We analyzed 986 images shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in the past 7 years to find the Best Canon Cameras for Astrophotography.
See below for quick links or read on for further analysis of the best models and all the information you need to know.
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Top Pick
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Budget Pick
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Premium Pick
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Make & Model:
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
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Make & Model:
Canon EOS R8
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Make & Model:
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
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Type:
Mirrorless
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Type:
Mirrorless
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Type:
Mirrorless
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Sensor type:
Full-Frame
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Sensor type:
Full-Frame
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Sensor type:
Full-Frame
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Sensor size:
24.2 Megapixel
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Sensor size:
24.2 Megapixel
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Sensor size:
45 Megapixel
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Year of release:
2022
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Year of release:
2023
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Year of release:
2024
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Canon Astrophotography Cameras: The Data
In our research to find the Best Cameras for Night Sky Photography, we analyzed 986 images shortlisted in the past seven years for the world’s most prestigious astrophotography competition – Royal Museums Greenwich Astronomy Photographer of the Year.
Of these 986 images, 186 were taken with Canon cameras so we are able to dig into this data here.
Canon vs Other Brands
Firstly, when we look at the data for DSLR and Mirrorless cameras used, we see that Canon has been the equal most successful camera manufacturer in the past seven years:
Canon Camera Models
In 2024, the most successfully used Canon cameras were the:
These are all full-frame mirrorless models, apart from the 6D, which is a full-frame DSLR.
When we look at the most used Canon cameras over the whole seven years, the Canon EOS 6D and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV have been the most successful.
However, these are older DSLR cameras that are being used less and less.
In the overall data including all camera brands, mirrorless models use overtook DSLR use in the competition for the first time in 2022 and this has continued ever since:
The reason we are recommending the models we are in this article is that they are the newest iterations of the most successful Canons.
The competition data naturally has a time-lag that favors older models as that is what the photographers own and very few people buy a new camera every year.
In fact, if you look at the top models from just the last year so you can see this:
- Canon EOS R – released 2018 and superseded by newer models
- Canon EOS R5 – released in 2020 and replaced by the R5 Mark II in 2024
- Canon EOS 6D – very old (but much-loved) DSLR dating back to 2012
- Canon EOS R6 – released in 2020 and replaced by the R6 Mark II in 2022
- Canon EOS Ra – shortlived astrophotography-modified model that was released in 2019 and discontinued in 2021
Full Frame vs APS-C
One thing to look for in a camera for astrophotography is a full-frame sensor.
All the models being used successfully for nightscape astrophotography in the competition have full-frame sensors.
These are much better than APS-C sensors for photography in low-light conditions and capture a wider expanse of the night sky in images, whereas APS-C sensors crop them smaller.
The exception to this is if you are doing deep-sky photography with a telescope. In this case, a crop sensor can be better can it effectively increases the magnification and zooms you more into the object you are imaging.
Now we will look a little deeper into each of our recommended models.
Best Canon Cameras for Astrophotography
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Top All-Round Pick
As you can see from our data above, the Canon EOS R6 has been one of the top cameras in recent years.
The original R6 was released in 2020 and had since been replaced by this Mark II version.
It has the right balance of:
- Proven astrophotography performance
- All the necessary credentials like a full-frame sensor and high (but not excessive) megapixel count
- Mid-range price (for a new full-frame mirrorless)
Its Bulb mode allows long exposures beyond 30 seconds without an external intervalometer, which is great for astrophotography.
It is heavier than the EOS R8 below, but it also benefits from a better battery life which you may value when you’re up in the middle of the night shooting long exposures.
It also has great capacity for photography and videography beyond night sky imaging
Here is a good video reviewing this camera for astrophotography:
Key specifications
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Type: Full-frame
- Megapixels: 24.2 MP
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (0.5 kg)
- Year of release: 2022
Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with 24.2 Megapixel Sensor
- Proven astrophotography performance
- Full-frame 24 megapixel sensor
- Mid-range price for a full-frame mirrorless
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Premium Pick
The Canon EOS R5 is actually the top Canon model in our astrophotography data for 2024 and it has been superseded by this brand new R5 Mark II.
It is a mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor and huge 45 megapixel resolution.
This is our premium pick because of the higher price compared to the other models
For many, the high megapixel count is actually excessive for astrophotography. It shouldn’t degrade your imaging but it presents other challenges in terms of the storage because of the size of the files.
However, if you want the top range model with proven astro capacity and want the high MP count for other photography, then this model may be for you.
Key specifications
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor Size: Full Frame
- Megapixels: 45 MP
- Weight: 1.4 lbs (0.6 kg)
- Year of Release: 2024
Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
- Brand new in 2024
- Huge 45 megapixel sensor
- Proven astrophotography capacity
Canon EOS R8
Budget Pick
We recommend the Canon EOS R8 as the best budget mirrorless Canon camera.
It has a full-frame sensor and 24 megapixel resolution and can therefore deliver for astrophotography.
It is also extremely small and light and so makes a great option as an all round camera for all types of photography.
Its other big selling point is its price. This makes a great budget option for anyone who favors buying a new Canon model.
This video here demonstrates the R8 being used for astrophotography:
Key specifications
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: Full Frame
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Weight: 0.9 lbs (0.4 KG)
- Year of Release: 2023
Full-Frame Mirrorless Hybrid Camera
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor
- Light weight
- Affordable price
Verdict: Recommended Canon Cameras for Astrophotography
We believe that there are three great options for Canon astrophotography cameras if you are looking to buy in 2024:
- All-Round Pick – Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- Premium Pick – Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Budget Pick – Canon EOS R8
Please let us know your comments and questions below.
Hi
You have just saved me £000’s not running out to change my trusty canon 6d for astrophotography – Thank you very much
You’re welcome Peter! It’s amazing how the 6D endures. I’m glad the article helped you out. All the best