For centuries, humans have looked to the stars for guidance and to appreciate their beauty. Astrophotographers take this one step further by capturing images of the beautiful stars, moon, and other space phenomena.
However, you need to use particular techniques for astrophotography. First, you must start with the correct camera and optimize the settings for this unique style of image.
The overall best camera for astrophotography is the Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. It features a large image sensor, a high sensitivity to light, long battery life, and a tilting touchscreen. The camera is also affordable enough for beginner photographers.
In this guide, we review the pros and cons of the best astrophotography cameras. We also discuss how you can choose the best model to take the best shots.
So, let’s get started!
5 Best Astrophotography Cameras in 2021
- Winner: Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
- Runner-Up: Nikon D7500 Digital SLR Camera
- Nikon D5300 Digital SLR Camera
- Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera
Best Overall: Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: Full-frame
- Sensor Resolution: 24.2MP
- Lens Mount: Sony E
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Video Resolution: 2160p
- Weight: 1.44 pounds (653g)
What Makes This Astrophotography Camera Our Top Pick?
The Sony a7 III is the overall best camera for astrophotography. It has a large 24MP sensor, which allows the camera to reduce noise and capture more light. It has an ISO of 204800, which is an extremely high sensitivity to light, making it the best camera for deep sky astrophotography.
It also has excellent power capabilities. You can take over 1000 photos on one battery charge, ideal for long shooting sessions and time-lapse photography. You can also simultaneously charge and use it remotely with a USB cable.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Users love how you can customize so many of the photography settings. It could be a learning curve for beginners, but the possibilities are endless. They also like the fast and accurate autofocus feature.
However, they dislike that you can only use the touchscreen for focusing. They also note that there is an occasional lag when you are switching between settings.
Features and Considerations
Where the a7 III also shines is the video quality. It supports up to 4K, which is crucial if you want to create beautiful timelapse videos of the night sky. Overall, the camera is sophisticated and surprisingly affordable.
If you are looking for the best mirrorless camera for astrophotography, you should consider the Sony a7 III.
Runner-Up: Nikon D7500 Digital SLR Camera
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Sensor Resolution: 20.9MP
- Lens Mount: Nikon DX
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
- Weight: 1.66 pounds (753g)
What Makes This Astrophotography Camera Our Runner-Up Option?
The Nikon D7500 is the best Nikon camera for astrophotography. It has a high ISO that exceeds 6400, allowing the lens to grab more light and shoot brighter photos. The 20.9MP sensor is also large enough to increase the light sensitivity of the unit.
It is easy to lengthen and shorten the exposure as needed for different scenes. The camera also has a tilting touchscreen, so you can manipulate the customizable controls from any angle.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Users love how fast and accurate the focus is. It uses 51 different points with 15 cross sensors, allowing the camera to achieve 8fps. They also like the superior exposure and rapid processor.
However, users dislike that the camera has only one SD card slot. Therefore, it is more challenging to shoot JPEG and RAW images separate from each other. You may need to switch out the card more frequently too.
Features and Considerations
If you want to shoot videos, the camera supports up to 4K Ultra HD, which is the best possible quality. You can use this video for impressive time-lapse shots or document your astrophotography adventures.
The D7500 is also hardy and durable. The outside of the camera is easy to grip. While it isn’t the lightest camera, it can withstand harsher conditions.
Overall, the Nikon D7500 is diverse and can shoot various scenarios, from daytime to astrophotography.
Alternative: Nikon D5300 Digital SLR Camera
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Sensor Resolution: 24.2MP
- Lens Mount: Nikon F (FX or DX)
- Image Stabilization: No
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Weight: 1.06 pounds (481g)
What Makes This Astrophotography Camera a Good Choice?
The Nikon D5300 is the best compact camera for astrophotography. It is lightweight, compact, and affordable, also making it an excellent entry-level camera for astrophotography. While it doesn’t have a full-frame sensor, it is almost as large at 24.2MP.
You can select the exposure with maximum lengths of 30 seconds, and it has an impressive ISO of up to 25600. In all low light situations, the camera can capture the stars’ brightness and translate it into gorgeous photos.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Users like the feel of the camera. It has excellent ergonomics with comfortable grips, a lightweight body, and a compact body. This design makes it suitable for long shooting sessions and for users with mobility problems.
However, professional photographers may miss features like adjustable autofocus from the front and back, additional SD card slots, or more control dials. This simplicity makes it an excellent option for beginners and intermediate photographers, however.
Features and Considerations
The camera has decent autofocus, which uses 39 points and a 3D tracking feature. It can handle 5fps, which isn’t the fastest option on the market, but more than enough for amateur photographers.
We also like the tilting LCD screen and that the camera supports various image and video formats. Overall, it’s a reliable option for beginners. If you’re looking for affordability and reliability, you can’t look past the Nikon D5300.
