12 Best Cameras for Astrophotography [December 2023]
- By Sebastiaan van 't Hoog
- Updated 8 december 2023
Who wouldn’t want to take the most impressive photos in the middle of the night? At least I do, but capturing the stars requires a demanding camera. The high ISOs especially seem to be a problem.
With years of experience as a professional photographer, I have owned quite a few cameras, so I know exactly what to look for if you want to buy a camera for astrophotography.
In this article, I will tell you exactly what the best mirrorless camera for astrophotography is, and not only that, I will also show you the best price. This way you can photograph the stars as quickly as possible, provided there are no clouds, of course.
The best cameras listed
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. You can support me without any additional fees. I used some of the products mentioned, not all.
What is the best camera for astrophotography?
I just said that astrophotography requires a demanding camera, I found that out the hard way. When I bought my first camera I didn’t know what to look for, but fortunately, with years of experience, I now know.
My goal is for you to find the right astrophotography camera, so it is not necessarily the most expensive or newest. I don’t want you to buy a camera that later turns out to be quite unsuitable.
I paid attention to important aspects such as sensor and resolution. I prefer a lower resolution, due to the ISO performance. Portability and operation in the dark are also important. Here is a list of features to look out for.
You won’t get there with just a camera, that will be very difficult. That’s why I recommend a few lenses for each camera, so you can find everything here.
Let’s get straight to the first camera!
Best mirrorless camera for astrophotography
Canon R6 II
Sebas' take
Creating high-quality night images demands a pretty good camera, I know that. Now, the Canon R6 II is perfect for that job.
It has a 24 MP sensor, which isn’t too high, which delivers a good dynamic range. You can set the ISO to a few thousand and still get usable photos.
Now, there are a few downsides, but all in all, I think the Canon R6 II is the best camera for astrophotography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R6 Mark II!
Outstanding features
- 24MP sensor
- 4K60p video
- Good noise performance
- Built-in stabilization
- Deep learning autofocus
- Double memory card slots
What I like/dislike about the Canon R6 II
Like
- To start with, the R6 II has a 24 MP sensor which provides quality images. The noise isn’t too high when shooting with the mechanical shutter.
- It does feel great in my hand, it certainly isn’t too big or chunky. I like that it is balanced when using any bigger ‘L’ lens.
- The electronic viewfinder is great, you can use the 10x digital zoom and look through the VF. You can clearly see whether the stars are sharp or not.
- Image stabilization is nice, when shooting handheld (which I don’t recommend). Make sure to turn it off when on a tripod, it can cause movement.
Dislike
- When using the electronic shutter, you get 12-bit RAWs instead of 14-bit. The dynamic range suffers from this, I wasn’t able to push the images as much.
- The camera isn’t significantly better than the, much cheaper, predecessor, the Canon R6.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I’ve done quite a lot of astrophotography with different lenses. These are my top picks when shooting astrophotography on a Canon camera.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Canon RF 15-35mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 14-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 15-30mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon R6 II Review & Tests
Best Sony camera for astrophotography
Sony A7 IV
Sebas' take
Next up, we have the Sony A7 IV. It’s a direct competitor of the R6 II, but in some aspects, I like the A7 IV more. Starting with the resolution, it’s a 33 MP sensor and I didn’t have any problem cropping images.
The new articulating screen is a game-changer when it comes to vertical photos and videos and ergonomically, it’s almost perfect. I like the fact that there is a fourth dial on top.
Overall, I think the A7 IV is the best Sony camera for astrophotography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Sony A7 IV!
Outstanding features
- 33 MP full-frame sensor
- Great noise performance
- 14 stops dynamic range
- Fully articulating screen
- Built-in stabilization
What I like/dislike about the Sony A7 IV
Like
- Let me start with the resolution and colors. I think the 33 MP sensor is the sweet spot for astrophotography, it allows me to crop without losing too much quality while having great noise performance. Color-wise, the colors are great and you don’t have a magenta-look to it.
- The newly articulating screen is actually a game changer for vertical photos and videos, as it’s getting more popular by the day, it’s much more useful than the A7 III, its predecessor.
