The 6 Best Cameras For Low Light - Fall 2024

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the best low-light camera that we've tested. It improves upon the Canon EOS R6 in several ways, including a higher-resolution sensor, an updated autofocus system, and improved video features like uncropped 4k video at up to 60 fps. Despite its higher resolution, the R6 Mark II still performs incredibly well in low light, with amazing low-light noise handling. The added resolution also gives you a touch more flexibility to crop your photos compared to its predecessor.

That aside, it has an incredibly effective autofocus system, with subject tracking that works well even in low light. The camera's five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system can also help you slow down your shutter speed, therefore reducing noise when shooting handheld. That said, lens selection is still relatively limited for Canon's RF mount. If you want more third-party lens options, the Sony α7 IV is another top contender with a wider selection of lenses, although its ergonomics aren't quite as good. The original R6 is also still an excellent choice despite its lower-resolution sensor and slightly worse video specs.

The Sony ZV-E1 isn't just the most advanced vlogging camera on the market—it's also one of the best low-light video cameras we've tested. It uses the same low-light-optimized sensor as the high-end Sony α7S III and Sony FX3 but sits at a significantly lower price point. While it doesn't have the build quality of those models, the ZV-E1 records incredibly high-quality video, even in the trickiest lighting conditions. It's also remarkably compact for a full-frame camera and includes IBIS, so it's a good fit for run-and-gun style videography.

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5s is another great option for low-light video, with a low-resolution sensor and dual-native ISO that makes it more efficient in low light. It's a smaller sensor than the ZV-E1, but opting for the Micro Four Thirds system means more compact lens options and a more effective IBIS system. It's also less prone to overheating. Just be aware that its autofocus pales compared to Sony's real-time phase detection AF. If that isn't a dealbreaker, though, the GH5s is also notably cheaper. Otherwise, the ZV-E1 sensor is hard to pass up for low-light shooting.

If the cameras above are a little out of your price range, check out the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II. This full-frame model has top-tier noise-handling performance, so you'll get exceptionally clean image files even in poor lighting. The original Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a steal of a camera, and the S5 II improves on it in some key ways, most notably with a new phase-detection autofocus system. While it's still no match for Canon's Dual Pixel AF system, it does perform fairly well overall.

On top of that, this camera is a video powerhouse, with advanced features like internal 10-bit recording, 4k at up to 60 fps, and a wide range of recording formats and codecs. L mount lenses aren't the cheapest, but with compatible options available not just from Panasonic but also from Leica and Sigma, you'll have a wide range to choose from. If you're more strictly interested in photography, the Nikon Z 6II is another great option at this price point. It lacks the S5 II's more advanced video features, but it's a great low-light performer for photography, with excellent ergonomics and an even more reliable autofocus system.

The Sony α6700 is one of the best mid-range options we've tested. Sony cameras typically perform well in low light, and the α6700 is no exception. Though it uses an APS-C sensor, this hybrid model is very well-rounded, with one of the most sophisticated autofocus systems on the market, IBIS, and 4k video recording at up to 120 fps. Beyond that, you'll find plenty of amazing native and third-party lenses for this camera, with some offering excellent value, like Sigma's trio of f/1.4 prime lenses that are all well-suited for low-light shooting.

Another great option in this price range is the Fujifilm X-S20, which goes toe to toe with the α6700 in many ways. Like the Sony, it has IBIS, a high-res APS-C sensor, and high-end video specs. Fujifilm also offers some of the fastest APS-C prime lenses on the market, like the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR. That said, its AF system isn't as reliable as the Sony. Photographers who want to save money can also consider the older Fujifilm X-S10, which uses the same sensor as the X-S20 and offers a lot of value for its price but falls short in video features compared to the X-S20, with no internal 10-bit or 6.2k recording.

The Nikon Z 5 isn't the camera to get if you're interested in shooting video, with severely cropped 4k recording and a slow burst rate relative to higher-end models. However, you won't find a better full-frame camera body at this price point, making it the best camera for night photography for entry-level shooters. It has an excellent full-frame sensor that captures fantastic overall image quality, superb ergonomics, and a high-res EVF, and it even includes some premium features like dual SD card slots and IBIS.

Nikon's Z series has some fantastic lens options, particularly within the premium S Line. Though third-party options are still limited compared to competitors like Sony, the Z system continues to grow. Ultimately, if you need full-frame image quality and low-light performance and you're primarily interested in photography, the Z 5 will get you there without costing a fortune.

The Canon EOS R50 is a great choice for low-light shooting on a budget. It's an especially good choice for people jumping from a smartphone to their first dedicated camera, as it's a solid beginner model with an intuitive user interface, simple controls, and plenty of creative shooting modes for those who don't know their way around manual settings just yet. Its portable size also makes it easy to take on the go, whether for everyday shooting or travel photography.

Despite its small size, the R50 has an excellent sensor that performs well for its class, even in trickier lighting. While its autofocus system isn't as advanced as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II mentioned above, it's still fairly effective, and the camera has surprisingly advanced video specs for the price. Its biggest drawback is the relatively limited selection of lenses. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great alternative with a more established lens ecosystem. It even has IBIS, which is rare at this price point. However, its autofocus system is much less reliable.