Want to shoot the stars, galaxies and the night sky? Great! You’ll need the best DSLR camera for night sky photography. But there are so many choices: Which camera should you go for? Here is everything you need to know about choosing a video camera for astrophotography, music videos and more. For some of my videos, I even used a cheap mirrorless camera. Here is a list of the most popular astrophotography cameras ranked from best!

If you’re looking for the best camera for astrophotography, there are many options and important things to take into consideration. You will want to choose a camera that’s fast, with good low-light performance, that’s weather proof, and with interchangeable lenses.

Hi, I’m a amateur photographer and handle the camera half of the time. We are producing a weekly video show on star and night sky images and we have our own photography website and need to get a good video camera that is best for Astro Photography

If you’re into astrophotography, star trail photography, or just want to capture the beauty of a clear night sky and stars (moon included), a camera capable of producing a clean image at high ISO is important. Luckily, technology has advanced to allow newer cameras like mirrorless cameras to produce images that rival low-noise films from the past.

Best Dslr Camera For Astrophotography

Let’s start with the basics. Not everyone knows what is a astrophotography and what is it used for. Astrophotography is simply the genre of photography that involves celestial bodies or phenomena. There are probably many reasons to why you would like to learn such a thing: You might have seen awesome images of night skies on the internet and wondered how they could be achieved, you may have discovered that most photographs people share on social media look like they were taken from outer space (and later found out that there are tools that can be used for the creation of that effect), or maybe there are other reasons… In any case, this is your opportunity to know more about this specific subject, so let’s get started!

When it comes to astro, the debate over DSLR vs mirrorless is a fierce one. We break down the pros and cons to help you decide what’s better for you.

best mirrorless camera for astrophotography
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Best Mirrorless Camera For Astrophotography

DSLR vs Mirrorless cameras for Astrophotography

When it comes to astro, the debate over DSLR vs mirrorless is a fierce one. We break down the pros and cons to help you decide what’s better for you.

DSLR vs mirrorless for astrophotography - a man takes a photo of the night sky

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The DSLR – digital single reflex camera – was king until mirrorless digital cameras first began to appear in the late 2000s. Mirrorless models immediately shook up the scene, and while professional photographers continued to lean towards the familiarity of the DSLR, many casual and hobbyist users began to opt for the smaller, lightweight mirrorless models. It was the beginning of the DSLR vs mirrorless debate – could a mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera really produce the same quality of images as a DSLR?

Over the years the technology has evolved, and investment in mirrorless cameras has grown. The line between the two has blurred, and many pros can be seen opting for mirrorless equipment especially as companies like Canon, Nikon and Sony have produced pro-level mirrorless bodies and exceptional lenses to attach to them. As mirrorless options have become more widespread, they’ve become the target of the most up-to-date technology, while DLSR units – although still trustworthy and high-performing – are sporadically updated, with the release of new models now rare.

Either makes a great choice for astrophotography, but there are some differences that you should be aware of, which is where this article comes in. We also have a beginner’s guide to astrophotography, for anyone looking for pointers on settings and location choice. And if you’re wondering, we also break down the best cameras for astrophotography, which includes a mixture of mirrorless and DSLR models. Sponsored Links Become a More Efficient Writer With This App Grammarly Install Now

What’s the difference between DSLR and mirrorless?

There’s a fundamental difference between the two types of camera, and it comes down to the path the light takes from the back of the lens to the sensor. DSLRs use the technology of old film cameras, where the light enters through the lens and hits an angled mirror, before being reflected up and bounced around in a prism into the optical viewfinder. This is how the photographer sees directly down the lens. When you press the shutter button, the mirror lifts to unveil the image sensor. Part of the ‘click’ you hear is the mirror moving out of the way, ready for the image being projected onto the sensor to be captured as the mechanical shutter opens.RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU…Click here for more Space.com videos…CLOSEhttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.501.0_en.html#goog_1485437670 seconds of 1 minute, 11 secondsVolume 0% PLAY SOUNDThis video file cannot be played.(Error Code: 232011)

Mirrorless cameras, as you might expect, don’t have this function. Instead, the light enters through the lens and is projected straight onto the naked sensor, which sends it live to the viewfinder, which is a screen, or to the screen on the back of the camera. There’s still a mechanical shutter in some models, but others make a noise through a small speaker to let you know an image has been taken.

