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Finding the best cameras for astrophotography means capturing some of the most beautiful photographs possible of our night sky. Here at Space.com, we have explored and reviewed a whole host of models and we’ve rounded up the ones that will help you capture the best astrophotography images.
Above each camera’s description, you’ll find which retailers are selling that model and the best prices to help you narrow down your search. We have chosen a range of versatile cameras that will complement all photography styles, but astrophotography is one thing they do exceptionally well.
They have a broad dynamic range, so you shouldn’t have any problems pulling out the brightest and darkest elements in your shot (also handy for landscape and portrait photography), and they all perform well in unfavorable lighting conditions. They also have excellent ISO performance to reduce unwanted noise. Such capabilities also lend themselves to indoor shooting at events such as weddings and concerts. For more of our favorite generalist cameras, head over to our best cameras for photos and videos guide.
Alongside our picks of the best cameras for astrophotography, we have also created a guide to the best lenses for astrophotography. If you’re really looking for ‘wow factor’ results, pairing your astro-friendly camera with one of the best telescopes can take your astrophotography to the next level. Need to work with a tight budget? We think the Canon EOS R is the best budget model in this list.
Best cameras for astrophotography 2023
Best cameras for astrophotography 2023 ranked
One of the top-selling points of the ZWO Optical ASI 533 Pro camera is the ability to produce clean, noise-free images without editing software being imperative. With zero amp glow to remove in post-processing, productivity increases, and you can achieve cleaner and sharper images straight out of the camera.
Monochromatic buffs will be disappointed that the ASI533 is only available in the color version. It has 80% Quantum Efficiency and a high frame rate of 20FPS, enabling improved sensitivity and light detection. A 9MP square sensor feels odd; however, with a 1.0e readout nose and 14-bit ADC, it has an excellent dynamic range and is perfect for high-definition, low-noise imaging.
Comparable to most dedicated astro-cameras, the ZWO Optical ASI 533 needs an external power source to run the cooling system — you’ll need this working if you plan on taking very long exposures.
Our ZWO Optical ASI 533 Pro review identified this camera as an affordable, user-friendly, dedicated astro-imaging camera. We struggled to find any negatives, scoring this camera five out of five stars.
The compact ZWO Optical ASI 183MC Pro is a fantastic dedicated astrophotography camera. We have identified this full-color camera as one of the best at minimizing noise at long exposures, largely thanks to its onboard cooling system.
At only 0.9 lb (410g) and 62mm in diameter, the ASI 183MC is smaller and lighter than other astro-cameras. This doesn’t mean it is inferior; it boasts 20.48MP, 1.6e read noise, and a whopping 84% Quantum Efficiency peak. Its full-color sensor removes the need for additional RGB filters, minimizing the kit required when shooting. It is a serious astrophotography camera, and you’ll need to have experience with dedicated-astro cameras to make the most of it. Read our in-depth ZWO ASI183MC review to see what can be achieved.
The ZWO Optical ASI 183 can shoot an admirable 19FPS at maximum resolution, perfect for solar or lunar images. The frame rate increases dramatically at a lower resolution and can capture hundreds of frames per second!
The ASI 183 requires a laptop and dedicated software — with a USB-A 3.0 port, data is transferred quickly and efficiently. You’ll also need a telescope and a 12V power supply to operate the cooling system.
The Sony A7R IVA is the mildly upgraded counterpart of the two-year-older Sony A7R IV. The new model features a 3-inch LCD screen with an increased resolution of 2.36 million compared to the older model’s 1.44 million dots. With the higher resolution, the battery life is slightly hindered, although we still believe it is excellent, and you would be able to shoot a long session without too much worry. Other differences are cosmetic, such as removing the Sony logo from underneath the LCD screen.
As evidenced in the Sony A7R IV review, this camera has exceptional performance and image quality, and the performance has only been improved with the most recent upgrade to the A7R IVA. That said, with only minor upgrades between the A7R IV and the A7R IVA, we suggest saving yourself a few hundred dollars and keeping what you have if you have the former model.