- The camera feels great in my hand, I have fairly large hands and haven’t got any problem holding onto it. The button layout is also spot-on, making quick changes more accessible.
- Now, you do have built-in stabilization, which is useful when shooting handheld. I always bring my tripod or tracker with me, but I could take images of about 1/2 second without using a tripod.
Dislike
- I don’t have lots of bad things to say about the A7 IV, besides the fact that the A7 III is almost just as good for astrophotography. If you want to save some money, go with the Sony A7 III.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I made a selection of the best astrophotography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Sony FE 12-24mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 16-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 20mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
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Best budget astrophotography camera
Canon R8
Canon’s new EOS R8 is a great budget camera for astrophotography. The noise performance is very good and you have a lot of useful functions that help you take the most beautiful picture.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R8!
- 24-megapixel
- Oversampled video
- Great noise performance
- No built-in stabilization
- Poor battery life
Focus mechanism
As we know the focusing mechanism is not the most important thing in astrophotography, but we can’t leave it behind because the system in the Canon R8 is revolutionary.
Canon’s R8 has an extensive new autofocus system that we also see in the Canon R6 II and the R3. This system is called Dual Pixel AF II and focuses using deep learning. The Canon R8 can recognize people, animals and vehicles on its own. Very useful if you want to photograph portraits or wild animals.
Video features
Canon’s R8 is excellent for shooting videos. You can film 4K60p, so you can still slow down the image with this frame rate. You can also shoot oversampled videos produced from 6K videos. This ensures better sharpness.
Slow motion is also very good on the Canon R8, you can film FHD at 180 fps. This way you can slow down the videos up to 7.5 times. Something we haven’t seen much in this list. This makes the Canon R8 the perfect camera if you also want to shoot some videos.
Burst mode
The burst mode also has little added value for us as astrophotographers, but I mention it here. The Canon R8 has an impressive burst mode, because you can shoot up to 6 fps with the mechanical shutter. That is quickly increased to 40 fps if you use the electronic shutter.
You can also use the burst for a long period of time. The buffer of the Canon R8 is 120 JPEG and 100 CRAW if you use 40 fps and up to 1000+ RAW if you use 6 fps mode. You don’t have to worry about the buffer getting full anymore.
Iso performance
One of the most important aspects that we measure with a camera is the noise performance, fortunately with the Canon R8 you don’t have to worry that you will quickly notice noise at a higher ISO.
Canon’s new processor and a brand new full-frame sensor ensure excellent performance in dark conditions. The Canon R8 has a DxO score of 3295. This means that you can set the ISO to 3295 without observing disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score. In astrophotography, the ISO quickly goes up, making the Canon R8 the perfect camera for astrophotography.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I’ve done quite a lot of astrophotography with different lenses. These are my top picks when shooting astrophotography on a Canon camera.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Canon RF 15-35mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 14-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 15-30mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
So Canon’s brand new EOS R8 is a fantastic camera. Due to the 24 MP sensor in combination with a new processor, the noise performance is phenomenal. This makes the new Canon R8 one of the best astrophotography cameras in 2023.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R8 Review, Tests & Comparisons
Today's best deal
Best affordable astrophotography camera
Panasonic S5 II
The latest Panasonic S5 II is a great camera for astrophotography. The 24 MP sensor allows you to use a high ISO and that for a lower price than the competition.
Holidays: Get $300 off your Panasonic S5 II!
- 24-megapixel
- Built-in stabilization
- High quality video
- Relatively heavy
- Poor battery life
Focus mechanism
Panasonic’s Lumix S5 II was launched in 2023, so we can expect it to keep up with the competition. Fortunately, that is also the case, because the S5 II also has a focus mechanism in which the S5 II can recognize subjects by means of deep learning. This way you can recognize the eyes of people and animals.
The Panasonic S5 II is the first Panasonic camera that uses phase detection. This ensures that you can focus very well in dark conditions and backlight. This is possible with a total of 779 focus points, which can focus over the entire sensor.
