Best cameras for astrophotography in 2024: Shoot for the stars

Not all cameras are suitable for shooting the night sky, which is why you need to look for a few features in particular when searching for the best cameras for astrophotography. You'll need to consider a camera's performance in incredibly low-light settings, how well they can autofocus and so many other functions. 

Thankfully, we've tested a wide variety of cameras so we can pick out the best for astrophotography — from brands large and small and across all price points. Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or just looking to get started with an entry-level model, you'll find a few options that you can consider, each coming with different pros and cons. 

There a few things to consider in particular when choosing an astrophotography camera. Firstly, you should check the camera's dynamic range — with good dynamic range meaning it can capture the brightest and darkest areas of a photo more accurately. You will also need to make sure the model can handle different lighting conditions, has strong ISO performance and can drown out the noise well. 

Anything that ticks these boxes is also a great option to use day-to-day, incidentally, whether you're hoping to capture stunning vistas or photograph friends and family. But If you are looking for something to use more on a day-to-day basis, consider checking out our guide on the best cameras for photos and videos. 

Below, you'll find our top picks for the best cameras for astrophotography — which includes a summary of each unit alongside key stats and information. You can also find the latest deals and discounts on each model from trusted retailers to help you find the perfect model more quickly. 

Once you've picked out a camera that suits your needs, check out our guide to the best lenses for astrophotography so you can get all the equipment you need to take stunning shots of the night sky. If you want to go that one step further, also make sure to read our guide on best telescopes — so you can pinpoint and capture images of the night sky with more accuracy.

The quick list

Best cameras for astrophotography we recommend in 2024

Best dedicated astro camera

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While the ZWO Optical AI 533 Pro doesn't tick all the day-to-day photography boxes you might want, it certainly delivers on astrophotography. We love the way it can generate images that are clean and noise-free without needing to use any post-processing software, which saves plenty of time. There's no amp glow, too, which means your raw images are much cleaner.

In our ZWO Optical ASI 533 Pro review, we called this camera an affordable and user-friendly option for anyone looking for a dedicated astrophotography camera. In fact, we struggled to find any real negatives. We scored it top marks, giving it five stars out of five.

The ZWO Optical ASI 533 Pro's square 9-megapixel sensor may seem different than most but it's very capable, especially given its relatively low megapixel count. It can capture images almost free of noise, and its 14-bit ADC produces beautiful colors. Perhaps that's the only criticism we can levy: If you tend to lean towards monochrome cameras, this might not be for you because it's exclusively available in color.

But with other features such as an 80% Quantum Efficiency and a fast frame rate of 20FPS, it's exceptional at capturing light.

Similar to many other specialized astrophotography cameras, the ZWO Optical ASI 533 requires an external power source to operate its cooling system. If you're aiming for long exposure shots, make sure you have this set up beforehand.

• Read our ZWO Optical ASI533MC Pro review

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Best color astro camera

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We'd recommend the ZWO Optical ASI 183MC Pro if you're looking for one of the best full-color cameras for astrophotography. This dedicated astro camera is also excellent at keeping noise to a minimum when shooting with long exposures. 

What's also impressive is how lightweight it feels — less than a pound (0.9lbs or 410g), while measuring just 62mm in diameter. That said, you'll be able to take advantage of plenty of useful features. Its resolution fo 20.48MP, alongside a peak Quantum Efficiency of 84% and minimal read noise at 1.63, means it's a great performing camera overall.

Additionally, it comes equipped with a full-color sensor, eliminating the need for extra RGB filters in your photography, simplifying your setup, and lightening your gear load. It is a serious astrophotography camera, and you'll need to have experience with dedicated astro cameras to get the most out of it. Read our in-depth ZWO ASI183MC review to see what can be achieved.

The ZWO Optical ASI 183 excels at capturing stunning shots at its maximum resolution, boasting a speed of 19 frames per second (FPS), which is perfect for solar or lunar photography. If you choose a lower resolution, the frame rate shoots up significantly, allowing you to capture hundreds of frames per second! This camera provides versatile options for capturing different types of images.

To use the ASI 183, you'll need a laptop with dedicated software, featuring a USB-A 3.0 port for efficient data transfer. Additionally, you'll need a telescope and a 12V power supply to operate the cooling system.

