazing at its lenses into the distant bright stars. The quick AF system of the A7R II allows you to focus on any subject in a matter of milliseconds. Pair that with the full-frame 5 axis in-body image stabilization and you’ll find your camera capturing the smallest details of the moon and other celestial bodies too. 

The body of this mirrorless camera is strong and designed for steady handling. This full frame DSLR is best for long exposure. This device allows taking high-resolution deep sky astrophotography photos. In conclusion, the A7R II mirrorless camera is a great choice for astrophotography. 

  • First-ever full-frame 5 axis image stabilization
  • 42.4 MP with electronic viewfinder
  • 4K movie recording
  • Fast Hybrid AF
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Max ISO 102,400
  • 5 fps
  • 3” LCD
  • 399 AF points
  • One of the best mirrorless camera for milky way photography

4. D5600 DX Format Digital SLR 

The Nikon D6500 is best known for its ability to capture high-resolution images in dim light conditions. Thanks to its ISO range of 25,600, you can take beautiful pictures of the night sky without worrying about it being too noisy or dark.

The main feature that intrigued us to put this camera on our list is the touchscreen LCD. It allows you to set focus and take photos just like a smartphone, quite easy for beginners. Other than that, the Nikon D6500 also has a durable battery life and a light body, which makes it easier to carry. If you are looking for the best camera for astrophotography then you would want to buy this camera.

  • 24 megapixels
  • CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100-25,600
  • External mic
  • Tilting LCD
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • 39 AF points
  • Touch screen LCD

5. Kodak PIXPRO AZ421-BK

The last one on our list of best cameras for astrophotography is for those photographers who prefer zoomed-in photos of distant stars. Don’t let that 16.1 MP fool you into underestimating the abilities of the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421-BK. This camera comes with a 42x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom. Combine these both with good image quality, and you’ll get to capture the best photos of faraway planets floating in a milky way. When the scenario is just too beautiful to fit in the frame, the panorama mode is there to help you out. 

The Kodak PIXPRO also comes with several shooting modes such as automatic, program, manual, shutter, or aperture priority mode. This gives you a wide range to choose from and allows you to unleash your skills in other scenarios too.

Those were five of our carefully picked top 5 cameras best for astrophotography. While taking photos of space can be a great hobby, the secret of quality art also relies on the skills of the photographer. However, these cameras would enhance your photographs as well as polish your photography skills. Enjoy capturing the wonders of the galaxy! 

Note: We have also reviewed the best cameras for filming skateboarding

complete buying guide on the best camera for astrophotography

Looking for the best Astrophotography Cameras in the market but not sure about what to purchase for you? Should you go with the Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras or DSLR Cameras? What should be the LCD Screen and the Exposure Time? These are the types of questions that would arise in mind throughout the time.

Yes, we can understand that when you are looking to have Deep Sky Imaging in your mind, many things are circulating in your mind. Also, the purchasing amount used to be costly; therefore, you don’t want to get into significant trouble. That’s the reason we are here to help you in the best we can.

Remember, the key to buying Astrophotography cameras is better to understand every feature available in front of you. Every time you take the photos, its lighting and capturing capabilities have to be perfect without sacrificing the Color Saturation and Quality as all these things play important roles throughout the period. Then there need to be the Lenses of the astrophotography, which has a whole separate discussion. However, we will discuss features or factors that are important inside the same camera type in the below sections, so let's read about it in detail.

1. ISO For Deep Sky Objects

For Astro Imaging or Photography, one of the common and essential factors that need to look at is the ISO. Yes, the increase or decrease of the ISO makes substantial differences in the brightness or quality of the images. Therefore, you need to look upon that in good ways.

The visible noise of the images tends to be decreased when you have a Higher ISO camera. When you have less noise in the Visibility of the Cameras, everything turns out to be excellent and Transparent in front of you.

Deep Sky Imaging is another essential thing that is achievable when you have an excellent ISO Astrophotography camera. Many people would have to play with the same, and when It comes to astrophotography and deep sky imaging, things turned out to be a bit tough. But with the better ISO, everything is pretty much achievable for you.

The Problems will be easy for you to overcome because you tend to increase the ISO values, and with that, the Sensitivity of the sensors also Increases. However, despite all these things about the ISO, another essential thing to consider is that the settings need to be done appropriately for the ISO. Based on that, you can get the right results or outcomes from the same camera.

