Best cameras for low light photography in 2024

The best cameras for low light photography are an essential if you like to shoot at nighttime, in poorly-lit areas or if you're an astrophotographer. As the sun is setting earlier and earlier, now is a great time to invest in one of these cameras, not least because there are plenty of Black Friday deals to be found. Currently, the Sony A7R V is $500 off at Amazon.

Our team of expert reviewers has spent time testing a range of the best low-light cameras on the market, including top brands like Sony, Nikon, Canon, Panasonic and Fujifilm. In this guide, you'll find cameras covering a range of budgets, from high-end to more affordable cameras for beginners and enthusiasts.

For keen astrophotographers, coupling one of these cameras with one of the best lenses for astrophotography will allow you to take incredible images of the night sky. You might also find our round-up of the best cameras for astrophotography helpful.

If you're newer to photography, we've answered the most common questions in our low light cameras FAQ.

The quick list

Best cameras for low light photography 2024

Best all rounder

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The Nikon Z7 II on a tripod with a lens attached

The Nikon Z7 II's predecessor, the Z6 II, is an excellent camera — and indeed you'll find it a little further down our list of best cameras for low-light photography. But thanks to a few key benefits that we highlighted in our Nikon Z7 II review, like dual memory card slots, more megapixels and better image quality, we think the Nikon Z7 II is hands-down the best camera for low-light photography currently on the market.

We've found that the noise level in high ISO shots is excellent: In fact, we couldn't notice any until at least ISO2500. The camera's exposure preview, too, makes it incredibly easy to set up a shot in low light — it's one of the best we've used, in fact.

But it's not just these low-light features that make the Z7 II such a great camera. It's a fantastic piece of kit all-round, whatever type of photography you're shooting. Things like its two memory card slots is a big plus, for example, especially for pros. It lets you decide which card to store your photos on or you can set it to back up every shot automatically. This feature is a lifesaver in case, heaven forbid, one of your cards gets corrupted.

The Nikon Z7 II also sports almost double the megapixels as the Nikon Z6 II: its sensor packs in 45.7MP instead of 24.5MP. That's a mind-blowing resolution, perfect for photographers who are creating extra-large prints or want the ability to heavily crop in post-processing. For wildlife photographers in particular, it's a huge benefit.

• Read our full Nikon Z7 II review

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Best DSLR

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Most cameras these days are mirrorless, but the Nikon D850, a DSLR camera, is still a fantastic choice if you're looking for one of the best cameras for low-light photography. In our Nikon D850 review we called it one of the best you can buy, and if shooting the stars is what you're wanting it for, it's an absolute master for astrophotography.

The Nikon D850 is a tough beast: it's built with a magnesium alloy body that can survive most knocks while still being lightweight. Its weather-sealing makes it impervious to most weather conditions too, so don't let shooting in the rain put you off. Its advanced features make it appealing to professionals, but even if you're more of an enthusiast, there's a lot to love about the D850. Its huge ISO range — going up to 102,400 — puts it at the top of its class, and its full-frame sensor and powerful EXPEED 5 processor handles noise very well.

If you're more interested in video than stills, this is a great choice for shooting video in low-light conditions too. It focuses excellently in dark environments (down to -4EV), making use of 153 focus points. A built-in feature called face-priority autofocus is wonderful if you're shooting portraits, practically eliminating the need to switch to manual focus. And its hot shoe and PC sync connector make hooking up external lighting solutions a cinch, if that's more your style.

The only downside to the D850 is that the camera itself doesn't have built-in image stabilization, something that you'll find in newer, similarly specced mirrorless cameras. It's not a total deal-breaker, though, as long as your lens has stabilization. And if you use an F-mount lens, you'll benefit from Nikon's Vibration Reduction feature, which stabilizes shots by up to 4.5 stops — something that's supremely helpful in low light, especially.