Alternative: Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor Size: 22.3 CMOS
- Sensor Resolution: 18MP
- Lens Mount: Canon EF and EF-S
- Image Stabilization: No
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Weight: 2.98 pounds (1.35kg)
What Makes This Astrophotography Camera a Great Option?
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is the best cheap camera for astrophotography. Because of its affordability and simplicity, it’s also the best beginner camera for astrophotography. It supports a decent ISO up to 6400, allowing it to capture the moon, stars, and other objects in the sky.
It can support multiple lenses from the Canon EF and EF-S range. You can also use a lens adaptor if you own different telescopic lenses from other brands. We also like the WiFi connectivity, which allows you to transfer images immediately to your computer.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Users love the user-friendliness of the camera. It is simple and easy to use for beginners, with photos that are high-quality enough for intermediate photographers. They also like the shutter, which is quick and very quiet.
However, users dislike the video capabilities. It doesn’t have the highest quality footage, and you cannot attach an external microphone. This won’t be an issue if you want silent videos, however.
Features and Considerations
The EOS Rebel T6 does not have a full-frame sensor. It crops the photos more than other options, which isn’t ideal for astrophotography. However, the sensor does have adequate light sensitivity, so it’s still decent.
Overall, the Rebel T6 is a good option if you’re looking to start out in astrophotography. It is affordable and simple enough for you to learn the ropes before you upgrade to a professional unit.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Sensor Resolution: 20.2MP
- Lens Mount: Canon EF and EF-S
- Image Stabilization: No
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Weight: 2.01 pounds (912g)
What Makes This Astrophotography Camera Special?
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the best Canon camera for astrophotography. It has an extensive ISO range up to 16000, which you can expand to 51200. Paired with its large 20.2MP sensor, the camera is sensitive to light and performs well in dark conditions.
The lens mount is compatible with all lenses from the Canon EF and EF-S range. You could also use a lens adaptor if you have other lenses at home. The camera is bulky but sturdy, providing stability during your shoots.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Users like the speed of the internal processor, which allows them to capture many shots in succession. They also love the long battery life, which will enable you to use the camera continuously for up to 1000 images. This feature is crucial for astrophotography.
However, users dislike the lack of WiFi connectivity and a touch screen display. While these features aren’t essential to use the camera, they are available in many similar models at this price range.
Features and Considerations
We like the superior autofocus, which uses 65 different points. The camera can also handle 10fps, which blows much of the competition out of the water. If you can afford the investment, this is a sophisticated unit for astrophotography.
What to Look For in an Astrophotography Camera?
Image Sensor Size
You want to opt for the largest sensor size that you can afford. These bigger sensors have less noise (imperfections) in the photos. They do not need as many exposures to capture the images. Full-frame sensors are the best option, but APS options are almost as good.
Light Sensitivity
Because you will have little light to capture, you need a sensitive camera that can perform well. Pay attention to the dynamic range of the camera, which shows the range of light that the model can capture.
Other Astrophotography Camera Features
These features are also essential to consider:
- Manual settings: In low light conditions, you need to adjust settings for image stabilization, white balance, exposure, and focus. You will need to control all of these features to stack images and get the best photos in astrophotography.
- Lens compatibility: Telescopic or telephoto lenses are often the best options for astrophotography. Ideally, you want a camera body that is compatible with many lens types or that you can fit with a lens adaptor.
- RAW image capabilities: RAW images have a greater dynamic range and can capture more detail. You want to take RAW photos that you can edit later to reduce noise and correct exposure.
- Long battery life: You may want to take multiple images over time that you stack or create a time-lapse. In this case, you need a camera with long battery life or one that you can power with external power. You need the camera to withstand a full night of shooting.
- Remote shutter release: This feature eliminates the likelihood of vibrating or shaking your camera. Therefore, you can avoid any blurring that would ruin your photos.
- Infrared sensitivity: Some space phenomena like nebulas have a beautiful red tint. In standard cameras, the internal filter removes this distinctive color. Infrared sensitivity allows you to capture all of the shades.
- Simple controls: You will be shooting in lowlight conditions. Therefore, you need controls that are well-placed and quick to use without looking too hard.
Cameras for Astrophotography FAQ
How Many Megapixels Do You Need for Astrophotography?
You should aim for at least 2.07MP with an astrophotography camera. These sensors can show the images in full HD. However, the size of pixels is often more important than the number in astrophotography.
When it comes to astrophotography, you want the largest megapixels that you can find. These bigger pixels can capture more light, which is essential when you’re taking photos at night. This contrasts with many other kinds of photography, where smaller megapixels are preferred for their level of detail.
Larger pixels have a better signal-to-noise ratio. Noise refers to the grainy details in a photo that you want to eliminate. Conversely, the signal describes the picture’s details that you want to capture, namely the stars and other astronomical phenomena.
