“The Best Cheap Camera For Astrophotography – Want to get into astrophotography, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Don’t worry, I have the perfect budget and beginner astrophotography camera for you! Today we’re going to take a look at what makes an astrophotography camera different, and then we’ll compare four popular cameras so you can find the one that’s right for you.”

Looking for the best cheap camera for astrophotography? You’ve come to the right place! Check out my list of the top-rated astrophotography cameras under $500.

If you’re looking for a cheap astrophotography camera, you’ve come to the right place. After doing extensive research online, I found that this is the best budget CCD astrophotography camera available at a reasonable price. It has all the features you need for shooting beautiful photographs of the night sky and comes with an amazing warranty!

Budget astrophotography camera

The best cheap camera for astrophotography is a DSLR or mirrorless camera that can record videos in RAW format, with manual settings available. To get the best results from your astrophotography photos, it’s important to choose the right lens for low light and a tripod that is both easy to take with you and stable enough to keep your camera steady throughout a long exposure

The best budget astrophotography camera that’s easy to use is the Canon EOS Rebel T6. It features a solid image quality, versatile autofocus system, and easy-to-learn operation. The battery life is great too.

It is true that getting an astrophotography camera is not as easy as getting a DSLR for everyday photography. However, you can use your smartphone to take some great images of a night sky, shoot star trails and even capture meteors. A smartphone provides a lot of flexibility and portability. So, if you are on the lookout for a good smartphone that can give you some good shots of the stars, here are the top five phones which may work well for astrophotography.

With all the fanfare this past year over the latest developments in camera technology, it’s easy to get caught up in gear envy. And that’s completely natural. But what if there’s a better camera out there that most of us have forgotten about? With landscape astrophotography in particular, it’s easy to covet the new cameras on the horizon, in the hopes that they will be more sensitive, better performing under low-light conditions, and have higher resolutions. In doing so, we may have relegated some cameras to the trash-heap far too soon.

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Best Cheap Camera For Astrophotography

The Best Budget Camera for Astrophotography

by Scott Donschikowski January 11, 2022

So, what do these professional astrophotographers know that the rest of us don’t? The secret can be broken down into three parts. First, the sensor in the 6D is full frame, with a rather large pixel width of 6.55 µm, which helps its low-light performance. Second, the Canon EF range of lenses is vast, meaning photographers have a wide variety of superb optics to choose from. And thirdly, the 6D is relatively cheap, both to buy secondhand and to modify. A cursory check of eBay finds dozens of 6Ds for sale under $500. And the astro modification service Alyn mentions in the video can be done for around $200.

I missed the boat on the 6D. I had already purchased a 5D Mark III by the time the 6D was announced, so I am one of the many who completely disregarded this camera. But if you are lucky enough to still have one or have $500 knocking about and want to get into landscape astrophotography, now may be the time. Scoop one up and go capture the stars!

Astrophotography Cameras

With so many types of astrophotography cameras available, choosing a specific model to spend your hard-earned money on can be a tough decision.

Beginners (myself included) usually start with a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera as they are cost-effective and versatile, and I still think it’s the best way to go.

If you are brand new to astrophotography, you can’t go wrong investing in an entry-level DSLR camera and kit lens. A DSLR is easy to use, affordable, and still a very relevant choice for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography.

This will open the door to many types of astrophotography including nighttime landscapes, Milky Way portraits, and even deep-sky astrophotography through a telescope.

astrophotography cameras

Examples of astrophotography using a DSLR camera.

As the hobby evolves, more and more dedicated astrophotography cameras continue to populate the market. Despite the amazing advances in cooled CMOS sensor technology found in modern astronomy cameras, I will always continue to shoot with a DSLR camera body in some form or another because they are just too much fun. 

My first astrophotography camera was a Canon Rebel 450D, and I haven’t spent a season without using a DSLR camera since. Since then, I have purchased nearly a half dozen cameras for astrophotography, with the latest edition being the full-frame Canon EOS Ra.

