The Best DSLR Cameras for Astronomy Enthusiasts Unlocking the Cosmos Through Photography

Published on Apr 1, 2024

Choosing the right DSLR camera for astronomy photography is crucial, as poor choices can compromise image quality or make it difficult to capture the desired celestial subjects. However, with the right camera, astronomy enthusiasts can unlock the boundless wonders of the cosmos.

This article meticulously evaluates various characteristics and features of DSLR cameras that are critical for astronomy photography, including image resolution, low-light performance, lens compatibility, manual controls, and weather sealing. By analyzing these key aspects, we have identified the top contenders that will help astronomy enthusiasts achieve stunning astrophotography.

Best DSLR Camera for Crisp Celestial Images

The Canon EOS 90D tops our list with its impressive 32.5MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, delivering exceptional image quality even in dim environments. Its ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200, allows for capturing faint celestial objects without compromising detail. Capturing crisp celestial images requires a DSLR camera that excels in low-light conditions, offering high image resolution and minimizing image noise.

Characteristics:

  • 32.5MP CMOS sensor for high image resolution
  • DIGIC 8 image processor for enhanced low-light performance
  • ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200
  • Fast and accurate autofocus system
  • Vari-angle touchscreen LCD for convenient shooting

Best DSLR Camera for Advanced Astrophotography Capabilities

The Nikon D850 stands out as the top choice for advanced astrophotographers, boasting a full-frame 45.7MP CMOS sensor and a wide ISO range of 64-25600. Its built-in intervalometer enables automated capture of sequences for creating captivating time-lapse videos of the night sky. Advanced astrophotography demands a DSLR camera that provides extensive manual controls, compatibility with specialized equipment, and the ability to capture long exposures without introducing camera shake.

Characteristics:

  • 45.7MP full-frame CMOS sensor for exceptional image quality
  • ISO range of 64-25600 for low-light sensitivity
  • Extensive manual controls for precise exposure adjustments
  • Built-in intervalometer for automated time-lapse photography
  • Durable construction for demanding outdoor conditions

Best DSLR Camera for Versatile Astrophotography

The Nikon D7500 is an excellent all-around camera for astrophotography, featuring a 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a versatile ISO range of 100-51200, and a fast and accurate autofocus system. Its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for remote control and image sharing, making it convenient for capturing astrophotographs in remote locations. Versatile astrophotography requires a DSLR camera that adapts to various shooting scenarios, from capturing wide-angle Milky Way shots to zooming in on distant galaxies and nebulae.

Characteristics:

  • 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor for sharp images
  • ISO range of 100-51200 for low-light performance
  • Versatile lens compatibility for wide-angle and telephoto astrophotography
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote control
  • Rugged construction for outdoor photography

