An astrophotography camera is an equipment that determines the quality of photos taken. Usually, these are universal cameras suitable for work in low light and night-time photography. Remember, that nice pictures of the sky, planets, etc., are not only the result of camera work. A lens with a wide aperture, an angle of view, and a tripod mount, as well as your camera setup skills also play an important role in providing outstanding results. In this article, I’ve rounded up the top options and explained their characteristics to enable you to pick the best camera for astrophotography.
An effective camera for this purpose shouldn’t cost a fortune if you do not need some specific features. Such a device has to keep the shutter open for 30 seconds or more and be able to shoot photos in RAW format for future processing.
Contents
Top 7 Best Cameras for Astrophotography Reviewed
- Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Digital Camera— Top pick
- Celestron NexImage 10 Solar System Image— Best budget astro camera
- Nikon COOLPIX P1000 Digital Camera— Best for wildlife
- Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera— Best DSLR
- Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera— Best mirrorless
- Panasonic LUMIX S5 Mirrorless Camera— Best all-rounder for mirrorless
- Nikon Z 7II FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body— Best by reviews
I have made this list of cameras based on my and other customers’ experience. Some of these devices are mine, and I borrowed others from my friends, colleagues, and acquaintances with suitable cameras for testing.
1. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300: Best Camera for Astrophotography
- 4K video and 4K photo: Panasonic’s exclusive 4K photo technology uses 30 frames per second in high resolution 4K ultra HD video to extract them as photos; You’ll never miss that moment again
How I decided
The Panasonic FZ300 is better than the previous FZ200 version in a lot of ways. It has an improved tilting display, a redesigned body, and an upgraded EVF.
It’s a versatile multimedia camera that has a great autofocus performance for its class. I borrowed this camera from my colleague, and it was a real pleasure to use it. Despite the camera’s bulky body, it felt good in the hands and provided comfort in the field. Now I’m thinking about buying it for my collection.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Form Factor: SLR-like-compact;
- Effective Still Resolution: 12.1;
- Special Feature: Image stabilization;
- Optical Zoom: 24x;
- Connectivity Technology: USB, HDMI;
- Screen Size: 3 Inches;
- Photo Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch;
- Product Dimensions: 4.61 x 5.18 x 3.6 inches;
- Item Weight: 1.52 pounds.
WHY I LIKE IT: This is definitely the best digital camera for astrophotography! FZ300 is a strong camera in the high-zoom camera market. It’s also fully waterproof and dustproof and has built-in Wi-Fi. I tried this camera, and this is a top pick for me. I like it very much even despite its tendency to over-sharpen images.
- Impressive built-in lens;
- Fast autofocus;
- Good image quality for its class;
- High-zoom capabilities;
- 4K video and 4K Photo features;
- Waterproof/dustproof.
- Struggles taking panorama photos;
- The yellow shades tend to lean a bit toward green.
2. Celestron NexImage Imager: Best Budget Astro Camera
- THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED WITH ASTROIMAGING: Capture amazing images of the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and more with this easy-to-use, plug-and-play planetary camera.
How I decided
My first impression of using this tool was that it was lightweight, had a comfortable manual adjustment, and made great, smooth images. NexImage Burst Color has a super sensitive CMOS sensor named APTINA AR0132, which allows you to record videos in color and is very popular among planetary imaging photographers. This device is also the best for low-noise astro shots. One more cool feature is software that analyzes each frame of video and aligns the best one.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Item dimensions LxWxH: 6 x 5.5 x 2 inches;
- USB cable: High-Speed 3.0, 10’ cable length;
- Optical window: IR Cutoff Filter;
- A/D conversion: 12 bit;
- Imaging sensor: MT9P006 CMOS;
- Pixel size: 1.67-micron square;
- Camera resolution (in Pixels): 3856 x 2764;
- Total number of Pixels: 10.7 MP;
- Sensor size: 6.4mm x 4.6mm (0.25” x 0.18”);
- Weight: 0.13 pounds.