Incredible detail can be captured in both light and dark areas, perfect for astrophotography, and we think, hard to beat. At a high sensitivity of ISO 6400, images can be used without any visible noise; higher than this and more noise is more apparent — as expected.
Tactile buttons are a welcome addition to the camera, particularly when shooting at night while wearing gloves.
With huge 61-megapixel images come equally huge file sizes, your computer must be capable of storing and processing these images without struggling. At the touch of a button, you can also convert the camera to a 26MP APS-C camera with a 1.5x crop factor, enabling easier storage and faster processing.
The A7R IVA doesn’t have a fully articulating screen; however, it does tilt you can still capture stunning images without bending down.
- We’ve yet to review the Sony A7R IVA but you can read our full Sony A7R IV review in the meantime
The Nikon Z6 II is the upgraded version of the Nikon Z6 and if you are upgrading from a beginner model, recording video, or plan to shoot a range of styles in addition to astrophotography, it is worth considering. If you can spare the extra dollars — as we found in our Nikon Z6 II review, this model benefits from a little more refinement.
The Z6 II has kept the features of its predecessor, with some useful additions. The second memory card storage slot takes the pressure off when shooting (as it acts as a backup). It has a faster burst rate and focussing capability, quicker image processing and 4K video capture at 60FPS.
You have more in-camera control over long exposures thanks to the larger range of shutter speeds. The slowest shutter speed is a whopping 900 seconds (15 minutes). With excellent weather sealing, you could even capture images during heavy rain or dust storms if you wanted to!
The second most affordable way into Canon’s full-frame mirrorless ecosystem and the lightest mirrorless Canon body available, the Canon EOS R8 which we reviewed is a surprising victor in the astrophotography realm handling high ISO noise extremely well.
For photographers that want to buy into Canon’s full-frame mirrorless system without forking out for the most expensive models then the Canon EOS R8 is hard to beat. Due to the fact that it’s a full-frame mirrorless camera the entire field of view (FOV) of the RF-mount lenses are usable, rather than APS-C crop sensor bodies that only use a portion of the glass FOV.
The Canon EOS R8 does lack in-body image stabilization (IBIS) but this shouldn’t affect astrophotographers who should use a tripod at all times when taking long exposures of the night sky. Saving money by purchasing this camera works well when photographers are considering purchasing the best lenses for astrophotography which are generally big, fast lenses like the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM or Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM.
The Nikon D850 can easily compete with high-end mirrorless models, even though it could now be considered a dated DSLR full-frame camera. With reliable and durable weather sealing it is built to last in all environments and weather conditions, perfect for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The five-year-old EXPEED 5 processor impressively gives a remarkable ISO range (up to 102,400) and fast image processing speed.
The D850 is lightweight and strong — built using an aluminum alloy. With backlit buttons it makes shooting in the dark much easier; we discuss this further in our Nikon D850 review. It has an impressive dynamic range and an interval timer for stunning time-lapses.
The continuous burst frame rate seems low at 9FPS; however, remember that each image is a sizeable 45.7MP.
The D850 can create time-lapse videos and records at 4K30P. When shooting videos, the ‘live’ zebra stripes identify potential exposure issues. You can adjust the settings on the spot rather than encountering issues with exposure during post-processing.
An astrophotographer’s dream, the D850 can autofocus down to -4EV with a Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection. With a huge 153 autofocus points, the D850 is perfect for capturing images of stars and other space subjects.
Even at five years old and with two successors, the mirrorless Sony A7 II is still a firm favorite with astrophotographers. Even with a less detailed electronic viewfinder than the newer models, it still offers a useful exposure-ramped view to aid in producing impressive astrophotos.
With a low light autofocus detection of -3EV, it isn’t as sophisticated as other models but still performs well. As discussed in our Sony A7 III review, we were particularly impressed with the high dynamic range — something Sony is well known for and enables you to recover excellent detail from the shadows.
Creating images at a massive ISO 51,200 is seamless with fantastic noise handling and corresponding image results. This can be increased to an eye-watering ISO 204 800 for stills photography. The camera can capture 4K UHD videos at 30FPS.
