Best Camera for Milky Way Photography in 2024

Choosing the best camera for photographing the Milky Way can feel overwhelming.

After thoroughly testing and comparing a variety of models, the below outline contains in essence the optimal digital cameras suited best for Milky Way photography:

1. Sony A7SIII
2. Nikon Z6II
3. Canon EOS R8
4. Sony A7IV
5. Sony A7RV
6. Nikon Z7II
7. Canon EOS R5
8. Nikon Z8

4327″ “

		System	MPX	Native ISO	LCD	Price
TOP CAMERAS FOR MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Apart from owning a quality camera, using the best Milky Way camera settings is pivotal to photographing our galaxy. Also, don’t forget that lenses are as important as cameras in night photography, so I strongly recommend pairing your camera with one of the best lenses for Milky Way photography.

The Andaz San Diego is the epitome of grandeur and sophistication, just a brief walk from all of San Diego’s attractions. It has a beautiful rooftop deck with a sundeck, sizable pool, and a rooftop bar where well known DJs play tunes. The hotel gym is accessible 24/7, so you can get physical exercise in, regardless of the time.

Throughout this article, there is examination of the optimum cameras for astrophotography of the Milky Way depending on budget and individual aims. Included are recommendations for APS-C, Micro Four Thirds, and compact cameras, as well as the most cost-effective options for Milky Way photography.

Ready to find the best camera for Milky Way shots?

• • Top digital cameras for Milky Way photography
  • Best APS-C cameras for shooting the Milky Way
  • Most cost-effective camera for Milky Way photography
  • Premium Micro 4/3 cameras for Milky Way
  • Best compact camera for images of the Milky Way
  • Essential elements in any Milky Way camera

Note: In this article, I have not divided the subject into discussions around Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras. Check out our guide on that topic if you are still unsure about which system fits your needs best.

DSLR vs MIRRORLESS

These are the best digital cameras for capturing Milky Way :

Table of Contents

1. Sony A7S III

Another

Sony A7SIII

• LENS PLATFORM: Sony E
• SENSOR FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MAX RESOLUTION: 12 megapixels.
• NATIVE SENSITIVITY: 80-102400
• LCD: Fully adjustable

Pros

• Outstanding capacity in low light conditions
• Improved menu layout
• Extended battery functionality duration
• Wide assortment of lens selections

Cons

• Not affordable
• Low resolution for print reproduction

• Sony A7SIII Today`s deals:

• Suggested lens:

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM

The Sony A7S series are specifically intended for low-light video and photography. On the A7S III, you can establish an impressive range of ISO 80-102400, uncovering a realm of opportunities for shooting our galaxy. This is not just the top mirrorless camera for Milky Way photography but also one of the top cameras for Milky Way video and time-lapses .

2. NIKON Z6II

Nikon Z6II

• LENS MOUNT: Nikon Z
• SENSOR FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MAX RESOLUTION: Approximately 24.5 mpx.
• NATIVE ISO: Approximately 100-51200
• LCD: Tilting

The

element contains formatting details for an element with the class “elementor-element elementor-widget-text-editor” and ID “112b5ab0

Pros

• Great value option
• A broad selection of lens alternatives
• Good performance in low light
• More than 30 exposures without an intervalometer

The

tag with class “elementor-element elementor-element-a506575 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor” and relevant data attributes establishes a widget module on the page

Cons

• Menu system needs improvement
• Requires getting used to

• Nikon Z6II Today`s special offers:

The

element contains formatting details for an element with the class “elementor-element elementor-widget-text-editor” and ID “32c49253

The

element contains formatting details for an element with the class “elementor-element elementor-widget-text-editor” and ID “59cd44ee

• Suggested lens:

The

element contains formatting details for an element with the class “elementor-element elementor-widget-text-editor” and ID “2bb7c164

A particular lens designed for mirrorless cameras”

This top-of-the-line full-frame camera is an excellent choice for Nikon users interested in photographing the Milky Way. It delivers superb performance in terms of high ISO sensitivity and low digital noise, resulting in clean astro images. You can also pair this model with some of Nikon`s best Z-mount lenses optimized for Milky Way photography.