Video features
The Panasonic S5 II has the option to shoot video in 6K quality. It allows you to create stunning videos in professional quality. You can film 6K in a maximum of 30 fps and 4K in a maximum of 60 fps.
The Panasonic S5 Mark 2 has in-body image stabilization. This absorbs unwanted movements and is no longer visible in the end result.
The Panasonic S5 II X is the same as the S5 II in every way, however the S5 II X can record 5.8K Apple ProRes recordings to SSD via HDMI or USB. The S5 II also supports X wired USB-LAN adapter, designed for ambitious photographers and videographers!
burst mode
Panasonic’s S5 II has one of the best burst mode performance. You can take 9 images per second with the mechanical shutter and up to 30 images per second with the electronic shutter. You can even do this for a longer period of time.
The buffer is very large, you can shoot up to 300 RAW & JPEG in a row. This means that you can use the burst (30 fps) for more than 10 seconds without the camera stopping. Those are excellent numbers, especially for the much lower price of the S5 II compared to the competition.
ISO performance
The sensor of the Panasonic S5 II has not yet been tested, but we can speculate a bit about the ISO performance. The DxO score of the predecessor, the Panasonic S5, is 2697. This means that you can set the ISO to at least 2697 without seeing disturbing noise. Since the S5 II has a new sensor and processor, we expect the number here to be more towards 3000-3200.
Due to the Active I.S. technology, or simply built-in stabilization, you will be able to use a longer shutter handheld and still take sharp photos. This will allow you to set the ISO lower and see even less noise. This makes the Panasonic S5 II the perfect astrophotography camera.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I made a selection of the best astrophotography lenses, especially for Panasonic cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Panasonic S 16-35mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Panasonic S 18mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Panasonic S 20-60mm is also fantastic, this is the least expensive lens on the list.
In conclusion
The brand new Panasonic S5 II has fantastic specs for astrophotography. Built-in stabilization and an electronic shutter minimize movement and the noise performance is fantastic. This makes the Lumix S5 II one of the best cameras for astrophotography.
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Best cheap astrophotography camera
Canon R50
The Canon R50, just like the Canon R8, was recently launched on the market. The R50 is a cheap camera for all beginner astrophotographers. You have professional features in a small body.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R50!
- 24-megapixel
- Oversampled video
- Fast autofocus
- Small grip
- Moderate noise performance
Focus mechanism
Just like with the Canon R8, focusing is getting easier and easier. Canon’s new system, called Dual Pixel AF II, can detect subjects from itself. We also see this system in the more expensive Canon R8, Canon R5 and the Canon R3. Not so much applicable to astrophotography, but fortunately you can also shoot in very dark conditions.
Video features
When we look at the video specifications of the Canon R50, we see a lot of possibilities. You can record 4K videos at 30 fps. In addition, you can record 4K30p produced from 6K oversampled material. This ensures ultimate sharpness.
Slow motion is also very good on the Canon R50, you can film FHD at 120 fps. This way you can slow down the videos up to 5 times. Something that we have not seen much in beginners’ cameras in this list. This makes the Canon R50 the perfect astrophotography camera if you also want to shoot some videos.
Burst mode
You can shoot 12 images per second with the mechanical shutter, this number goes up with the electronic shutter. Then you can shoot 15 frames per second. The advantage of the electronic shutter over the mechanical shutter is silent shooting.
You can also use the burst for a long period of time. The Canon R50’s buffer is 42 JPEG and 7 RAW if you use 12fps, just enough to get that perfect shot.
Iso performance
The DxO sensor score of the Canon R50 has not yet been performed, so we don’t know the exact numbers. However, the Sony A6600 has a very similar sensor and we make a few assumptions based on this.
Due to the APS-C sensor, the ISO performance will not be as good as the full-frame counterparts, but the performance is breathtaking. The DxO score of the Sony A6600, a comparable camera, is namely 1479. This means that you can set the ISO to 1479 without seeing very disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I’ve done quite a lot of astrophotography with different lenses. These are my top picks when shooting astrophotography on a Canon camera.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Canon RF 15-35mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 14-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 15-30mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
So Canon’s latest showpiece is a great camera. There is no better beginner camera for astrophotography, especially at this cheap price. You have a 24 MP sensor, 4K oversampled video, and a compact and small camera. Everything you need as an astrophotographer.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R50 Review, Tests & Comparisons
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Best hybrid camera for astrophotography
Fujifilm X-S20
Fujifilm’s latest camera is the X-S20. A camera that is fantastic for astrophotography. No doubt the X-S20 will become just as popular as the X-S10, also among astrophotographers.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Fujifilm X-S20!