The Sony A7 III is CIPA-rated well above average for a mirrorless camera of this type and can shoot 710 still shots via the rear LCD monitor on one battery. This camera is slightly more expensive than competitors in its class; however, the A7 III performs well in low light and is adaptable enough to excel in other photography styles.
To date, the Sony A1 Is Sony’s most expensive full-frame mirrorless camera. With a huge 50.1 MP sensor and an incredibly detailed 9.44 million dot electronic viewfinder, it is capable of stunning 8K video. It is ideal for capturing fantastic images and night sky time-lapses. It has an impressive dynamic range, it’s fully weather sealed and has two memory card slots.
You’ll be looking at an RRP price of around $6500 to purchase this camera — a price that is way out of budget for most non-professional photographers, particularly those who are only interested in shooting astrophotography. Even secondhand, this camera is holding its price. It is a brilliant camera; however, its expense is why it’s further down in the ranks in this guide.
If you’re a professional shooting multiple photography styles, this camera will suit you well for astro shooting alongside other subjects. The 50.1 MP sensor may ring some alarm bells for professionals, as typically higher resolution sensors produce more image noise. Like other Sony cameras, this camera is so good in low light that noise isn’t a problem, especially if you have taken enough calibration frames. In our Sony A1 review, we were very impressed with the astro shots it produced using the interval shooting feature.
Unfortunately, the screen doesn’t fully articulate and is tilted only. For this price bracket, we would expect it to have a fully articulating screen to enable shooting skyward simpler. We don’t feel this is a deal breaker when purchasing this exceptional camera though.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is one of the best DSLR Canon cameras for astrophotography. It is perfect for beginners as it is affordable, but is suitable for those wanting to dip their toes into astrophotography. It lacks some of the more contemporary features in mirrorless cameras; however, this full-frame choice is fantastic value for money.
In timelapse mode, this camera can shoot in 4K and is ideal for capturing detailed timelapses of the night sky especially when combined with a star tracker. Our Canon EOS 6D Mark II review identified that it is best to avoid this model if you’re shooting fast action in low light; however, this is not an issue for astrophotography. Image composition is easy with a fully articulating touchscreen display, this is advantageous when shooting skyward.
When capturing regular video footage, this camera does so at full HD 1080p and 60FPS, giving smooth results, but not 4K. The EOS 6D Mark II has a fairly small dynamic range; however, when used alongside enough calibration slides and after picture processing, it can be forgiven.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II only has a single SD card slot, this may panic those of us who enjoy longer shooting sessions or the safety net of a second SD card. With 102,400 expandable ISO and 26.2MP stills capture, this alleviates the pressure knowing results will be clear and crisp every time.
The Fujifilm X-T5 is the younger model of the (still excellent) Fujifilm X-T4, and even with the addition of several upgrades, the price point is similar.
Continuing with a stylish timeless design — the Fuji X-T5 has functional on-body dials. As we found in our Fujifilm X-T5 review these dials take some practice but once you’ve got the hang of them, some find them easier to use in the dark than navigating menus. Superseding the X-T4’s 26.1MP with a 40.21 MP CMOS sensor, the X-T5 also has twice the processing speed of its predecessor and greater picture quality.
With an NP-W235 battery, the X-T5 has a CIPA rating of Around 600 shots per charge in everyday performance mode, this can be increased to about 740 shots in economy mode. The battery life is impressive however the extended exposures required to capture the night sky do take their toll on the battery — expect somewhat fewer snaps in reality.
This camera has two SD memory card slots, allowing you to simultaneously shoot JPGs and RAW files, use as a backup card, or simply have double the amount of storage capacity.
This camera is versatile and can be used for other photography styles. With exceptional low-light performance, a high-speed processing engine, and seven stops of in-body image stabilization this camera is an excellent choice for both action and sports photography. It is also a top pick for timelapse photography. You may want to check out our alternative options for this capture style in our best cameras for timelapse videos article.
At four years old, Canon’s first-ever full-frame mirrorless RF system camera is still a firm favorite with astrophotographers.