Astrophotography Cameras

Canon, Nikon, and Sony are the leaders of the DSLR camera market when it comes to astrophotography. The brand you choose can have a huge impact on your future equipment options.  

For instance, Canon users are much more likely to stay loyal to the brand after purchasing multiple camera lenses made for a Canon DSLR body. Whichever brand of DSLR you choose in the beginning, you are more likely to stick with until the end, so choose wisely.  

My advice would be to start with an entry-level body such as the Canon Rebel T7i or Nikon D3400Both of these cameras support a staggering amount of camera lenses and software applications. The Sony mirrorless a7 series cameras look impressive for wide-angle landscape style astrophotography, but I see very few people using them for deep sky imaging. 

A DSLR camera is very versatile and easy to use with various lenses. A dedicated astronomy camera, on the other hand, is designed primarily for deep sky imaging through a telescope and requires dedicated software to run. I currently use both types of astrophotography cameras on a regular basis. 

two types of astrophotography cameras

If you already own a DSLR for daytime photography, I would definitely recommend trying it out for astrophotography before looking to upgrade. The professional level DSLR’s from Canon and Nikon such as the 5D Mark IV and Nikon D850 would make excellent astro-cameras. 

For an idea of what a DSLR camera is capable of, have a look at the following image of the Andromeda Galaxy captured using a Canon 60Da. This camera body is rather unique in the fact that it was actually designed specifically for astrophotography. 

Andromeda Galaxy RedCat 51

The Andromeda Galaxy using a Canon EOS 60Da.https://d0f9408d8bd0062e56a8f7a2d8474eff.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

If it’s your first “real camera”, it’s worth thinking about purchasing your model of choice in a bundle that includes a zoom kit lens. One of the best ways to get started in astrophotography is to use the DSLR with a camera lens, not a telescope.

This method can be enjoyed both on a tripod, or on a simple tracking mount (star tracker) such as the iOptron SkyTracker Pro, or Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer. A DSLR camera and lens are simple and easy to mount for long exposure, tracked images of the night sky. 

When you have invested in your first astrophotography telescope, you can then attach your DSLR camera via a T-ring and adapter. This is known as prime-focus astrophotography and can lead to an extraordinary world of deep-sky imaging. This is where my true passion for this hobby began to take shape.

Canon EOS Rebel T7i

I recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T7i for beginners.

Modifying a DSLR for astrophotography

When you hear the term “modified DSLR” in the astrophotography realm, it means that the stock IR cut filter has been removed to allow the red color from certain nebulae to be recorded.

To be more specific, it’s the hydrogen-alpha transmission line (656nm) that’s so important for astro-imaging. Cameras like the Canon EOS 60Da were designed to be more sensitive to this wavelength, but an ordinary DSLR camera is not.

Having a camera that is sensitive to this wavelength of light (Hα) can make a big difference when it comes to certain emission nebulae such as the California Nebula, Eagle Nebula, and many more.

For those looking to take advantage of this modification, you can send your camera away for a professional modification service or perform the modification yourself. 

With my first astrophotography camera (Canon EOS Rebel Xsi), I carefully removed the stock IR cut filter in the camera with the aid of this tutorial video. I am happy to report that after 4 intense hours of work, I was successful.

60Da vs. 7D Mk II

Examples of images taken using a stock vs. a “modified” DSLR camera.

In 2020, I tested a new astrophotography camera developed by Canon. The Canon EOS Ra is a full-frame mirrorless camera capable of capturing stunning high-resolution images. This is a new breed of camera, not only because of it’s mirrorless design, but also features like 4K video and 30X live-view focus.

Like the Canon EOS 60Da that launched before it, it is more sensitive to the h-alpha wavelength of the light spectrum than a traditional daytime photography camera. 

EOS R for astrophotography

The Canon EOS Ra full-frame mirrorless camera (30.2 MP CMOS Sensor).