- 26-megapixel
- 240p slow-motion
- Built-in stabilization
- Not as many lenses
- Moderate noise performance
Focus mechanism
Fujifilm’s X-S20 appears to be a very simple camera at first sight, but this one certainly isn’t. You have 425 focus points that are distributed over the entire sensor. With this you can tap the subject and the camera will focus on it all the time. Perfect for moving subjects, as the camera can recognize subjects themselves with AI.
The exceptional thing about the X-S20 is the ability to focus in the dark down to an exposure of -7 EV. This is even better than the Canon R6 II, which is in the higher segment. That means you can focus with the light of the moon.
Video features
The Fujifilm X-S20 has excellent video capabilities. You can record up to 6K30p video. The slow motion mode even goes up to FHD240p. That is a unique specification in this list, and this may be the reason to purchase the X-S20. Everything from 4K60p and below is of course also possible.
Thanks to the built-in image stabilization, you don’t have to worry about unintentional movements, as these are captured by the sensor.
Iso performance
The Fujifilm X-S20 has a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor. With this, each pixel will not receive as much light as the larger full-frame sensors. Still, that’s not a big problem, because the built-in stabilization allows you to make the shutter speed longer and lower the ISO.
This makes it possible to take sharp photos, even handheld, without setting too high an ISO. Sharp astrophotos will be the result. Just assume that you can set the ISO at least up to 2000 without seeing very disturbing noise.
The best lenses for astrophotography
For astrophotography, there are a few lenses available that are good for the Fujifilm X-S20. I’ve made a selection of the best lenses for Fujifilm cameras.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm is also fantastic. This one is slightly less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Fujifilm XF 14mm is also fantastic, this is the brightest lens on the list.
In COnclusion
So overall, the Fujifilm X-S20 is great for astrophotography. The noise performance is good, especially in combination with all the other functions that the X-S20 offers. This is clearly the best hybrid camera for astrophotography.
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Best APS-C astrophotography camera
Canon R7
Canon R7 is the best APS-C astrophotography camera. The crop-sensor can capture lots of details and the latest processor ensures great noise performance.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R7!
- 33-megapixel
- Built-in stabilization
- Fast burst mode
- Relatively expensive
- Moderate noise performance
Focus mechanism
The Canon R7, released in 2022, has an extensive focus system that we also encounter in the Canon R6 II and the R3. The R7 can recognize people, animals and vehicles. Always useful. This system is called Dual Pixel AF II and uses deep learning technology to recognize these subjects.
Video features
The Canon EOS R7 has the option to shoot 4K 60 FPS video internally. This is without a maximum of 30 minutes per video. You can also make beautiful full-HD videos up to 120 frames per second. For a camera in this segment and for this price this is exceptional. The R7 can record 4k 30fps video from oversampled 7k video. This ensures better sharpness and less noise.
The EOS R7 has in-body image stabilization. With this, unwanted movements are taken care of and can no longer be seen in the end result. This is an exceptional characteristic that the competitor, Canon EOS R10, does not have.
burst mode
The burst mode of the Canon R7 is amazingly good. With the mechanical shutter you can shoot up to 15 frames per second. By means of the electronic shutter you can even capture up to 30 images per second. The advantage of the electronic shutter over the mechanical shutter is silent shooting. Handy in certain situations that you can find yourself in as an astrophotographer.
ISO performance
DxO Mark has not yet tested the Canon R7, so we do not know the exact figures. However, we can look at the competition to get an expectation of performance. The Sony A6600 is a bit older, but it does have a 24 MP sensor, compared to the 33 MP of the Canon R7.
