Having the best cameras for low light photography is a game-changer, regardless of your experience level. Whether you're just starting out or an astrophotography pro, these cameras are your best companion when shooting in dimly lit environments, be it indoors or outdoors.
While cameras are designed to capture light, it's important to note that low-light situations pose a unique challenge much like how our naked eyes struggle to see in the dark. However, technological advances in recent years have meant that digital cameras can produce breathtaking nightscapes and beautiful results in dark environments too, especially when you pair them with the Best lenses for astrophotography.
To cut through the jargon and confusion, check out our low light cameras FAQ for answers to your top questions. With Amazon Prime Day right around the corner, you'll want to know which cameras are worth looking out for so you can find yourself a great deal.
Space.com is here to cut through the noise and help you find the perfect camera for your needs, budget and abilities. We'll be looking at our favorite cameras for low light photography from all the big brands — Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm and more.
If it's astrophotography specifically that you're looking to purchase a new camera for, you may want to read our guide to the Best cameras for astrophotography — these cameras have more astro specific features. Or if something more generalist is on the cards check out the Best cameras for photos and videos. In this guide, you'll find cameras that are good in various low light situations, which photographers from all disciplines will benefit from.
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Best cameras for low light photography 2023
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Best cameras for low light 2023 ranked
The Nikon Z7 II tops our list, a few entries above its predecessor, the Nikon Z6 II. Although it's visually identical to the Nikon Z6 II in terms of design, we noticed some worthwhile differences when it came to image quality and functionality in our Nikon Z7 II review.
One notable improvement of The Z7 II is that it has memory card slots. This means you can choose which card to save your photos on or use one as a backup. With this setup, every image you take is copied to both cards, so if one card gets damaged, you still have all your shots saved on the other one. Even though it might not seem like a big deal, it's actually really helpful for professional photographers and gives all photographers more peace of mind during their photo sessions.
The other obvious difference is the Z7 II has almost double the amount of megapixels — 45.7MP vs the 24.5 megapixels of the Z6 II, giving absolutely mind-blowing resolution. While this isn't crucial for excellent astro shots (and can sometimes be a hindrance), you may benefit from the extra megapixels if you're going to be producing large prints or shooting other styles of photography, such as landscape, or shooting long-lens wildlife photos where stunning detail makes the world of difference.
- Read our full Nikon Z7 II review
Professional photographers absolutely love the D850 because it's a true workhorse that can withstand any environment. It's built with a tough and lightweight magnesium alloy, and it's completely weather-sealed, so it's durable and reliable. But even if you're not a pro, you can still benefit from it. The D850 has an amazing ISO range of up to 102,400, which is quite impressive considering it's been around for over five years now. The full frame BSI CMOS sensor handles ISO noise well thanks to the processing ability of the EXPEED 5 image processor — take a look at our Nikon D850 review for our full thoughts on this camera.
Unfortunately, the camera itself doesn't have in-body image stabilization. However, if you use F-mount lenses, you can benefit from Nikon's Vibration Reduction which can provide up to 4.5 stops of stabilization. This comes in handy when capturing shots in low-light conditions. You can choose from a series of stills when shooting in continuous burst mode that captures up to 9FPS, which may not sound like much, but when you consider each image is 45.7MP — that's a serious amount of data capture. Not to mention, low-light photography doesn't necessarily require fast burst rates. It also keeps up with the competition regarding video, providing 4K30p video recording with zebra stripes that help highlight potential exposure issues in certain areas.
It's also well equipped for low light video as it can autofocus down to -4EV with a Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection and 153 focus points. When low-light scenes require a little more fill light, a hot shoe and PC sync connector are located on the body for connecting with on —and off—camera lighting. Face-priority autofocus enables easier autofocusing on portrait subjects without switching to manual.
- Read our full Nikon D850 review
With a huge 61-megapixel resolution, the Sony A7R IV can bring out exceptional detail, even in the darkest shadows. At the time of writing, it is the highest-resolution full-frame camera on the market and shoots 4K max video resolution.