Some cameras, like the Canon EOS Ra and Nikon D810A are made for astrophotography, with specially designed filters over the sensor to better capture the wavelengths of light that come from space.

Our picks of the Best mirrorless cameras
Our picks of the Best DSLR camera

The size and weight difference between DSLR and mirrorless

DSLRs are often branded as the heavier option – while mirrorless cameras have a reputation for being a smaller, lightweight alternative. Put them side by side and this certainly can be the case – digital SLRs are larger than film cameras used to be, and suited to professionals who lug around heavy gear as standard. Mirrorless cameras appeal to beginners and intermediate users, who don’t care for the hassle that comes with heavy equipment.

This is changing, however. Mirrorless cameras now appeal to customers at all levels of expertise, meaning some high-end options – such as the Panasonic Lumix S1 – are just as large and heavy as their DSLR counterparts. One of the reasons for this is that larger sensor sizes have grown in popularity, with full-frame units (those with a sensor the same size as a frame of 35mm film) leading the market. The matching lenses also tend to be bulkier. Smaller, lighter weight cameras, such as Olympus or Fujifilm models, are a good option if size and weight are a priority.

Lens options and availability

DSLR brands such as Canon, Nikon and Pentax offer everything from telephoto 800mm and 600mm to wide-angle 12mm to 24mm lenses, with third-party manufacturers – such as Sigma, Tokina and Tamron – making lens options more affordable. Popular mirrorless lens needs are covered well too – with only the rarer lens requests being harder to source. The mirrorless market is growing constantly, so if there is a lens missing for your chosen brand, it likely won’t be long until the gap is filled. You can also often use DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras by investing in an adaptor.

If you want to use your camera in conjunction with one of the best telescopes, then you’re in luck, as either kind can be attached with the help of adapters.

Battery life

Rigorous testing shows DSLRs offer better battery life, sometimes allowing up to double the number of shots in one charge. This is simply because DSLR batteries are often bigger, holding more power, and the electronic viewfinders and increased screen use on the mirrorless cameras drain the battery quicker. If your heart is set on mirrorless, and you are likely to use your camera for long periods each day, the easiest solution is to carry a second battery, either in your pocket or in a special battery grip – or invest in a battery pack and charge your camera over USB – many mirrorless cameras offer this option, but it’s rare in DSLRs.

Speed shooting

The professional favorite DSLR, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III, shoots at 16 frames per second (fps), flipping its mirror out of the way every time. This is boosted to 20fps if you lock the mirror up and use an electronic shutter. Meanwhile, current top-level mirrorless cameras shoot at 20fps, or even 30fps, as standard. Some mirrorless models claim a 60fps speed using an electronic shutter, however these set the focus at the first shot and can cause banding to appear on the image. Nikon’s remarkable Z9 offers 120fps, if you don’t mind a stream of 11MP JPEGs.Advertisemen

Autofocus and video

DSLRs have long been the go-to for precision and autofocus quality, but mirrorless technology is beginning to beat them at their own game. Mirrorless cameras tend to offer more focus points than a DLSR, and usually with points positioned closer to the edge of the frame – a particularly valuable feature when photographing in low light, people or wildlife. The silent shooting ability is handy, too, though watch out for the ‘rolling shutter’ effect that can make moving objects in the shot look very strange.

For many years, Canon has led the way in video making with DSLRs, with the 5D series being a particular full-frame favorite with professionals, and its crop-frame models being popular with vloggers and YouTubers. While 4K video is now the norm on high-end DSLRs, the quality of video is rapidly increasing on their mirrorless counterparts – with some newer models offering 6K or 8K, a rate DSLRs simply can’t match. In addition, mirrorless technology offers a trustworthy live autofocus, making filming much more user-friendly for the user. Some mirrorless cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5c and Sony A7Siii, are oriented more toward video work than stills photography.

Other important features

When it comes to the basic functions, DSLRs and mirrorless are neck-and-neck. The image stabilization function on DSLR lenses is matched on mirrorless bodies by an in-body image stabilization system (IBIS) that moves the sensor to compensate for camera movement – and some mirrorless lenses have stabilization too, which works with IBIS for a stronger effect. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras both allow the user to photograph in either JPEG or RAW formats and retain complete manual control over exposure settings, or go into full automatic and let the camera decide.

