Best Camera for Milky Way Photography in 2024

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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 R8
4. Sony A7IV
5. Sony A7RV
6. Nikon Z7II
7. Canon EOS R5
8. Nikon Z8

 

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.

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?

• • Best digital cameras for Milky Way photography
  • Best APS-C cameras for shooting the Milky Way
  • Best cheap camera for Milky Way photography
  • Best Micro 4/3 cameras for Milky Way
  • Best compact camera for Milky Way
  • Basic requirements in any Milky Way camera

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.

These are the best digital cameras for Milky Way photography:

1. Sony A7S III

The Sony A7S series are specifically designed for low-light video and photography. On the A7S III, you can set an impressive range of ISO 80-102400, opening up a world of possibilities for shooting our galaxy. This is not only the best mirrorless camera for Milky Way photography but also one of the best cameras for Milky Way video and time-lapses.

2. NIKON Z6II

This high-end Full-Frame camera is the best Nikon camera for Milky Way photography. This model offers a brilliant performance in terms of high ISO vs. digital noise that will translate into clean Astro images. You can also pair this camera with some of the top Nikon Z Lenses for Milky Way.

3. Canon EOS R8

The Canon EOS R8 is the best Canon camera for Milky Way thanks to its features, as well as its reduced price point. Last year, the R6 held this position; however, the R8 is more affordable without compromising any of the features that make it great for astrophotography. This full-frame camera features a 24 mpx. sensor with great low-light performance and dynamic range. If you are starting your astrophotography journey, this might be one of the best options in the market. The Canon EOS R8 offers some professional features that will take you time to outgrow, but it still manages to keep the menus very clear, which makes this camera very easy to use.

If you are looking for a camera to astromodify, the Canon EOS R8 is highly recommended by Spencers Camera.

4. SONY A7IV