• Read our full ZWO Optical ASI183MC Pro review

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Best mirrorless camera for astro

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Nikon's excellent Z8 camera, which was released in May 2023, is the manufacturer's latest mirrorless camera and is a pure dream for astrophotographers. It offers an expanded ISO of 102,400 and includes several crucial features that are ideal for capturing incredible shots of the starry night sky.

The autofocus system on this camera is incredibly fast and accurate. It excels at recognizing subjects' eyes, even in low-light conditions as dim as -7EV. In Starlight View (in menu d9), the autofocus detection range drops to as low as -9EV, which is the best we've ever seen, and we were blown away when we tested it out in our Nikon Z8 review. 

The Nikon Z8 offers a handy night vision mode that's especially beneficial for astrophotography, a feature we wish more popular cameras had. You can tailor how the night vision operates, but essentially, it dims the screen and electronic viewfinder while only displaying red pixels, which helps to preserve your night vision.

If you're into more than just astrophotography, the Nikon Z8 is a top contender as one of the best cameras out there. It performs exceptionally well in various types of photography, and its compatibility with a wide range of lenses adds to its versatility. While it may require a significant investment, we think it's a camera built to last for many years to come.

• Read our full Nikon Z8 review

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Best Sony for astro

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Sony's A7R V has succeeded the Sony A7R IV, but newer doesn't always mean better. The latest version does include some upgrades on its predecessor — which are not specifically geared towards astrophotography — and it also comes at the cost of a massive price bump. For that reason, we would still recommend the Song A7R IV for astrophotography. 

With its three-inch LCD screen, the Sony A7R IV has an impressive resolution of 2.36 million dots. With a megapixel count of 61MP, too, this is among the best we've seen for a mirrorless camera, which is ideal if you're looking to make giant prints of your photos. 

In our Sony A7R IV review, we praised this camera's exceptional performance and image quality all-round. This camera is remarkable because it can capture incredible details in both bright and dim lighting conditions. It excels at capturing both bright and dim lights in a single shot, which is ideal for astrophotography. In fact, we've struggled to find anything that beats it.

Even at a high-sensitivity setting like ISO 6400, the images stay relatively clean with minimal noise. However, if you increase the ISO further, you'll notice a rise in noise, which is expected in such situations. Although, now that some of the best photo editing apps have pretty impressive AI denoise capabilities, it makes this camera even more usable for astrophotography.

When you capture high-resolution 61-megapixel images, they consume a lot of storage space on your computer, and handling them can strain your computer's resources. We noticed that the buffer struggled during continuous shooting. However, you can address this problem by choosing lossless compressed RAW files or using a faster memory card in one of the card slots.

The A7R IV doesn't have a fully articulating screen (something they've majorly improved in the Sony A7R V); however, it does tilt so you can still capture stunning images without needing to bend down into uncomfortable positions.

• Read our full Sony A7R IV review

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Best rugged option

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Unlike the Sony A7R V, the Nikon Z6 II is certainly an upgrade worth paying for having succeeded the Nikon Z6. This unit is a step up from an entry-level model and is great for general day-to-day shooting of photos and videos as well as astrophotography. As we concluded in our Nikon Z6 II review, this model is a more refined version and certainly worth the additional fee.

The Z6 II retains many of the features of its previous version while introducing some minor yet significant enhancements. One notable addition is the second memory card slot, which provides added peace of mind during photo sessions by offering a backup option. Additionally, the camera boasts a faster burst rate, enhanced focus capabilities, quicker image processing and the ability to shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second.

You have more in-camera control over long exposures thanks to the larger range of shutter speeds. The slowest shutter speed is a whopping 900 seconds (15 minutes!), so pair it with one of the best star trackers and you could get some seriously detailed astro shots. With excellent weather sealing, you could even capture images during heavy rain or dust storms if you wanted to!

• Read our full Nikon Z6 II review

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Best entry level Nikon

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We would recommend the Nikon Zf as the ideal option for astrophotographers who are looking for a beginner-friendly camera, with great low-light capabilities and a fantastically low autofocus of -10EV, which is lower than the even in the Nikon Z8.  

In our full Nikon Zf review, we were very impressed by its noise handling and thought it performed excellently in the dark and produced some beautiful images. Although the 24.5MP sensor may not seem enough for some, it does help keep image noise down when doing astrophotography work. 