With fast continuous shooting, up to 8K video frame rates, high ISO and a live monitor with the possibility of overlaying histograms and gridlines on top of any video or image – mirrorless processing certainly trumps the DSLR. That said, the experience and trustworthiness of long-standing camera technology can’t be substituted, and the DSLR has the advantage of a longer battery life coupled with tried and tested quality.

Best cameras for astrophotography 2023

Capture incredible images of the cosmos with some of the best cameras for astrophotography

Best cameras for astrophotography: Image shows Milky Way behind durdle door in Dorset

(Image credit: Getty Images)Jump to:

Best for all-round performance day or night
Best for wide field astrophotography
Best for low noise astro shots
Best all-rounder for mirrorless
Best budget astro camera
Best for portability and detailed images
Best for low image noise in a CCD
Best for zero amp glow images
Conclusion

If you’re in the market for one of the best cameras for astrophotography then look no further than our round-up. Here we’ve brought together the pinnacle of digital imaging tech to help photographers capture the universe in ever-clearer ways. However, a camera’s only as good as the glass that’s in front of it, so check out our roundup on the best lenses for astrophotography for a decent pairing. Also, our guide on the best zoom lenses highlights some of the best options on the market for those that need a little extra leeway when it comes to composition.

DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have long been known for their night sky shooting prowess. Low image noise and high ISO capabilities, plus their flexibility for regular day-time shooting make them ideal devices for many users. However, there’s also astro-specific cameras that regular photographers often overlook. These are specialized devices that mount to telescopes for incredibly clear astrophotographs that can easily surpass DSLR or mirrorless cameras, but are actually not suitable for regular photography.

There are a few more things to consider before jumping into a camera system and that’s how well that system handles image noise (ever-present in night time photography), blocks infrared light (limiting deep-sky photography), and the size (for portability).

Price isn’t everything and there are some cameras that cost far less but give superior image quality. However, there’s always a trade-off, whether it’s shooting flexibility, lens mount, or budget we’ve got something for everyone. Of course, you won’t be able to capture the stars without a tripod too, so be sure to check out our guide to the best tripods for astrophotography as well.

NIKON D850: BEST FOR ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE DAY OR NIGH

Nikon D850

A workhorse and detail-oriented powerhouse, this 45.4MP DSLR is possibly one of the best cameras for astro full stop

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: DSLRSensor: 45.4MP, Full-frame 35mmLens mount: F-mountISO range: 64-25600 (102400 expandable)Viewfinder size/resolution: Optical, 0.75x magVideo capability: 4K UHD 30FPSWeight: 915gSize: 146 x 124 x 78.5 mmMemory card type: 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC and UHS-II, 1x XQD/CF ExpressTODAY’S BEST DEA

REASONS TO BUY

+Huge stills resolution for extra detail +Native compatibility with F-mount lens range +Reliable and durable weather sealing

REASONS TO AVOID

-Bigger and bulkier than mirrorless -Low ISO range -Optical viewfinder

The Nikon D850 DSLR is one heck of a powerhouse. The D850 can capture incredibly high resolution stills images with insane detail and still manages to keep noise relatively low. Though released in 2017, this old dog already knows the newest of tricks thanks to its near-future-proofed 4K UHD 30FPS video shooting ability.

It has an optical viewfinder like all DSLRs, which makes it a little more difficult to compose and focus for night sky imaging, but the rear tilting touchscreen more than makes up for this. It has two card slots for SD and XQD/CF Express cards to make sure it can record all that fabulous detail quickly. It is considerably more heavy, bigger and bulkier than astro-specific cameras, or mirrorless competition, but thanks to its rugged construction and excellent weather sealing it will last for many years to come. Full button illumination (also seen on the then flagship D5) means it’s easy to operate in the dark without the need for a headlamp. And thanks to its expandable ISO sensitivity range of 102400 it can practically see in the dark, though image quality will be drastically reduced at this level.

