From pitch black to bright light, the spectrum of light is broad. Photography is a play of light. With low-light photography, you become an artisan. The right balance of ISO, aperture width, shutter speed. Assisted by a tripod, a flash light, and patience is the recipe for some magical photos. It wouldn’t happen without the best low light camera. But the best camera doesn’t guarantee a better final product. The tool is efficient with the right person, and the ambient light plays a vital role in deciding the quality of the output.
Types of “Low Light”
What is the metric to measure a low light ? Are all low light scenarios similar? No, it is gradient, which makes the low-light photography interesting. One can divide them into three broad categories.
Visible: During the day, you can face low light conditions. Shooting amidst the shadows of multi-storied buildings, trees can be less than ideal light conditions.
Low light: After sunset, it gets challenging, as you lose light. But the gradient of colours during the period opens the window for exciting photographs. Shooting indoors is challenging, with reduced exposure to light.
Dark/Night: Cometh darkest of the nights, cometh the brightest of the stars. It is as challenging as it’s exciting to shoot during the night. In-depth understanding of the camera’s functionality is essential role to get the best out of the camera. The window of opportunity the night throws at you is abundant.
Best Low Light Camera 2021
1. Sony A7 III – Best Camera For Low Light Photography
MegaPixels: 24 MP
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Type: Mirrorless
Weight: 650g
With an updated sensor design, the Alpha A7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera from Sony is a camera fine-tuned for improved speed and low-light performance. The full-frame 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor work in tandem. It achieves up to 10-fps of continuous shooting. The Fast Hybrid Auto Focus System uses a synergy of 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection. This improves focus on subjects in a variety of lighting conditions.
The improved processor achieves a better image clarity and reduced noise in the ISO range of 100-51200, expandable up to ISO 50-204800. This camera has a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization, which minimises shake up to 5 stops.
Sony has come with an exceptional body design to include a rear 3-inch touchscreen LCD with a tilting design. The magnesium-alloy body with a weather-resistant layer makes A7 III robust and dust resistant.
- Lightweight body with improved low light performance
- High-quality 4K and 1080p resolution for videos
- Dual SD card slots
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth Connectivity
- XGA OLED Tru Finder Electronic View Finder
- One out of two slots is compatible with UHS-II memory cards for quick transfers
2. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Best Low Light Autofocus
Mega Pixels: 30 MP
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Type: DSLR
Weight: 800g
Canon’s 5D Mark IV DSLR comes with the new 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor powered by a DIGIC 6+ image processor. It can handle up to 7 frames per second of continuous shooting. The camera can work at a range of ISO 100-32000, which is expandable up to 50-102400. This results in low noise, extra sharp images, enhancing low-light performance and sensitivity. The camera comes with in-built Wi-Fi, NFC connectivity, and GPS.
A 61-point phase-detection autofocus improves the speed through effective tracking of the subjects . The 3.2-inch touch screen LCD offers versatility with different high and low angles of shooting. The camera can record videos up to 4K (4096 × 2160) at 30 fps. The camera is durable and weather resistance due to the magnesium alloy.
It comes with a wide lens 24-100 mm and a maximum aperture of f/4 which improves the zoom range.
- 30.4 Mega Pixel CMOS Sensor and a DIGIC 6 Image Processor
- High-Density Reticular, Dual Pixel Auto Focus Systems has 61 phase-detection points
- 3.2 inch LCD touch screen
- Inbuilt GPS module
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- Autofocus settings might take time to get used to
- Comes with a premium price tag
3. Nikon D850 – Best Nikon DSLR Low Light Camera
Mega Pixels: 45.7 MP
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Type: DSLR
Weight: 915g
Nikon D850 is a DSLR camera offering high speed and resolution powered by a 45.7 MegaPixel CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 5 image processor. The back-illuminated sensor enables better clarity despite the low-light conditions.
It comes with an expandable ISO of 32 to 102400 and facilitates 4K Ultra HD video recording. The 20K 153-point Auto Focus system comes with 99 cross sensors enabling accurate focus in different light conditions. A dedicated power aperture button smoothens the exposure transitions from light to darker areas.
