Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Sharon Advik
Night sky photography can be an enriching hobby that reveals the natural world’s incredible beauty and the cosmos’ wonders.
Although astrophotography is quite a fun hobby, it can be challenging to master at its highest level.
I started with zero experience, too, and my mind was filled with various questions like “What kind of scope should I use?”
“What camera?”
“What ISO and exposure time?
” and “How do I focus the thing at night when I can’t see anything?”.
After researching, I got some of the best cameras for astrophotography for under $500.
My reviews about some outstanding cameras are given below:
Which are the Best camera for astrophotography under $500?
Here are my recommended top 6 Best camera for astrophotography under $500:-
| Image | View on Amazon | Best camera for astrophotography under $500 |
|---|---|---|
  | View on Amazon | Canon 60D: (best camera for astrophotography under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Nikon D5500: (Best camera for astrophotography under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Sony A6000: (Best camera for astrophotography under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III: (best camera for Astrophotography under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Panasonic Lumix TZ90: (best camera for Astrophotography under $500) |
  | View on Amazon | Olympus Tough TG-6 Black: (best camera for Astrophotography under $500) |
Canon 60D: (best camera for astrophotography under $500)
The first recommendation I got was Canon 60D.
Starting as a beginner, I only knew a little about any camera.
My friend recommended me this camera and gave me some photographs, which he clicked using this camera.
And the pictures were stunning.
The photos were sharp, vibrant shapes, and this camera was perfect under my budget.
I found this camera the best astrophotography camera for under $500.
Features:
Body type: Mid-size SLR
Max resolution: 5184 x 3456
Effective megapixel: 18 megapixels
Image ratio (w:h): 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Sensor size: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor type: CMOS
ISO range: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, (12800 with boost)
Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Image stabilization: No
Dimension: 145 x 106 x 79 mm (5.71 x 4.17 x 3.11″)
Weight: 755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz)
ISO/Shutter Speed
I usually use It at a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 a second and a maximum ISO speed of 6400.
The camera becomes more light-sensitive when the ISO speed increases, which is advantageous in low-light conditions.
Action can be frozen with a quicker shutter speed, while a slow shutter speed can produce motion blur.
Aperture/Field of View
Any lens used in this camera has the same field of vision as one with a 1.6x larger focal length when mounted to a 35mm camera.
I prefer using a 100mm lens on this camera.
It shows the same field of vision as a 160mm lens on my camera with a 35mm frame size.
White Balance/Frame Rate
This camera has several white balance settings that can be adjusted in the camera’s menu, including automatic, daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, white fluorescent, flash, and custom.
I am talking about its frame rate.
It has a maximum frame rate of 5.3 frames per second when shooting in continuous burst mode.
Is the Canon 60D the best camera?
It is difficult to determine if this is the “best” camera.
However, it is beneficial for beginners.
It offers a range of features that may appeal to photographers, such as a high ISO range, a fast frame rate, and a vari-angle LCD screen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is a mid-range digital SLR camera.
It can capture high-quality images and video and offers a range of shooting modes and customization options.
While it may not be the most current or advanced camera on the market, it can still be a valuable tool for photographers looking for a reliable and feature-rich camera.
Click here to buy.
Nikon D5500: (Best camera for astrophotography under $500)
After some years of my experience, I wanted to experience a new camera.
One of my acquaintances suggested using the Nikon D5500.
As per his suggestion, I bought this camera.
And surprisingly, it is the best camera for astrophotography under $500.
It weighs less with a significantly smaller size, which makes it easy to handle.
It has a touchscreen and longer battery life.
Features:
Body type: Compact SLR
Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
Image ratio (w:h): 3:2
Effective megapixel: 24 megapixels
Sensor size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type: CMOS
ISO range: Auto, 100 – 25600
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 sec
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Image stabilization: No
Dimension: 124 x 97 x 70 mm (4.88 x 3.82 x 2.76″)
Weight: 420 g (0.93 lb / 14.82 oz)
ISO/Shutter speed
It has a native ISO range of 100-25600.
However, you can expand this range to ISO 50-25600 in some shooting modes.
The shutter speed depends on your specific shooting mode, setting, and lighting conditions.
Aperture/Field of view
This camera has a standard DX-format CMOS image sensor with a crop factor 1.5x.
This means that the effective field of view of the lens is 1.5 times narrower than it would be on a full-frame camera.
White balance/Frame rate
\
This camera has several white balance settings that you can choose from, including Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, and Pre-set Manual.
Also, it has a continuous shooting mode that allows you to capture up to 5 fps in full resolution.
Live View mode can capture up to 5 fps in full resolution or up to 60 fps at a reduced resolution of 640 x 424 pixels.
Is the Nikon D5500 the best camera?