Read our Nikon D850 review

CANON EOS RA: BEST FOR WIDE FIELD ASTROPHOTOGRAPH

Canon EOS Ra

Brilliant astro-dedicated mirrorless camera with all the power of the EOS R but none of the drawbacks

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: MirrorlessSensor: 30.3MP, Full-frame 35mmLens mount: RFISO range: 100-40000 (102400 expanded)Viewfinder size/resolution: 0.5-inch, 3.69 million dotsVideo capability: 4K UHD 30FPSWeight: 580gSize: 135.8 x 98.3 x 84.4mmMemory card type: SD/SDHC/SDXC and UHS-IITODAY’S BEST DEALSCHECK AMAZON

REASONS TO BUY

+Large image sensor +Wide ISO sensitivity range +- 6 EV Autofocus

REASONS TO AVOID

-Only 30.3MP -Single SD card slot -No Autofocus joystick

Specifically designed as an astrophotography mirrorless camera, the Ra is based on the slightly older EOS R but has improved functionality for night-time astro shooting. An autofocus range that goes down to -6 EV means it can get sharp shots without the need for manual focusing in some situations. At 30.3MP it’s one of the higher resolution cameras in this list. That means bigger print quality images but comes at the cost of image noise. Thankfully, the resolution isn’t that high for a full-frame 35mm mirrorless camera, so the image noise is still kept to a minimum.

Relatively lightweight and compact, the Canon EOS Ra only has one SD card slot which may prove frustrating for some that like to backup to two cards. Its EVF however is high resolution and gives an impressive view of the night sky when in use. It can also record 4K Ultra High Definition videos at 30FPS for detailed movie footage. Ideal for celestial objects, this camera has an infrared cutoff filter that sits in front of the image sensor for greater sensitivity to hydrogen-alpha light, so that means stars as well as nebulae are easier to capture.

The only drawback? Canon has recently announced that it’s ceasing production on this model, so it might be hard to get your hands on.

Read our Canon EOS Ra review

SONY A7 III: BEST FOR LOW NOISE ASTRO SHOT

Sony A7 III

A low light beast, this camera set a precedent for mirrorless cameras which carries it through to today as one of the best astro cameras

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: MirrorlessSensor: 24.2MP, Full-frame 35mmLens mount: E-mountISO range: 50-51200 (204800 for stills)Viewfinder size/resolution: 0.5-inch, 2.35 million dotsVideo capability: 4K UHD 30fpsWeight: 650gSize: 126.9mm x 95.6mm x 73.7mmMemory card type: 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I/II compliant) 1x Multi slot for Memory: Stick Duo/SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compliant)TODAY’S BEST DEAL

VIEW AT AMAZONView at AmazonView at AmazonSee all prices (8 fund)

REASONS TO BUY

+Incredible low light video performance+Good battery life+93% AF point coverage

REASONS TO AVOID

-Certainly a more expensive option-Low stills resolution compared to competition-New version now available

A favorite among astrophotographers that like to shoot mirrorless, the Sony A7 III is one of the brightest stars of the astro camera world (pardon the pun). Though its EVF isn’t as detailed as others on this list it still provides a helpful exposure-ramped view when composing astrophotographs. If you need to nail focus when shooting in low light then the A7 III does a great job because the autofocus detection range goes as low as -3EV.

It has great image noise handling and gives good results even when ramped up to ISO 51200. For those not too worried about video (though it can capture 4K UHD at 30FPS) ISO can jump higher, expanding to an insane 204800 for stills photography. Shooting all night often takes a real drain on the battery, especially when it has to power both an EVF and a back screen, but this camera can shoot 710 still shots via the rear LCD monitor and is CIPA-rated well above average for a mirrorless of this type. It is a little more expensive than others in its class but if you’re after a real low light performer that can also shoot well in other areas then the A7 III might be the one for you.

