What Cameras Can Take Pictures of Stars? A Guide to Stellar Astrophotography

Have you ever wondered what cameras can take pictures of stars? That question should no longer be an issue as we share some of the best cameras that can take pictures of the stars. Taking photos of stars is a complex, yet rewarding task that offers an amazing perspective when done right.

With the right camera and knowledge, any amateur photographer can get good pictures of stars, galaxies, and the night sky. However, achieving a professional-level shot requires the use of a good telescope and the right cameras.

What cameras can take pictures of stars? – 10 Best

Looking up at the night sky, it’s hard not to be awed by the stunning beauty of the stars. While our eyes can only capture a small fraction of the stars visible to us, modern cameras have the ability to capture the majesty of the night sky in incredible detail.

If you’re an amateur astronomer, astrophotographer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the cosmos, you may be wondering what cameras are best for taking pictures of stars. Below are a number of cameras that can take pictures of stars for those who love astrophotography.

1. Sony Alpha a7S II

The Sony Alpha a7S II is, by far, one of the best cameras that can take pictures of stars. It is an excellent full-frame mirrorless camera with a 12.2MP resolution and a very large 1” image sensor, allowing for excellent low-light performance and picture clarity. It also features Sony’s 5-axis in-body stabilization, allowing for smooth and blur-free shots. Additionally, it has a variety of exposure settings, a detachable electronic viewfinder, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Pros:

• Excellent low-light performance
• Highly accurate 5-axis in-body stabilization
• Variety of exposure settings
• Fast autofocus
• Detachable electronic viewfinder

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Limited lenses available
• No built-in ND filter

2. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a great full-frame camera that is designed for advanced hobbyists and professionals. It has a resolution of 26.2MP, a large 3.2-inch LCD display, built-in Wi-Fi, and a removable optical viewfinder. It also has an improved image processor and autofocus system, allowing users to capture stunning images of the night sky with relative ease.

Pros:

• High resolution
• Great LCD display
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Good autofocus system
• Compatible with EF and EF-S lenses

Cons:

• Somewhat bulky
• No built-in ND filter
• Slow continuous shooting speed

3. Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is an excellent full-frame DSLR with a 45.7MP resolution, a large 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD, and a detachable electronic viewfinder. It has an impressive autofocus system, fast burst shooting speeds, and 4K video recording capabilities. It also has an enhanced ISO range and improved low-light performance.

Pros:

• Impressive resolution
• Fast burst shooting speed
• High-quality autofocus
• Improved ISO range
• 4K video recording

Cons:

• No built-in ND filter
• Slightly expensive
• No built-in image stabilization

4. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an excellent mid-range full-frame DSLR with a 30.4MP resolution and a swiveling 3.2-inch LCD. It has a powerful DIGIC 6+ image processor, a 61-point autofocus system, and 4K video recording capabilities. It also has excellent low-light performance, allowing users to take pictures of stars with great precision.

Pros:

• Impressive resolution
• Built-in image stabilization
• High-performance autofocus
• 4K video recording
• Excellent low-light performance

Cons:

• No built-in ND filter
• Relatively expensive
• No built-in Wi-Fi

5. Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is a mid-range DX-format DSLR with a 20.9MP resolution, a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD display, and a removable electronic viewfinder. It has excellent low-light performance, a powerful 153-point autofocus system, and 4K video recording capabilities. It also has fast burst shooting speeds and a decent array of exposure settings.

Pros:

• Excellent low-light performance
• Powerful autofocus system
• Fast burst shooting speed
• Decent exposure settings
• 4K video recording

Cons:

• No built-in ND filter
• No built-in image stabilization
• No built-in Wi-Fi

6. Panasonic Lumix GH5S

The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is a great full-frame mirrorless camera for capturing pictures of stars. It has a 10MP resolution and a large 1” image sensor, allowing for excellent low-light images. It also has a versatile ISO range and a variety of exposure settings. It also has dual image stabilization, and 4K video recording capabilities.