Some more options

Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens, 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, Built-in Wi-Fi, Optical Viewfinder, Impressive Images & Full HD Videos, Includes 32GB SD Card
$379.0
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Bundle w/ Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens + 2pc SanDisk 64GB Memory Cards, Wide Angle Lens, Telephoto Lens, 3pc Filter Kit + Accessory Kit
$649.0
Nikon D7500 20.9MP DSLR Camera with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens, Black
$1196.95
EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens - Pixi Advanced Bundle (International Version) (Renewed)
$399.0
Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens + 64GB Memory, Filters,Case, Tripod, Flash, and More (34pc Bundle) (Renewed)
$429.0
Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Daul Lens + SanDisk 64GB Memory Card + Tripod + Case + Wideangle Lenses + ZeeTech Accessory Bundle (21pc Bundle) (Renewed)
$699.99
Canon EOS 4000D (Rebel T100) DSLR Camera 18-55mm Zoom Lens + ZeeTech Accessory Bundle with SanDisk 32GB Memory Card, Bag, Tripod and UV Filter (Renewed)
$429.99
Canon EOS Rebel T100 (EOS 4000D) DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens + 64GB Memory Card, Case, Hood, Grip-Pod, Filter Professional Photo Bundle (Renewed)
$419.0
Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens + Platinum Mobile Accessory Bundle Package Includes: SanDisk 32GB Card, Tripod, Case, Pistol Grip and More (21pc Bundle) (Renewed), Black
$439.99
Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens Black
$205.0
Canon Cameras EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 Digital SLR Camera Body w/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens 3 DSLR Kit Bundled with Complete Accessory Bundle+ 64GB+ Flash+ More - International Model (Renewed)
$489.95
Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with Auto Focus-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Zoom Lens (Black)
$268.0
46% OFF (-$231.95) (499.95)
Canon EOS Rebel T8i EF-S 18-55mm is STM Lens Kit, Black
$979.0
Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K Video, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen, [Body Only], Black
$1199.0
Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens + SanDisk 32GB Card Tripod Case Wideangle Lenses ZeeTech Accessory Bundle (20pc Bundle) (18-55MM, Card) (Renewed) Black
$519.98
Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Zoom Lens + SanDisk 128GB Memory Card + Tripod + Case + Wideangle Lenses + Inspire Digital Cloth (20pc Bundle), Black, (Renewed)
$429.0
Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Kit, Accessory Bundle - International Model (Renewed)
$429.95
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm is II Lens Bundle + Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens + 420-800mm HD SuperZoom Lens + 128GB Memory + Filters + Flash + Monopod + Professional Bundle Black
$829.0
Canon EOS T100/4000D DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens, SanDisk Memory Card, Tripod, Flash, Backpack + ZeeTech Accessory Bundle (Canon 18-55mm, SanDisk 64GB) (Renewed)
$454.99
33MP DSLR Photography Camera Kit with Autofocus and 1080P HD - Ideal Vlogging Camera, Includes 24X Telephoto and 0.5X Wide Angle Lenses, Perfect for Beginners
$299.96
Nikon D3500 24.2MP DSLR Camera with AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens (1590B) – (Renewed)
$628.5
Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens 3 Lens Kit Bundled with 128GB Memory + Wide Angle Lens + Telephoto Lens + Flash + More (Renewed) Black
$449.0
Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR & AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED
$998.0
Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera Kit with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens, Built-in WiFi and NFC - Black (Renewed)
$329.0
Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom Lens (Renewed)
$369.95
7% OFF (-$29.05) (399.0)
Canon EOS T100/4000D DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens, SanDisk Memory Card, Tripod, Flash, Backpack + ZeeTech Accessory Bundle (Canon 18-55mm, SanDisk 32GB) (Renewed)
$439.99
Paging Zone-Canon intl Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens, 64GB Memory,Case, Tripod and More (28pc Bundle) (Renewed)
$399.0
Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR (Body Only)
$579.95
Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with 18-135 is USM Lens | Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K Video, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen, Black
$1599.0
Canon EOS R6 Mark II RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM KIT Black
$2599.0
7% OFF (-$200.0) (2799.0)
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm is II Lens + Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens and 500mm Preset Lens + 32GB Memory + Filters + Monopod + Professional Bundle (Renewed)
$759.0
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body (Renewed)
$1578.99
Canon Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver) (OLD MODEL)
$69.0
Nikon D7500 20.9MP DX-Format Wi-Fi 4K Digital SLR Camera Body - (Renewed)
$718.0
10% OFF (-$81.0) (799.0)
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm STM Lens - WiFi Enabled
$699.99
Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body
$1400.0
53% OFF (-$1596.95) (2996.95)
Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
$199.95
Canon EOS M50 Mark II (Black) + EF-M 15-45mm & EF-M 55-200mm is STM Bundle
$829.99
11% OFF (-$100.0) (929.99)
Pentax K-1 Mark II w/ D-FA 28-105 WR Lens: 36.4MP Full Frame High Resolution Digital Camera 5 Axis, 5 Steps Shake Reduction II Weather-resistant Construction Dustproof Flexible Tilt-Type LCD Monitor
$1996.95
17% OFF (-$403.0) (2399.95)
Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm + 500mm/1000mm Preset Manual Focus Lens + 2.0X Teleconverter + SanDisk 32GB Card + Tripod + Case + MegaAccessory Bundle (24pc Bundles)
$499.99
Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens (Renewed)
$424.99
Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera Body Only (Renewed)
$848.0
Canon EOS 2000D DSLR (Rebel T7) w/ 18-55mm Zoom Lens Kit + 64GB Memory, 420-800mm Super Zoom Lens, Wide Angle Lens, Telephoto Lens, 3PC Filter Kit, Photo Backpack, Tripod + More (34PC Bundle)
$589.0
PENTAX KF APS-C Digital SLR Camera Body kit with Dustproof, Weather-Resistant and Vari-Angle LCD Monitor, Black
$696.95
EOS Rebel T7 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Kit (Renewed)
$390.0
Acuvar Digital Camera, 16 Megapixel Photo Camera Mini Digital SLR Camera, CMOS Sensor 2.4“ TFT LCD Compact Camera, 16X Digital Zoom Video Camera for Children Adults Beginners Black
$39.99
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm F/4-5.6 STM Zoom Lens + 64GB Memory, Case, Tripod, Flash, Remote, and More (32pc Bundle) (Renewed)
$629.0
Canon Rebel XTi DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (OLD MODEL)
$140.89
Nikon D90 DX-Format CMOS DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL)
$129.95