You don’t necessarily need a specific camera for astrophotography. But if you want to capture the splendor of the night sky, you should consider what you need to make that possible.
Shooting the stars may not be the easiest thing to do. But with the right astrophotography camera, it can be much more rewarding.
Before we look at the available cameras that will serve you well, our winner is the Canon EOS R6. It’s tremendously capable. This mirrorless offers excellent low-light performance, in-body stabilization, and a great ISO range.
What Is the Best Camera for Astrophotography?
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent in-body image stabilization
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Fantastic expandable ISO range
- Rapid burst speeds
- Quick and accurate 693-point AF
- Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
- Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
- Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities
- Fantastic overall image quality
- Excellent 3D continuous AF tracking
- Long, 1,840-shot battery life
- Durable, weather-sealed construction
- Sharp 4K/30p Ultra HD video
- Decent APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
- A great frame rate of 15 fps
- 6.5 stops of image stabilization
- 4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
- A fully articulating rear touchscreen
- 12 Film Simulation modes
- Fantastic image quality
- Impressive 45-point AF system
- Built well and nice to handle
- Handy built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
- Excellent low-light focusing
- Lightweight and portable
- Superb low-light dynamic range
- Dual memory card slots
- Multi-shot, handheld, high-res mode
- Compact and lightweight
- 60 fps RAW and JPEG image capture
- 7 stops of image stabilization
- Simulated Live ND filters
- Quick-and-easy Pro Capture (action) and Starry Sky AF modes
- Excellent video options
- Quality sensor produces detailed and vibrant images even at high ISOs
- Dual Pixel AF with eye detection
- User-friendly touch-to-focus screen
- 900-shot battery life
- Cinema-quality (DCI) 4K video
- Lightweight and portable
- Image stabilization to prevent camera shake
- Dual memory card slots
- Great 4K video capabilities
10 Best Cameras for Astrophotography
1. Canon EOS R6
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.1 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
1,053 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
102,400 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
20 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
 3" |
The Canon EOS R6‘s weather-sealed body and impressive low-light performance make it an attractive choice for astrophotography. It is one of Canon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras and produces stunning images.
At first glance, the 20.1 MP sensor might seem small these days. But this is not such a problem, especially with astrophotography. Because of their size, each pixel absorbs more light. And light is at a premium in night sky photography.
Another useful feature is the fully articulating touchscreen. The electronic viewfinder is excellent for seeing the image when the camera is pointed at the sky on a tripod.
But the LCD is a helpful extra feature. Another standout specification is the ISO range. Even in its natural setting, the maximum ISO is 102,400.
The range of RF-mount lenses is growing constatnly. And Canon is blessing the mount with several premium “L Series” lenses. Plus, you can use EF-mount lenses with an adapter.
You also get video at 4K with minimal cropping and 20 fps continuous shooting. There are eight astonishing stops of image stabilization when using compatible RF-mount lenses.
All of this adds up to a Canon camera that is fantastic for astrophotography. But the EOS R6 will serve you well in almost any genre.
2. Sony A7 III
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Sony FE
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.2 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
693 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
The Sony a7 III is better than most at tackling the noise that comes from high ISOs. This is a great advantage for night sky photography. The maximum ISO is expandable to 204,800. The sensor is only 24.2 MP, but like the EOS R6, the images are superb.
As an astrophotographer, you often have to carry a lot of kit. And usually for quite a distance to escape light pollution. So, this Sony camera‘s compact size will be appealing. It has an attractive, rugged appearance, and the controls are reassuringly easy to find in the dark.
The Sony has fewer AF points than the Canon, but 693 is still a pretty impressive count, and they cover more than 90% of the frame. The touchscreen tilts, but it’s not fully articulating. It’s more useful than a fixed screen but not the best solution.
The in-camera image stabilization gives up to five stops of extra exposure, and the a7 III can shoot at up to 10 fps. So, another camera that is well suited to astrophotography, but by no means limited to that. It will be a great camera for a whole range of purposes.
3. Nikon D850
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F FX
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
45.7 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
153 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
64 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
 3.2" |
Illuminated controls and a weather-sealed body are star-friendly features of this excellent Nikon D850. Although you won’t find yourself snapping the stars on a rainy night, dew can be an enemy. But this camera has you covered.
The massive 45.7 MP sensor delivers superb images and makes 4K video available. An optical viewfinder can be less straining on the eyes at night than an electronic one. But the tilting screen will help when the angles are difficult for the viewfinder.
As often happens with a DSLR, the autofocus is less impressive using the screen. But you can take your time at night, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
The D850 is a solid, professional camera. It requires a heavy-duty tripod. But you will find many uses for such a dependable camera, whatever field of photography you choose.
4. Fujifilm X-T4
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm X
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
160 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
20 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
One of the Fujifilm X-T4‘s most attractive features for astrophotography is its strong time-lapse performance. It can add a new dimension to your night sky photography.
But there’s more to this Fujifilm camera than amazing time-lapse. It’s a stylish camera with an attractive retro vibe. But there’s nothing retro about its 425 focus points or 26 MP sensor.
