Even if you are an experienced shooter, you will agree that shooting the night sky without the best camera can be pretty daunting. A lousy camera will give you blurred images, and you will miss your target. Of course, you won’t like that.
So, you may wonder, which are the best cameras for astrophotography? Don’t fret! We’ve got the best camera for astrophotography for you. These cameras will give you the best picture and improve your shooting experience. Just read this article to the end to discover them.
Top 5 Cameras for Astrophotography
1. Nikon D850 FX-Format SLR Camera
Nikon is a household name when talking about the quality camera for taking astronomical photos. And, of course, the Nikon D850 FX-Format SLR Camera is not an exception. Apart from its sleek and futuristic design, the camera has everything possible to deliver the best result.
To start with is the large photo sensor (35.90) which makes it very easy to shoot any astronomical object, including deep sky objects. Besides, the camera can deliver up to 45.7 megapixels. This is double what most traditional cameras give you? And, of course, this will provide you with the crystal clear picture you crave.
Although the 9 frames per second (fps) are not considerable enough, you can still capture up to 120 fps in a slow-motion mode without any hitch. You can also set the autofocus up to -4ev.
Unlike other cameras, you can use the camera in an environment with a temperature more than 30 degrees Celsius (but not more than 40 degrees Celsius) with no condensation. And the large touch screen with a tilting function makes it very easy to use.
Pros
High image and video resolution
Tilting touch screen
Work in temperatures up to 40 oC
Large photo sensor
Cons
Relatively low fps
A bit pricey
2. Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera
The kind of the Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera is scarce on the market today. The camera is as fast as an eagle while shooting. In fact, it takes just 0.02 seconds to shoot and deliver the perfect result any time you set out for night-sky shooting.
The camera also supports most storage cards, be it SD cards or SDHC. And you can record your image in any format that suits your need. The cool thing about this camera is that it gives more stable video with a clear resolution, and its recording speed will also daze you.
To have a good grasp of your image, the camera has a 10X slow motion effect. And the camera is made ergonomically so you can firmly grip it while shooting the sky vigorously.
Aside from its ability to deliver a clear and impressive image, the camera will stand the test of time, thanks to the dust and moisture resistance housing. And the battery capacity is enough for you to take your picture all night.
Pros
Moisture and dust resistance cover
High-speed autofocus
Ergonomic hand grip
Slow motion effect
Cons
It doesn’t support TF card
3. Sony Alpha 7 III / ILCE-7M3 Mirrorless Camera
The Sony Alpha 7 III / ILCE-7M3 Mirrorless Camera is definitely what you will love for astrophotography. Due to its 24.2 MP full-frame sensor and high ISO setting, you can count on the camera for an impressive and clear image even in low light terrain.
Apart from that, you don’t need to wait for so long before your image. To improve your shooting experience, the camera has a large LCD screen. And you can easily set the white balance setting from the automatic, white fluorescent light to daylight, cloudy, and flash use.
That’s not all! The 5-axis optical image stabilization ensures that your image is taken without interference. Despite all these, the camera is compact. And at 1.43 pounds, you can take as many pictures as you want without being weighed down.
Pros
Compact and lightweight
High-speed autofocus
Enhance still image
Large LCD screen
Cons
Relatively low fps
Relatively low image resolution
4. Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera deserves its place on this list. Like any camera from Nikkon, this camera is perfect. The camera can deliver up to 12 fps with a resolution of 1080P. And it has a 273-Point on-sensor Phase which perfectly detects the autofocus system for low light performance.
Interestingly, the camera lens is mounted over a 360 F-mount, so you can conveniently capture your target. Whether you love to have your pictures in a JPEG or RAW format, you can’t get it wrong with this camera.
The camera has a good grip, and it also comes with a brilliant finish black strap that prevents it from dust and moisture.
Pros
It comes with good accessories
High image and video resolution
Support JPEG and RAW image format
Durable
Cons
It doesn’t support SD card
5. Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera
This is yet another best camera for astrophotography. The camera is equipped with the appropriate technology to provide seamless and hitch-free shooting. Firstly, the camera has Bluetooth, Wireless, and NFC functions, so you can continue shooting from your PC.
Apart from that, the camera features 3 inch LCD screen with a tilting function, making using it more fun than other cameras.
The camera will deliver an impressive yet quality image. This is due to its high ISO setting (40000 max), 26.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, dual pixel CMOS AF with phase detection, and Full HD 60p, to mention a few.
Although the camera is a bit heavy at 3.45 lbs compared to others on this list, its compact, water, and dust resistant design has definitely made up for this.
Pros
Wireless function
Large ISO setting
Tilting LCD screen
Dust and water resistant
Cons
A bit heavy
Relatively low image resolution
How to Choose the Best Camera for Astrophotography – Buyers Guide
Choosing the best camera for astrophotography is no joke, especially if this is your first time buying it. However, we’ll show you simple ways to choose the best camera for astrophotography.
Types of Camera
There are different cameras for astrophotography. But the commonly used ones are the DSLR ( Digital single-lens reflective cameras), the planetary cameras and webcam, and the charge couple device (CCD) and complementary metal oxides semiconductors (CMOS) cameras.
Each camera has different functions, and the degree of shooting varies from type to type. For instance, if you are interested in shooting deep sky objects, we recommend the DSLRs or CCD and CMOS cameras. They usually have a wide field view.
But if the lunar or planetary bodies are what you love shooting, you can go for the planetary and webcams camera. You can even use your smartphone, although what to capture will be extremely limited.
Features
Features vary in a camera from type to type and brand to brand. However, regardless of the brand or type, ensure you purchase a camera with features such as a tilting touch screen, autofocus, wireless function, and can support memory card.
Besides, ensure you get one with good optical features and setting. For example, you should choose the one with variable ISO and white background setting.
The Design
Since the camera will be held most time, it is pertinent to go for the one with a comfy design. Except if you love a bulky and heavy thing, if not, choose the one with good grip, compact and lightweight. At least a camera that weighs 1 -2 lbs is good enough for the job,
Accessories
This is yet another vital thing to look out for when purchasing a camera for astrophotography. Not all cameras come with good accessories. Some don’t even come with extra accessories at all. When choosing a camera, ensure it comes with additional accessories like a strap, eyecups, battery, and charger.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Megapixels do you need for astrophotography?
The Megapixels of a camera are very important. Usually, it helps determine how sharp and legible your photo will look. So, the higher the Megapixels, the better and clearer the image. However, your camera Megapixels should be 28.6 MP or more for astrophotography.
Are Mirrorless Cameras better for astrophotography?
Mirrorless Camera is as effective as DSLRs for astrophotography. Many prefer DSLR cameras to Mirrorless because experienced astrophotographers commonly use them. They are cheap and have better battery life.
What ISO should I use for astrophotography?
The ISO measures the camera’s sensitivity to light. If your camera ISO is low, your camera sensitivity will be low. But you must also be careful not to overly increase the ISO setting because too much ISO can introduce more noise and too bright image.
Meanwhile, if you want to shoot an object like a star or moon, you can use an ISO of 1600. You can go higher if you are shooting deep sky objects.
Bottom Line
The choice of your camera can make or mar your astrophotography experience. We’ve reviewed the five best cameras for astrophotography above. If you want comfort while shooting the night sky, you can go for the Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera.
But if you are particular about shooting deep sky objects, the Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera. The camera has impressive ISO with a large photo sensor.