As discussed in our Canon EOS R review, this camera isn’t designed for robustness or even sleekness in its design. In comparison with the Nikon Z6, it feels fragile. The layout of the buttons could be more intuitive, but you will soon learn the positions with time.
In terms of functionality, mainly when shooting in low light, the performance of the Canon EOS R is above average. With exceptional long-exposure shooting, the camera is perfect for astrophotography. With rapid processing and limited buffer lag, images are processed and stored quickly — perfect for action, sports, or burst-shooting special moments.
With an impressive, large vari-angle touchscreen display, users can set the focus with the touch of a finger — ideal for beginners transitioning up from their smartphones.
The Sony A660 is a mirrorless camera with as many pixels as a full-frame camera. Sony is well known for producing cameras with excellent ISO performance and this camera is no exception, making it a top choice for astrophotographers or photographers who regularly shoot in low light.
The build quality is excellent and the camera feels rugged and robust, but as mentioned in our Sony A6600 review, it is still compact and lightweight. With nicely pronounced buttons, they are easily accessible whilst wearing gloves and in low-light environments. Backlit buttons would be ideal for future models.
The sensor in the A6600 is the same as its predecessor (the Sony A6500) but its battery has had an upgrade. It is the first APS-C camera from Sony to use the high-performance Z-battery, boasting more than double the capacity of the preceding FW50 battery.
With a tilting screen, composing shots at awkward angles can be tricky compared to a fully articulating one. Aside from astro-friendly features, with fast and highly accurate real-time tracking, the Sony A6600 is also ideal for sports and action photography.
Nikon’s mirrorless Z6 has been superseded by the Nikon Z6 II (featured further up in this guide) and the more recent Z7. Though the specs of the newer additions to the Z family read better, for our money, we think the Z6 is the best model for astrophotography. With a lower resolution, the full-frame sensor in the Z6 produces less noise and has a quicker processing time. Furthermore, the Z6 is much cheaper than its newer alternatives.
With 3.69 million dots, the electronic viewfinder displays detailed and true-to-color images. Though the Z-mount lens range is expanding, it is less established than other models we have discussed. That said, using an FTZ adapter, you can use any of the lenses from Nikon’s huge F-mount lens library.
Our Nikon Z6 review found we could shoot up to ISO 12,800 with very little visible noise in the image. Perfect for evening landscapes, darkened objects, or astrophotography. The image quality only degrades slightly on the maximum and expanded settings.
Best cameras for astrophotography: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera for astrophotography?
The ZWO Optical ASI533 Pro is the best dedicated astrophotography camera and the Sony A7R IVA (astronomy version of the Sony A7R IV) is the best mirrorless astrophotography camera because of their unique ability to capture detailed night sky images with minimal image noise.
How much should I spend on an astrophotography camera?
Anywhere from $550 to $3000 depending on the model and type of camera. Dedicated astro cameras are generally cheaper than mirrorless or DSLR models and perform excellently in astrophotography conditions but are otherwise not usable for generalist photography. Mirrorless and DSLR cameras on the other hand can be used for all kinds of photos including portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, sports and more.
Which is best for astro crop sensor or full-frame?
Which is better for astrophotography APS-C or 35mm image sensors?
Full-frame cameras are generally best for astrophotography because they suffer less from high ISO image noise and have the ability to capture a wider dynamic range. However, there are many APS-C models that perform excellently in astrophotography, as can be seen in our guide.
What’s the difference between crop sensor and full-frame?
Full-frame cameras have an image sensor that matches the size of 35mm analog film. APS-C cameras have cropped image sensors that are smaller. Full-frame image sensors are generally around 1.5x bigger than APS-C crop sensors.
A bigger image sensor means more photosites (pixels) can be put on a sensor. However, the additional benefit is that if it uses the same amount of photosites as a crop sensor there is more space on the sensor for larger photosites and more sophisticated connections that help reduce image noise. Image noise is prevalent in astrophotography because of the higher ISO sensitivities (higher sensitivity to light) required when imaging dark skies.
What is the best budget camera for astrophotography?