It would make a fantastic option for astrophotographers as it performs remarkably well in low light. Our Sony A7R IV review found that noise only started to creep in after pushing the ISO up to ISO 6400.
The battery life is equally impressive. During our tests, we surpassed Sony's claim of 670 shots using the rear screen and managed to capture over 2000 shots on a single charge, with the battery still showing 65% power remaining. Based on this, we think you could potentially exceed Sony's claims. However, it's worth noting that astrophotography, with its longer shutter speeds, may consume more battery power.
We've ranked it number one in our best cameras for photos and videos guide and its astronomy variant the Sony A7R IVA is ranked third in our best cameras for astrophotography guide.
While the 7.5cm screen offers excellent quality with slightly over 1.4 million dots, one improvement that could benefit this camera for astrophotography is a fully articulating screen. This feature would be particularly useful when shooting in portrait orientation or when you need to point the camera upwards. Having a screen that can move in various angles would enhance flexibility and convenience in capturing stunning astrophotos.
Considering the massive image sizes, we wouldn't suggest using this camera for sports or action photography due to the buffer lag. However, when it comes to astrophotography, low-light portraiture, and landscape photography, you simply can't go wrong with this camera. We'll be reviewing the newer Sony A7R V very soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
- Read our full Sony A7R IV review
One of the challenges when shooting in low light is the performance of autofocus, which tends to search and face difficulties in dim conditions. However, the Z6 II(and the original Z6) addresses this issue remarkably well. It boasts one of the finest autofocus and exposure metering systems among cameras, allowing it to autofocus even in extremely dark situations, reaching an impressive -6EV. This capability ensures that you can achieve accurate and reliable autofocus performance, even when the lighting conditions are far from optimal.
In our Nikon Z6 II review, we really liked that this camera has eye-detection autofocus and animal-detection autofocus. These smart features automatically keep the focus on subjects without needing you to make constant adjustments. It makes taking clear portraits and pictures of animals much easier, whether you're indoors or outside during low-light times like dusk or dawn. With this camera, you can capture great shots effortlessly, as it keeps your subjects in focus for you.
The camera can handle any low light shooting with a native ISO range of 51,200 and can be increased to 204,800. Even though it doesn't quite have the highest ISO range in its class, its ISO handling is impressive, with minimal image noise in still images. That's all thanks to using the same image sensor as its more expensive pro model, the Z7 II (see our review of the Nikon Z7 II), but with a drop in resolution, which can help alleviate noise.
When shooting in low light, longer shutter speeds are often necessary to capture enough light for photos and videos. However, this can make it difficult to keep your shots steady. Thankfully, the Z6 II comes equipped with 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which provides up to five stops of stabilization. This feature not only benefits newer lenses but also extends to older F-mount lenses originally designed for Nikon DSLR camera bodies. Even when using non-stabilized lenses with the FTZ lens mount adapter, you can still enjoy up to 3-axis stabilization, resulting in smoother and steadier shots.
- Read our full Nikon Z6 II review
The Sony a7S III, released in 2020, is an amazing mirrorless camera that's perfect for shooting in low-light conditions. It's designed to meet the needs of videographers and filmmakers who want a compact yet powerful camera capable of capturing 4K video at an impressive 120FPS, allowing for ultra-slow-motion shots. It also seamlessly fits into professional video workflows with its 16-bit RAW HDMI output and the ability to simultaneously record in-camera.
It captures 12.1MP stills photographs, which is very low resolution compared to the latest mirrorless cameras, but it doesn't claim to be a stills-oriented camera either. However, it does include 5-axis in-body image stabilization that steadies the frame up to a fantastic 5.5 stops for sharper handheld low-light photos and smoother video recording.
The expandable ISO range of 40 - 409,600 on this camera is seriously mind-blowing. It's absolutely perfect for shooting in low light because you can crank up the ISO sensitivity to make the most of available light without having to mess around with your aperture or shutter speed too much. Plus, the hybrid autofocusing technology of the a7S III is a game-changer in low light conditions, working even in extreme darkness down to -6EV. With all these features combined, you can confidently capture steady and sharp pictures in any situation.