Astro Photography used to be done in the night times; therefore, the importance of ISO supports you in the better way possible. For example, you would want to get the right outcome in terms of clarity in the pictures. The use of higher ISO can make all of these hurdles easier for you.

2. Shutter Speed for night sky photography

The Shutter speed of the camera also plays an essential role at the time of Astronomy type pictures. When you are thinking about controlling the lights that are coming into the Camera when you are not using it, the role of the Camera’s shutter is to keep everything on its shoulders and try its best to provide you the best it can.

Let's say you want to take action pictures based on Astrophotography, and the speed is really fast. In that case, using a faster shutter will be an essential and ideal thing for you. So whether you are using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, the shutter speed plays an important role, to be very honest.

Also, many experts say that Astrophotography is all about Celestial bodies slow-moving capturing, which is millions of miles away from the Camera. So, therefore, what you should try the whole time is to try the Shutters to remain open the whole time. So the Shutter can take the lights easily throughout the time.

The Shutter speed and Exposure time are the two common things related to capturing the detailed target from a longer distance. For that, you should consider the Cameras' Shutter speed range to be as wide as possible. Based on that, you are capable of taking the long-exposure images in the best way possible.

3. Dynamic Range

When processing the images, a better dynamic range can help you out in the best way compared to anything else. The Astro cameras tend to pick up the Tones, which is directly referred to as the Dynamic range.

The Highlights and Shadows capturing is quite suitable for you in terms of Detailed Subtle picture taking when the Dynamic range used to be higher than normal. But, opposite that, when you get unwanted Star trails and muddy photography, it's because the Camera's Dynamic Range is relatively Lower.

In that case, you need to go with the Astrophotography camera that has the capabilities of higher dynamic ranges. Also, it would help if you understood that top-level astrophotography is ideal when you have better color saturation and tone information picking. As a result, the photographs will come out clear, and then the raw images files that you later want to edit will efficiently work with Image editing software like Photoshop, etc.

Several technical terms and conditions are used and considered within the dynamic range, like Data bits; Decoding bit Depth, and many more. All of them have some significant influence on the better picture-taking abilities for Astrophotography. You can easily understand those details later on when you purchase your first Astrophotography camera.

4. Sensor Type for best image quality

As long as you have an excellent level Shutter Speed and ISO range, there are no hurdles developed for you in the Pictures taking of Stars and Moon. However, there are still talks of Sensor types in the market which tend to be enthusiastic about Astrophotography. Regardless of the Sensor type, you need to know that having a DSLR with Full-Frame and better Focal Length will resolve the hassles of the Sensor type.

Within Astrophotography, some sub-categories provide you with better image-taking capabilities and unique and meaningful results. One of those Subcategories is Deep-Sky Imaging, which we have talked about earlier in the above paragraph. In that case, the CCD or CMOS sensor plays an essential role in capturing Galaxies and Clusters of Stars. Furthermore, as we talk about the Long-Exposure Shots in the previous paragraphs, you can expect the job to be done, especially with the help of CMOS sensors and the other types of them.

While the Sensor Type is essential for the Picture taking of Astrophotography, you need to know that it’s costly. However, you will get drastic changes and improvements in the image taking of the stars and Galaxies with the better sensor type of cameras, and the final product will be clearly shown to you.

Despite all these factors, we would encourage you to bear the Cost of Sensors and try to put in the best you can on the front so you can expect better results from the Camera when it comes to Astrophotography.

5. Sensor Size of best camera for astrophotography

Whether you have a Mirrorless or DSLR Camera, the Sensor is essential to power up the product. It would be possible that the Qualities will differ throughout the period when you consider different sensors in the DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. However, despite all of these things, the size of the sensors is another essential factor that you have to consider while purchasing the Astro cameras.

Within the Sensor size, you will get to know about differences in the market, such as Crop and Full-Frame, which are also termed as APS-C. For best Night Photography or Astrophotography, the standard 35mm film or an equivalent to that of a Full-Frame Camera tends to be the best in the business for better quality, brilliant results, and perfectly working properties.

When you have a larger Sensor size in the astrophotography cameras, it brings you a better lighting effect and other essential capabilities. Moreover, you can capture better lighting photos when having a full-frame sensor on board. Apart from that, the depth of the field that is important in nighttime photography is also supportive.