Pros:

• Excellent low-light performance
• Variety of exposure settings
• Dual image stabilization
• 4K video recording
• Flexible ISO range

Cons:

• Limited lens selection
• No built-in ND filter
• No built-in Wi-Fi

7. Sony Alpha a6000

The Sony Alpha a6000 is an excellent entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera that is perfect for beginners or people on a budget. It has a 24.3MP resolution, a large 3” LCD, and a detachable electronic viewfinder. It also features Sony’s fast autofocus, an impressive ISO range, and a decent array of exposure settings.

Pros:

• Decent resolution
• Excellent ISO range
• Fast autofocus
• Variety of exposure settings
• Detachable electronic viewfinder

Cons:

• Limited lens selection
• No built-in ND filter
• No built-in image stabilization

8. Canon EOS Rebel T7i

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is an excellent entry-level DSLR that can take excellent pictures of stars. It has a 24MP resolution, a large 3” touchscreen LCD, and a detachable electronic viewfinder. It also features Canon’s fast autofocus system, a decent ISO range, and a variety of exposure settings.

Pros:

•Decent resolution
• Fast autofocus
• Variety of exposure settings
• Detachable electronic viewfinder
• Good ISO range

Cons:

• No built-in ND filter
• No built-in image stabilization
• No built-in Wi-Fi

9. Fujifilm X-T20

The Fujifilm X-T20 is a great mid-range APS-C mirrorless camera that is perfect for taking pictures of stars. It has a 24.3MP resolution, a large 3” LCD display, and an integrated electronic viewfinder. It also has an impressive autofocus system, a versatile ISO range, and a variety of exposure settings.

Pros:

• Decent resolution
• Integrated electronic viewfinder
• Variety of exposure settings
• Impressive autofocus
• Flexible ISO range

Cons:

• No built-in ND filter
• No built-in image stabilization
• Limited lens selection

10. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a great compact camera for taking pictures of stars. It has a 20.3MP resolution, a 2.3” LCD display, and an integrated electronic viewfinder. It also features Canon’s fast autofocus, a decent ISO range, and 4K video recording capabilities.

Pros:

• Decent resolution
• Fast autofocus
• Integrated electronic viewfinder
• 4K video recording
• Good ISO range

Cons:

• No built-in ND filter
• No built-in image stabilization
• Limited lens selection

How do I choose a camera for star photography?

When it comes to choosing a camera for star photography, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration. First and foremost, you want a camera with a high sensitivity to light, which is measured in ISO. A camera with a high ISO range will be able to capture images in low light conditions, which is essential for star photography.

Additionally, a camera with a large sensor size will be able to capture more detail and produce less noise in the final image. It is also important to consider the lens that you will be using with your camera, as a lens with a wide aperture will allow more light into the camera and produce sharper images. Finally, consider the camera’s ability to shoot long exposures, as this is essential for capturing the trails of stars in the night sky.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a camera for star photography is its ability to shoot in RAW format. Shooting in RAW will allow you to capture more detail and provide greater flexibility in post-processing. Additionally, consider the camera’s autofocus system, as it can be difficult to manually focus on stars in the dark.

A camera with a strong autofocus system will help ensure that your images are sharp and in focus. Finally, consider the camera’s overall build quality and durability, as you may be taking it on hikes or other outdoor adventures. A sturdy, weather-sealed camera will be able to withstand the elements and provide reliable performance for years to come.

Can any camera take pictures of stars?

While any camera can technically take pictures of stars, the quality of the images will vary depending on the camera’s capabilities. As mentioned earlier, a camera with a high sensitivity to light, such as a high ISO range, is essential for capturing clear and detailed images of stars in the night sky.

Additionally, a camera with a larger sensor size and a wide aperture lens will be able to capture more light and detail, resulting in sharper and more vibrant images.

It is also important to consider the camera’s ability to shoot long exposures, as this is necessary for capturing the trails of stars in the night sky. Cameras with the ability to shoot long exposures will be able to capture more light over a longer period of time, resulting in brighter and more detailed images.

However, not all cameras have the ability to shoot long exposures or have the necessary settings to adjust for low light conditions. Therefore, while any camera can technically take pictures of stars, the quality of the images will vary depending on the camera’s capabilities and settings.