We do have to mention, however, that DSLR cameras are quickly being phased out in favor of mirrorless cameras, and this is one of only a handful still available on the market. If you're looking to purchase a Nikon camera for the first time, then, you might be better looking for a mirrorless model. But if you already have a collection of Nikon lenses and want an upgrade from, say, an entry level DSLR, the D850 is still worth considering: It may be a little old now, but it's still a very capable camera.

• Read our full Nikon D850 review

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Best hybrid model

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The Sony A7R knocks most other cameras on this list out of the water when it comes to megapixel count: It boasts a huge 61MP resolution. That means it's capable of bringing out an incredible amount of detail, even darkly shadowed areas. It's not just great for stills-shooting, either — with the ability to shoot 8K video, it's an absolute beast of a camera whether you're a photographer or videographer.

Its predecessor, the Sony A7R IV, used to sit on this list, and while that's still a very capable camera (and often available notably cheaper), the upgrades made to the A7R V mean it's a much better purchase in just about every way. A prime example is image stabilization: In our Sony A7R V review, we found the improved image stabilization (8 stops, compared to the A7R IV's 5.5 stops), made a huge difference when shooting cityscapes in low light. We were able to shoot handheld at 1/3 of a second at ISO 100 to get light trails from cars, and the image was pin-sharp and in focus.

This, coupled with the newer AI-powered autofocus found in Sony's newer cameras (and not in the A7R IV), make it an absolute powerhouse for low-light photography — whether that be shooting indoors, low-light portraiture or nighttime cityscapes.

The LCD screen on the A7R V has also had a big facelift — they've made it much more functional and bigger (from 3-inches tilt-only to 3.2-inches tilting and fully articulating) and it's a lot more detailed, upping the resolution from 1.44M to 2.1M dots. The EVF has also been improved from 5.76M to a whopping 9.44M dots (the same resolution as the A1), which makes viewing and composing your shots in the dark much easier.

That said, for astro specifically, we'd still recommend the Sony A7R IV for more practical reasons, and it's still in our best cameras for astrophotography guide. The new AI autofocus in the A7R V is undoubtedly impressive, but not only is it not necessary if you're only shooting astro, but it also drains the battery quicker, which isn't ideal for anyone embarking on long nights of astro shooting. Astro shooters also won't need the additional stops of image stabilization, so for the sake of the same resolution and very similar handling, we'd advise you to save the extra few hundred dollars and opt for the A7R IV if you focus more on astro.

• Read our full Sony A7R V review
• Read our full Sony A7R IV review

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Best for intermediates

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Autofocus is handy on modern cameras, but it can be tricky in low light. That's where the Nikon Z6 II shines. It tackles this challenge exceptionally well with one of the best autofocus and exposure metering systems we've seen, working effectively down to -6EV. This means it stays reliable and precise even in very dark conditions, making it ideal for nighttime photography.

In our full Nikon Z6 II review, we showered praise onto the camera's eye-detection and animal-detection autofocus. Essentially, it means the camera stays focused on your chosen subject, so you don't have to keep adjusting, even if they move slightly. It's a lifesaver if you're a wildlife photographer, but since it works very well in low light, it's great even when you're shooting at dawn or dusk.

In fact, the Nikon Z6 II is superb in just about any low light condition, and that's down to how well it handles ISO. It has range of up to 51,200, although that can be increased to 204,800, and while it's not the highest of all the cameras on this list, we've been impressed by how little noise it produces in images. It's down to the sensor in the camera: the Z6 II uses the same sensor in the more expensive Z7 II which you'll find higher on this list.

Another standout feature of the Nikon Z6 II is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization. This advanced feature can greatly enhance your shots, especially in low-light situations where you might need longer shutter speeds. While it's beneficial for newer lenses, it's particularly handy if you're using older lenses without stabilization, especially when paired with the FTZ mount adapter.