3. Canon EOS R8

Canon EOS R8

• LENS MOUNT: Canon RF
• SENSOR FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MAX RESOLUTION: 24 mpx.
• NATIVE ISO: 100-102400
• LCD: Fully adjustable screen

Pros

• Remarkable capacity in low light conditions
• Greatly suited for astromodification
• Good value considering the price

Cons

• Limited initial lens options
• Potential for improvement in monitor and viewfinder quality

• Canon EOS R8 Today`s deals:

• Suggested lens:

The

element contains formatting details for an element with the class “elementor-element elementor-widget-text-editor” and ID “443050d4

Canon wide-angle zoom lens f/2.8 L

If you are looking for a camera to modify images, the Canon EOS R8 is highly suggested by photography supply store.

4. SONY A7IV

The

element contains formatting details for an element with the class “elementor-element elementor-widget-text-editor” and ID “1b0d2995

Sony A7IV

The

element contains formatting details for an element with the class “elementor-element elementor-widget-text-editor” and ID “5302f053

• LENS PLATFORM: Sony E
• SENSOR FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MAX RESOLUTION: 33 megapixels.
• NATIVE SENSITIVITY: 100-51200
• LCD: Fully adjustable

Pros

• The original text contains “Fully articulated LCD
• Solid build quality
• Great EVF
• Sensor self-cleaning function

The

element containing class “elementor-element elementor-element-b335fb9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor” and applicable data attributes constitutes a widget item on the page

Cons

• More than 30 exposures require an intervalometer
• Overheating issues reported in some models

• Current Sony A7IV deals:

The

tag featuring class “elementor-element elementor-element-d6b9efe elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor” and related data attributes portrays a widget element on the page

5. Sony A7RV

Sony A7RV

• LENS PLATFORM: Sony E
• SENSOR FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MAX RESOLUTION: 61 megapixels.
• NATIVE SENSITIVITY: 100-32000
• LCD: Fully adjustable

Pros

• High pixel count benefits print size
• Fully articulated screen
• Pleasant viewfinder and screen

Cons

• More than 30 exposures require an intervalometer
• Large RAW image documents

• Current Sony A7RV deals:

If budget is not a constraint and you’re searching for a high-end, high-resolution camera, I’d suggest the Sony A1 instead. It’s my current preferred camera for shooting the Milky Way and Astro photography in general .

6. Nikon Z7 II

Nikon Z7II

• LENS MOUNT: Nikon Z
• SENSOR FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MAX RESOLUTION: 46 megapixels.
• NATIVE ISO: 64-25600
• LCD: Tilting

• Nikon Z7II Today`s special offers:

If budget is not a constraint, I`d opt for the newly released Nikon Z9 instead, which offers expanded abilities while still providing a high resolution count.

7. CANON EOS R5

Canon EOS R5

• LENS MOUNT: Canon RF
• SENSOR FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MAX RESOLUTION: 45 mpx.
• NATIVE ISO: 100-51200
• LCD: Fully adjustable

• Canon EOS R5 Today`s deals:

8. Nikon Z8

Nikon Z8

• LENS MOUNT: Nikon Z
• SENSOR FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MAX RESOLUTION: 52 megapixels.
• NATIVE ISO: 64-25600
• LCD: Tilting

>

• Today`s special offers on Nikon Z8 cameras:

Best APS-C cameras for shooting the Milky Way

Any camera using a smaller image sensor (APS-C) can capture the Milky Way, but many of them cannot achieve the same quality as cameras with full-frame image sensors.

These cameras typically struggle in low-light conditions and won’t allow you to set a high ISO without creating a considerable quantity of digital noise in your photographs. They’re commonly less expensive and, with a few exceptions, are aimed at beginners and intermediate photographers.

