The 6 Best Cameras For Low Light - Spring 2024 Reviews

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

That aside, the autofocus system is incredibly effective, and its subject tracking works well even in trickier lighting. The camera's five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system can also help you shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds. 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 leave something to be desired. Of course, the original R6 is still an excellent choice, especially if you're primarily interested in photography.

The Sony ZV-E1 isn't just the most advanced vlogging camera on the market, but it's also a fantastic choice for low-light videography. Using the same low-light-optimized sensor as the high-end Sony α7S III and Sony FX3 but sitting at a much more accessible price point, the ZV-E1 can record incredibly high-quality video, even in the trickiest of lighting conditions. It's also remarkably compact for a full-frame camera and includes in-body image stabilization, 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, dual-native ISO sensor optimized for low light. However, 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. Just be aware that its autofocus pales compared to Sony's real-time phase detection AF. Still, the GH5s will save you money if you prefer to focus manually. Otherwise, the ZV-E1 is hard to pass up for quality.

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 was 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 photos, with excellent ergonomics and an even more reliable autofocus system.

The Sony α6700 is the best mid-range camera we've tested. Sony cameras are some excellent low-light mirrorless cameras, 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, in-body image stabilization, and advanced video features, including 4k 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 lacks the improvements in video features of its successor.

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 sensor that captures fantastic overall image quality, superb ergonomics, a high-res EVF, and even includes some premium features like dual SD card slots and in-body image stabilization.

Nikon's Z series has plenty of fantastic lens options, particularly within the pricy 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 "real" camera, as it's a solid beginner model with an intuitive user interface, simple controls, and extensive auto-shooting modes. Its highly portable size also means you'll want to take it anywhere.

Aside from its easy-to-use interface, the R50 packs a punch with 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 for Canon's RF-mount. 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 is much less reliable.