The bright pentaprism viewfinder comes with a .75x magnification and a wide field of view. The Nikon D850 can handle a variety of environment and weather conditions.
- 153 Point phase detection Autofocus System
- Video Recording at 4K Ultra HD and produces 8K Time Lapse using the Interval timer mode
- An intelligent Scene Recognition System with a 180000 pixel RGB Sensor
- Illuminated rear buttons for better visibility during low light conditions
- 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 5 processor
- Dual card slots
- Snapbridge connectivity is unstable which makes it unreliable
- Expensive camera
4. Fujifilm X-T3
Mega Pixels: 26 MP
Sensor Size: APS-C
Type: Mirrorless
Weight: 539g
This Fujifilm X-T3 is a mirrorless camera suitable for both videography and action photography. The design features one of the latest image sensor and efficient processor suitable for high-resolution photos and 4K videos. The APS-C sensor has a back-illuminated design to render quality images throughout the sensitivity range.
The viewfinder is a 3.69 million dot capacity keeps the images blackout-free at the speed of 30 fps. It features a Sports Finder Mode giving you additional room to recognize moving subjects. In the top of that, the X-T3 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to facilitate remote control and wireless sharing. The magnesium-alloy body offers dust resistance and endurance in different weather conditions.
- Compact and lightweight
- A 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with .75x magnification
- Refresh rate up to 100fps
- The APS-C 26.1 MegaPixel CMOS 4 Sensor and X-Processor 4
- Dual SD card slots compatible with UHS-II standard enabling rapid transfers
- Shooting modes with classic film and grain effects, and several options in both monochrome and colour settings
- Low battery life, Carry sufficient spares
- No inbuilt image stabilization
6. Sony A9
Mega Pixels: 24 MP
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Type: Mirrorless
Weight: 588g
Sony mirrorless camera is one of the fastest cameras available in the market. The A9 uses a 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and a powerful BIONZ X image processor to shoot up to 20 fps. It supports ISO up to 204,800.
The 693-point phase-detection autofocus system covers 93% of the area for tracking and shooting in several low light conditions. The INSIDE image stabiliser offers a robust shooting experience during handheld shoots by managing five different levels of shakes in camera.
Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder features a 3.68 million dot resolution and a 120 fps refresh rate to give a smooth viewing experience. With a 3-inch touchscreen LCD at its disposal, the camera works in different high and low angles. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth supports wireless image sharing and remote operations through mobile devices.
- 24.2 Mega Pixel Exmor RS Stacked CMOS Sensor with Bionz X image processor
- 4K Ultra HD Recording in XAVC-S format
- 693 point phase detection autofocus
- 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE powers the In-built Image Stabilization
- Enhanced Zebra function to monitor various levels of contrast exposure
- Low Battery life
- One slot supports UHS cards, no support for XQD(Sony)
7. Nikon D7500
Mega Pixels: 20.9 MP
Sensor Size: APS-C
Type: DSLR
Weight: 640g
Nikon D7500 is a DSLR camera comes with a 20.9 MegaPixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor. It supports continuous shooting at 8-fps up to ISO 51,200 (expandable to ISO 1,640,000). The camera comes with a 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX II autofocus system that helps effective tracking of the subject .
The D7500 camera is lightweight, robust and weather-resistant to work in different climatic conditions. The optical viewfinder and 3.2-inch touchscreen aids shooting in multiple high and low angles. The SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enables wireless transfer of footage and remote operations through mobile devices.
This Nikon is one of the affordable DSLR cameras with an APS-C sensor. It is flush with features making it a value-buy for the price.
- 20.9 Mega Pixel DX-Format CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 5 Processor
- Affordable and Lightweight compared to the other D SLR models
- 51-Point Autofocus System with several modes
- Electronic vibration reduction to reduce the effect of shake across three axes
- External microphone
- A 3.2 inch LCD touch screen with a tilting design
- Pentaprism optical viewfinder with .94x magnification
- Single card slot which limits the footage
- The 4K recordings come with a crop which limits its compatibility to the lens
8. Olympus E-M1 Mark II
Mega Pixels: 20.4 MP
Sensor Size: Micro four thirds
Type: Mirrorless
Weight: 574g
The E-M1 Mark II from Olympus is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera. It has a 20.4 Mega Pixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic image processor. This camera boasts a 60-fps continuous shooting rate with an electronic shutter. The video shooters would relish the choice of both DCI and Ultra HD 4K recording modes. The sensor supports up to ISO 25600 to suit low light conditions. Being preferred as a handheld camera due to its lightweight, it comes with a 5-axis image stabilization which reduces motion blur and camera shake.
