Best Entry-level Astrophotography Cameras (January 2026)
Getting into astrophotography can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the dizzying array of dedicated astronomy cameras on the market. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to capture stunning images of the cosmos. Today’s entry-level cameras offer remarkable sensitivity and features that would have been considered professional-grade just a few years ago.
When choosing your first astrophotography camera, you’ll want to consider sensor size, whether you need cooling, and what types of objects you plan to image. Planetary photographers need small pixels and high frame rates, while deep-sky enthusiasts benefit from larger sensors and cooling systems that reduce noise during long exposures. Color cameras offer simplicity, while monochrome sensors paired with filters deliver maximum detail and flexibility.
This guide covers cameras across all budget levels—from affordable planetary cameras perfect for beginners to cooled deep-sky cameras that can grow with your skills. Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest in a more capable system, there’s an excellent option waiting for you.
ZWO ASI120MM Mini
The ASI120MM Mini is the perfect gateway into astrophotography, serving double duty as both a guide camera and a first planetary imager. Its compact form factor and low power consumption make it ideal for portable setups, while the sensitive 1/3” sensor captures surprisingly good lunar and planetary detail. For beginners testing the waters or experienced imagers needing a reliable guide camera, this budget-friendly option delivers exceptional value.
ZWO ASI662MC
The ASI662MC represents an excellent step up into serious planetary imaging without a significant price jump. Its Sony IMX662 sensor offers outstanding sensitivity and low read noise, making it perfect for capturing Jupiter’s cloud bands or Saturn’s rings. The high frame rate capability ensures you can capture enough frames to stack for sharp final images. This is a fantastic choice for anyone focused primarily on solar system targets.
ZWO ASI224MC
A proven performer in the planetary imaging community, the ASI224MC has helped countless astrophotographers capture their first detailed planetary images. The camera’s excellent sensitivity makes it particularly well-suited for planets and the Moon, and its USB 3.0 interface ensures smooth data transfer even at high frame rates. While newer sensors have emerged, the ASI224MC remains a reliable, budget-friendly choice that continues to produce excellent results.
ZWO ASI585MC
The ASI585MC bridges the gap between planetary and deep-sky imaging, making it incredibly versatile for the price. Its larger sensor handles both high-resolution planetary work and smaller deep-sky objects admirably. This uncooled camera is ideal for imagers who want to explore different types of astrophotography without committing to multiple specialized cameras. An excellent mid-range choice that punches above its weight.
ZWO ASI183MC
With its 1-inch sensor, the ASI183MC opens the door to serious deep-sky imaging at a mid-range price point. The larger sensor captures more of those sprawling nebulae and galaxy fields, while maintaining excellent resolution. As an uncooled camera, it’s best suited for cooler climates or shorter imaging sessions, but many astrophotographers have produced stunning images with this capable sensor. Perfect for those ready to move beyond planetary work.
ZWO ASI294MC
The ASI294MC features a generously-sized Micro Four Thirds sensor that’s ideal for capturing expansive deep-sky objects. Its excellent sensitivity and relatively low noise make it a popular choice among intermediate astrophotographers. While lacking active cooling, the large sensor and strong performance characteristics make this an outstanding value for those shooting from cooler locations or willing to work with shorter sub-exposures.
QHY QHY183C
QHY’s entry in the 1-inch sensor category offers cooled performance at an accessible price point. The integrated cooling system significantly reduces thermal noise during long exposures, giving you cleaner data to work with. This camera presents an excellent alternative for those who want the benefits of cooling without jumping to higher price brackets. A solid choice for deep-sky imaging in warmer climates.
ZWO ASI183MC Pro
Adding active cooling to the proven ASI183 platform transforms this into a serious deep-sky imaging tool. The cooling system allows for longer exposures with dramatically reduced thermal noise, making it much easier to capture faint nebulosity and distant galaxies. The 1-inch sensor provides a nice balance between field of view and resolution. This represents the entry point into truly capable cooled astrophotography cameras.
ZWO ASI533MC Pro
The ASI533MC Pro has become a favorite among entry-level deep-sky imagers for one standout feature: zero amp glow. This means cleaner images with less calibration hassle—a significant advantage for beginners still learning the processing workflow. The square sensor format is unique and works particularly well with many telescope configurations. The combination of cooling, low noise, and hassle-free imaging makes this an outstanding choice for those serious about deep-sky photography.
ZWO ASI294MC Pro
The cooled version of the popular ASI294MC adds thermal regulation to an already excellent large-format sensor. With Micro Four Thirds dimensions, this camera captures impressive fields of view while maintaining excellent sensitivity. The cooling system ensures consistent, low-noise performance regardless of ambient temperature. For those wanting a larger sensor with professional-grade thermal management, this sits at the higher end of the entry-level spectrum and will serve well for years to come.
QHY QHY5III290M
QHY’s planetary camera offers exceptional value for those interested in high-speed imaging. The sensitive monochrome sensor excels at capturing fine planetary detail and works brilliantly as a guide camera. The compact design integrates easily into most setups, and the QHY software ecosystem provides robust control options. A worthy alternative to ZWO’s offerings in this category.
Conclusion
The entry-level astrophotography camera market in 2026 offers remarkable options across every budget. For planetary imaging, the ASI662MC and ASI224MC provide excellent performance at accessible prices, while the ASI120MM Mini serves perfectly as a first camera or dedicated guide cam. Those venturing into deep-sky work should consider the uncooled ASI183MC or ASI294MC if shooting in cooler conditions, or step up to cooled models like the ASI533MC Pro or ASI183MC Pro for more versatility. The ASI533MC Pro deserves special mention for its zero amp glow feature, which significantly simplifies the learning curve for beginners. Whatever your budget and target preferences, there’s never been a better time to start capturing the wonders of the night sky.