WHY I LIKE IT: My colleague invested in this camera, and she said that it turned out to be her favorite. She called it the best cheap camera for astrophotography. I also agree that this is a decent camera for a budget version.
- Good price;
- Lightweight;
- Impressive detalization;
- Low noise;
- Large resolution;
- CMOS imaging chip.
- The color balance could have been better, and the images — sharper;
- Fewer pixels than in previous NexImage models.
3. Nikon COOLPIX P1000: Best Digital Camera for Wildlife
- THIS NIKON CAMERA BUNDLE CONTAINS: Nikon COOLPIX P1000 16MP Zoom Digital Camera + SanDisk 64GB Ultra SDHC SD Memory Card + EN-EL20A Compatible Lithium-Ion Battery + Large Digital Camera Gadget Bag + 77mm Professional UV Filter + 77mm 3-Piece Pro Filter Kit + 77mm Tulip Lens Hood + USB SD Card Reader + Memory Card Wallet + Deluxe Cleaning Kit + Limited 1-Year Warranty + More
How I decided
COOLPIX P1000 has an impressive zoom range of 24-3000 mm, which is very convenient for shooting distant objects. Because of the same reason, it has a disadvantage — a slow maximum aperture with insufficient image quality because of the 1/2.3″ sensor. Coolpix P1000 is a little heavier than other cameras, but it has a nice stabilization. If you plan to shoot with high zoom ranges, you need to have a sturdy tripod for this camera because the tripod mount is located at the bottom.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Form Factor: Mirrorless;
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic;
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p, 2160p;
- Optical Zoom: 125.00x;
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 16.0 megapixels;
- Item Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.8 x 4.7 inches;
- Screen Size: 3 inches;
- Item Weight: 6.5 pounds;
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI.
WHY I LIKE IT: This camera’s zoom range makes it the best camera for landscape and astrophotography for pros, and, as my fellow who has this device confirms, it is perfect for wildlife. However, before you run to buy it, remember that it is not that easy to get used to working with a 3,000 mm lens.
- Impressive zoom range and speed;
- Can instantly shoot a required object;
- Nice stabilization;
- Shoots 4K video at 30p/25p;
- Multiple remote control options.
- No weather sealing;
- No touch control on the LCD screen.
4. Canon EOS Rebel Camera: Best DSLR for Astrophotography
- This Canon Camera Bundle comes with Manufacturer Supplied Accessories and 1-Year Seller Warranty.
How I decided
This camera can be suitable for both new to photography and those with long years of experience. Canon Rebel T7 is one of the best-selling DSLR cameras. This camera doesn’t have a built-in microphone input, but if you want to use it for astrophotography only, it shouldn’t bother you. It has a slightly lower-end image processor that you can notice in low-light conditions. While I was making shots to try this camera, I captured a lot of outstanding photos. Most of the pictures required minimal editing.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Form Factor: DSLR;
- Effective Still Resolution: 24.1 MP;
- Special Feature: Wireless;
- Optical Zoom: 4x;
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, NFC;
- Screen Size: 3 inches;
- Photo Sensor Size: APS-C;
- Shooting Modes: Automatic;
- Continuous Shooting Speed: 3.00;
- Focus Type: Manual-and-auto;
- ISO Range: 100-12800;
- Item Dimensions: 5.08 x 3.99 x 3.06 inches;
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 24.1 megapixels;
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p.
WHY I LIKE IT: This camera features a Digic 4 Plus image processor, which enhances the quality of images by quickly processing high-ISO pictures — 60% faster than its predecessor. Additionally, with the T7’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, you can connect it to your mobile device, printer, Canon Image gateway, or even another camera.
- Affordable;
- Good image quality;
- Best for portability.
- No build-in stabilization;
- Poor autofocus for the video.