The sensor has 121 phase-detection focus points giving an accurate focus and tracking of subjects. The E-M1 Mark II is has a magnesium alloy body making it durable and weather-resistant to handle different climates.
This camera comes with an inbuilt Wi-Fi and dual SD card slots. This camera is expensive, but one of the best camera with the mirror four-thirds sensor.
- 20.4 Megapixel Live MOS and a TruePic VIII Processor
- 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- 2.36 Million dot LCD Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.0 inch Vari-Angle LCD Touch Screen
- Weather-resistant – Dust, Splash and Freeze proof
- Dual SD card slots
- DCI 4K Ultra HD video recording
- Expensive for a micro 4/3 ‘s camera
- Suits macro and indoor studio photography, but there are full-frame and APS-C cameras in the same price bracket
9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5
Mega Pixels: 20.3 MP
Sensor Size: Micro four thirds
Type: Mirrorless
Weight: 725g
The Lumix DC-GH5 camera from Panasonic is packs a punch with a 20.3MP Digital Live MOS sensor and a latest Venus Engine processor. This offers good recording quality at a decent processing speed. The camera features in-built 5-axis sensor stabilisation which provides stabilisation for up to five stops. This camera features a UHS-II SD card slot for quick transfer of footage.
The OLED viewfinder and 3.2-inch touchscreen simplify the shooting process at complicated angles. The magnesium alloy body makes the camera freeze proof up to14°F and dustproof. Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless file sharing and remote operations using mobile devices.
- 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine
- 225 point advanced autofocus system
- 6K, 4K Photo and 4K Video Recording
- Dual Image stabilization
- OLED Viewfinder with a 3.86 million dot resolution and .76 x magnification
- 3.2 inch LCD Touch screen supporting tilt and swivel functions
- Dual UHS-II compatible card slots
- Speed of the camera is slow compared to the other models
- Expensive
For low-light photography, Full frame and APS-C sensor cameras are preferred over Micro four thirds and Point & Shoot. But there are compact cameras which offer good low light sensitivity. It caters to people who travel light but would like to shoot pictures at low light. Let’s look at some point and shoot low light cameras.
10. Sony DSC – RX100 VA
Mega Pixels: 20.1 MP
Sensor Size: Point and Shoot
Weight: 299g
The Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA Digital Camera from Sony comes with a 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and Bionz processor. It can output images up to ISO 12800. The autofocus system has 315 phase-detection points. It covers 65% of the image area of the sensor and requires as little as 0.05 seconds to lock on to the subject.
Sony’s BIONZ X processor facilitates continuous shooting up to 24 fps and comes with dual video recording. The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens comes with a zoom of 24-70mm and a f/1.8-2.8 aperture that improves the clarity in low light conditions. It has inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities for connecting to gadgets powered by iOS/Android.
- 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS Sensor & BIONZ X Image Processor
- Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
- Fast hybrid autofocus with 315 phase-detection points
- Supports Ultra HD 4K Video
- OLED 2.36 million Tru finder EVF
- Battery drains out
11. Canon – PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Mega Pixels: 20.1 MP
Sensor Size: Point and Shoot
Weight: 320g
PowerShot G7 X Mark II, from Canon is a compact point-and-shoot camera using a 20.1MP (1-inch) CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor. It can capture up to 8-fps with a maximum ISO of 12800. It improves the image quality with minimal noise in low-light photography. The camera comes with a 4.2x zoom lens that provides a 24-100 mm equivalent focal length range. The f/1.8-f/2.8 maximum aperture helps with light exposure in the low-light conditions.
The large 3.0-inch 1.04 million dot touchscreen LCD comes with an up/downward tilting design to facilitate shooting at various angles. The G7 X Mark II has an in-built Wi-Fi, NFC which enables wireless data sharing and remote operations.