It was the best camera for astrophotography because of its high-resolution image sensor, fast autofocus, and wide range of creative options, making it a good choice for wide-range photography.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this camera is a well-rounded DSLR camera.
It is a good option for photographers who need a portable camera because it is also lightweight and small.
Photographers and professionals have generally given this camera favorable ratings, and they believe it to be a fair deal for the money.
In general, photographers searching for a mid-range DSLR should consider this camera because it is dependable and capable.
Click here to buy.
Sony A6000: (Best camera for astrophotography under $500)
Whenever I hear this camera’s name, it brings back my college days.
I saved my money to buy this camera, and saving was worth it.
I clicked pics of the deep sky using this camera for my college project and got the first position.
I once shot the moon using it.
It was one of the best pictures I have in my album.
For me, it is the best camera for astrophotography under $500.
Features:
Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
Image ratio (w:h): 3:2, 16:9
Effective megapixel: 24 megapixels
Sensor size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type: CMOS
ISO range: Auto, 100-25600 (51200 with Multi-Frame NR)
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 sec
Storage: SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Image stabilization: No 60
Dimension: 120 x 67 x 45 mm (4.72 x 2.64 x 1.77″)
Weight: 344 g (0.76 lb / 12.13 oz)
ISO/Shutter speed
It has a native ISO range of 100-25600 and an extended ISO range of 50-25600.
The camera also has a range of shutter speeds that the user can set, including bulb mode for long exposures.
This camera generally has a fast mechanical shutter with a maximum speed of 1/4000th of a second and an electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000th of a second.
Aperture/Field of view
It has an APS-C size image sensor with a crop factor 1.5x compared to a full-frame sensor.
This means that the effective focal length of a lens will be 1.5x longer on the A6000 than on a full-frame camera.
Furthermore, it is compatible with a wide range of lenses, so the aperture and field of view will depend on your specific lens.
White balance/Frame rate
You can choose from some white balance modes, including Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, and Custom.
It has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 11 fps when using the mechanical shutter or 8 fps when using the electronic shutter.
It can also capture high-definition video at many different frame rates.
Is the Sony A6000 the best camera?
I like using this camera.
Easy controls, a fast autofocus system, and a compact and lightweight design make it one of the best cameras.
It is also popular among photographers because of its wide range of photographs.
Conclusion
Its 4k picture quality makes your album look amazing.
Furthermore, this camera has different modes and unique effects to enhance the picture.
It is the best camera for beginners and professional photographers.
Click here to buy.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III: (best camera for Astrophotography under $500)
I love watching the sky at night: the charming sky, shiny stars, its depth.
Every time I watch the sky, I promise to take the best picture, so I bought this camera, and my uncle recommended it.
I tried different modes and lenses that changed the quality of the picture.
It was undoubtedly the best camera for Astrophotography under $500.
The lower price makes it easier to purchase for beginners.
Features
Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
Max resolution: 4608 x 3456
Image ratio (w:h): 4:3
Effective megapixel: 16 megapixels
Sensor size: Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm)
Sensor type: CMOS
ISO range: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 sec
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I/II supported)
Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
Dimension: 122 x 84 x 50 mm (4.8 x 3.31 x 1.97″)
Weight: 410 g (0.90 lb / 14.46 oz)
ISO/Shutter speed
I was impressed with the 5-axis stabilization, which allows me to get sharp results handheld at 1/13 sec.
The shutter speed I use is 12-100 mm f/4 PRO lens.
The dynamic range is excellent.
ISO 3200 and ISO 6400 are still eminently usable even when the camera is held in one hand while shooting video or still images at prolonged shutter speeds.
The improved image stabilization system performs flawlessly.
Aperture/Field of view
The setting I like to use is a single focal length lens with a wide maximum aperture.
The EVF has a 2.36 million dot resolution, a 100% field of view, and a 1.23x magnification.
White Balance/Frame Rate
I appreciate the 8.6 frames per second burst rate, but it can only do so by locking the focus point at the first frame of the sequence; when auto-focusing continuously, it can only operate at a more modest maximum speed of 4.8 frames per second.
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III the best camera?
It is one of the unique cameras I used.
The 5-axis stabilization, sharp results, and the best thing is it auto-focus automatically.
It is comparatively portable and makes use of smaller Micro Four Thirds lenses.
It has a remarkably sturdy construction, is incredibly comfortable to shoot, and is temperature- and weather-resistant.
Conclusion
These outstanding features set it apart as the ideal camera, especially when traveling.
It produces sharp, high-quality images and is portable.
It is also simple to use.
Why do I adore it so much?
This camera immediately appeals to the eye due to its trendy vintage design.
It is timeless, uncomplicated, and obvious.
Click here to buy.
