Once you’ve chosen a good astrophotography telescope, choosing a suitable camera can be a stressful process, especially when it comes to narrowing down your options, finding the best camera that fits your shooting goals and skill levels, and finding a camera that fits within your budget. Ideally, you want something affordable, that’s easy to use, but will also provide crisp and clean images that will wow anyone who sees your work, including yourself. This buyer’s guide will help you in understanding the key specifications to look for in a camera, the difference in the two main astrophotography camera types, as well as provide some affordable suggestions for your first astrophotography camera.
Types of cameras
There are three main types of camera when it comes to astrophotography: DSLR, or Digital Single Lens Reflex, CMOS, or Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor, and a CCD, or Charge-Coupled Device. A
DSLRs are your standard mirrorless digital cameras, and are by far the cheapest and most versatile of the three, and newer DSLR’s even come equipped with CMOS sensors included. They allow not only for astrophotography, but for terrestrial photography as well, something that can’t be said for dedicated astrophotography cameras such as CCD and CMOS cameras. DLSR cameras are easier to use, as they don’t require any additional software or cables to capture images, are equipped with an LCD screen for viewing, and are more adaptable when it comes to accessorizing. You will need a T-Ring adaptor to connect your DSLR to your telescope rig. Some negatives to DSLR cameras are that they show a considerable increase in noise in comparison to CMOS and CCD cameras, although a DSLR with CMOS capabilities will help with this somewhat. You also might need to consider the purchase of an intervalometer in order to increase the length of your exposures, as many DSLRs will only allow for up to thirty second exposure times on their own, which you can work with but is not ideal. Another downside to DSLR cameras are that they are often not equipped to pick up hydrogen-alpha wavelengths—a specific deep-red and low wavelength light that is often emitted by nebulae—as well as CCD cameras. Although in recent years there have been some DSLR models specifically built for astrophotography in mind that remedy this. If your DSLR does not pick up hydrogen-alpha, you are able to modify it by removing the hydrogen-alpha filter from the camera, but you risk voiding your camera’s warranty.
Typically, CMOS and CCD cameras are what’s known as dedicated astrophotography cameras, which means that they are made to connect directly to your telescope’s eyepiece and require computer software to operate. Neither can function as a traditional camera, and they require additional equipment in the field in the form of a laptop and cables, which can add for more labor in transporting your rig if these items are not already a part of it, as well as the additional power supply that will be needed. So, unlike DSLR’s, dedicated astrophotography cameras do not require individual batteries.
CMOS cameras are mainly considered a middle-ground between DSLR and CCD cameras. They emit more noise than a CCD camera, but less noise than a DSLR. CMOS cameras have smaller pixel sizes, which allows for higher resolution in images, and have a far quicker download speed than CCD cameras, which will help with your post processing. They also tend to use less power than CCD cameras, are a good bit cheaper and are best suited for planetary imaging. In terms of CMOS dedicated astrophotgraphy cameras, the brand ZWO is by far the leader, and you will be hard pressed to find anything that can compete. For amateur astrophotographers who don’t partake in terrestrial photography, CMOS cameras are often the way to go as recent advancements have placed them near par with CCD cameras, and it’s becoming very difficult to see differences that would come across to the common viewer.
CCD cameras are often considered the top of the line for astrophotography cameras, and are best suited for deep sky imaging. Because of this CCD cameras are able to pick up hydrogen-alpha, but will cost more than either of the aforementioned cameras. CCD cameras also have a built in cooling system, which makes it a breeze to take the calibration frames needed for stacking, as you can set the camera to match the temperatures the lights were taken at, while at the same time reducing inherent noise. CCDs come in either one-shot color models or in monochromatic models. Monochromatic CCD’s will take photos in greyscale, which works to provide for higher resolution and contrast, however in order to bring color to your photos you will need to take additional lights with the use of an RGB color filter wheel. One-shot color CCDs are able to take photos in color, but provide slightly less resolution and contrast.
Affordable Camera Recommendations
Below is a list of recommendations for beginning to intermediate astrophotographers. We recommend starting out with one of the DSLR options, as you can’t beat the versatility and cost of these cameras. As you grow, or if you’re already looking, you might upgrade to a dedicated astrophotography camera (trust us, you’ll still be glad to have your DSLR). While these recommendations are for the latest models, if your pocket demands it, you won’t lose much by downgrading to the second or third most recent models. Or, consider purchasing used, especially if you’re just starting out.
DSLR
Canon Rebel T8i ($749.99)
The Canon Rebel series are a great and affordable entry point for astrophotography. The Rebel T8i is the latest in the series, and features a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 8 image processor, and an ISO range of 100-25600. Featuring a APS-C crop sensor, as most mid-range DSLR’s will, the Canon Rebel T8i is better suited for deep sky photography than a full frame camera might be as it brings a tighter focus on your target, but for terrestrial astrophotography you might find yourself wishing for a full frame. At $749.99 for the base model, you can’t go wrong with this camera, and you can be sure that it will last you a very long time, as many astrophotographers continue to rely on earlier Rebel models. Still, if this price point is outside of your price range, you might downgrade to the Rebel T6i or the Rebel T5i. The reliability of the Rebel still transfers down, perhaps with slightly less megapixels, but completely worthwhile for your astrophotography. Some criticisms of the T8i are that they may have oversimplified some of the menus and features, and lack a manual focus option, which might make for frustration when framing and focusing shots, as manual control is practically a must in the world of astrophotography.
