The Best Deep Sky Astrophotography Cameras for Beginners
TOP FOUR DEEP SKY ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY CAMERAS FOR BEGINNERS
Your search for the best deep space astrophotography cameras has been found! We’ve put together the top-recommended dedicated astronomy cameras for beginners by the OPT team based on experience.
If this is your first time buying a deep space camera, enjoy the extra help with highlighted features for each camera below, and some OPT team featured images. In addition, we have a library of astronomy resources like our DSLR intro to deep space imaging that provides tips on how to take pictures of deep space objects
These cameras make great planetary cameras too, but they’re best for deep space imaging. So get comfortable as we look into the details of OPT Telescopes expert’s best deep space cameras for beginners.
Let’s jump in!
ZWO ASI183MC PRO
First on our list is the ASI183MC PRO. This is one of the most versatile dedicated astronomy cameras on the market. Not only can it take great deep sky images, but also features the fast frame rates necessary for planetary, lunar, and solar imaging as well — something not many deep sky cameras have. At well under the $1000 mark, it's also one of the most affordable cameras to get into astrophotography without breaking the bank!
Check out our video below on the ZWO ASI183 going over why it's such a versatile camera:
ZWO ASI533MC PRO ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY CAMERA
First on our list is the ASI533MC PRO. This camera has made our top list because of the features it provides at its price point. You can capture galaxies and nebulae in incredible detail. Check out the specs below!
Drew Evans took this amazing photo of NGC7000 using the ASI533MC PRO!
Click here for more specs and details of the ASI533MC PRO.
ZWO ASI294MC PRO Deep Space Camera
Similar to the ZWO ASI553MC PRO the ZWO ASI294MC PRO expands its features like a wider field of view, saving you time with capturing more objects in one frame.
Check out this stunning capture by Drew Evans of the Rosette Nebula using a ZWO ASI294MC PRO!
Click here to learn more about what makes the ZWO ASI294MC one of the best deep space cameras for beginners!
QHY 163 Cooled Color CMOS Deep Space Camera
Finally, but not least is the QHY 163 cooled color CMOS camera. This camera is engineered with 16 megapixels, which is a nice resolution for its price point. It also has a moderately-sized 3.8-micron pixels, making it sensitive enough to capture faint deep space objects. Cooling goes down to -40ºC below ambient, which is nice as some more advanced cameras only do -35!
Click here for more specs on the QHY163!
Whichever you choose, these cameras make great options as beginner deep space cameras for their price point and the specs they provide at their price point.
What's your dream camera? Tell us in the comments!