The Zf shares the same high-performance processing engine as the Z8 and Z9, combining style with power and speed. We admired its design, which reminded us of classic film SLR cameras but with all the advanced features of modern mirrorless cameras. It's equipped with numerous dials and controls for easy access to settings, and the fully articulating touchscreen simplifies shooting from difficult angles.

However, it's not flawless, especially for professional photographers who may find it lacking, especially due to its 24.5MP sensor, which doesn't excel in capturing intricate details. Additionally, the grip may feel too small for those with larger hands.

Despite these drawbacks, we believe the Nikon Zf provides great bang for your buck, priced just under $2,000, with potential deals available. If you're considering transitioning to a full-frame camera without overspending, this is a solid choice. Plus, there's a wide selection of lenses to expand your collection, which you can continue using with a more advanced camera in the future.

• Read our full Nikon Zf review

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Best entry-level Canon

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We consider the Canon EOS R8 as a great entry-level option that's small, compact and available at an affordable price. That said, this mirrorless model is hardly basic with Canon packing it with a great number of features that make it one of the best cameras for astrophotography. It's incredibly light — indeed, among the lightest Canon body available — and you'll be able to get it at a great price. 

In our Canon EOS R8 review, we found this to be a surprising astrophotography winner, largely thanks to how well it handles high ISO noise. It doesn't, however, have in-body image stabilization — that's one of the reasons the R8 manages to be so affordable. But for astrophotography, most shooters will rely on tripods, so it's a feature you can likely do without.

If you want to try out Canon's full-frame mirrorless system without spending a fortune on professional models, the Canon EOS R8 is a great option. As a full-frame mirrorless camera, it lets you take advantage of the entire field of view provided by RF-mount lenses. This sets it apart from crop sensor cameras, which utilize only a portion of the lens's view.

Saving money by purchasing this camera instead of more expensive models works well when photographers are considering purchasing the best lenses for astrophotography which are generally big, fast lenses like the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM or Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM.

• Read our full Canon EOS R8 review

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Best DSLR overall

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Mirrorless cameras are on the march, but there are still plenty of fantastic DSLRs on the market, and the Nikon D850 is a full-frame camera that's earned its place on this list. Although it's a little old now, this camera is still one of our favorites and goes head-to-head with some of the most premium mirrorless cameras out there thanks to its feature set.

Its EXPEED 5 processor may be five years old but it's still very fast, and the camera's ISO range of up to 102,400 is impressive. As we mentioned in our Nikon D850 review, however, it's the robust weather sealing of the camera body that sets it apart though, ideal for shooting in various weather conditions. Built with an aluminum alloy, it's robust but still lightweight — and its backlit buttons are ideal when you're shooting in the dark so you know what buttons you're pressing. 

With a huge 153 autofocus points, the D850 is perfect for capturing images of stars and other celestial subjects. It can autofocus down to -4EV with a Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, which is a dream for astrophotographers.

While the continuous burst frame rate might appear slow at 9 frames per second (FPS), it's worth mentioning that each image is a substantial 45.7 megapixels. Additionally, the D850 can create time-lapse videos and shoot in 4K at 30 FPS. When recording videos, it employs "live" zebra stripes to identify potential exposure issues, allowing you to adjust settings in real time instead of correcting exposure problems during post-production.

• Read our full Nikon D850 review

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Best low light mirrorless camera

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Although the Sony A7 III was released in April 2018, and there are certainly better and newer models available, we would still recommend considering this as a great astrophotography camera. That's because it's exceptional in low-light conditions. We should stress that the electronic viewfinder does feel a little dated now, but its exposure-ramped view is a plus, certainly when capturing images of the night sky. 

With a low light autofocus detection of -3EV, it isn't quite as sophisticated as other models but still performs well. As discussed in our Sony A7 III review, we were particularly impressed with the high dynamic range — something Sony is well known for and enables you to recover excellent detail from even the darkest shadows.

This camera effortlessly captures images in low light and excels in handling noise, providing impressive image quality. You can even push it all the way up to an impressive ISO of 204,800 for still photos — although you likely wouldn't ever need to have the ISO that high. Additionally, the camera can record stunning 4K UHD videos at a smooth 30 FPS.

