Choosing the best camera for photographing the Milky Way can be overwhelming.
I’ve been testing and comparing different models and, in a nutshell, these are the best digital cameras for Milky Way photography:
1. Sony A7SIII
2. Nikon Z6II
3. Canon EOS R6
4. Sony A7IV
5. Sony A7RV
6. Nikon Z7II
7. Canon EOS R5
8. Pentax K-1 Mark II
Besides having a good camera, using the best Milky Way camera settings is key to shooting our galaxy. Also, don’t forget that lenses are as important as cameras in night photography, so I highly recommend pairing your camera with one of the best lenses for Milky Way photography.
Having a good camera for Milky Way photography is fundamental. Image taken with a Sony A1
This winning list of the best cameras for Milky Way only includes Full-Frame cameras since these are the best to photograph the Milky Way with more quality and less digital noise.
However, throughout this article, you’ll find a breakdown of the best cameras to take pictures of the Milky Way according to your budget and preferences. I’ve included APS-C cameras, Micro 4/3, compact cameras, and the best Milky Way camera models on a budget.
Ready to find the best camera for Milky Way?
Note: I didn’t split the article into Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras. Check out our guide on that topic if you still don’t know which system is best for you.
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These are the best digital cameras for Milky Way photography:
1. Sony A7S III
2. NIKON Z6II
3. Canon EOS R6
If you are looking for a camera to astromodify, the Canon EOS R6 is highly recommended by Spencers Camera.
4. SONY A7IV
5. Sony A7RV
This is one of the best Sony cameras for Milky Way photography. The A7RV is all you need to take high-resolution Milky Way images, and it’s also a superb camera for landscape photography in general. This camera was released in 2022 and it has quickly become one of the best options in its price range. It’s a outstanding camera for night photography, and if you use the right Milky Way settings, you can take otherworldly images of our galaxy. |
If budget is not a problem and you’re looking for a high-end/high res. camera, I’d recommend the Sony A1 instead. It’s my current favorite camera for shooting the Milky Way and Astro in general.
6. Nikon Z7 II
This is the best high-res. Nikon camera for Milky Way. The huge dynamic range and low-light performance of this model can take your Milky Way images to the next level. This is also a great camera in terms of battery life, weather sealing, and even autofocus in low-light conditions. |
If budget is not an issue, I’d go for the new Nikon Z9 instead, which offers more capabilities while maintaining a high number of Mpx.