It has large metal dials with positive clicks for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO. They don’t just look good but are easy to use in the cold and dark. And the X-T4‘s fully articulating screen is always a bonus for tripod-based work.
Away from the night sky, the 20 fps continuous shooting is more than enough for most situations.
5. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26.2 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
45 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
40,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
6.5 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
The EOS 6D Mark II is Canon’s cheapest full-frame DSLR. It offers a 26.2 MP sensor that’s ideally suited to astrophotography. A fully articulating screen is also an advantage. The range of lenses available for its EF mount is unmatched.
There are compromises in producing a full-frame camera for this price. The maximum ISO is not the best in this review, and the 45 AF points fall way short of the competition.
On the other hand, it offers good communication options, including Wi-Fi, NFC, and low-energy Bluetooth. The GPS chip will also help identify where you took the pictures.
The EOS 6D Mark II is a popular camera. It offers an entry point into full-frame DSLR photography. And its reputation as a reliable performer means it should be on your shortlist for an astrophotography camera.
6. Nikon Z6 II
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.5 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
273 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
14 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3.2" |
Nikon claims that the Z6 II can focus in the light of a quarter moon (-6 EV). Its tilting touchscreen is also well suited to tripod shooting for those night sky shots.
It’s not quite an entry-level full-frame camera, but this Nikon camera has a second memory card slot and improved high-speed shooting.
The two cards are a bonus for an astrophotography camera. High image quality relies on RAW images and post-processing. And RAW files are huge compared to JPEGs.
The Z6 II uses contrast detection and phase detection autofocus, with 273 AF points. These cover 90% of the frame, so it is well-equipped to cope with your other photography needs. An ever-growing range of lenses is available, and there’s also an adaptor for using F-mount lenses.
7. OM-D E-M1 Mark III
| Brand |
Brand
Olympus
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
200 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
60 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
The first thing to mention about this Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is its “Starry Night” mode. When engaged, the autofocus searches for stars and then focuses on them. This feature is quite useful, given how small the stars are.
This Olympus camera works at wide angles and telephoto focal lengths. It is good for wide sky shots and more cropped images. There are also seven stops of image stabilization. This feature makes even hand-held shots possible with fast wide-angle lenses.
As a Micro Four Thirds camera, the sensor size is limited. But it is still capable of superb photos. One final trick useful for astrophotography is the two-image automatic multiple exposure. It allows both the sky and foreground to be correctly exposed.
Away from night sky shooting, you might enjoy the E-M1 Mark III‘s 60 fps shooting. It also has simulated neutral density filters.
8. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
30.4 MP
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
61
|
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
|
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
32000
|
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7 fps
|
| Video |
Video
1
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3.2
|
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, like the Nikon D850, seems to find its way into most camera reviews. And that is because they are both immensely capable pieces of kit. A 30.4 MP sensor strikes a nice balance. It has plenty of pixels, which are big enough to work effectively.
It is a big beast, sealed against weather and dust, with an unrivaled range of lenses available. On the negative side, the screen is fixed, and there will be some occasions where this is to its disadvantage.
Low-light performance is excellent. The AF system is much better in low light than the Mark III version. The EOS 5D Mark IV is not limited to night sky pictures. It is a wonderful, all-purpose workhorse.
9. Panasonic Lumix DCS5
| Brand |
Brand
Panasonic
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Leica L
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.2 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
225 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
The full-frame sensor on this Panasonic Lumix DCS5 is particularly good at coping with high ISO settings. It does better than most at combating the easily introduced noise in those circumstances. The dynamic range is especially impressive in low light.
Although Panasonic Lumix cameras are usually associated with the Micro Four Thirds sensor, this is a full frame. It takes Leica L-mount lenses, which are much less common than Nikon or Canon lenses.
But the DCS5 is a capable camera with excellent 4K video, in-camera stabilization, and dual memory card slots.
How to Choose a Camera for Astrophotography
When it comes to astrophotography, you will be surprised at the wide range of options you can choose from. There are DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and even compact cameras. Apart from the usual choices, there are cameras dedicated to astrophotography.
The most important thing is the low-light performance. ISO invariance and a high ISO option are useful features to have. A wide dynamic range is also beneficial since you don’t have much light to work with.
You must also be able to shoot in RAW. When it comes to post-processing images, nothing beats the RAW format. It also helps if you’re comfortable using a remote shutter release. This setup minimizes camera shake as much as possible.
Long-exposure noise reduction is also crucial. If you leave your shutter open for long, your camera sensor can heat up and produce hot pixels.
You should pay attention to battery life as well. Long exposures and cold weather can drain them at lightning speed. If your battery is not durable enough, take more with you. Don’t forget to charge your battery right before your trip.
Astro filters are both sensor-based and lens-based. It’s practical to research which system you prefer, as it will influence your choice of camera.
Conclusion: Best Camera for Astrophotography
The sky is the limit when it comes to astrophotography cameras. With a plethora of specialized equipment available, dig deep into the basics of astrophotography.
Decide what kind of photos you want to shoot to know which camera shines brightest in your hands. It all comes down to what astrophotography means to you. You won’t go far wrong with our top choice, the Canon EOS R6.