5. Sony a7 III: Best Mirrorless Camera for Astrophotography
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed.Aspect Ratio - 3:2, Headphone Terminal : Yes (3.5 mm Stereo minijack), Mic Terminal : Yes (3.5 mm Stereo minijack). Brightness Control (Viewfinder) : Auto/Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2).
How I decided
This camera is widely regarded as a benchmark for its class. My nighttime photography easily used up the battery, as it must power the rear screen and EVF. A7 III mirrorless camera can capture 710 stills via the rear LCD monitor. Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera offers 24.2MP and an expandable ISO up to 204800 stills. In addition, at 650g, this is a lightweight device, making it ideal for taking on long expeditions. There are numerous e-mount lenses of high quality, and the 3-inch tilting touchscreen comes in handy for low-angle shooting.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Form Factor: Mirrorless;
- Effective Still Resolution: 24.2;
- Full-frame 35mm;
- Lens mount: E-mount;
- ISO range: 50-51200 (204800 for stills);
- Special Features: BIONZ X Image Processor and Front-End LSI, 693-Point Hybrid AF System, 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE
- Stabilization, BIONZ X Image Processor, Front-End LSI, 693-Point Hybrid AF System;
- Optical Zoom: 1x;
- Connectivity Technology: HDMI, NFC;
- Screen Size: 3 Inches;
- Photo Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm);
- Video capability: 4K UHD 30fps;
- Size: 126.9 mm x 95.6 mm x 73.7 mm.
WHY I LIKE IT: A7 III is not only the best mirrorless camera but also the best for low image noise. The exposure ramping view provided by the electronic viewfinder helps frame astrophotos, although it is not as detailed as a traditional viewfinder. You can achieve excellent results with this camera even when there is picture noise.
- Incredible low light video performance;
- Impressive battery life;
- 93% AF point coverage;
- Highly sophisticated AF system;
- 4K video capabilities.
- Low stills resolution compared to competitors;
- No drive or focus mode dials.
6. Panasonic LUMIX S5: Best All-Rounder for Mirrorless Cameras
- A LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL HYBRID CAMERA FOR VIBRANT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATIC VIDEO: Realize your creative vision with extraordinary 4K 60p, 10-bit video, FHD 180fps Slow Motion option as well as 4:3 Anamorphic support.
How I decided
I bought this camera for myself not long ago. It has a flip-out screen and a lot of other useful features. Panasonic S5 is equipped with a full-frame sensor that is capable of producing some amazing imagery. It costs an affordable price, and I think it’s the best all-rounder.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Form Factor: Mirrorless;
- Effective Still Resolution: 24.2 MP;
- Special Features: 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization; Contrast-Detect 225-Area DFD AF System; V-Log, HDR, and Dual
- Native ISO;
- Optical Zoom: 3 x;
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI;
- Screen Size: 3 inches;
- Photo Sensor Size: Full Frame CMOS (35 mm);
- Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches;
- Item Weight: 3.74 pounds;
- Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are required (included);
- Autofocus: Face/Eye/Head/Body/Animal.
WHY I LIKE IT: This is one of the best hybrids with a lot of different features. When I tried to use it, I liked the wide range of controls. My friend Alex, from whom I borrowed it for testing, said that this device for astrophotography was exactly what he had been searching for.
- Amazing build and image quality;
- Good autofocus;
- Nice price.
- A rich range of controls;
- Excellent video specifications.
- Large lenses affect compact size;
- The EVF could have been better.
7. Nikon Z 7II FX-Format: Best Mirrorless Camera by Reviews
- Every little detail matters. 45.7MP. Powerful AF performance. NIKKOR Z lenses. Intuitive functionality. The most sophisticated tool for high resolution imaging.