Read our Sony A7 III review

NIKON Z6: BEST ALL-ROUNDER FOR MIRRORLES

Nikon Z6

Better than its bigger, more expensive brother, this camera was ahead of the curve when it comes to high-end features and clear night-time shots

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: MirrorlessSensor: 24.5MP, Full-frame 35mmLens mount: Z-mountISO range: 100-51200 (204800 expandable)Viewfinder size/resolution: : 0.5-inch, 3.69 million dotsVideo capability: 4K UHD 30fpsWeight: 705gSize: 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mmMemory card type: 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC and UHS-II, 1x XQD/CF ExpressTODAY’S BEST DEALSVIEW AT AMAZONView at AmazonView at AmazonSee all prices (11 found)

REASONS TO BUY

+Low image noise +Superb electronic viewfinder +Great low light Autofocus

REASONS TO AVOID

-Stills resolution not the highest -Limited lens range -Superseded by Z6 II

Though superseded a while ago by the superior Nikon Z6 II, the Z6 – one half of the first two mirrorless cameras Nikon ever produced, is still one heck of a camera and brilliant in low light. For our money, we think the Z6 is actually better for astrophotographers than its big brother the Z7 due to the lower resolution. A lower resolution on the same full-frame camera means there’s less image noise to detract from the final shot – something that plagues astrophotographs the world over.

It has a wonderfully realistic, clear Electronic Viewfinder with more than a million more dots than the Sony A7 III which makes it even better for composing and shooting the night sky. Though the Z-mount lens range is expanding, it’s still not as established as other models in this roundup. However, there’s an FTZ adapter which converts it for F-mount lens use which opens up the whole back catalogue of Nikon-fit lenses from the past several decades. It’s a little heavier than other mirrorless cameras too, but nothing you’ll notice if you’re already used to carrying around a telescope.

Read our Nikon Z6 review

CANON EOS 6D MK2: BEST BUDGET ASTRO CAMER

Canon EOS 6D Mk2

A helpful vari-angle touch screen screen and 4K timelapse feature makes it easy to compose in even the darkest skies

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: DSLRSensor: 26.2MP, Full-frame 35mmLens mount: EF-mountISO range: 100-40000 (102400 expandable)Viewfinder size/resolution: Optical, 0.71x magVideo capability: 1920 x 1080, 60fpsWeight: 765gSize: 144.0 x 110.5 x 74.8 mmMemory card type: SD, SDHC or SDXC (UHS-I) cardTODAY’S BEST DEALS

REASONS TO BUY

+4K timelapse feature +Handy vari-angle touchscreen display +A lot of camera for the money

REASONS TO AVOID

-No 4K video recording -Only one SD memory card slot -Low dynamic range a shame

What this DSLR lacks in modern features it makes up for in affordability. For those on a budget or wishing to dip their toes into astrophotography without breaking the bank, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a brilliant full-frame option. Its useful vari-angle touchscreen display makes it easy to compose the scene even if the camera is pointing directly up at the sky. A detailed 4K timelapse feature records maximum detail during longer shoots whether you’re shooting with a slider, or star tracker.

Unfortunately, it only captures full-HD 1080p video footage, but it records this at 60FPS for smooth results. Its dynamic range also leaves something to be desired, but if combined with plenty of calibration frames then this shouldn’t make much of a difference once images have been processed. A single SD card slot might have nervous shooters biting their nails during longer sessions, but it’s 102400 expandable ISO and 26.2MP stills capture means results will be clear and crisp every time.

ZWO OPTICAL ASI183MC: BEST FOR PORTABILITY AND DETAILED IMAGE

ZWO Optical ASI183MC

High resolution stills with an astounding frame rate, this dedicated colorr astro cam is also one of the lightest

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Color CMOS astronomy cameraSensor: 20.1MP, 1-inchLens mount: Scope mountedISO range: N/AVideo capability: 5496 x 3672, 19 FPSWeight: 140gSize: 62mm diameterMemory card type: N/ATODAY’S BEST DEAL

REASONS TO BUY

+Electronic shutter minimises camera movement +19FPS perfect for solar/lunar photography +USB 3.0 output

REASONS TO AVOID

-Scope mounted only -Requires dedicated software to run -Images at 12 bit depth maximum

One of the best dedicated astrophotography cameras out there, the ZWO Optical ASI183MC is the color (but uncooled) version of the ZWO Optical ASI183. That means you won’t need to bring a stack of RGB filters with you when heading out to shoot. It’s also much smaller and lighter than other astro cams because there’s no dedicated cooling paraphernalia. However, that does mean noise may be a little more of a problem since the chip isn’t as cool. Still, at 1.6e read noise it’s not a camera to be sniffed at.