As a result, we expect the scores of these cameras to be awfully close. This means that you can use at least an ISO of 1400 with the Canon R7 without observing disturbing noise.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I’ve done quite a lot of astrophotography with different lenses. These are my top picks when shooting astrophotography on a Canon camera.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Canon RF 15-35mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 14-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 15-30mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
Canon’s relatively new EOS R7 is a powerful APS-C camera with impressive specifications. The noise performance is fantastic, as far as an APS-C sensor can. You can use a reasonably high ISO without quickly detecting noise. This makes the Canon R7 one of the best cameras for astrophotography.
Best Canon camera for astrophotography
Canon R3
Canon’s R3 has the best noise performance we can currently find in a camera. This, in combination with a 24 MP sensor and many functions that help you as an astrophotographer, makes this the best astrophotography camera.
- 24-megapixel
- 6K RAW video
- Best noise performance
- Heavy
- Expensive
Focus mechanism
Focusing is not the most important thing for astrophotography, because we often focus manually. That doesn’t mean you should ignore it. If you do need to focus automatically, then the Canon R3 is certainly very good at this.
The Canon R3 is equipped with Dual Pixel AF II, which recognizes people, animals and vehicles. This ensures that you can still focus excellently while taking photos in burst mode. The camera automatically detects the subjects and focuses on them.
The Canon EOS R3 is also the only camera so far where you can select focus points with your eye. This allows you to keep everything under control even in the most demanding situations encountered by professionals. This system has Eye-Control AF. We expect to see this in several cameras in the top segment in the future.
Video features
It may be that you want to shoot some videos as an astrophotographer. Then you are in the right place with the Canon R3, because the quality is very good.
The Canon EOS R3 has the option to shoot 6K RAW 60 fps video internally. This is without a maximum of 30 minutes per video. You can also make 4K videos at up to 120 frames per second. The Canon R3 has in-body image stabilization. This absorbs unwanted movements and is no longer visible in the end result.
Burst mode
The burst mode of the Canon R3 is amazingly good. With the mechanical shutter you can shoot up to 12 frames per second. By means of the electronic shutter you can even capture up to 30 frames per second.
The advantage of the electronic shutter over the mechanical shutter is silent shooting. Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation that requires extreme silence and concentration. Don’t worry: you can also make the camera make noise, so you don’t accidentally take thousands of photos without realizing it.
ISO performance
The most important factor for astrophotography is noise performance. You don’t have to worry about noise with the Canon R3, because you can use a very high ISO. Canon’s latest processor provides even better noise performance. This way you can even go out in the dark without any worries.
The Canon EOS R3 is the most advanced camera Canon has brought to the market. The DxO ISO score with the R3 is 4086. This means that you can set the ISO up to 4086 without seeing very disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I’ve done quite a lot of astrophotography with different lenses. These are my top picks when shooting astrophotography on a Canon camera.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Canon RF 15-35mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 14-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 15-30mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
Canon’s R3 is the best camera for astrophotography. This is mainly due to the very good noise performance and all other features. Many functions will not always be used, but it is always nice to have these options. All this makes the Canon R3 the best astrophotography camera.
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Best camera for astrophotography Sony
Sony A7S III
The sensor may not be very impressive, but the 12 MP allows each pixel to capture a lot of light. So this is a beast in the dark, something you are always in as an astrophotographer.
- 12-megapixel
- 4K120p video
- Great noise performance
- Low resolution
Focus mechanism
As with the cameras we’ve seen before, the Sony A7S III has a system where AI applies when focusing. The camera will automatically recognize subjects such as people and animals. Not the most useful function during astrophotography, but still useful to know if you want to photograph portraits or animals.
Video features
You can expect a camera in which both the video specs and the noise performance stand out from the Sony A7S III. You can record 4K videos with a frame rate of 120 fps. This allows you to slow down the image up to 5 times. We hardly see any other camera that can do that in a 4K resolution. Of course you can also choose other frame rates or film in FHD.