Nikon D7500 ($999.95)
Nikon’s DX series, while a bit pricier than the previously mentioned model, is sworn for by many astrophotographers. Featuring a 20.9 Megapixel DX CMOS sensor, Expeed 5 image processing, and an ISO range of 100-51,200, Nikon’s D7500 is crop sensor camera perfect for both terrestrial and deep sky imaging, with crop factor of 1.53. Even better, the D7500 has succeeded in reducing a large amount of noise in comparison to Nikon’s earlier D5600, which can save you loads of time in taking darks and in post processing. At a price point of $999.95, this camera falls into what can be described as the prosumer category, suitable for both professional photographers and hobbyists. While the megapixel count in the D7500 is a step down from previous D7 models, it makes up for this with a much faster frame rate, as the design focus is on capturing active targets. As such, Nikon expects you to be outside, and the DX series comes weather sealed, which should alleviate any worries should a sudden downpour happen to disrupt your shoot. The design is very ergonomically satisfying, and made to be used on the go, with a grip that makes the camera feel a natural extension of your person. Some downsides are that there is only one SD card slot, meaning that you need to be sure to keep extra memory cards on hand. Some users have also been found wanting more of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, specifically in that both cannot be used at once, as well as, in comparison to the DX7200 not much has changed save for the increased shutter speed and slight drop in megapixels.
CMOS
ZWO ASI533MC Pro USB3.0 Cooled Color Astronomy Camera ($899.00)
The ZWO ASI533MC Pro has topped many telescope review charts. Featuring a 9.07 Megapixel IMX533 Sony CMOS sensor, with a 3.76 micron pixel size, the ZWO ASI533 MC Pro is specifically designed to maximize your ability to image deep space objects with high contrast and definition. The Back-Illuminated Sensor Design reduces the need for dark frames, allowing for advanced low noise imaging. It also comes equipped with 256 MB DDR3 for faster image transfer and download. Reviews highlight the lack of amp-glow and noise, with nary a whisper about any faults in the camera, but if the price point is still a bit much for you, you might consider the ZWO ASI120MC Super Speed Color CMOS Telescope Camera which has an outstandingly cheap price point of only $149.00, but lacks the built in cooling of the MC Pro, as well as the Back-illuminated Sensor Design, do you will need to put more effort into your calibration frames.
QHY 183 Cooled Color CMOS Telescope Camera ($699.00)
A suitable alternative to ZWO brand CMOS cameras, and slightly more affordable than the model covered here, the QHY 183 Cooled Color CMOS camera makes for a cost effective upgrade from a DSLR at $699.00. Featuring a 20.48 Megapixel IMX183 BSI Sony CMOS sensor, 128MByte DDR2 memory for quick image transfer, and exposure times from 50 microseconds to one hour, this camera has been shown to please. It also come equipped with both top notch cooling and anti-dew heating system to eliminate condensation and ice-buildup, while also working to near eliminate the need for dark frame capture. The QHY 183 also utilizes an Anti-Amp Glow technology in order to reduce amplifier glow that plagues CMOS cameras, and also reduces the need for dark frames. The one downside that has been reported by users are mild software issues regarding the API SDKs, which results in a few seconds of load time with certain stacking software, as well as the fact that the Anti-Amp Glow technology requires calibration that can be hard to get just right.
CCD
ATIK 414EX CCD ($1495.00)
Atik has long been a leader in the CCD camera field, and their Atik 414EX CCD, available in both monochrome and one-shot color, is a natural progression of their camera technologies. Featuring a 1.4 Megapixel ICX825 Sony EXview sensor, unlimited maximum exposure time and a minimum of one millisecond, Artemis image capture software, and an ASCOM driver that allows connectivity with third-party platforms such as MaxIm DL and AstroArt, the Atik 414EX is an ideal piece of equipment for deep sky astrophotography. For the uninitiated, the low pixel count might seem undignified, but as a dedicated astronomy camera the lower pixel count allows for larger individual pixels, and thus each pixel is able to capture a higher number of photons, exactly what you want out of a CCD. The sensor works to capture photons at an unprecedented rate for the $1495.00 price point, and marks a sixty percent improvement in light sensitivity in comparison to the earlier Atik 314L+. The Atik 414EX also comes equipped with a cooling system that is capable of 30˚C below ambient, allowing for consistent image calibration, although with the Sony EXview sensor many have found that, with the drastically reduced noise, the need for dark frames is merely an option. Some downsides are the natural inflexibility inherent to dedicated astrophotography cameras, as well as the increased price in relation to a DSLR, however as well as the need for additional RGB filters if purchasing the monochrome version, however these are small quibbles that come with the territory. If you are looking to upgrade from a DSLR to a dedicated camera, the Atik 414EX is the way to go, particularly if astrophotography is your main focus.
Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Imaging Camera ($349.99)
If you’re on the fence about upgrading to either a dedicated astronomy camera, or a CCD, there are many aspects of the Orion StarShoot G3 that may appeal to you, especially the very affordable price point of $349.99. Featuring a 437 thousand pixel Sony ICX419AKL CCD sensor, regulated thermoelectric cooling, and Complete Orion Camera Studio software which will allow not only for camera control, but for image processing as well, the Orion StarShoot G3 is a great entry point for learning the basics of CCD cameras. At the price point, and especially concerning the lack of noise and hydrogen-alpha reading capabilities, this camera will simplify the image capture process while working to protect your budget. Even better, the StarShoot G3 also doubles as an autoguider, so should you outgrow the device’s capabilities, you will still find a use for it. That’s not to say that the StarShoot G3’s low cost doesn’t come with a downside. The included software seems to be prone to technical errors and both the camera and software do not appear user friendly, especially when considering that the user manual does not offer much guidance. The small sensor size also limits the capabilities of the one-shot color model, so it is recommended that you go for the monochrome and purchase the additional RGB filter wheels, as well as utilize third party stacking software.