- 20.1Mega Pixel CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 4.2x Optical Zoom Lens and intelligent image stabilization
- 3-inch touch screen LCD with an up/downward tilting design
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC to share data wirelessly and to enable remote operations using mobile devices
- A dedicated panning function to lock to a subject
- No viewfinder
- Battery life is low
Types of Low Light Cameras
The sensors of the camera play an important role, without considering the nature of photography. Sensors come in different sizes, but they fall into four broad categories.
Full frame Camera: The full-frame refers to the size/type of sensor used in the camera. The size of the full-frame sensor is 24mm long and 36mm wide, the size of a negative in the film. The aspect ratio is the ratio of height: width. For a full-frame camera, the aspect ratio is 3:2(36:24). Full frame sensor cameras are preferred choice of professional photographers, owing to its large sensor size and the versatility it offers.
APS-H/C Camera: The advanced photo system became popular during the ’90s, the sensor measures smaller than the full frame. The APS-C is predominant in most of the DSLR, mirrorless and compact cameras. Since their sensor size is less than the full-frame sensor, people call it cropped sensor. There is an APS-H sensor which is bigger than APS-C type. It is one of the popular sensor type used in most of the interchangeable and fixed lens cameras.
Micro four-thirds Camera: The micro four-thirds sensor is a new size. This sensor is smaller compared to APS-C. The smaller size of the 4/3’s come with the higher crop factor. It results in a reduced field of view and lower depth of field. But, it achieves a better focal length output.
Point and Shoot Camera: The point and shoot camera are a compact model that comes with a smaller sensor, catered towards customers with budget constraints. They act as a step up to phone cameras.
Full frame sensor cameras are a favourite among professional photographers, but it doesn’t mean that APS-C is inferior. It depends on the type of photography you intend to do. Since the APS-C sensor cameras are lighter than the full-frame ones, it works better for street photography. If macro photography is your interest, APS-C camera works better. They have a higher depth of field than a full-frame camera, aperture and field of view being the same.
Features affecting the Low Light Camera performance
Notwithstanding the type of camera, there are certain features which decide the quality of the output. It is impertinent to look into the features while choosing the best low light camera.
Sensor Size: The size of the sensor in a camera determines the amount of light used to create an image. The sensor has millions of light-sensitive photo-sites which record the information through the lens. Larger the sensor, higher the information. And as they say, the devil is in the details, the same applies to the quality of images.
ISO Performance: During the times of film photography, ISO refers to the film’s sensitivity to light, but in digital photography, it means the gain. The digital sensors capture image at default ISO and the image processor adjusts the brightness of the image w.r.t the setting. This increase in brightness comes at a cost called digital noise. During the low light photography, the ISO plays a vital role in capturing the details. One has to find the preferred balance between noise and brightness.
Image stabilisation system: There are two types of image stabilisation. A electronically-controlled floating lens moves it in the opposite direction to counter the movements in a Lens-based stabilisation. The camera inbuilt stabilisation shifts the sensor to neutralise the effects of movement. Most of the cameras come with dual stabilisation at our disposal.
Lens: Quicker the lens, the better it suits for low light photography. The lenses with a bigger aperture allow more light to reach the sensor, which is paramount for low-light shooting. Larger aperture leads to quick shutter speeds, which in turn gives sharper results and reduce motion blur.
Autofocus: The autofocus sensors in the camera play a key role in focus accuracy. Number of autofocus points determines its quality. The high-end cameras have more than 45 focus points, while the basic ones can have as few as one central autofocus. It’s wise to choose the AF depending on your requirements and budget.
Choosing the Best Low Light Camera
The full-frame camera is best suited for low light photography. It is heavy and obstructing in the case of street photography or close action photography. There are some APS-C sensor cameras which offer mobility and suits for macro photography. If you are a light traveller, you might prefer a micro four thirds or a point and shoot compact camera. It is the requirement that decides the best low light camera for your purpose. Sony A7 III is the best low-light camera in the full-frame models. Nikon D7500 is the best pick in the APS-C sensor camera, and Olympus E-M1 II is the best choice among the micro four thirds.
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Last update on 2021-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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