There are various sources of noise in astrophotography:
- Shot noise: When the light hits your camera’s photosensor, it disperses and creates a pattern like little droplets. This typically manifests as grainy photos that lack some detail. Most photographers use a longer exposure to reduce shot noise.
- Dark current noise: Because there is heat inside the camera, it creates noise in astrophotography pictures. Many photographers keep their cameras very cool or stack images on top of each other to get around these issues.
- Read noise: Inside your camera, the electronics are reading the pixels and assigning them a value. This process isn’t perfect, so usually, the reading is a little bit off. By increasing the length of your exposure, you can minimize this read noise.
- Fixed-pattern noise: When shooting with a long exposure, some pixels have a brighter appearance than the background. Therefore, they add noise to the images. Photographers use calibration frames to reduce this noise.
However, smaller pixels are more suitable for some kinds of astrophotography. If you want to take deep-sky photos, then smaller pixels with a small aperture and a short focal length optic can produce the best results.
Are Mirrorless Cameras Better for Astrophotography?
Both mirrorless and DSLR cameras are suitable for astrophotography. However, mirrorless units often have advantages over the digital SLR models. They are preferable for the following reasons:
- They are lightweight and compact. In general, mirrorless cameras weigh less than DSLR models. Thus, they are more balanced and stable, which decreases the risk of blurring your photos.
- They have a shorter distance between the flange and sensor. This smaller distance reduces the back focus, so you can use them more easily with reflective telescopes.
- Many include on-screen controls. You can use these controls to improve the focus of your photos and capture the perfect shot.
- You can use them with a wider variety of lenses. You can usually use an adaptor to attach any kind of manual lens to a mirrorless camera. This flexibility allows you to play around with different lenses and shots.
Mirrorless cameras are the best overall option. However, some DSLR cameras are also excellent choices for astrophotography.
What Equipment Do I Need for Astrophotography?
Other than your camera body, there is various other equipment you need for astrophotography.
Lenses
When it comes to lenses for astrophotography, you have a few options:
- Basic zoom lenses: 18-55mm zoom lenses are a good choice for amateur astrophotography. They are inexpensive and perform well enough for beginners. However, they lack the sharp focus of more premium lenses.
- Short telephoto lenses: These lenses are 50mm in length. They are optically faster than basic zoom lenses and so can focus in no time. They also pick up more light than shorter lenses.
- Long telephoto lenses: 180-200mm lenses are more expensive and favored by professional astrophotographers. You can shoot with them alone or through a telescope to capture beautiful images from afar.
Telescope
A telescope is essential equipment if you genuinely want to capture the detail of the night sky. Amateurs can start out with a 65-80mm telescope while they are still learning.
Experts may opt for a larger telescope, but they have their pros and cons. While they magnify more and can pick up more detail, they are more expensive and need more expertise. You will need to guide them more to avoid any tracking problems.
Mount
If you take a telescope with you, you will also need a mount to put it on. If you want to shoot long exposure shots, you will need an equatorial mount. It tracks the motion of the sky and uses a perfect ascension axis.
Mount Adaptor
The mount adaptor connects your camera to your telescope. This is essential to maintain stability and get clear photos. Otherwise, the camera can shake and create blurry pictures.
Tripod
You will need a tripod to keep your camera stable and unmoving for long periods. You can prop your camera on other surfaces, but tripods have a design to maximize the stability.
Remote Release
The last thing you want to do is accidentally move your camera and consequently blur the images. Therefore, a remote release can help you take photos without touching the unit. You can use a manual remote or one with an interval timer that continually takes photos.
Light Pollution Filter
If you want to do astrophotography in more residential areas, you can reduce light pollution with a filter. It goes inside the camera, just behind the lens. However, not all camera bodies and lenses are compatible with the filters.
Power Source
You may need to shoot for many hours during the night, especially if you want to take time-lapse photography. Pack an extra battery or a power bank so that your camera doesn’t run out of charge.
Anti-Dewers
Especially if shooting in a cool or humid climate, nighttime increases moisture in the air. It can cause condensation on your camera and telescope lenses. Anti-dewers attach to both and raise the temperature slightly to avoid this.
Editing Software
You will likely need to do some post-production editing to get the most out of your astrophotography. Adobe Photoshop CC is the most popular software. While you will need to pay for it, it’s worth it if you’re a professional or want to get the most out of your images.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best camera for astrophotography is the Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. It has a superior design that reduces noise, captures as much light as possible, and can take shots for hours on end.
When choosing an astrophotography camera, pay attention to the sensor size and light sensitivity. You also want a model with good manual controls, long battery life, and the option to use many lenses. Each of these features can bring out the best in your photos.
Overall, astrophotography can be time-consuming but extremely rewarding. You may need to invest a lot of time and money in the process. Still, you can capture unique images that appeal to the imagination.
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