Camera Lenses for Astrophotography

I have used a number of lenses for astrophotography purposes over the years, and a few models stand out above the others. 

Below, you’ll see 3 Canon L-Series lenses of varying focal lengths that I like to use on assorted projects. If you aren’t ready to invest in a high-end lens like this, you could always consider a camera-lens rental service.

canon lenses

Astrophotography with a camera lens is a lot of fun, and can often be a simpler and more enjoyable experience than with a telescope. Even a kit lens such as the 18-55mm that are included with many beginner-level DSLR’s has some excellent astrophotography potential.

Wide-angle lenses such as the Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 make it possible to capture entire regions of the Milky Way at once. As the focal length of the lens increases, so will the demand of tracking accuracy and precise polar alignment. 

Check your local classified market for deals on used lenses. Most of my camera lenses were purchased used from either a classified site or from the Henry’s “used” section. 

Smaller camera lenses are much lighter than most telescopes, which means you won’t require a large equatorial mount to track the sky. Heavier telephoto lenses such as the Canon 300mm F/4L will require a more robust mount such as the iOptron SkyGuider Pro. 

lens for astrophotography

The Rokinon 135mm F/2 lens is an excellent choice for large deep-sky targets.

Dedicated Astronomy Cameras

These days there are many dedicated astronomy cameras on the market that are designed specifically for astrophotography, and nothing else. They lack a display screen and camera controls on the body and must be controlled using dedicated software on your computer. 

Cameras with CMOS sensors that include TEC (Thermoelectric cooling), precision gain controls and can produce images in . FIT format are extremely popular for astrophotography. Dedicated astronomy cameras come in two formats, one-shot-color, and mono. If you are like me, and your clear sky time is limited, a one-shot-color camera is a very convenient choice. 

For example, the ZWO ASI294MC-Pro houses a 4/3″ Sony IMX294 CMOS Sensor capable of capturing beautiful high-resolution images (4144 x 2822 pixels) in full color.

color astronomy camera

The Cocoon Nebula captured using a ZWO ASI294MC Pro color camera.

Years ago, CCD cameras ruled the market in this category, but advancements in CMOS sensor technology have increased the popularity of brands like ZWO Astronomy Cameras. A camera with a monochrome sensor such as the ZWO ASI 1600MM Pro records images in greyscale, meaning that a minimum of 3 filters (R, G, B) are necessary to create a full-color image. 

Mono CMOS sensors are much more sensitive than there color counterparts, you just have to work a little harder. As you take pictures through each color or narrowband filter, you benefit from a stronger signal due to the lack of the Bayer filter (CFA) found in traditional color cameras.

ZWO cameras have the option of being controlled using a unique dedicated camera capture device called the ZWO ASIair. This Raspberry Pi based computer allows you to control ASI cameras from your smartphone or tablet. Here, you can control everything from autoguiding to plate solving without touching your telescope.

I have found that using this particular camera with a duo-narrowband filter can produce some incredible results from a light-polluted area. The following image uses the STC Astro Duo-Narrowband filter with the ASI294MC-Pro on the Pacman Nebula.

pacman nebula

The Pacman Nebula using the ZWO ASI294MC-Pro camera.

The image was captured from a Bortle Scale Class 8 region (my backyard) during a nearly full moon. The combination of a cooled sensor and a narrow bandpass filter allow amateur astrophotographers to take impressive images from the city. 

The camera was set to -20°C to keep thermal noise at bay and resulted in 5-minute image subs with an impressive signal-to-noise ratio. If you told me this photo was captured from my city backyard 2 years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you!

When using this camera under a dark sky (Bortle Class 3), my results using the ASI294MC-Pro unfiltered (Just a UV-IR filter) were impressive. The following image of the Triangulum Galaxy was captured at the Black Forest Star Party through a Sky-Watcher Esprit 100 telescope. 

Triangulum Galaxy

The Triangulum Galaxy using a Dedicated Astronomy Camera.

