Astrophotography, a specialized type of photography, requires specialized and high-level cameras. Although you can use any camera to capture images of the stars, certain types of cameras are better suited for astrophotography than others. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced astrophotographer, your camera will decide the overall quality of your images.
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In this article, we will discuss the best DSLR and mirrorless cameras for astrophotography. We will also discuss the key features to consider when selecting a camera for astrophotography, so ensure you read till the end. To start, below is our list of best cameras for astrophotography:
Best DSLRs For Astrophotography:
Below are the best DSLR cameras for astrophotography
Nikon D850:
The Nikon D850 is a professional full-frame DSLR camera released in 2017. It features a 153-point AF system, higher resolution (45.7 megapixels), a fast burst rate of 7 frames per second (9 with a battery grip), and 4K video capabilities. The large image sensor enables it to perform well in poorly lit environments.
The D850’s high-resolution sensor and low-light capabilities make it a great choice for capturing detailed night sky pictures. Additionally, its full-frame sensor allows for wider shots and better performance in low light. The camera also has a long exposure noise reduction feature that helps to reduce noise during long exposures.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV:
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is another best full-frame DSLR camera for astrophotography. It was released in 2016. It has a high resolution (30.4 megapixels) and a fast and accurate autofocus system with 61 points. The camera also has a high ISO range of up to 32,000 (expandable to 102,400), allowing users to capture sharp and well-detailed images even in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the camera houses a built-in interval timer and time-lapse movie function, allowing astrophotographers to record star trails and other time-lapse sequences. Generally, the 5D Mark IV is a versatile and great DSLR for astrophotography.
Pentax K-1 Mark II:
The Pentax K-1 Mark 11 is one of the best full-frame DSLR cameras for astrophotography. The camera has a unique AstroTracer feature, an in-built image stabilization system designed to compensate for the movement of celestial objects during long exposures, capturing images in which stars and planets appear to be stationary.
Although the camera has a 36.4-megapixel sensor, it can still deliver great results even in low light. It has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 33 points and a burst rate of 4.4 frames per second. Additionally, the camera has a high ISO range of up to 819,200, which can be useful for capturing faint objects in the night sky.
Nikon D810A:
The Nikon D810A is a full-frame DSLR camera specifically designed for astrophotography. Although it is similar to the Nikon D810, it has several key differences that make it more suitable for astrophotography. Unlike other DSLRs, the D810A has a modified infrared filter that allows it to capture the H-alpha spectral line usually emitted by nebulae.
Generally, this unique feature allows astrophotographers to capture well-detailed photographs of reds and pinks in deep-sky objects. Apart from its modified infrared filter, the D810A has other features that make it well-suited for astrophotography. These include a long exposure noise reduction feature, a built-in interval timer, and a time-lapse movie function for capturing star trails and other time-lapse sequences.
Best Mirrorless Cameras For Astrophotography:
Below are the best mirrorless cameras for capturing night stars and sky images
Sony Alpha a7R III:
The Sony Alpha a7R III is one of the best full-frame mirrorless cameras for astrophotography. It has a high-resolution 42.4-megapixel sensor, a 399 phase-detection points AF system, and a fast burst rate of 10 frames per second.
The a7R III high-resolution sensor and ability to thrive in low light make it a great choice for astrophotographers. Although it does not feature an astrotracer function like the Pentax K-1 Mark II, it has a high ISO range of up to 32,000 (expandable to 102,400), which boosts its overall performance in low light. In place of the astrotracer function, you may use an external star tracker.
Sony Alpha a7S II:
The Sony Alpha a7S II is another full-frame mirrorless camera for astrophotography. Although the camera has a 12.2-megapixel sensor, it is ruggedly optimized for low-light performance, with a high maximum ISO of 409,600. The camera also has a built-in 5-axis image stabilization system, which can help to keep your images steady during long exposures.
Overall, the Sony Alpha a7S II is a great choice for astrophotography thanks to its excellent low-light performance, high sensitivity range, and in-body image stabilization system.
Canon EOS Ra:
The Canon EOS Ra is a compact full-frame mirrorless camera specially designed for astrophotography. It has a modified infrared filter and 30x magnification for checking glorious galactic detail. The EOS Ra also has a new IR filter array in front of its 30.3-megapixel sensor, which enables the camera to capture and produce distinct reddish colors of the nebula.
Furthermore, the camera features a vari-angle touchscreen and the ability to record time lapse sequences of the night sky in 4K. Generally, it is one of the best cameras for astro images.
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Other Best Camera For Astrophotography:
ZWO ASI183MM-Pro
Aside from DSLR and mirrorless cameras, the ZWO ASI183MM-Pro is another camera specifically designed for astrophotography. It is a monochrome camera using Sony’s 20.18-megapixel IMX183CQJ-J sensor with 2.4-micron pixels, which is capable of capturing high-resolution images of the night sky.
The ASI183MM-Pro also has a back-illuminated sensor, which allows it to capture faint details in deep-sky objects. Additionally, the ASI183MM-Pro has a high frame rate. This makes it great for capturing planetary and lunar images. It has a USB 3.0 interface for fast data transfer. Generally, it is lightweight and easy to use with telescopes and other astrophotography equipment.
In conclusion, there are several best cameras for astrophotography. We recommend you choose the ones that fit your budget, house your desired astrophotography features, and are easy to use. Finally, before purchasing any camera for astrophotography, ensure it has a large sensor size and the ability to perform well in low light. Do not forget to check for in-body image stabilization too.