RAW images and video can be pushed even further in post-production thanks to the camera's wide 15-stop dynamic range, capturing more detail and data in scenes with extreme contrasts in brightness — for example, a dimly lit portrait on the street next to bright street lights.
- Have a look at our Best mirrorless cameras guide for alternative mirrorless models
The X-T4 is an excellent option for low-light shooting and astrophotography enthusiasts. The vari-angle screen makes composing shots much more comfortable than if it only had a tilt screen, particularly if you're shooting in portrait orientation.
Fujifilm's cameras exude an overall stylish aesthetic reminiscent of classic film cameras. However, what sets them apart is their intuitive body-mounted dial controls, which enhance usability even in low-light environments — as long as you can remember which dial controls what function. The 26.1MP APS-C sensor produces excellent image quality, and there is a wide choice of X-mount lenses that fit the X-T4s, adding even more versatility. It's a perfect blend of timeless design and impressive performance.
The Fujifilm X-T4 uses the NP-W235 battery and has a CIPA rating of around 500 shots per charge. During our hands-on Fujifilm X-T4 review, we found this can be much higher when shooting in the daytime, but, as expected, longer nighttime exposures drain the battery much quicker, so that's something to consider. The main drawback to this battery type is that you have to plug in the entire camera to charge it rather than just the battery, so ensure you're fully charged before heading out on your shooting session.
The X-T4 comes with 6.5 stops of in-body image stabilization (something the X-T30 II lacks), excellent low-light performance, and a high-speed processing engine — ideal for action or sports photography and astro.
We have given the newer Fujifilm X-T5 a review, but we felt that although it does perform well, it wasn't strong enough in low light to warrant a place on this list, so if astrophotography is what you're shooting, we'd recommend saving the extra money and go for the X-T4.
- Read our full Fujifilm X-T4 review
The PowerShot G1 X Mark III serves as Canon's solution to the challenges faced by compact cameras when it comes to low-light photography. Typically, compact cameras struggle with image noise due to their fixed lens and small image sensors, making them less suitable for low-light shooting. However, Canon has effectively addressed this issue by equipping the PowerShot G1 X Mark III with a 24.2MP APS-C picture sensor, similar to what you would find in a DSLR camera. This enhancement significantly improves its performance in low-light conditions, providing users with better image quality and reduced noise.
Another benefit of this camera is its electronic viewfinder, which proves invaluable when capturing stills or videos in the dark. It enhances visibility by boosting the perceived brightness of low-light environments. Additionally, the four stops of image stabilization work wonders in stabilizing the scene, ensuring sharp results even when shooting handheld with longer exposure times.
The fixed lens zooms from a wide 15mm to 45mm focal length for 3x optical zoom. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF provides quick and reliable focusing, and the 7FPS continuous shooting gives you many options.
As mentioned above, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a decent choice for those wanting to shoot video, too. It doesn't have 4K capabilities and is capped at full HD 1080 60p video, but the 5-axis Advanced Dynamic IS delivers professional-quality content. As such, it's perfectly adequate for budding vloggers and content creators who want to create professional-looking content.
Olympus has really pushed the boundaries with their latest mirrorless MFT (micro four-thirds) camera. They've taken technology to the extreme by enhancing image sensor detail, all while keeping the convenience of an interchangeable lens system. This camera is a dream come true for amateurs and enthusiasts who want the flexibility to expand their gear whenever they want. It's all about delivering top-notch image quality and giving photographers the freedom to customize their kit as they see fit.
We found the in-body image stabilization outstanding when we reviewed the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. It operates over a 5-axis range and provides an equivalent of 4.5 stops of optical stabilization, which is impressive given the camera's lower price. A fast 8.7FPS burst speed can capture the action as it unfolds, giving plenty of extra chances to low-light shooters who are sometimes disappointed with single-shot mode shooting due to the blur from camera shake to nail the shot.
The electronic viewfinder is big and bright, with 2.36 million dots for a detailed display, and the rear screen is a tiltable 3-inch touchscreen that allows the photographer to see the screen easily at more awkward shooting angles. It can even flip down 180 degrees for selfie shooting.