What features should I look for in a camera for astrophotography?

When it comes to choosing a camera for astrophotography, there are several features that you should consider. One of the most important features is the camera’s sensitivity to light, which is measured by its ISO range.

A camera with a high ISO range will be able to capture more light, making it easier to capture detailed and vibrant images of the night sky. Additionally, a camera with a large sensor size will be able to capture more detail and produce less noise in the final image.

Another important feature to look for in a camera for astrophotography is its ability to shoot long exposures. Long exposures are necessary for capturing the trails of stars and other celestial objects in the night sky. A camera with the ability to shoot long exposures will allow you to capture more light over a longer period of time, resulting in brighter and more detailed images.

Additionally, consider the camera’s autofocus system, as it can be difficult to manually focus on stars in the dark. A camera with a strong autofocus system will help ensure that your images are sharp and in focus.

Finally, consider the camera’s overall build quality and durability, as you may be taking it on hikes or other outdoor adventures. A sturdy, weather-sealed camera will be able to withstand the elements and provide reliable performance for years to come.

What is the best ISO for star photography?

The best ISO for star photography depends on several factors, such as the camera you are using, the amount of ambient light present, and the desired outcome of your images. Generally speaking, a higher ISO will allow you to capture more light and detail in low light conditions, which is essential for star photography.

However, a high ISO can also introduce noise and grain into your images, which can reduce the overall sharpness and clarity of the final result.

As a general rule of thumb, a good starting point for star photography is an ISO of 3200 or higher. This will allow you to capture enough light to produce bright and detailed images of the night sky. However, it’s important to experiment with different ISO settings and adjust as needed based on the conditions you are shooting in.

Keep in mind that a higher ISO will require a shorter exposure time to avoid overexposure, so it’s important to balance ISO with other settings such as aperture and shutter speed to achieve the desired outcome for your images.

What lenses are best for star photography?

When it comes to lenses for star photography, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, a lens with a wide aperture is essential for capturing the maximum amount of light possible.

A lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or wider will allow more light into the camera, resulting in brighter and more detailed images of the night sky. Additionally, a lens with a focal length of 24mm or wider is ideal for capturing a wider field of view and including more of the night sky in your images.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a lens for star photography is its overall sharpness and distortion control. Look for lenses that produce sharp, clear images with minimal distortion, as this will help ensure that your images are crisp and detailed.

Additionally, consider the lens’s build quality and durability, as you may be taking it on hikes or other outdoor adventures. A sturdy, weather-sealed lens will be able to withstand the elements and provide reliable performance for years to come. Some popular lenses for star photography include the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L, the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G, and the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM.

How do I focus my camera for star photography?

Focusing your camera for star photography can be challenging, as the lack of light in the night sky can make it difficult to achieve sharp focus. One popular technique for focusing your camera for star photography is to use live view mode and zoom in on a bright star.

First, set your camera to manual focus mode and then turn on live view mode. Next, select a bright star in the night sky and use the zoom feature in live view mode to zoom in on the star. Adjust the focus ring on your lens until the star appears as small and sharp as possible.

Another technique for focusing your camera for star photography is to use a tool such as a Bahtinov mask. This device attaches to the front of your lens and creates diffraction spikes around bright stars, making it easier to achieve sharp focus.

To use a Bahtinov mask, simply attach it to the front of your lens and point your camera at a bright star. Adjust the focus ring on your lens until the diffraction spikes are symmetrical and centered on the star. Once you have achieved sharp focus, remove the mask and begin capturing your images.

What are the best settings for star photography?

The best settings for star photography will depend on several factors such as the ambient light conditions, the type of camera and lens you are using, and your desired outcome. However, as a general starting point, you can use the following settings as a guideline.

Set your camera to manual mode, as this will give you more control over the exposure settings. Set the aperture as wide as possible, such as f/2.8 or wider, to allow as much light as possible into the camera.

Next, set your shutter speed to a longer exposure time, such as 20-30 seconds or longer, to capture enough light to produce a bright and detailed image of the night sky. Keep in mind that a longer exposure time may result in star trails, so you may need to adjust the shutter speed accordingly.

