Who doesn’t want to capture that glowy milky way or Northern lights into its full glory. Surely it’s a dream of every photographer be it professional or any other individual. Now, no doubt capturing breathtaking or extraordinary shots just doesn’t require the right skills and expertise but also the right camera. Now the market offers ample options when it comes to night sky photography. Thus, it creates confusion and chaos. But no issues as we are here to help you out. So in this guide we’ll be sharing the details about the best cheap camera for night sky photography. This will also eradicate the myth that for capturing magical shots you require high-end cameras. But the truth is that you can take dreamy night sky shots without draining all your savings on the camera.
Understanding Night Sky Photography
Before we provide you the name of the top five contenders, let’s understand what makes a camera good for night sky photography. The first one is very crucial and yet basic, that is the camera’s low light skills. This means the camera needs to perform well at high ISO settings without introducing any extra noise. Next up is the sensor size. A larger sensor can gather more light thus suitable for night sky photography. This also means that wide aperture also matters. Because this is what will let the light in. Additionally, a camera that allows you to control the settings manually will be a better choice.
Top 5 Contenders
Here are five excellent cameras that will suit your wallet as the best cheap camera for night sky photography. We have tried our best to create a balance between performance and affordability.
✓ Nikon Z50
Nikon Z50 is a superb mirrorless camera. It is considered as the best cheap camera for night sky photography because of all the right reasons. First is its 20.9 MP APS-C sensor. With this sensor it delivers exceptional image quality even at higher ISO, which is a complete advantage for night sky photography. Its Z-mount has a larger diameter, so it gathers light rightly. Thereafter, you get access to a user-friendly interface and superb build quality of the camera. Comes with tilting touchscreen that allows you to capture night sky from all sorts of weird angles.
✓ Sony Alpha 6000
Next in line is Sony Alpha 6000. Although it is quite an older model but still for some good reasons, it serves as the best cheap camera for night sky photography. It comes with a 24.3MP APS-C sensor. Thus the output is impressive images. Now what truly sets Sony Alpha 6000 good for night sky photography is its excellent low-light performance. Further, its compact size, electrical viewfinder and light weight will also help you in capturing magical shots. Also it’s easier to move around with it.
✓ Fujifilm X-S20
At number three we present Fujifilm X-S20 as the best cheap camera for night sky photography. This one comes with a classic design but extraordinary imaging capabilities. It features a 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor, which is known for its superb color reproduction and low-light performance. You get physical dials for adjusting shutter speed, ISO and aperture which is again a plus point for night sky photography. For Fujifilm X-S20 you get so many options for wide angle lenses, so you can invest in them for additional creativity. So if you want a camera with strong character and ultimate image quality then Fujifilm X-S20 should be your choice.
✓ Canon EOS R50
The Canon EOS R50 is new into the mirrorless market. This one brings a lot to the table for those seeking the best cheap camera for night sky photography. First is the 24.2MP APS-C sensor that equips dual-pixel CMOS AF II system. Thus you can expect strong processing power. The camera is lightweight as well as compact, so you can easily carry it around for night shoots. Further, its modern sensor delivers clean images at higher ISOs. Thus making it suitable for capturing the faint light of distant stars.
✓ Pentax K-70
We end your hunt for the best cheap camera for night sky photography with Pentax K-70. This one is an overlooked DSLR camera that requires strong attention. One of its standout features is its weather approved body. This makes it your right companion for outdoor night shoots where unexpected rain or dew is a concern. It also supports a 24.2MP APS-C sensor. This means it works amazingly in low-light conditions. Do you know that it comes with a special astrotracer function and also features IBIS? With this you get brighter and pictures with more detailing.
Essential Accessories For Night Sky Photography
Even when you find the best cheap camera for night sky photography, you still require a few other accessories. These are:
- A sturdy Tripod.
- Wide angle lens with a fast aperture.
- Next up, a remote shutter release.
- Few extra batteries because long exposure consumes battery life quickly.
- Lastly, a headlamp with a red light. This will help you preserve your night vision but still allow you to access camera settings.
Tips For Capturing The Night Sky
Here are a few tips that one should consider for night sky photography.
✓ Remember light pollution is the biggest hurdle in night sky photography. So consider using light pollution maps to find the darkest locations.
✓ Look for the full moon phase. As this significantly brightens the sky.
✓ Next up, use your camera in manual mode as this will give you more hold on the final outcome.
✓ Try experimenting with ISO settings.
✓ Lastly, manually set your lens focus to infinity and shoot in RAW.