An excellent 84% Quantum Efficiency peak makes this camera one of the better, more efficient options when it comes to astrophotography. A high pixel count at approximately 20.48MP and a maximum frame rate of 19FPS at full resolution makes the ZWO Optical ASI183MC ideal for solar or lunar photography. Reduce the resolution further and you could capture hundreds of frames a second if needed. One downside, as with all dedicated astro cams, is that you’ll need to plug it into a computer with dedicated software to run it. Though, a fast USB3.0 port means a healthy data transfer for the higher frame rate captures.

QHY 8L COOLED CCD CAMERA: BEST FOR LOW IMAGE NOISE IN A CC

QHY 8L cooled CCD camera

This two-stage cooled camera is perfect for clear night sky images, devoid of noise, but only shoots 6MP stills

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Color CCD astronomy cameraSensor: 6MP, APS-CLens mount: Scope mountedISO range: N/AViewfinder size/resolution: N/AVideo capability: N/AWeight: 400gSize: 63mm diameterMemory card type: N/ATODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE

REASONS TO BUY

+Built-in cooling for better thermal dissipation +Low image noise +Color sensor negates need for RGB filters

REASONS TO AVOID

-Requires separate power source -Low resolution images -Heavy for its size

Coming in at a price comparable to many DSLRs, the QHY 8L cooled CCD camera is a one shot color CCD camera worthy of being your next astrophotography camera. It comes with two stage TEC cooling with construction designed to wick away heat quickly. This keeps the massive APS-C Sony ICX413AQ Super HAD CCD sensor below 40 degrees Celsius to minimise dark image noise.

Narrow and lightweight, this dedicated astro camera is extremely portable, even with its on-board cooling system. However, the 6MP stills leave a lot to be desired, especially when compared with modern competition from DSLRs and mirrorless cameras that are punching up at 50MP. The overall build is good though, with a matte finish to avoid glare and flare when used in Hyperstar systems, and it has a cable clip to ensure a strong connection at all times, without pulling at the connection port.

ZWO OPTICAL ASI533 PRO: BEST FOR ZERO AMP GLOW IMAGE

ZWO Optical ASI533 Pro

This camera’s design and build is very specifically geared towards clean astro shooting, as complemented by its zero amp glow

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Color CMOS astronomy cameraSensor: 9MP, 1-inchLens mount: Scope mountedISO range: N/AViewfinder size/resolution: N/AVideo capability: 3008 x 3008, 20FPSWeight: 800gSize: 78mmMemory card type: N/ATODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE

REASONS TO BUY

+Zero amp glow +80% quantum efficiency +High 20FPS frame rate

REASONS TO AVOID

-No mono version -Square CMOS sensor unusual for some

Probably the biggest selling point of the ZWO Optical ASI 533 Pro is the fact it has zero amp glow. While amp glow can be taken out in post-processing software (depending on how bad it is) it’s extra time spent developing an image when you could just be getting it right at the source. By not requiring extra processing you’re also keeping a cleaner, more efficient resulting image.

This camera only comes in a color version, so monochromatic enthusiasts should put their RGB filters back in their pockets. It has a good 80% Quantum Efficiency and a high 20FPS frame rate for those needing to shoot fast. As with almost all dedicated astro cameras the ZWO Optical ASI 533 Pro will need an external power supply to run. A 9MP square sensor might seem a little unusual to some photographers but it has 1.0e read noise and comes equipped with a 14 bit ADC for good dynamic range.

CONCLUSION

There are a few key factors that come into play when choosing the best camera for astrophotography. Budget is obviously important, with new users who want to dabble perhaps setting aside a little less than more seasoned photographers that want the very best images. However, image clarity is also key, and you’ll find that larger sensors with fewer pixels are able to capture astro shots with minimal image noise. By negating the effects of image noise we’re able to process imagery more efficiently with more detailed results.

Autofocus, while not that useful for astrophotography, may still be helpful for those that want to combine night-time shooting with near-twilight landscapes that show the brightest stars, planets, and satellites hanging above a beautiful foreground. So a low EV rating on the autofocus ability is crucial for sharp shots in the dark. Fiddling around with a dim-lit red head torch can make life a little frustrating at times so take into account whether you need backlit illuminated buttons to help guide camera setup.

