This is where my true passion for this hobby began to take shape. This is known as prime-focus astrophotography and can lead to an extraordinary world of deep-sky imaging. When you have invested in your first astrophotography telescope, you can then attach your DSLR camera via a T-ring and adapter. A DSLR camera and lens are simple and easy to mount for long exposure, tracked images of the night sky. This method can be enjoyed both on a tripod, or on a simple tracking mount ( star tracker) such as the iOptron SkyTracker Pro, or Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer. One of the best ways to get started in astrophotography is to use the DSLR with a camera lens, not a telescope. If it’s your first “real camera”, it’s worth thinking about purchasing your model of choice in a bundle that includes a zoom kit lens.
The Andromeda Galaxy using a Canon EOS 60Da. This camera body is rather unique in the fact that it was actually designed specifically for astrophotography. The professional-level DSLRs from Canon and Nikon such as the 5D Mark IV and Nikon D850 would make excellent astro-cameras.įor an idea of what a DSLR camera is capable of, have a look at the following image of the Andromeda Galaxy captured using a Canon 60Da. If you already own a DSLR for daytime photography, I would definitely recommend trying it out for astrophotography before looking to upgrade. I currently use both types of astrophotography cameras on a regular basis.
LINEUP OF ALL CANON FULL FRAME CAMERAS SOFTWARE
A dedicated astronomy camera, on the other hand, is designed primarily for deep-sky imaging through a telescope and requires dedicated software to run.
LINEUP OF ALL CANON FULL FRAME CAMERAS SERIES
The Sony mirrorless a7 series cameras look impressive for wide-angle landscape-style astrophotography, but I see very few people using them for deep sky imaging.Ī DSLR camera is very versatile and easy to use with various lenses. Both of these cameras support a staggering amount of camera lenses and software applications. My advice would be to start with an entry-level body such as the Canon Rebel T7i or Nikon D3400. They can also be more complex to use than an entry-level DSLR camera because there is no onboard control screen. While a dedicated astronomy camera is generally better suited for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography than a DSLR, they require additional hardware and software to run. In 2022, I proved that a DSLR camera is still a valid choice for astrophotography by photographing a galaxy from my backyard using an aging Canon EOS Rebel XSi. They are highly capable astrophotography cameras (for both deep-sky and nightscapes) and can be found used for as little as $250. If you’re looking for the best cheap astrophotography camera, a Canon Rebel DSLR is tough to beat. If this is the road you take, remember that this device will only run ZWO ASI cameras.
If you’re first dedicated astronomy camera is a ZWO ASI camera, you may choose to invest in a ZWO ASIAIR wifi device. Whichever brand of DSLR you choose in the beginning, you are more likely to stick with it until the end, so choose wisely. This goes for both DSLR/mirrorless cameras and dedicated astronomy cameras.įor instance, Canon users are much more likely to stay loyal to the brand after purchasing multiple camera lenses made for a Canon DSLR body. The brand you choose can have a huge impact on your future equipment options. In the dedicated astronomy camera world, ZWO ASI, and QHYCCD seem to dominate the amateur astrophotographer market. Since then, I have purchased nearly a half dozen cameras for astrophotography, with the latest edition being the full-frame Canon EOS Ra.Ĭanon, Nikon, and Sony are the leaders of the DSLR and mirrorless camera market when it comes to astrophotography. My first astrophotography camera was a Canon Rebel 450D, and I haven’t spent a season without using a DSLR camera since. Despite the amazing advances in cooled CMOS sensor technology found in modern astronomy cameras, I will always continue to shoot with a DSLR camera body in some form or another because they are just too much fun. This will open the door to many types of astrophotography including nighttime landscapes, Milky Way portraits, and even deep-sky astrophotography through a telescope.Įxamples of astrophotography using a DSLR camera.Īs the hobby evolves, more and more dedicated astrophotography cameras continue to populate the market. A DSLR is easy to use, affordable, and still a very relevant choice for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography. If you are brand new to astrophotography, you can’t go wrong investing in an entry-level DSLR camera and kit lens. With so many types of astrophotography cameras available, choosing a specific model to spend your hard-earned money on can be a tough decision.īeginners (myself included) usually start with a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera as they are cost-effective and versatile, and I still think it’s the best way to go.
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