This list shows the best APS-C cameras for Milky Way photography:

• Fujifilm XT-5 (Mirrorless): This current model is the successor to the highly praised Fujifilm XT-4 camera, which it matches in quality. Based on its cost and performance qualities, this photographic device targets amateur and semi-professional users, and undeniably is the top crop sensor camera choice for photographing the Milky Way. You will disregard the fact you are using an APS-C camera once viewing the outcomes of your low-light photos. Recommended lens: Fujinon XF16mm f/1.4.

The Nikon Z50 (Mirrorless) is highly recommended for astrophotography. Its low-light performance rivals full-frame cameras. The suggested lens is the Nikkor Z 20 mm f/1.8

If you’re searching for a top-rated accommodation in downtown Manhattan, New York, check out Conrad New York Downtown. This all-suite hotel has lovely and spacious lodgings as well as connecting rooms and pet-accommodating options, so it’s perfect for the whole family.

• Canon EOS R50: This camera is among the top camera choices for capturing shots of the Milky Way as a beginner. If you are just starting out in photography in general and want to photograph the Milky Way, the Canon EOS R50 won`t disappoint with its good quality at an affordable price. Recommended lens: Canon RF 16mm f/2.8.

• Nikkor Z 24 mm f/1.8 S: If 20 mm feels too expansive for you, a preferable alternative could be this model. It presents very similar specs as the Nikkor Z 20 f/1.8 but with a longer focal length. Well-suited for typical Milky Way photography and for stitching panoramas with minimal distortion.

Best cheap camera for Milky Way

If value relative to cost is the priority, these represent the best camera options for shooting the Milky Way on a limited budget:

• Sony Alpha a6000 (Mirrorless): Priced around $500, this mirrorless camera paired with the Rokinon 12 mm f/2 lens establishes a quality yet affordable setup for recording the Milky Way.Recommended lens:Rokinon 12 mm f/2

Mendoza is also counted among the most esteemed Latin American destinations to visit, especially if you have a passion for wine. For myself, this vineyards excursion including wine tastings was the perfect way to delve into the wine tradition of the region. Even if wine does not appeal to your tastes, you can still get to know the city through this free guided tour. And if you`d like to witness the apex of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, you can book this excursion from Mendoza through the Andes. The surrounding natural magnificence is simply breathtaking.

If your budget permits it, the new Sony A7IV offers all the capabilities of the A7III, but with an updated sensor, improved menu system, and enhanced video functions.

• Nikon D750 (DSLR): This renowned single-lens reflex camera produced by Nikon is one of the most well-rounded and good-valued options available. Pairing it with a lens similar to the Rokinon 14 mm f/2.8, a photographer can gain an awesome night sky photography kit for under $1800 US dollars. Suggested lens: Rokinon 14 mm f/2.8

Best Micro 4/3 Cameras for Milky Way

Most photographers generally agree that Micro four-thirds cameras lack the highest imaging prowess in low-illumination settings compared to other models, and their collection of low-priced ultra-wide lenses with swift apertures is relatively limited.

Nevertheless, some models deserve mention, and there are two camera models well-suited for capturing Milky Way photos:

• Olympus OM-D E-M1 X (Mirrorless): While costly, if this camera system is your preferred option, this provides the best micro 4/3 camera for capturing the Milky Way. The recommended lens is Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8.

• Panasonic Lumix G9: This represents a more affordable selection within the micro four-thirds range. The Lumix G9, coupled with a quick, high-quality Milky Way lens, can capture nice Milky Way results.Recommended lens: Leica 12mm f/1.4 Summilux.

Best compact camera for Milky Way Photography

It’s more demanding, but you can also take decent pictures of the Milky Way with a compact camera. For this reason, we had to include the best compact cameras for photographing the Milky Way in this guide.

*Note: It is important to note that compact cameras are light and easily portable, but this comes at a cost; the built-in lenses usually have a range of 24-70mm and are not as effective at capturing light. Even though you can capture nice images, don’t expect the identical quality and capabilities as with a standard DSLR/mirrorless camera mounted with a fast lens that allows more light.