Iso performance
A professional camera, with a resolution of only 12 megapixels. We hardly ever see that happen these days. That has its advantages and disadvantages. The 12 MP sensor allows each pixel to capture an enormous amount of light, making the noise performance phenomenal. The DxO ISO score with the Sony A7S III is 3900. This means that you can set the ISO up to 3900 without seeing very disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
It is remarkable that the Canon R3 has a higher score, while it has a resolution that is twice as large. The difference in the score is in the type of sensor. The Canon R3 has a stacked sensor, which allows the camera to extract even more details. Sony’s A7S III does not have this.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I made a selection of the best astrophotography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Sony FE 12-24mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 16-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 20mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
Despite the relatively low resolution, the Sony A7S III is perfect for astrophotography. You will still see a lot of detail and because of this low resolution, the noise performance is really phenomenal. And we haven’t even mentioned the video specs yet. All in all, the Sony A7S III is one of the best cameras for astrophotography in 2023.
High resolution camera for astrophotography
Canon R5
The best all-round camera is the Canon R5. Perfect for any situation. You can take high quality photos, so digital zooming is also made easy. Perfect for you as an astrophotographer.
Holidays: Get $900 off your Canon R5!
- 45-megapixel
- AI tracking focus
- High quality video
- Expensive
- Poor battery life
Focus mechanism
This is the third astrophotography camera we see on this list from Canon. The Canon R5 has the same system as the Canon R6 II and the R3, but the algorithms are a bit less extensive than these cameras, because the R5 is a bit older. That does not make it any less capable, you can still recognize people and animals. A major update is coming in 2023, which means that several topics will be recognized in the future.
Video features
For the highest quality video you really need the Canon R5. We have never seen a (film) resolution of 8K in this list, but the Canon R5 really has it. Not only 8K resolution is amazing, the R5 can shoot this format in RAW and at 30 fps. This gives you all the flexibility when you edit the images.
In addition, the Canon R5 has a 4K 120p mode, where you can film slow-motion in a very high resolution. We also see this possibility with the Sony A7S III and the Canon R3.
In addition to all these functions, the Canon R5 also has built-in stabilization. Not just stabilization, because Canon is really the leader in this. You can compensate up to 8 stops, so you can even take astrophotos by hand (with the right settings).
burst mode
Many photos in a short time are easily taken with the Canon EOS R5. With the mechanical shutter, you can shoot up to 12 frames per second. By means of the electronic shutter, you can even capture up to 20 frames per second. The advantage of the electronic shutter over the mechanical shutter is silent shooting. An ability that is useful to have, but not essential for most astrophotographers.
Iso Performance
You wouldn’t expect a 46-megapixel sensor to be excellent in dark conditions. Nothing could be further from the truth, because the ISO performance is phenomenal. Unlike the Nikon Z7 II, the Canon R5 has a DxO score of 3042. This means that you can set the ISO at least up to 3042 without seeing disturbing noise. Read more about the calculation of this score.
Nikon’s Z7 II has a DxO score of 2841, which isn’t bad, but the Canon R5 is slightly better. Not only in this area but in almost every area, the R5 is better than the Z7 II. That is why we have not included the Nikon among the professional cameras.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I’ve done quite a lot of astrophotography with different lenses. These are my top picks when shooting astrophotography on a Canon camera.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Canon RF 15-35mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 14-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 15-30mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
As we’ve seen, the Canon R5 is a fantastic camera. You have good noise performance, despite the high 45 MP resolution sensor. The video specs are also phenomenal and you will notice less movement with the electronic shutter. All this makes the Canon R5 one of the best cameras for astrophotography.
Best Sony astrophotography camera beginner
Sony A6600
The best beginner Sony camera for astrophotography is the A6600. The noise performance is very good for a crop sensor, so you will get the most amazing pictures with it.
- 24-megapixel
- Built-in stabilization
- Fast autofocus
- Non-optimal ergonomics
Focus mechanism
Sony’s best APS-C sensor cameras have a fantastic focusing mechanism, just like all the other cameras on this list. You can focus on versatile subjects through 425 points. The Sony A6600 can recognize the eyes of both humans and animals by itself. If you want to photograph animals or portraits as an astrophotographer, the A6600 is perfect for you.