Astrophotography Cameras under $1,000

Only a few short years ago, purchasing a dedicated CCD camera for astrophotography for under $1000 was unheard of. Modern advancements in CMOS sensor technology have brought the price of these cameras down significantly.

Dedicated astronomy cameras that are capable of cooling the sensor for a cleaner signal are now much more obtainable to the casual or beginner-level astrophotography enthusiast. The cameras listed below are best for deep-sky astrophotography. A different type of camera (and approach) is required for planetary or solar imaging.

I have included some very capable DSLR cameras on my list as well, as I believe they are still very relevant choices for most astrophotographers. The crop-sensor body DSLR’s are a great value for under $1000. For a full-frame DSLR body under $1000, you’ll likely need to browse the used markets.

The cameras on this list are listed for sale for $1000 or less as of October 2019. Where are the Sony mirrorless cameras and full-frame bodies from Nikon and Canon? In the $1000+ club!

Astrophotography cameras

DSLR Camera Bodies

  1. Canon EOS Rebel T7i (APS-C)
  2. Canon EOS 80D (APS-C)
  3. Nikon D5300 (DX Format)
  4. Nikon D7500 (DX Format)

Dedicated Astronomy Cameras

  1. ZWO ASI294MC-Pro (Color)
  2. ZWO ASI183MM Pro (Mono)
  3. QHY163 (Color)

One thing to keep in mind when choosing a camera for deep-sky astrophotography is the type of user experience you want to have.

For example, if you prefer to run your imaging session outside with a simple remote shutter release cable or intervalometer, a DSLR is your best bet. You’ll be able to preview your images on the cameras display screen as they come through, and control cameras settings like ISO and white balance right on the camera itself. 

On the other hand, dedicated astronomy cameras such as the ZWO ASI294MC Pro or QHY163C will only operate when connected to your computer and the necessary software. There is a big difference between running a DSLR camera and a dedicated astronomy camera.

Monochrome Cameras

I tested my first monochrome sensor CMOS camera in late 2017. It was my first venture into monochrome territory and was an eye-opening experience. Mono sensors can capture more detail in a single exposure but need 3X as much exposure time to produce a color image.

To create a full-color image using a monochrome camera, you must shoot through red, green, and blue filters to “build” a complete image. A color camera does this for you, by using a Bayer filter mosaic pattern over the sensor to split the pixel data into channels.

mono vs. color

A mono sensor will collect a stronger signal than a one-shot-color camera. hispeedcams.com

One aspect of monochrome cameras that really comes in handy is the stronger signal obtained when narrow bandpass filters are used. A monochrome camera is much better suited for images shot through Ha, OIII, and SII narrowband “line filters” (although it’s never stopped me from doing it)!

Narrowband filters can provide excellent data to be used in a false-color deep sky image. Amateur astrophotographers “color map” the monochrome (greyscale) images to RGB color channels to create a false-color image. You can use Adobe Photoshop to create Hubble Palette images using narrowband data. 

Benefits of a DSLR Camera

A DSLR camera can be used for many types of astrophotography. With a standard kit lens (such as an 18-55mm), Milky Way panoramic and constellation photos are well within reach.

Modern DLSR’s are user-friendly and can help you fast track the basics of night photography including shutter speeds, white balance, and understanding how to monitor the histogram of your images. Mirrorless cameras have gained in popularity over the past few years, with many of them being used for astrophotography specifically.

In fact, In November 2019, Canon announced their latest camera designed for astrophotography, the full-frame, mirrorless Canon EOS Ra. This camera boasts impressive features for night photography including an increased sensitivity to the hydrogen-alpha wavelength and a 30X live-view magnification mode. 

Types of Astrophotography Available:

  • Milky Way Panoramas
  • Auroras
  • Meteor Showers
  • Star Trails
  • Constellations
  • Night Landscapes
  • Deep Sky Imaging

One massive benefit of using a DSLR camera over a dedicated astronomy camera is being able to review your photos on the camera and making small adjustments to the settings on the fly. 