How I decided
Nikon Z 7II is much faster than its predecessor and looks very similar. This camera is not suitable for beginners, only for pros. My friend Ann bought it when she didn’t have a lot of devices for her work. She said that she liked its functionality. You can open the screen brightness controls with one button, which makes it easier to deal with the camera when trying to save night vision. Even if it is not the best for zero Amp glow, you always can try to fix it with settings.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Form Factor: Mirrorless;
- Effective Still Resolution: 45.7 MP;
- Special Feature: Dual EXPEED 6 Image Processors; 5-Axis In-Body;
- Vibration Reduction: 493-Point Phase-Detect AF System;
- Optical Zoom: 1x;
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, GPS;
- Screen Size: 3.2 inches;
- Photo Sensor Size: Full Frame (35 mm);
- Product Dimensions: 5.28 x 2.74 x 3.96 inches;
- Item Weight: 1.9 pounds;
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included).
WHY I LIKE IT: It has the best camera settings for astrophotography and is a top-rated model according to customers’ reviews. Dual memory cards are a nice feature. I like that it is also fully weather-sealed. Buying something so expensive without good protection isn’t good, don’t you think so? You don’t need to worry about taking the camera out in the rain, snow, or dusty conditions.
- Supports dual memory cards;
- Image sensor remains one of the best;
- Tilting touch LCD;
- Magnesium build with dust and splash protection;
- SnapBridge wireless.
- Expensive;
- Not the best low light autofocusing range.
What is an astrophotography camera?
Any camera can be an astrophotography camera, even your smartphone. However, if you want to shoot high-quality pictures, you need a professional camera that works efficiently in low-light circumstances.
Recommended сameras for astrophotography
Depending on experience and skill level, people need different cameras. If you’re a beginner, you don’t need some extra functions, and it makes no sense to spend a fortune on them. If you’re a professional, you need to compare different cameras and their features to choose the best device for you
Recommended astrophotography-specific cameras
Different cameras are suitable for various types of imagery. The camera for shooting planets is different from the one you need for capturing deep space.
- Best cameras by budget and experience level. Due to the price range and characteristics, an astrophotography DSLR camera is the best beginner camera for astrophotography. Most of the time, the higher the user level, the more expensive the equipment;
- Best cameras for scenics, nightscapes, panoramas, and time lapses. Images of the crescent Moon dipping into the twilight sky or the Milky Way are examples of scenic astrophotography. Sony and Nikon cameras are fantastic for landscape photography and are widely used as nightscape cameras;
- Best cameras for deep sky. Star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies are the true crown jewels of the night sky. For deep-sky astrophotography, I recommend purchasing DSLR, CMOS & CCD cameras;
- Best cameras for high-resolution planetary. I advise using a camera that can record in uncompressed high-bit RAW video format at a high frame rate and with tiny individual pixels. To get sharp images of the planets, you can utilize a certain type of digital single-lens reflex camera;
- Best cameras for real-time Aurora videos. If you want to record a video of the Northern Lights, you require a sensitive, low-noise camera. Typically, the minimum exposure time is between 1/24 and 1/30 of a second.
Picking a camera: buying tips
Modern cameras have a lot of elements that you won’t need if you just want to snap still shots at night. Here is the information you should know before your purchase.
1. Different types of cameras for astrophotography
When searching the market for the best camera for stars, there are some crucial factors to consider to help you decide on the perfect tool. The main of them is figuring out the types and their benefits.
Smartphones
You can hold your smartphone close to the telescope eyepiece or attach it to the telescope with an adapter. It can provide you with images of the Moon and planets, albeit crisp results are challenging to get. Some smartphones allow you to capture details in the Milky Way or even star trails in your photos.
DSLR cameras
Digital single-lens reflex cameras are versatile enough to be used with a wide variety of astronomical objects because of their ISO sensitivity and exposure time controls.
For a DSLR to capture fine details in deep-sky objects like nebulae, the ISO must be increased.
Planetary cameras and webcams
When used with a 2x Barlow lens, a planetary camera attains the magnification necessary for capturing planetary details, while the camera’s fast frame rate allows you to cut through atmospheric turbulence. Planetary cameras have modest sensors, so they aren’t necessarily suitable for deep-sky photography. It’s also feasible to adapt a standard webcam for planetary imaging such that it fits inside your telescope’s eyepiece holder.