The Sony A7 III stands out with better-than-average CIPA ratings compared to similar mirrorless cameras, providing up to 710 still shots on a single battery charge when using the rear LCD monitor. While it might be a bit pricier than some competitors at first (though its price often drops over time), the A7 III shines with exceptional low-light performance and its versatility across different photography styles.

• Read our full Sony A7 III review

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Best pro-level camera

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We described the Sony A1 as one of the best mirrorless cameras ever built in our full review — perfect for capturing breathtaking images and time-lapses of the night sky — and it's also Sony's most expensive full-frame mirrorless model. Its strengths include a large 50.1-MP sensor and a highly precise 9.44 million-dot electronic viewfinder — alongside the capacity to shoot in 8K. This excellent camera also comes with two memory card slots, features an impressive dynamic range and complete weather sealing. 

This camera is priced at around $6500, which doesn't include any additional lenses you might need. It's quite expensive, especially for non-professional photographers, particularly those interested in astrophotography. Even if you buy it used, it holds its value well. Despite being a great camera, its high price is why it's ranked slightly lower in this guide.

That said, if you are a professional photographer and have that sort of money to spend on a camera, the Sony A1 is a stellar choice. While it's a great choice for astrophotography, it's one of the best cameras you can buy for almost every type of photography. Its large 50.1MP sensor may seem like overkill for astro shooting — typically, the larger the sensor, the more noise you see in low light — but it's barely an issue here, thanks to how great the A1 handles low lighting conditions.

In our Sony A1 review, we were very impressed with the astro shots it produced using the interval shooting feature. Aside from its astronomical cost, the only complaint we can levy at the A1 is that the screen doesn't fully articulate. For its price point, it's something we'd expect — and it's a very useful feature when shooting the sky. But we don't consider it to be a total deal-breaker, as it's otherwise an outstanding camera.

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Best for timelapse astro

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Canon has a number of excellent DSLR cameras and the Canon EOS 6D Mark II stands out. We would recommend this camera for beginners as it offers great quality at a relatively affordable price, which means it's the perfect companion if you're just starting out in your journey. It won't include the very newest features that you'll find in mirrorless cameras, this full-frame model offers plenty value for money, which makes it a worthy investment.

In timelapse mode, this camera can shoot in 4K and is ideal for capturing detailed time-lapses of the night sky, especially when combined with a star tracker. Our Canon EOS 6D Mark II review identified that it is best to avoid this model if you're shooting fast action in low light; however, this is not an issue for astrophotography. Image composition is easy with a fully articulating touchscreen display; this is advantageous when shooting skyward.

This camera records standard video in full HD 1080p at a smooth 60 frames per second (FPS), but it doesn't have the capability for 4K video. The EOS 6D Mark II has a somewhat restricted dynamic range, but with the use of enough calibration frames and some post-processing, this limitation can be overcome and is forgivable.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II comes with only one SD card slot, which might be a concern for those who like longer shooting sessions or prefer the security of a backup SD card. However, with an expandable ISO of 102,400 and the capability to capture 26.2MP stills, it ensures clear and crisp results with every shot.

• Read our full Canon EOS 6D Mark II review

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Best for versatility

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Although the Fujifilm X-T4 is an excellent camera, the newer model benefits from several upgrades at a similar price point. The Fujifilm X-T5 has functional on-body dials and they do take a while to get used to, as we mentioned in our full review. That said, you'll get used to them, and find them easy to use in low-light conditions than if using traditional menus. 

While the X-T4 had a 26.1MP sensor, the Fujifilm X-T5 boasts a large 40.21MP CMOS sensor. Additionally, it operates at twice the processing speed, resulting in higher-quality images. Overall, we think it's a significant upgrade in nearly every aspect.

The X-T5 runs on an NP-W235 battery, offering approximately 600 shots per charge in regular daily use, according to CIPA ratings. By turning on the economy mode, you can extend this to about 740 shots. While the battery life is generally solid, it's worth mentioning that taking long-exposure shots of the night sky might drain the battery faster, meaning you'll need to recharge sooner.

This camera has two SD memory card slots, giving you the option to shoot JPGs and RAW files simultaneously, use one as a backup card, or simply enjoy double the storage capacity.