Non-DSLR cameras require external software to run, and can often take more time to control. The ease of use and versatility you get with a DSLR is hard to beat.

The Milky Way

The Milky Way using a Canon DSLR with a wide-angle Camera Lens.

Once you have had success using a camera lens for astrophotography, you can swap it out with a telescope for some deep-sky imaging. The telescope you choose for astrophotography will likely have a much longer focal length and will make focusing on stars much easier.

A telephoto camera lens will also do a fine job at capturing deep sky objects, but a telescope offers many advantages. For example, most high-end refractors include a locking dual-speed precision focuser.

They are also generally easier to attach to an equatorial mount, and can easily accommodate guide scopes and other astrophotography accessories.

To attach your DSLR to a telescope, you will need a t-ring and adapter to connect the scope to the camera body.

Benefits of a CCD Camera

A CCD camera is designed for astronomical and scientific imaging, usually through a telescope. One of the key parts of cooled CCD cameras over CMOS is the very low thermal noise and how ‘clean’ the calibration/data frames are.

These cameras work differently than a DSLR and dedicated CMOS astronomy cameras. They are designed to maximize collecting light for long periods of time, with exposure lengths of 10-20 minutes being a common practice.

Just like the dedicated CMOS cameras, a CCD camera has a cooler that can keep the sensor from overheating, resulting in images with very little noise.

SBIG STX-16803 CCD Camera

An SBIG STX-16803 CCD Camera.

They are also much more sensitive, with a higher level of control. The Gain setting on a CCD camera can be compared to ISO on a DSLR, with a much more precise level of adjustment.

Types of Astrophotography Available:

  • Deep Sky Imaging
  • Scientific Research
  • Narrowband Deep Sky

Popular CCD camera brands include SBIG, Starlight Xpress, and Atik. These devices are designed to produce scientific-grade deep sky astrophotography images.

The first cooled monochrome CCD camera I ever used was the Starlight Xpress Trius SX-42 (694). This is a professional-grade 6MP cooled CCD camera.

starlight xpress CCD camera

My Starlight Xpress Trius SX-694 mono CCD camera.

A Good Starting Point

My first astrophotography camera was a Canon Rebel XSi (450D). I learned how to photograph deep-sky objects with this camera and even modified the camera myself by removing the stock IR cut filter.

The Canon Rebel XSi makes an excellent choice for beginner DSLR astrophotographers because it offers a unique balance of simplicity and performance. Also known as the Canon 450D, this camera was the successor to the Canon EOS Xti, and was introduced way back in 2008. It’s 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor is small by today’s standards.

For comparison, the latest model in Canon’s line-up in this category (the Canon T7i) is 24.2 MP. The limited ISO capabilities of the XSi are also worth noting, topping out at a measly ISO 1600.  

The biggest downfall of a DSLR this old is the amount of thermal noise produced. These days, Canon cameras are designed to be much better at handling noise using a high ISO setting.

Despite its age and humble statistics, the Canon 450D can produce stunning results that can compete with images of much more expensive cameras. For the most part, the noise can be taken care of by shooting dark frames, and noise reduction in post-processing.

I have seen used DSLR bodies for the Canon Rebel Xsi sell for as low as $150 on astronomy classified sites like Astro Buy Sell.  

Just because a DSLR is newer with more features, doesn’t necessarily mean it does a better job of reducing noise in long exposure astro-imaging. Gary Honis did some testing of a number of Canon Rebel DSLR’s to test the noise characteristics of each model:

Comparing noise in 6 different Canon DSLR models:

Canon Digital Rebel T3i (600D) – Review & Comparison Testing For Astro Imaging

Which DSLR is best for astrophotography?

Brands such as Canon and Nikon have dominated the market for DSLR astronomy photographers in the past, but now camera manufacturers like Sony have also entered the picture with its mirrorless design.  