This inexpensive MFT camera does have its limits, though, and the autofocus detection range is where it suffers. Compared to this list's much more expensive mirrorless models, this camera can only manage -2EV autofocus range so photographers will likely need to manually focus and use one of the best tripods. Still, the ISO range is impressive, topping out at 25,600.
- Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review
The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is a fantastic compact camera that really shines in low light conditions, and the best part is, it won't break the bank. It sports a sleek design with controls on top that give it an SLR or rangefinder camera feel. Plus, you get two dials — one for adjusting the shutter speed and the other for tweaking exposure correction — giving you that extra level of control to capture the perfect shot. It's a pro-level camera that doesn't compromise on style or performance.
Unlike other compact cameras, it comes with a micro four-thirds image sensor that renders decent exposures and captures impressive detail, especially when paired with a lens like the f/1.7-2.8 24-75mm Leica DC Vario-Summilux. The lens has a wide aperture range to capture the maximum amount of light while maintaining a short shutter speed, so you can shoot without a tripod in low-light environments.
What makes the LX100 II stand out from its competitors is its amazing post-focus function. This feature lets you select the desired focus point in a photo even after it has been taken, which proves to be a significant advantage in low-light photography. We've all experienced that frustration when reviewing our photos and realizing that the photo that would've been 'the shot' turned out to be out of focus. Manual and autofocus systems tend to struggle in darker environments, where the subject is challenging to see, resulting in misplaced focus points. However, with this camera, you have the incredible ability to adjust the focus point after capturing the shot — truly remarkable!
For less than $1,000 at Amazon, this camera is much more affordable than most of its competitors — ideal if you're just starting out in low-light photography or want to upgrade your kit for less.
Best cameras for low light photography FAQ
Which camera is best for low light photography?
The Nikon Z7 II is the best for low light photography. We think it strikes a good balance between excellent image quality, competitive price, and flexibility for generalist shooting, too.
What ISO is best for low light photography?
The critical factor in finding the best camera for low light photography is how it deals with light sensitivity. The ISO range determines this — the higher the ISO sensitivity, the better the camera will capture well-exposed images in darker environments.
The flip side of a higher ISO is that it brings noise into the image, so you'll also want to look for a camera with a larger image sensor (it physically takes up more space so it can capture more light) and one with fewer megapixels to mitigate the noise. This is why compact cameras with fixed lenses aren't traditionally favorites for low light photography — unless they have specialized sensors like the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III.
Which camera is best for autofocusing in low light?
The Nikon Z6 II and Sony a7S III are the best for autofocusing in low light from our guide because their exposure value goes as low as -6EV. However, another important consideration in low light photography is focus, which keeps images sharp. Autofocusing functions struggle in darker environments, so you'll want to look at how low the exposure value (EV) range on each camera goes. The lower the number, the better the camera will cope with autofocusing in less-than-ideal light conditions.
What should I look for in a camera for low light?
In-body stabilization is vital, especially in dark environments, as it lets you shoot handheld without needing a tripod, making sure video footage isn't shaky and stills come out sharp. For this purpose, you'll also want a camera with a fast lens (or one compatible with fast and wide aperture lenses) to maximize the amount of light coming through the image sensor. For more in-depth guidance about choosing lenses for low light photography, check out our guides to the best lenses for astrophotography and the best zoom lenses.
Design and ergonomics are other factors to look out for when choosing a camera. Not just for aesthetics — some people prefer on-screen menus whereas some prefer buttons or dials. Consider whether you'll want something more portable and versatile, or a specialized camera dedicated solely to low light photography.
Tied into these considerations is, of course, your budget — we've included cameras at various price points, so you'll be sure to find something that works for you.
How we test the best cameras for low light photography
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each camera is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each camera is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each camera and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a sleek little crop-sensor DSLR wouldn't be appropriate, though each camera might be the best-performing product in its own class.
We look at how easy each camera is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date imaging technology, whether the cameras can shoot high-quality stills photos and high-resolution video and also make suggestions if a particular camera would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