What’s the best camera for astrophotography beginners?
The ZWO Optical ASI183MC Pro is the best budget dedicated astro camera in our round-up but it is limited to pure astrophotography and in monochromatic (not color).
The best budget mirrorless camera for astrophotography is the Canon EOS R which is the cheapest mirrorless model in our guide but still performs impressively in low light. This camera probably suits beginner astrophotographers better if they are interested in generalist daytime photography as well.
What features should I look for in an astrophotography camera?
Image clarity is critical, and you’ll find that larger sensors with fewer pixels can capture astro shots with minimal image noise. By negating the effects of image noise, we’re able to process imagery more efficiently with better-detailed results.
While not particularly useful for astrophotography, autofocus may still be helpful for those who want to combine night-time shooting with near-twilight landscapes that show the brightest stars, planets, and satellites hanging above a beautiful foreground. A low EV rating on the autofocus ability is crucial for sharp shots in the dark.
Cameras with illuminated buttons will help preserve night vision, especially when combined with a red light headlamp.
What are dedicated astro cameras?
Specialist astrophotography cameras are geared toward photographing the night sky. Long exposures keep circuitry running for long periods and electronic components can heat up during this time, which results in thermal-induced image noise. Since astro cameras have a predisposition to heat up during long exposure shots many models have built-in cooling fans and specific design features to keep the performance of the image capture high; it will likely be larger and heavier and a little noisier as the fans whir while operating.
What lenses should I buy for astrophotography?
Photographers must consider lens choice when choosing a camera for astrophotography. While most major manufacturers have excellent ranges of top-quality glass, not all camera models can accept the full range of lenses due to differences in mount types. Ideally, fast lenses with wide apertures and excellent optical sharpness and clarity are what to look for when shooting astrophotography, take a look at our guide to the best lenses in astrophotography. Pair this with a camera body that handles high ISO and image noise well, and you should be ready to go.
Do I need a filter for my astrophotography camera?
The best light pollution filters for astrophotography are especially important if you’re shooting in an area prone to skyglow. Want to check if you need a light pollution filter? Check out How dark is your night sky? An observer’s guide.
What else will I need to photograph the stars?
A tripod is a must for mirrorless and DSLR cameras and a star tracker will move the camera with the earth’s rotation when taking long exposures using a telephoto zoom lens. Plus, there are many additional camera accessories that will aid night sky photography, with a headlamp that doesn’t disturb night vision being one of the most important.
Dedicated astro cameras will need to be connected to a telescope and will typically sit where the telescope eyepiece normally fits. They may also require a power bank or other external power source to take images.
Should I remove the infrared filter on my camera?
Yes, you can but astrophotographers must be mindful of the noise-handling abilities of each system, as this is an issue often encountered by night and low-light photographers. Be sure to assess the camera’s capacity to block out infrared light before taking a camera apart since this is necessary to capture cosmic objects.
If necessary, a professional can remove the infrared filter after purchase. This is the method we would choose if you are not confident with DIY camera fixes or engineering as it can void warranties.
How do I find the best prices on astrophotography cameras?
The prices in this guide to the best cameras for astrophotography are always up-to-date and reflect the best prices found on the internet. However, we’ve also sourced all the best camera deals: discounts on cameras in one place.
But, if you simply need one of the best mirrorless cameras or best DSLR cameras, we’ve got that covered too.
How we test the best cameras for astrophotography
To guarantee you’re getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each camera is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each camera is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each camera and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a sleek little crop-sensor DSLR wouldn’t be appropriate, though each camera might be the best-performing product in its own class.
We look at how easy each camera is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date imaging technology, whether the cameras can shoot high-quality stills photos and high-resolution video and also make suggestions if a particular camera would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
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When [Gary Preston] wanted to control his telescope and astrophotography hardware, he took the second path in a big way. Over the course of several posts on his blog, [Gary] walks us though the creation of his open source Raspberry Pi add-on board that controls a laundry list of sensors and optical gear. Just don’t call it a HAT, while it may look the part, [Gary] is very specific that it does not officially meet the HAT specifications put out by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