Panasonic Lumix TZ90: (best camera for Astrophotography under $500)
When carrying heavy cameras, traveling to click pictures of different scenarios is quite challenging.
For this, I got the perfect camera.
It is lightweight with 4k picture quality, making it much easier.
I was luckily able to visit Kerry, Ireland.
Last week I decided to take pictures from there because of the beautiful sky.
It’s the best camera for Astrophotography you can buy for under $500.
Features
Body type: Compact
Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
Image ratio (w:h): 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective megapixel: 20 megapixels
Sensor size: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
ISO range: Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400)
Shutter speeds: 1/2000 sec
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Image stabilization: Optical
Dimension: 112 x 67 x 41 mm (4.41 x 2.64 x 1.61″)
Weight: 322 g (0.71 lb / 11.36 oz)
ISO/Shutter speed
I usually change the electronic shutter in silent mode to rate the shutter speed up to 1/16000 of a second.
That makes it very handy when I attempt the freeze motion of the stars.
The maximum length of time you can shoot for a while in silent mode is one second, but if you turn silent mode off, you can shoot for up to four seconds again.
Aperture/Field of view
I use macro focusing mode to get close to a subject and get some nice looks, but using the wide aperture f/3.5 only associates with a somewhat shallow depth of field effects.
It helps me capture the starry night.
White Balance/Frame Rate
While 4K Pre-Burst will capture two seconds of action, one, before you press the shutter release and one after, giving you 60 frames to choose from, 4K Burst (S/S) means 4K will start recording when you press the shutter release and stop again when you press it a second time.
There are three modes available.
When you select 4K Burst, your camera continuously records in 4K if you depress the shutter release.
Is the Panasonic Lumix TZ90 the best camera?
Although I didn’t think the image quality of this camera was mind-blowingly good, there’s no denying that it’s a rugged camera to beat as a general-purpose, fit-in-your-pocket, do-most-things-really-well camera.
Conclusion
This is a respectable option for those looking for a portable camera that won’t put too much financial strain on them.
An interchangeable lens mirrorless camera or a DSLR with larger sensors would provide more pixel-perfect images.
I like to say this: “Summer in a suitcase.”
Click here to buy.
Olympus Tough TG-6 Black: (best camera for Astrophotography under $500)
One day, I was going home from work, watching the sky, but my feet stopped.
It was a beautiful scenario; the sky wrapped all over the stars.
I started taking pictures of it.
I still have these pics, and I can never forget them.
As I arrived home, I saw the moon hiding behind clouds.
This time, I got a perfect chance to capture the moon in a picture.
I hurriedly went to the roof and took photos of it.
It was the best pic I ever took.
Features:
Body type: Compact
Max resolution: 4000 x 3000
Image ratio (w:h): 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective megapixel: 12 megapixels
Sensor size: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
ISO range: Auto, ISO 100-12800
Shutter speeds: 1/2000 sec
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I support)
Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
Dimension: 113 x 66 x 32 mm (4.45 x 2.6 x 1.26″)
Weight: 253 g (0.56 lb / 8.92 oz)
ISO/Shutter speed
The camera can operate at a maximum ISO of 12,800 under manual or automatic control, with a base sensitivity of ISO 100.
(The auto mode’s default ISO limit is 1600, though.
For shutter speed, it offers 1/2000 to 1/2 Second and 1/2000 to 4 Seconds in Auto Mode.
It’s perfect for an Astro photographer like me.
Aperture/Field of view
I explored it as a fixed lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.0 and a focal length of 4.5-18mm, equivalent to 25-100mm, on a 35mm camera.
It has a 1/2.3-inch image sensor, a standard size for compact cameras.
With a focal length of 4.5-18mm, it has a field of view that ranges from approximately 25-100mm on a full-frame camera, which is comprehensive to telephoto.
White balance/Frame rate
You can choose from several white balance settings: Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, and Underwater.
This camera has a maximum frame rate of 15 frames per second when shooting in its highest-resolution JPEG setting and a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second when shooting in its lowest-resolution JPEG setting.
Is the Olympus Tough TG-6 the best camera?
I like this camera for a maximum of 60 frames, a fixed lens, manual control, and picture quality.
It is worth the money; it is the best camera for astrophotography.
Conclusion
After using it for a while, I thought it was an excellent camera.
The features and new improvements make it a worthy investment.
The auto mode operating 1600 ISO is also a fantastic feature, and the sensor-shift stabilization is breathtaking.
Click here to buy.
CONCLUSION:
Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.
Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?
Which is your Best camera for astrophotography under $500?
Is there a camera that I didn’t mention in this article that you love to use?
Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?
Related post:
Best cameras for astrophotography:
Best lens for Astrophotography:
I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.