Video features
The video capabilities are not bad either. With the ability to record 4K 30p (UHD) video, this might be the perfect camera for taking videos and photos. The in-body image stabilization helps you get rid of some camera shake when taking photos or videos.
Weight
Although slightly heavier than the Sony A6000, the A6600 is relatively light. Weighing just 503 grams, this entry-level astrocamera is one of the lightest on the market. It also has 187 available Sony E-mount lenses, giving you plenty of options for any situation.
Iso Performance
The Sony A6600 has the same sensor size as the Sony A6000. It includes an APS-C sensor, so its ISO performance won’t be the best in the field. When shooting in low light, noise will be noticeable quite quickly. The DxO score of the A6600 is 1497. This means that you can set the ISO up to 1497 without seeing disturbing noise.
The camera has built-in image stabilization, so you can use a longer exposure time in dark conditions without any problem. As a result, you don’t have to set the ISO that high. This allows you to take razor-sharp photos even in the dark.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I made a selection of the best astrophotography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Sony FE 12-24mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 16-35mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 20mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In COnclusion
The best camera for an amateur photographer is the Sony A6600. You have one of the best ISO performances on an APS-C body, so it will do very well in dark conditions. You also have a 24 MP sensor for all details and you can shoot oversampled video. So this is one of the best APS-C cameras for astrophotography.
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Best Nikon beginner astrocamera
Nikon Z50
Nikon’s cheapest astrophotography camera is the Z50. A good mirrorless body that has many functions. You have a 21-megapixel sensor and you can shoot 4K videos.
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- 21-megapixel
- 4K video
- Fast burst mode
- No built-in stabilization
- Moderate noise performance
Focus mechanism
The Nikon Z50 is equipped with an extensive AF system that recognizes people and animals. This ensures that you can still focus excellently while taking photos in burst mode. The camera automatically detects the subjects and focuses on them. You can even focus on the eyes of humans and animals.
Video features
The Nikon Z50 has the option to film in 4K quality. This can be up to 30 frames per second. You can film up to 120 fps in FHD quality. It allows you to create beautiful videos, for professional purposes.
burst mode
The burst mode of the Nikon Z50 is amazingly good. With the mechanical shutter you can shoot up to 11 frames per second. This allows you to capture all the action without missing a single moment. You can put the Z50 in a silent mode.
The Nikon Z50 doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, so you’ll experience blurry images more quickly than with a camera that does have built-in image stabilization.
ISO performance
Nikon’s latest processor provides even better noise performance. The APS-C sensor body will perform better in poor lighting conditions than older Nikon cameras. This way you can even go out in the dark without any worries. No DxO test has yet been done with the Nikon Z50, so we don’t know the specific figures.
The best lenses for astrophotography
I made a selection of the best astrophotography lenses, especially for Nikon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for astrophotography is the Nikon Z 14-24mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Nikon Z 14-30mm is also fantastic. This one is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Nikon Z 17-28mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
In conclusion
If you’re eager to try mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z50 is a fantastic astrophotography camera. For a reasonable price, you can take 21-megapixel photos and shoot 4K professional-quality videos. Overall, the Nikon Z50 is a fantastic entry-level astrophotography camera.
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What should you look for in a camera for astrophotography?
Noise performance at High ISO
One of the most important aspects to check with a camera is its noise performance. As astrophotographers, we often use a higher ISO to illuminate the night sky.
If you have to set the ISO so high that you can no longer underestimate the stars due to the noise, then you really need to look at a new camera or adjust your settings.
The full-frame cameras have a larger sensor so that each pixel can receive more light, which means that the light sensitivity of a camera is a lot better.
Long shutter speeds & heat production
An underestimated point in astrophotography is the heat production of a camera, because yes, a sensor also gets warm when you use it. This can have consequences, especially at shutter speeds that are minutes long.
A camera not only makes noise due to the sensitivity of a sensor, but heat can also cause noise. Small cameras (especially mirrorlesscameras) get hotter than larger, more professional bodies.
Having a larger body could prevent you from noticing more noise or the camera switching itself off due to the heat. This doesn’t happen very often, but it’s a scenario that could happen.