CMOS & CCD cameras
CMOS and CCDs are telescope-mounted astro cameras that increase picture quality and allow for sharper long-distance shots. CCD cameras are excellent for long-exposure astrophotography (10+ minutes per frame), while CMOS sensors perform better with shorter exposures.
2. Camera type: mirrorless or DSLR
Mirrorless cameras are convenient and easy to transport. As they lack a mirror, they can take clear pictures quickly and at a lower cost, making them ideal for novices.
Due to their superior image quality, DSLR cameras deliver remarkable results even when shooting in dim conditions. You can purchase a DSLR camera’s extra lenses for less money.
3. Sensor size: full-frame or APS-C
Both sensors produce a standard aspect ratio image of 3:2 and can have the same number of megapixels. A full-frame image sensor is physically larger than an APS-C format image sensor. APS-C cameras are not as efficient when working in low light conditions, so a full-frame camera is better for astrophotography.
4. Lenses
If you want to get the most out of your landscape or night sky photos, a wide-angle lens with a focal length of 16-24 millimeters is what you need. However, you should stay away from super wide-angle fisheye lenses, which are often in the 8-10 mm range.
5. Budget
Quality astrophotography cameras cost from $500 to $3000. Features designed to assist photographers, such as live view zooming, improved exposure, illuminated keys, etc., are the primary differentiators among the cameras in this wide category.
How to connect a camera to your telescope
A telescope is a great addition to any photography setup for capturing images of deep-sky objects or planets. The size of your target expands, giving you a better look. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to attach a camera to your telescope properly.
Step 1: Take the lens off the camera body.
Step 2: Line a t-ring up to fit it correctly. It will thread onto the camera and lock in place.
Step 3: Make sure that the t-ring makes a “click” sound. It means that it is securely fastened.
Step 4: Thread the t-ring adapter. This creates a practical barrel for use with the telescope’s focuser.
What else do you need for astrophotography?
If you already found your best camera for beginner astrophotography, lens, and tripod, you can think about other accessories. It can be a headlamp, an intervalometer, a laptop, a portable power station, or a battery pack, adapters, and cables.
FAQ on Best Camera for Star Photography
Here are a few questions that are commonly asked by readers of my blog. If you need a camera to take pictures of stars, these answers might be useful.
Which is the best camera for astrophotography?
It is a camera that suits astrophotography purposes and your preferences. When purchasing your first astro camera, you need to determine what you want more: a monochrome or color sensor. A color sensor working process will be similar to a DSLR and will be easier to use, while a monochrome camera will require more money, time, and effort.
What DSLR should I buy for astrophotography?
The market is full of options which you can choose from. There are many good devices with different characteristics, but you need to analyze which one is best suited for you. If you’re wondering about my opinion, I recommend the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 with a full-format DSLR dimension.
Is a mirrorless camera better for astrophotography?
Mirrorless cameras usually have nice screen focusing aids and are advanced for astrophotography because cameras are light and compact. The single lens reflex mechanism adds weight, size, and vibration to a DSLR, without providing any advantages for astrophotography.
How many megapixels do you need for astrophotography?
A lot of the old specialized astrophotography cameras have under one megapixel or between one and two megapixels. For a pinpoint sharp picture on the Full HD screen, its definition should be around 2.07 MP. Many expensive astrophotography cameras have large megapixel counts too. Cameras with full-frame sensors and a low megapixel rate will generally outperform full-frame cameras with higher megapixel counts.
Time to Pick Your New Camera for Astrophotography
When choosing a camera, a good tip is to analyze the features and benefits of incorporating it into the type of astrophotography you want to use to maximize efficiency. If you’re still unsure and don’t have any clue what to get, I recommend the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Digital Camera. It’s a top device for me because of its outstanding functionality.
If you don’t agree with my testing and results, tell me about it in the comments below. Also, which camera do you think is best for astrophotography? I will be happy to know your opinion.
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