Here are some of the best point-and-shoot cameras for astrophotography:

• Sony rx100 VII: For many rationales, this is the best compact camera to photograph the Milky Way. If you make the most of this camera, you can get even better outcomes than with some entry-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the preliminary version of this camera ( Sony rx100) could also function as a portable camera for Milky Way (Just don’t anticipate equivalent quality outcomes, particularly in regards to detail and digital noise).

• Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: This Canon point and shoot camera can also capture fine images of the Milky Way. It includes a built-in star mode, perfect for photographing stars and general night photography.

• • Panasonic lx100 II: This camera model is among the newest compact versions and a good compact camera for capturing the Milky Way.

Basic camera requirements for Milky Way

To help you decide on your next equipment for capturing pictures of the Milky Way, I want to emphasize a few basics that you should examine regardless of the device model.

These recommendations also apply when capturing other night photography genres such as star trails photography

While looking for a quality camera to photograph the Milky Way, make sure that it meets certain basic specifications:

• Conducting photography with manual settings: This is one of the most essential requirements in order to personally regulate the basic camera parameters for capturing the Milky Way manually, such as the aperture opening,ISO sensitivity, and shutter speed duration.

• Capturing photos in RAW format is key to maximizing your camera`s potential and extracting as much detail as feasible.

Nowadays, many smartphone cameras can capture RAW files in manual mode, but that does not necessarily mean that they are high-quality cameras for Milky Way photography. You can also photograph the Milky Way with a GoPro camera, but do not expect the equivalent results as with a standard digital camera.

Some other factors to consider when purchasing a digital camera for Milky Way photography include:

• Relatively low megapixel count in the largest possible sensor to more efficiently capture light.
• The battery lifespan is important, especially during long Milky Way nights.
• Focus peaking in mirrorless cameras allows for simpler focusing.
• Having the chance to charge the camera with an external USB is useful for timelapse photography.
• Possessing a fully movable or angled LCD screen is quite convenient for some kinds of photography.
• Low paired ISO and ISO changelessness (valuable to maintain highlights in progressive Milky Way pictures). You can see a fully refreshed list of ISO Changelessness cameras in our ISO changelessness article.

The camera imaging sensor is the most important component in a Milky Way camera, so I highly recommend you read my guide on the best camera sensor size to see why a larger sensor with bigger pixels makes a difference in Milky Way photography!

Conclusion

That covers it! As you can see, utilizing one of the highest rated Milky Way cameras is key for obtaining the most stunning Milky Way images.

Bear in mind that it doesn’t matter what your budget or skillset are; you’ll find a suitable camera to photograph the Milky Way, and the sole thing required once you possess the appropriate camera is knowledge of the premier strategies and settings for photographing the Milky Way.

Also, don’t fail to remember that the optic is simply as consequential as the camera you employ. You additionally may look over my information to the top lenses for Milky Way photography so you may make the maximum of your camera.

My final tip before purchasing any camera for Milky Way photography is to test it out first. These cameras are intended for operating in low-light conditions and usually have higher price points, so I always advise giving them a trial run.

I typically prefer leasing an extra camera for shooting Milky Way time-lapses and footage when I embark on night photography trips. I always rent from Lensrentals. They function within the US., and their leases are reasonable and straightforward. Also, if you lease your equipment through this linkand utilize the Lensrental promo codeATLAS15, you will receive a 15% discount.

For instance, the weekly rental of a Full Frame Sony a7RIV along with a wide-angle fast lens like the Sony 24 mm f/1.4 costs $248. If you opt to purchase this equipment, it would cost $4.400.

You can also explore other companies renting cameras and lenses nearby.

I hope this guide helps you choose the best Milky Way camera for your needs. If unsure whether you can photograph the Milky Way with your current camera or hesitant about different models, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll gladly provide assistance! 😉

Wishing you fruitful captures and clear observation conditions!