This camera performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions. It is equipped with a robust processing engine and offers seven stops of in-body image stabilization. Its versatility makes it a top pick for action and sports photography while also standing out as an excellent choice for creating captivating timelapses. You may want to check out our alternative options for this capture style in our best cameras for timelapse videos article. 

• Read our full Fujifilm X-T5 review

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Best value for money

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Canon's first full-frame mirrorless camera is the EOS R, and it is still one of our favorites for astrophotography despite being nearly six years old. 

Why? Well, it's still an outstanding camera, working exceptionally well in low-light situations, making it perfect for astro shooting. Its processor is still quick, and we love that it has minimal buffer lag. That also makes it a great choice for action or sports photography.

As we mentioned in our Canon EOS R review, though, this isn't a camera built with robustness or sleekness in mind. It's on the bigger side, but it feels fragile—particularly in comparison to something like the Nikon Z6. It also doesn't have the most intuitive button layout, so it'll take some getting used to. Due to its size and build, it might not be the best option if you're planning on traveling with it.

The camera's big vari-angle touchscreen is remarkable. It allows users to set the focus with a simple touch, which is particularly useful for those switching from smartphones or anyone who struggles to get the focus just right.

• Read our full Canon EOS R review

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Best lightweight model

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Sony's cameras boast excellent ISO performance — and this is as true for the Sony A6700 camera as it is for any of its models, its latest flagship crop-sensor camera. This ISO performance makes it an excellent choice if you're seeking to shoot in low-light conditions or shoot the starry night sky.

The camera offers a variety of features which earns it a place in our guide. In particular, we noted that in our Sony A6700 review that the AI-powered autofocus technology really impressed us. You may not use it all the time during astrophotography sessions — but we it brings a lot of value if you plan on using this camera for other kinds of shooting too, such as portraits or wildlife shots.

The previous model, the Sony A6600, which we've also reviewed, is still a powerful camera but there are enough changes on board the A6700 to make this the ideal choice between the two — even given its larger price tag. The only downside between the two is that the A6700 has a slightly reduced battery capacity given its AI autofocus. For enthusiast shooting, though, it should be more than enough (and spare batteries aren't too expensive to pick up should you need one).

The A6700 has a 26MP APS-C sensor, a slight improvement over the previous 24.2MP, and an ISO range of 100-32000 (expandable to 50-102400). Importantly, it now focuses down to -3EV, a step up from the previous -2EV capability. Not the most impressive autofocus detection range we've ever seen, but it's a step in the right direction with every upgrade.

Additionally, the A6700 comes with a fully articulating screen, allowing for flexible camera positioning without any discomfort — great news for astrophotographers. While the A6600 was considered pricey for its features, the A6700, despite having a similar release price, offers better value for money thanks to its improved features.

• Read our full Sony a6700 review

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Best budget option

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Although the mirrorless Nikon Z6 II and the Nikon Z7 has succeeded the Nikon Z6, this older model still represents great value for money — and offers plenty of great specs and features at a reasonable price. In particular, a lower resolution means the full-frame sensor in the Z6 produces less noise and has a quicker processing time. Its age also means you pay a lot less for it compared to some of the best alternatives.

This camera has a fantastic electronic viewfinder that shows incredibly detailed and true-to-life images with its 3.69 million dots. Although the selection of Z-mount lenses is expanding, it might not be as extensive as other lens ranges. But, you can still pick from a wide range of lenses in Nikon's extensive F-mount collection by using an FTZ adapter.

Our Nikon Z6 review found we could shoot up to ISO 12,800 with very little visible noise in the image — perfect for evening landscapes, darkened objects or astrophotography. The image quality only degrades slightly on the maximum and expanded settings.

• Read our full Nikon Z6 review

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Best cameras for astrophotography: Frequently Asked Questions

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How we test the best cameras for astrophotography

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. There are many aspects we consider whether it be how well it functions or its design and construction or crucially, how well it performs. 

Every model gets its own hands-on review and goes through testing either from our expert staff or freelance contributors, who are experts in their fields. This way, you get a fair review from a personal experience based on price, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a sleek little crop-sensor DSLR wouldn't be appropriate, though each camera might be the best-performing product in its own class.

When testing, we consider whether or not it can produce top-quality images and high-resolution videos as well as what technology it features and of course, how easy it is to operate. Where we can, we also like to suggest additional kit that could improve the performance of a given camera.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.