• Read our full Nikon Z6 II review

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Best for low light video recording

Released in 2020, the Sony a7S III supersedes the Sony a7 III, packing in the same great features into a smaller, more compact body. This is a powerful camera for shooting stills, but it's video where it truly shines. It's capable of shooting 4K at 120FPS, making it ideal for super slow-motion shots. Additionally, its 16-bit RAW HDMI output makes it perfect for professional workflows.

In terms of its low light performance, the Sony a7S III knocks it out of the park with its expandable ISO range going all the way up to 409,600. Add to that the a7S III's hybrid autofocusing technology, which works all the way down to -6EV, makes focusing in even the darkest of situations possible.

One potential downside for photographers is the relatively low megapixel count: 12.1MP — although this won't be an issue if you shoot video. But if you plan to use this camera for still photography as well, it's something to keep in mind. Compared to competing cameras like the Sony a7S III, it has a lower resolution, so if you often crop heavily or print large photos, it may not be the best choice for you.

It's not all bad news, though. A low megapixel count means that your images will have less noise in them when you're using a high ISO, which means it's actually often helpful for astrophotographers in particular. In addition, the in-body image stabilization of the a7S III means your low-light shots will be sharper/

We do love the Sony a7S III's 15-stop dynamic range, which captures a fantastic amount of data and extreme contrasts in scenes, whether you're shooting images or video. It means you can push your work that bit more than usual in post-processing, and get some truly stunning results.

• Have a look at our Best mirrorless cameras guide for alternative mirrorless models

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Best for beginners

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If you're new to astrophotography, the Fujifilm X-T4 is a great choice: It's easy to get to grips with and does an impressive job of shooting in low light. Features like its vari-angle screen and its intuitive dial controls means setting up the perfect shot is easy to do even if it's dark.

Of course, its innards are just as impressive. Despite this having an APS-C sensor, it's still more than capable of delivering beautiful images of seriously high quality. With a 26.1MP resolution, you've got more than enough to capture a stunning amount of detail in each frame. And there are plenty of X-mount lenses on the market, giving you a large choice to play around and experiment with.

We particularly love the classic and timeless design of the X-T4, and it's rare to find such versatility and performance in a camera that has such considered aesthetics: It's the perfect balance between design and performance.

In our Fujifilm X-T4 review, however, we came across one problem that's worth keeping in mind if you're mostly going to be shooting at night. Its NP-W235 battery has been rated for around 500 shots per charge, but we noticed it drains much faster when taking long exposures in low light situations. You'll likely still have enough charge for a long shooting session, but just make sure it's fully charged before heading out.

The X-T4 has been succeeded by the Fujifilm X-T5, but we think the X-T4 is still a better low-light performer.

• Read our full Fujifilm X-T4 review
• Read our full Fujifilm X-T5 review

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Best compact option

While every other camera on this list has interchangeable lenses, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III does not. This is a compact, all-in-one bridge camera and, while that means it's probably not going to appeal to advanced photographers and professionals, it's a great place for newcomers to start who don't want the hassle of having to carry around bulky lenses (not to mention buy them — they can be very expensive!).

For a bridge camera, though, we've been seriously impressed with what the G1 X Mark III is capable of. It can compete with some much more advanced and expensive cameras, which is quite a feat. For example, you'll find a 24.2MP APS-C sensor inside the PowerShot G1 X Mark III, comparable to what you'll find in some DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Typically, compact cameras like this will have much smaller sensors, and that gives the G1 X Mark III the edge over its competition.

This camera also comes with an electronic viewfinder, which is really helpful for taking photos or videos in low light. It makes dark scenes appear brighter, improving visibility. Plus, its four stops of image stabilization do a great job of keeping your shots steady, even if you're shooting without a tripod and using 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 a lot of images to choose from.

The PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a good option for people who want to shoot videos as well. Although it doesn't have 4K capabilities and is limited to full HD 1080 60p video, the 5-axis Advanced Dynamic IS ensures that the content you create looks professional and smooth. So, if you're a beginner vlogger or content creator aiming for professional-looking videos, this camera is perfectly suitable for your needs.