Dedicated astro cameras tend to heat up easily during longer exposures. If this is likely to become a problem then look for a camera that has its own in-built cooling to keep the device performing well during long shoots. Beware that this often incurs additional cost, and devices are usually bigger and bulkier because of additional fans (which are also a little noisy depending on the model you opt for).

When not mounting onto a telescope 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 astrophotographs so pair this with a camera body that handles high ISO and image noise well and you should be goo

Best cameras for astrophotography 2022

By Jason Parnell-Brookes published November 25, 2021

Capture incredible images of the cosmos with some of the best cameras for astrophotography

(Image credit: Getty Images)Jump to:

Best for all-round performance day or night
Best for wide field astrophotography
Best for low noise astro shots
Best all-rounder for mirrorless
Best budget astro camera
Best for portability and detailed images
Best for low image noise in a CCD
Best for zero amp glow images
Conclusion

NIKON D850: BEST FOR ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE DAY OR NIGH

Nikon D850

A workhorse and detail-oriented powerhouse, this 45.4MP DSLR is possibly one of the best cameras for astro full stop

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

+Huge stills resolution for extra detail +Native compatibility with F-mount lens range +Reliable and durable weather sealing

REASONS TO AVOID

-Bigger and bulkier than mirrorless -Low ISO range -Optical viewfinder

Read our Nikon D850 review

CANON EOS RA: BEST FOR WIDE FIELD ASTROPHOTOGRAPH

Canon EOS Ra

Brilliant astro-dedicated mirrorless camera with all the power of the EOS R but none of the drawbacks

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

+Large image sensor +Wide ISO sensitivity range +- 6 EV Autofocus

REASONS TO AVOID

-Only 30.3MP -Single SD card slot -No Autofocus joystick

The only drawback? Canon has recently announced that it’s ceasing production on this model, so it might be hard to get your hands on.

Read our Canon EOS Ra review

SONY A7 III: BEST FOR LOW NOISE ASTRO SHOT

Sony A7 III

A low light beast, this camera set a precedent for mirrorless cameras which carries it through to today as one of the best astro cameras

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

+Incredible low light video performance+Good battery life+93% AF point coverage

REASONS TO AVOID

-Certainly a more expensive option-Low stills resolution compared to competition-New version now available

Read our Sony A7 III review

NIKON Z6: BEST ALL-ROUNDER FOR MIRRORLES

Nikon Z6

Better than its bigger, more expensive brother, this camera was ahead of the curve when it comes to high-end features and clear night-time shots

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

+Low image noise +Superb electronic viewfinder +Great low light Autofocus

REASONS TO AVOID

-Stills resolution not the highest -Limited lens range -Superseded by Z6 II

Read our Nikon Z6 review

CANON EOS 6D MK2: BEST BUDGET ASTRO CAMER

Canon EOS 6D Mk2

A helpful vari-angle touch screen screen and 4K timelapse feature makes it easy to compose in even the darkest skies

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

+4K timelapse feature +Handy vari-angle touchscreen display +A lot of camera for the money

REASONS TO AVOID

-No 4K video recording -Only one SD memory card slot -Low dynamic range a shame

ZWO OPTICAL ASI183MC: BEST FOR PORTABILITY AND DETAILED IMAGES

ZWO Optical ASI183MC

High resolution stills with an astounding frame rate, this dedicated colorr astro cam is also one of the lightest

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

+Electronic shutter minimises camera movement +19FPS perfect for solar/lunar photography +USB 3.0 output

REASONS TO AVOID

-Scope mounted only -Requires dedicated software to run -Images at 12 bit depth maximum

QHY 8L COOLED CCD CAMERA: BEST FOR LOW IMAGE NOISE IN A CCD

QHY 8L cooled CCD camera

This two-stage cooled camera is perfect for clear night sky images, devoid of noise, but only shoots 6MP stills

SPECIFICATIONS

REASONS TO BUY

+Built-in cooling for better thermal dissipation +Low image noise +Color sensor negates need for RGB filters

REASONS TO AVOID

-Requires separate power source -Low resolution images -Heavy for its size