The prices and features of these cameras vary as much as the deep-sky nebulas and galaxies you will image with them.

I have my preferences towards the Canon line of DSLR cameras, but there are many satisfied Nikon, Sony, and Pentax shooters out there.

Astrophotography Cameras

What type of DSLR camera is best for astrophotography? (Full frame or Crop Sensor)

The answer to this depends on the type of astrophotography you’re primarily interested in, your current equipment, and your budget.

If you prefer to shoot astrophotography nightscapes including the Milky Way, Meteor Showers or Aurora, a full-frame DSLR camera such as the Canon EOS 6D is your best bet.

A full-frame sensor covers more area of the sky at once, and can truly maximize the real-estate of a wide-angle lens (such as the Rokinon 14mm F/2.8).

In general, landscape photography is the realm of full-frame DSLR cameras. You simply cannot beat the extreme wide-angle shots that are possible with a 35mm camera sensor.

If budget is an issue, consider looking into used bodies in the Canon EOS 5D series. (I found a great deal on a Canon EOS 5D Mk II in the Henry’s used equipment section)

On the other hand, if you’re shooting deep-sky astrophotography through a telescope, a crop-sensor DSLR such as the Canon T7i is a smart choice.

Not only are the APS-C sized sensor DSLR cameras more affordable, but they’re also much lighter. Keeping the overall weight of your imaging payload down is a major concern for entry-level deep-sky rigs.

Also, a full-frame camera is much more demanding on the optics of your telescope, and the field flattener/reducer you use.

This means that the edges of the image field may show oblong stars (Coma) due to the field not being corrected evenly. 

You can, of course, crop the edges out in post-processing, but I think it’s worth mentioning. You’ll want to make sure your field flattener/reducer was designed for a full-frame image sensor before purchasing.

Another aspect to consider is the availability and price of astrophotography filters. The clip-in variety of light-pollution and narrowband filters are more widely available and affordable on a crop-sensor DSLR than they are for a full-frame camera body.

One solution is to invest in the 2-inch round mounted variations that can be used with either camera body type when used for deep-sky astrophotography. (I don’t recommend using filters on the objective of the camera lens)

As for modifying these cameras for astrophotography, expect to pay a bit more for the service on a full-frame camera. I’d suggest buying a professionally modified camera rather than attempting to do it yourself.

I modified an old Canon EOS Rebel Xsi (450D) using the Gary Honis method (full spectrum mod) and it worked out great.

However, the latest DSLR’s from Canon and Nikon and becoming so advanced, I would not feel comfortable opening one up anymore!

DSLR Camera Filters

DSLR cameras are great at accepting filters to use during your imaging sessions through your telescope.  

For example, I use an Astronomik 12nm Ha Filter in my Canon T3i to capture narrowband h-alpha photos.  

The 12nm h-alpha filters block out all wavelengths of light (including light pollution and moonlight) except for a very narrow band of data in the hydrogen alpha spectrum.

A clip-in DSLR filter can be used with a camera lens for astrophotography.

Speaking of light pollution, astrophotographers in the city can benefit from LP (Light pollution) filters for their DSLR camera.  

The filter I currently use for all RGB (color) imaging is an IDAS LPS (light pollution suppression) filter made by Hutech. This clip-in filter does a great job at blocking stray light from street lamps, exterior lighting, and car headlights.

Video: Installing astrophotography filters on your DSLR

Have a look at the IDAS lps filter in use while capturing the Lagoon Nebula with my DSLR camera. 

An impressive feature of this filter is how it retains the natural star colors in space while reducing much of the unwanted city glow.

The Lagoon Nebula

A Cooled CMOS Astrophotography Camera

The ZWO ASI071MC-Cool uses the same sensor found in the popular Nikon D7000 (Sony IMX071). I have tested this camera on several occasions, capturing deep-sky targets such as the Leo Triplet, and Markarian’s Chain of galaxies.