Finally, set your ISO to a high value, such as 3200 or higher, to capture as much light as possible. However, be careful not to set the ISO too high, as this can introduce noise and grain into your images.

In addition to these basic settings, you may also want to experiment with other settings such as white balance, focus, and exposure compensation. For example, you may want to adjust the white balance to a cooler temperature to enhance the blue tones in the night sky.

Additionally, you may need to manually focus your lens using live view mode or a Bahtinov mask to achieve sharp focus. Finally, you may need to adjust the exposure compensation to compensate for any light pollution or other ambient light sources in the area.

How do I reduce noise in my star photos?

Noise in star photos is often caused by the high ISO settings required for astrophotography. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to reduce noise in your star photos. One common technique is to capture several images of the same scene and then combine them using image stacking software.

This technique involves taking several photos of the same scene with identical settings and then combining them to create a single image. The software will automatically remove any noise or grain from the individual images, resulting in a cleaner and sharper final image.

Another technique for reducing noise in star photos is to use long exposure noise reduction (LENR) in-camera. This feature is available on many cameras and works by taking a second exposure with the shutter closed immediately after the first exposure.

This second exposure captures any noise generated by the camera sensor during the first exposure and then subtracts it from the final image. Keep in mind that using LENR will double the length of your exposure time, so it may not be suitable for all situations. Additionally, you may want to experiment with different noise reduction software programs to find one that works best for your specific camera and shooting conditions.

What is the best way to capture star trails?

Star trails are a stunning way to capture the movement of the stars in the night sky. To capture star trails, you will need a camera with a manual mode that allows you to adjust the exposure settings. You will also need a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during the long exposure.

First, find a location with a clear view of the night sky and set up your camera on the tripod. Set your camera to manual mode and choose a wide aperture, such as f/2.8, to allow as much light as possible into the camera.

Next, set your ISO to a lower value, such as 400 or 800, to reduce the amount of noise in your images. Set your shutter speed to a longer exposure time, such as 30 seconds or longer. To create star trails, you will need to take multiple exposures and then combine them into a single image using image stacking software.

To do this, use an intervalometer or timer to take multiple exposures of the same scene. You can experiment with different exposure times and intervals between exposures to achieve the desired effect. Finally, use image stacking software to combine the images into a single image, which will show the movement of the stars over time in a beautiful and dramatic way.

How can I photograph the Milky Way?

Photographing the Milky Way can be an incredibly rewarding experience for astrophotographers. To capture a clear and stunning image of the Milky Way, you will need to find a location with low light pollution and good visibility of the night sky.

You will also need a camera with manual mode, a wide-angle lens, and a sturdy tripod. First, set your camera to manual mode and choose a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or wider, to allow as much light as possible into the camera.

Next, set your ISO to a high value, such as 3200 or higher, to capture as much light as possible. Adjust your shutter speed to a longer exposure time, such as 20-30 seconds or longer, to capture enough light to produce a bright and detailed image of the Milky Way.

Keep in mind that a longer exposure time may result in star trails, so you may need to adjust the shutter speed accordingly. Finally, manually focus your lens using live view mode or a Bahtinov mask to achieve sharp focus on the stars. With these settings, you should be able to capture a clear and stunning image of the Milky Way that will showcase the beauty of our galaxy.

It’s important to note that photographing the Milky Way requires a clear night sky with low light pollution. Consider using an app like Dark Sky Finder to find a location with low light pollution.

Additionally, the best time to photograph the Milky Way is during the summer months when it is most visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Be patient and experiment with different settings until you find the perfect balance of exposure and composition to capture the beauty of the Milky Way.

What is the best camera for capturing meteor showers?

Capturing meteor showers requires a camera with a high sensitivity to light and the ability to capture long exposures. Therefore, the best camera for capturing meteor showers would be a camera with a high ISO range and good low light performance.

One of the best options is a full-frame mirrorless camera, such as the Sony a7S III, which has excellent low light performance and a maximum ISO of 409,600. Another good option is the Canon EOS R5, which also has good low light performance and a high ISO range of up to 102,400.

