Astrophotography is one of the most awe-inspiring forms of photography. Capturing the beauty of the night sky, from the stars to the Milky Way and beyond, is a challenge that requires the right equipment.
While lenses and tripods are important, the camera itself plays a crucial role in the final result. Full-frame cameras, known for their larger sensors and exceptional low-light performance, are especially well-suited for astrophotography.
In 2025, the market is brimming with top-tier full-frame cameras that can help you take stunning pictures of the stars.
Cameras for Astrophotography: What Makes Them Different?
Cameras for astrophotography are specially designed to capture the faint light from distant stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects, which regular cameras struggle to pick up.
Unlike typical cameras that are optimized for daytime photography, astrophotography cameras prioritize low-light performance, allowing for long exposures without introducing excessive noise.
They often feature larger sensors, better noise reduction, and greater dynamic range to handle the challenges of photographing the night sky. These features make them perfect for capturing the intricate details and colors of celestial bodies that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
Whether you’re an experienced astrophotographer or just getting started, here are five of the best full-frame cameras you should consider for your next celestial adventure.
1. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a fantastic option for astrophotographers looking for a reliable and versatile full-frame camera. This mirrorless camera offers impressive low-light performance, with a large sensor that captures incredible detail in dimly lit scenes. One of the standout features of the EOS R6 Mark II is its excellent noise reduction, which helps keep star images crisp and clear even during long exposure shots.
The 24.2-megapixel resolution strikes a great balance between detail and noise control. In astrophotography, you don’t need an ultra-high resolution, but you do need enough detail to capture the beauty of distant stars and nebulae. The EOS R6 Mark II’s dynamic range is also excellent, allowing you to capture both the brightest stars and the faintest details in the dark sky.
Its fast autofocus system makes it easier to focus on stars accurately, and the camera’s continuous shooting mode is a great feature for capturing time-lapses of the night sky. The body is weather-sealed, meaning you can take this camera out on cold nights without worrying about the elements.
If you’re looking for a camera that performs well in both astrophotography and general photography, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is an excellent all-rounder.
See Canon EOS R6 Mark II on Amazon
2. Sony A7R V
If you’re after high resolution and image quality, the Sony A7R V is a stellar choice. This full-frame mirrorless camera features a 61-megapixel sensor, which is one of the highest resolutions available in a full-frame camera. While many astrophotographers prefer a more moderate resolution to keep noise at bay, the A7R V’s sensor performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions, thanks to its back-illuminated design. This allows for more efficient light capture, which is crucial for astrophotography.
The A7R V’s high resolution makes it perfect for capturing fine details in the night sky, such as the intricate textures of distant nebulae or the faintest stars. The camera’s advanced image processing system significantly reduces noise, even at higher ISO levels, ensuring your astrophotos are crisp and clear.
Autofocus is another strong suit of the A7R V. With fast and accurate focusing, you can easily pinpoint distant stars for your shots. Plus, the A7R V has impressive in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is helpful if you’re shooting handheld or with a longer exposure time.
For those who want to capture the night sky in incredible detail, the Sony A7R V is a top-tier choice.
See Sony A7R V on Amazon
3. Nikon Z8
The Nikon Z8 brings professional-level performance to astrophotography with its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor. While the resolution is high, the Z8 doesn’t sacrifice low-light performance. In fact, its noise control capabilities make it an excellent option for astrophotography. The camera’s large sensor ensures that even the faintest of stars are visible, and the exceptional dynamic range helps preserve details in both the dark sky and the bright stars.
The Nikon Z8 features advanced autofocus technology, which is a big advantage when shooting at night. Unlike some cameras that struggle to focus in low-light conditions, the Z8 can lock onto stars and other celestial objects with great precision. This is especially important for astrophotographers who want sharp, focused images without the need for manual adjustments in the dark.
Another benefit of the Z8 is its weather resistance, which is ideal for shooting in challenging conditions. Whether you’re dealing with dew, cold, or even light rain, this camera can handle it all.
If you want a camera that combines high resolution, excellent low-light performance, and robust features, the Nikon Z8 is an excellent choice for astrophotography.
See Nikon Z8 on Amazon
4. Panasonic Lumix S5 II
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II may not be as widely recognized as Canon, Sony, or Nikon, but it’s an outstanding option for astrophotography, especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice without compromising on quality. This full-frame mirrorless camera offers impressive performance in low-light conditions, thanks to its 24.2-megapixel sensor and advanced noise reduction technology.
While the resolution may not be as high as some of the other cameras on this list, the Lumix S5 II excels in dynamic range and color accuracy. This makes it a great option for capturing the vibrant hues of the Milky Way and other celestial phenomena. Additionally, its in-body image stabilization (IBIS) reduces the risk of star trails from slight camera shake, which is helpful during long exposure shots.
The S5 II’s autofocus system is fast and precise, which makes it easier to achieve sharp focus on stars. The camera also features excellent video capabilities, so if you’re interested in creating astrophotography videos or time-lapses, the S5 II is a strong contender.
Overall, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II offers great performance for astrophotography at a more affordable price point.
See Panasonic Lumix S5 II on Amazon
5. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a well-established full-frame DSLR that continues to be a top choice for astrophotography enthusiasts.
With a 30.4-megapixel sensor, this camera strikes a great balance between resolution and noise control, ensuring that even in low-light conditions, you get sharp, detailed images. The 5D Mark IV’s dynamic range is impressive, helping to capture the subtle nuances of the night sky, from the brightest stars to the faintest nebulae. Its excellent noise reduction at higher ISO settings makes it ideal for long-exposure shots without sacrificing image quality.
Although it’s a DSLR rather than a mirrorless camera, the 5D Mark IV still offers fast and accurate autofocus, which is essential for pinpointing stars in the night sky. Plus, its robust build quality and weather sealing ensure it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it a reliable choice for astrophotographers shooting in remote or challenging environments.
Whether you’re photographing the Milky Way or deep-sky objects, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a solid option for capturing breathtaking astrophotography images.
See Canon EOS 5D Mark IV on Amazon
Choosing The Best One For You
Astrophotography requires a camera that can handle long exposures, capture fine details in the dark, and produce images with minimal noise.
The five cameras listed here—Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Sony A7R V, Nikon Z8, Panasonic Lumix S5 II, and Leica SL2—are all excellent choices for capturing the wonders of the night sky in 2025. Whether you’re looking for high resolution, exceptional low-light performance, or reliable autofocus, one of these cameras is sure to meet your needs.
When choosing a camera for astrophotography, consider factors like resolution, noise control, autofocus performance, and build quality. Each of these models offers something unique, so think about what matters most to you in your astrophotography journey.
With the right camera in hand, you’ll be ready to capture breathtaking images of the stars and beyond.