This one-shot-color camera uses a modified DSLR sensor that can be cooled to -40 degrees below ambient temperature. Other camera manufacturers such as Atik, have introduced CMOS sensor cameras as well.

A CMOS camera uses a different sensor technology than a camera with a CCD sensor does.

The ASI071 makes for a good entry point into the world of dedicated astronomy camera astrophotography (formally referred to as CCD imaging), as the color sensor produces regular full-color images just like a DSLR does. 

One of the biggest advantages a dedicated astronomy camera like this has over a DSLR is the lack of noise present in the images captured. ASI071MC-Cool Astrophotography Camera

The ZWO ASI071MC-Cool

I learned a lot about CCD (dedicated astronomy camera) imaging with this camera. It introduced me to the world of .FIT files, Sequence Generator Pro, and an entirely new stacking procedure.

One of the early lessons I learned the hard way, was selecting the correct Bayer pattern for the camera. RAW files from a DSLR camera are debayered automatically in software like DeepSkyStacker and Adobe Photoshop.

DeepSkyStacker can debayer the .FIT files produced with the ASI071 as well, but you have to tell the application exactly how to debayer it.  

My biggest breakthrough was discovering that the Bayer pattern for this camera is RGGB, and to make the necessary setting adjustments in DSS based on that profile.

I useful thread on Cloudy Nights about the ASI071MC-Cool.

Image Scale Basics

When you get into the world of dedicated astronomy cameras, you will need to start paying attention to the pixel size of the camera sensor. The pixel size will determine the image scale you can expect with the telescope you are using.

You can calculate the image scale of your camera and telescope to see if they are a good match by using the following equation:

Image Scale = pixel size / focal length x 206

Generally, a well “sampled” image will fall in the range of 1.0-2.0 in terms of image scale. For example, my ZWO ASI294MC Pro CMOS camera has a pixel size of 4.63.

When attached to my Sky-Watcher Esprit 100 ED refractor, the image scale is 1.73. (4.63 / 550mm x 206 = 1.73). For a better understanding of the importance of under and oversampling your images with a particular camera and telescope combination, have a look at this video from Chuck Ayoub.  

Types of Astrophotography Cameras

There are a few options available when thinking about taking pictures of the night sky. The main type of camera I focus on my astrophotography is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera.  

Other options include CCD (Dedicated, Cooled Astronomical Cameras), Point and Shoot Digital Cameras and Webcams.  

Each type of camera has its strengths and weaknesses, whether it’s performance, cost, or ease of use.  

The reason I still enjoy using a DSLR camera for my astronomy imaging is the convenience, flexibility, and cost.Camera Settings for Astrophotography

Adjusting camera settings for astrophotography on a Canon 1000D

Choosing the Right Camera for the job

The type of camera you will use depends on what you intend to photograph. 

Because I mainly shoot deep-sky astronomical objects, a DSLR that I could attach to my telescope via a t-adapter was the logical choice. The DSLR also allows you to attach several different types of lenses to it for landscape astrophotography projects.

If you prefer to focus on taking pictures of the planets in our solar system, a webcam or dedicated astronomy camera may be a better fit for your needs.

If you are not interested in all of the technical settings and advanced controls included in a DSLR camera, a Point and Shoot model may be all you need for your landscape astrophotography goals.

If you are a serious amateur astronomer who wants to take your deep-sky astrophotography to the next level, a CCD camera or cooled CMOS camera is likely in your future.

Deep-Sky Astrophotography

This is the act of photographing deep-sky objects in space such as galaxies, nebulae, and globular clusters. These objects are usually cataloged as Messier Objects, NGC (New General Catalogue) or IC (Index Catalogues).  

This is the realm where I spend the majority of my time.

A tracking telescope mount is required to compensate for the rotation of the Earth, and the apparent movement of the night sky. Without an Equatorial Mount, you will experience star trailing in exposures longer than 15-10 seconds.