In addition to a high ISO range and good low light performance, it is important to have a camera with a fast burst mode and a high resolution. A fast burst mode will allow you to capture multiple frames quickly, increasing your chances of capturing a meteor.

A high resolution camera will also allow you to crop and zoom in on specific areas of the image without losing quality. Overall, the best camera for capturing meteor showers is one that has a high ISO range, good low light performance, fast burst mode, and high resolution, allowing you to capture the beauty and excitement of these celestial events.

How do I capture deep-sky objects with my camera?

Capturing deep-sky objects with your camera requires specific techniques and equipment. First, you will need a camera with manual mode, a lens with a long focal length or a telescope, and a sturdy tripod or equatorial mount. You will also need to find a dark sky location with low light pollution to minimize any interference from ambient light sources.

Next, you will need to set up your camera and lens or telescope on the tripod or equatorial mount. Set your camera to manual mode and adjust your exposure settings based on the object you want to capture. For example, for capturing galaxies and nebulas, you will need to use a long exposure time, a wide aperture, and a high ISO value to capture as much light as possible.

You may also need to use a technique called image stacking, which involves combining multiple images into one to reduce noise and enhance details. Finally, use software such as DeepSkyStacker or PixInsight to process and enhance your images.

Capturing deep-sky objects requires patience and experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try different settings and techniques until you achieve the desired results. It’s also important to remember that deep-sky objects are faint and difficult to capture, so be prepared to spend long hours observing and capturing your images.

With practice and persistence, you can capture stunning images of galaxies, nebulas, and other deep-sky objects that reveal the wonders of the universe.

What is the best software for processing star photos?

There are many software options available for processing star photos, each with its own unique set of features and capabilities. One of the most popular and widely used software for processing star photos is Adobe Photoshop.

Photoshop offers a wide range of tools and features for adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance, as well as advanced features for removing noise and enhancing details. Additionally, there are many plugins available for Photoshop, such as the Nik Collection by DxO, which can further enhance your images.

Another popular option for processing star photos is PixInsight. PixInsight is a dedicated astrophotography processing software that is specifically designed for processing images of deep-sky objects.

It offers advanced features for calibration, alignment, and stacking of images, as well as tools for noise reduction and image enhancement. PixInsight is known for its powerful processing capabilities and is often used by professional astrophotographers for processing high-quality images.

Ultimately, the best software for processing star photos depends on your specific needs and preferences. Other popular options include DeepSkyStacker, GIMP, and Lightroom. Consider trying out a few different software options to find the one that works best for you and your astrophotography goals.

How do I create a time-lapse of the night sky?

Creating a time-lapse of the night sky is a great way to capture the movement of the stars and create a stunning visual display of the night sky. To create a time-lapse, you will need a camera with manual mode, a wide-angle lens, and a sturdy tripod. You will also need an intervalometer, which is a device that allows you to set the number of shots and the interval between them.

Start by finding a dark sky location with a clear view of the night sky. Set up your camera and lens on the tripod and aim it at the area of the sky you want to capture. Set your camera to manual mode and adjust your exposure settings based on the brightness of the sky.

You may need to use a high ISO value and a wide aperture to capture as much light as possible. Use the intervalometer to set the number of shots and the interval between them. The interval between shots will depend on the length of the time-lapse you want to create, but a common interval is around 20-30 seconds. Once everything is set up, start the intervalometer and let your camera capture the images.

Once you have captured all the images, import them into a software program such as Adobe Premiere Pro or LRTimelapse. Use the software to create a sequence of images, adjust the playback speed, and add any music or sound effects you want.

You can also use the software to adjust the exposure and color balance of each image to create a smoother transition between frames. Finally, export your time-lapse as a video file and share it with the world!

Conclusion on what cameras can take pictures of stars

Now that you know what cameras can take pictures of stars, enjoying astrophotography should be more fulfilling. Capturing great pictures of stars is a rewarding, yet challenging task that requires an excellent camera and knowledge.

We shared various cameras that can take pictures of stars, reviewed the top 10 cameras for star photography, and discussed their specs, pros, and cons. With the right camera and knowledge, any photographer can capture the beauty of the night sky.