Full-frame or APS-C sensor
I just mentioned the full-frame camera, which has better noise performance. That is not the only advantage, because the full-frame camera has no crop factor. This makes a 16mm lens really 16mm.
With a crop sensor (APS-C) camera, you often have a 1.5x or 1.6x crop factor that ensures that the 16mm has now become 24mm. That can work to your advantage or disadvantage. If you want to photograph celestial bodies, you often have to zoom in, then the APS-C sensor is your friend.
So be aware of your goal and the type of photos you want to take and make a choice between full-frame and APS-C based on that.
Megapixel & resolution
This topic is controversial in astrophotography. Many people want the highest possible resolution to see all the details, but other photographers don’t think so. They say the noise performance degrades and the higher resolution isn’t worth it.
You have to make a trade-off between resolution and noise performance for yourself. I also think a 24 MP sensor is the sweet spot, so you have good noise performance and resolution.
Live view & focus peaking
You actually always have to focus manually with astrophotography, and then it is useful if you have functions that help you with that. It is often difficult to see whether you have the perfect focus or whether you haven’t.
With the focus peaking function, everything in focus is surrounded by a red border. This way you know exactly whether you have a sharp image of the stars.
In addition, some cameras even have a 30x zoom in live view, so you can get close to the stars and see even better whether you have a sharp image of the sky.
Best astrophotography camera FAQ
What is the best mirrorless camera for astrophotography?
The best mirrorless camera for astrophotography is the Canon R6 II. The 24 MP sensor in combination with the new processor ensures good noise performance. The camera is also very good at video, making it the ultimate camera for astrophotography.
What is the best beginner camera for astrophotography?
The best beginner camera for astrophotography is the Canon R50. This camera has not been out for very long, but the experiences are positive. For a low price, you get professional features and the R50 is easy to understand for beginner astrophotographers.
What is the best Sony camera for astrophotography?
The best Sony camera for astrophotography is the Sony A7 III. The noise performance of this camera is the best, according to the figures better than the Sony A7S III. You can take 24 MP photos and get one for an affordable price nowadays. In short, the best Sony camera for astrophotography.
What is the best budget camera for astrophotography?
The best budget camera for astrophotography is the Canon R8. For a relatively affordable price, you have a professional camera that has all the new features. In principle, the Canon R8 is the same as the Canon R6 II, without the built-in stabilization. If you have the budget for it, get the Canon R8 for astrophotography.
What is the best compact camera for astrophotography?
The best compact camera for astrophotography is the Sony RX10 IV. This camera has a lens that varies from 24-600mm, with which you can take wide photos and zoom in on, for example, the moon. By means of stabilization, you will take very sharp photos that will take your breath away. The RX10 IV is clearly the best compact camera for astrophotography.
What is the best lens for astrophotography?
The best lenses for astrophotography are the wide lenses, which range from 10-20mm. This allows you to set a slow shutter without the stars turning into stripes. A lens with a low F-number (2.8 or lower) is also preferred, these lenses are also often made of the best quality.
View all astrophotography lenses on B&H Photo, Amazon, or Adorama.
In conclusion
Now it’s your turn to make the choice. There are many astrophotography cameras that you can choose from. Now that you know the pros and cons of each camera, you can make the choice.
Don’t you want to take professional astrophotos? Then you can get started with a semi-professional or beginner camera. If you do want to shoot professionally, then professional astrophotography cameras are perfect for you.
Who is Sebastiaan?
Hi! I am Sebastiaan, the writer of this blog. With years of experience as a professional photographer, I want to share my expertise with you. From recommending cameras and lenses to giving tips that make a world of difference, that’s what I enjoy doing most.
There are tons of different cameras you can buy for under $1000. APS-C cameras from Canon and Nikon, as well as mirrorless cameras from Sony and Panasonic, are among the preferred options of budding photographers...
There are tons of different cameras you can buy for under $1500. Full-frame cameras from Canon and Nikon, as well as mirrorless cameras from Sony and Fujifilm, are among the preferred options of professional photographers...