The photo below shows the Heart Nebula using a Canon EOS Rebel T3i camera with a Small APO Refractor telescope.

The Heart Nebula with a DSLR camera

The Heart Nebula – Canon DSLR and William Optics Z61 APO

Landscape Astrophotography

Landscape astrophotography has gained popularity over the years with the increasingly affordable DSLR’s available.  

These cameras are much more sensitive to light than ever before, and nobody can resist the allure of an image of the Milky Way. This type of photography can also include shots of constellations, planet conjunctions, the moon and more.

This type of photography has quickly become a close second behind my interest in deep-sky imaging.

Attaching a camera lens to your DSLR is necessary for a wide field view of space, rather than connecting the camera to a telescope.

For shots like the one below, I use a wide-angle camera lens on a small star tracker.

The Milky Way using the iOptron SkyGuider Pro

The Milky Way – Canon EF 17-40mm F/4L lens on an iOptron SkyGuider Pro

Solar System Imaging – Planetary Astrophotography

I began my photographic journey with this type of imaging. My first shots were of the Moon through my Orion 4.5 Reflector Telescope using the eyepiece projection method. I would use my Point-and-Shoot Canon Powershot digital camera through the eyepiece of the telescope for pictures of the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Venus.

It is possible to photograph images of solar system objects through a non-tracking Dobsonian telescope using your smartphone, but it will be challenging to capture a clear shot at high magnifications. You can also capture wide-angle photographs of the planets with your DSLR camera as they dance across the night sky each night. 

The Orion StarShoot 5 MP Solar System Color Camera is a popular choice for beginners due to its affordable price tag and solar system photography capabilities.

This camera uses a 5-megapixel one-shot-color imaging sensor with 2.2 x 2.2 micron pixels.

Orion Starshoot Solar System Camera

Orion StarShoot 5 MP Solar System Color Camera

This type of camera sensor is ideal for capturing images of planets like Saturn, Jupiter and Mars because the images are highly magnified. You can either take single exposures during times of good seeing, or record video footage (AVI or MOV format) and stack the best frames in Registax.

The reason for this method is to compensate for varying levels of transparency in the Earth’s atmosphere.  Some of the best planetary images in the world were taken using these inexpensive “webcam” style cameras.

Discussion: Capabilities and examples using the Orion Starshoot Solar System Imaging Camera (Cloudy Nights)

Here is my photo of Jupiter – taken using a Canon PowerShot camera:The Planet Jupiter captured through the telescope eyepiece

The Planet Jupiter – Photo through a Telescope Eyepiece

Narrowband Deep-Sky Astrophotography

This is where it gets interesting. Narrowband imaging is used by professional astrophotographers around the world, including on the photos that were taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.  

The concept behind this type of photography is to shoot your deep-sky object through different filters that only pick up certain wavelengths of light.

This is beneficial for several reasons, among them is being able to capture images under heavy light pollution. This is usually done with a cooled CCD or CMOS camera with an attached filter wheel.

I have captured many images using a color camera with narrowband filters, and have found it to be an excellent way to add more detail to my existing photos.

There will always be a learning curve to overcome when starting out with a new camera. I encourage you to join your local astronomy club or one of the many astrophotography communities on the web for specific advice about the camera you are using.

types of astronomy cameras

What Type of Camera do you Recommend?

No matter which type of astrophotography camera you use, the important thing is that it produces the results you are aiming for. Personally, I thought I would always shoot with a DSLR camera. 

That all changed when I experienced the power of a dedicated astronomy camera with a cooled sensor, and the high-quality, low-noise images it produced.

For my deep-sky imaging, a dedicated one-shot color astronomy camera such as the ZWO ASI294MC Pro will likely become my primary imaging instrument for the time being.  

where to buy

I currently shoot most with a ZWO ASI294MC Pro

Your camera should compliment your style and imaging conditions. For me, it’s all about maximizing the short windows of imaging time I can squeeze in.

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