Along with that, the better sizing of the Camera sensor can provide significant other capabilities to you, which is essential in terms of Astrophotography.

6. Megapixel Count

The MegaPixel Count is another essential factor that can help you take more lightning pictures at night. Yes, the Pixel Size or Count plays an essential role in the selection of the Camera. When the Megapixel has a limited or smaller count, it comes with the same support level for you. However, whatever the case, it’s important to have larger pixels in the cameras for better results later on.

Before considering the Focal Length and Aperture in the Camera, the Megapixel count becomes the first and most crucial factor for you to look upon. This important feature helps you to identify the whole scenario of taking Astrophotography with the Camera.

Another essential thing to consider in the better Megapixel count is getting good quality pictures from the camera with more excellent resolution. Later on, when you print them onto the Canvas, the picture quality and size will make the camera look outstanding more than ever, which will be a worthy situation for you.

7. Quality Construction

The quality Construction of the Cameras is an important aspect you need to look for in Astrophotography cameras. Why? Because these are the camera types that you tend to use in the night times. Also, they usually have to face a challenging environment as nighttime tends to be more extreme weather conditions. Therefore, it has to handle all types of weather conditions, including the Dust and rust factors. All these things play an essential role for you to use the camera for more extended periods.

Along with that, it would be possible that you will have to go to the Stranded locations where the view of the Astrophotography tends to come ideally. In those places, the best you can do is to have ultimate camera support. That's where; the quality construction of the camera plays an important role as well. Hence, you will be free from every time of hard situation that usually occurs and makes damages for you.

8. Price of best camera for astrophotography

The price is another critical factor at the time of buying the dedicated Astrophotography Cameras. You would consider DSLR or Mirrorless cameras that provide you with Wide angles and can help as an entry-level user. Sometimes, you would also want the Video capability of the camera to be in the Milky Way. There would be a lot of factors that you would like from the camera.

There is nothing wrong with considering it for the camera. However, initializing the budget for that you want to buy the Camera is essential for you. Remember, as long as you have initiated the budget, the buying procedure will turn out to be as easier as possible for you.

Without that, you will never get the cameras despite having experience with their significant features and capabilities. When you don’t have the money, you can’t make the decisions at all. Therefore, try to keep the budget planning first in place so that everything will be more accessible for you later on.

Conclusion 

It’s possible that we would have missed out on some essential things in the article. However, the ones that play an essential role in selecting a good quality Astrophotography camera are discussed in the article for you. So keep a closer look at every critical point to easily make the buying decisions without any hurdles.

Milky Way

Frequently asked questions

What is the best camera for deep sky astrophotography?

One of the best cameras for deep sky astrophotography and long exposures is Nikon D 850. This full-frame sensor camera enables us to shoot amazing photos of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies thanks to its high ISO and excellent image sensor. Both professional and amateur  astrophotographers use this camera to capture the beauty of the solar system.

What is the difference between a crop sensor and a full-frame sensor?

night in sapce

Crop and full-frame terms are used to represent the sensor size of the camera. The full-frame sensor has the same dimensions. If the film frame size is less than 35mm then it is called a crop sensor. Crop sensor cameras are less expensive than full-frame cameras.

What is the best camera for astrophotography?

According to astrophotography, the best camera for astrophotography is Nikon D850. This camera offers excellent iso ranges, 45.7 megapixel, built-in WiFi, and Bluetooth. Night photographers love this camera as it allows you to record breathtaking videos in 4K UHD. In addition, it comes in beautiful design and easy to carry the body. If you are looking for a camera that is priced right and offers the best features then you should consider buying this camera.

Are mirrorless cameras better for astrophotography?

It depends on personal choice. Mirrorless cameras are lightweight while DSLRs cameras are high-end but heavy cameras. If you want an astrophotography camera that easy to carry then you should buy a mirrorless camera. On the other hand, if you want a professional camera with excellent features and you don't mind the camera being heavy then go for a DSLR camera. In both cases, you would want to educate yourself about the cameras before making the purchase.

What is the best shutter speed for astrophotography?

You would want to go for a camera having a shutter speed of 30 or greater than 30. An astrophotography camera having a shutter speed of less than 30 might not provide the desired results. It would be a better idea to stick to a camera either DSLR or mirrorless having a shutter speed greater than 30.