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Best Micro Four Thirds camera

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This mirrorless micro four-thirds (MFT) camera is a little wonder. It packs in a powerful image sensor into a small body, making it extremely portable while still having the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. It's a fantastic choice for beginners and enthusiasts who want a capable camera that's not going to break the bank.

In our Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review, we praised the camera's in-body image stabilization, which operates on a 5-axis range. It's an impressive feature given the camera's price and means when you're shooting handheld in low-light situations you've got extra stabilization, lending itself to sharper images. There's also a burst speed function — up to 8.7FPS — which can be useful when capturing action.

We also love the big and bright electronic viewfinder on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. It packs in 2.36 million dots to offer a detailed display of whatever you're trying to capture. And if you prefer to use the rear screen to frame your shots, you'll find the 3-inch touchscreen to be bright and useful thanks to being tiltable.

As a micro four-thirds camera, however, the E-M10 Mark IV does have some limitations — but it's to be expected given its price point. Its autofocus detection range isn't the best: It can only handle a range of -2EV, so you'll need to largely rely on manual focusing in low-light situations. Picking up one of the best tripods will help you get that steady, sharp shot, however. On the flip side, the ISO range is impressive here, topping out at 25,600.

• Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review

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Best budget option

A great choice for beginners, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is surprisingly adept at shooting in low light conditions. Perhaps the best at its price point, in fact, and so if you're on a budget, this camera is well worth considering.

We thought the build quality was very impressive: it's sturdier than most compact cameras and feels similar to an SLR with its top-mounted controls.

There are two dials: one for exposure and another for shutter speed adjustments, offering convenient control over your shots without needing to navigate through complex menus. These controls give it more of a professional touch, which we really love.

The Lumix LX100 II sports a micro four-thirds image sensor, which produces images with a great amount of detail. But it's the camera's excellent post-focus function that we think makes it stand out from its competitors.

Essentially, you have the ability to choose a focus point in a photo after it has been taken, which is an absolute game-changer if you realize you've missed your focus target — something that's easily done when you're shooting in low light.

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Best crop sensor

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The Sony A6700 is Sony's newest crop-sensor mirrorless camera, taking over the A6600 as the flagship crop-sensor model. It carries a premium price tag (for a crop-sensor camera, at least) but packs in some seriously advanced features, making this an excellent choice for beginners and pros alike who are willing to spend a bit more.

In our Sony A6700 review, we praised the camera's low light performance. It can focus down to -3EV, which is one stop more than its predecessor, and its ISO is excellent all the way up to 6400 (at which point it begins to let in too much noise). When you're working in low light, then, or shooting astrophotography, this camera is more than capable of doing the job — though you might want to use one of the best editing apps for astrophotography to clear up the noise.

A standout feature of the Sony A6700 is its impressive autofocusing capability. Leveraging advanced AI technology from Sony's top-of-the-range full-frame cameras, it excels at tracking eyes and faces with remarkable accuracy. With nearly twice as many phase-detection points as its predecessor (759 compared to the A6600's 425), autofocus and tracking performance are nearly flawless. We found that during eye tracking, it seamlessly transitions to face tracking if the subject briefly turns away from the camera.

We also love that the A6700's 5-axis stabilization, previously only for images, now works with video. If you're a videographer or vlogger, then, that's great news, making this camera a great option for filming.

Because it 'only' has an APS-C sensor, we wouldn't necessarily recommend the Sony A6700 for professional photographers, but its impressive and advanced suite of features means that it can compete with many full-frame cameras in terms of functionality. If you like bells and whistles, you're going to love it — although many of its features may be overkill for absolute beginners.

It's worth adding that if you've used a previous model in Sony's A6000 range, you'll notice a huge improvement in terms of technology and features, making it a worthy upgrade even from the A6600.

• Read our full Sony A6700 review

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Best cameras for low light photography FAQ

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. We review each camera based on a number of factors. Functionality as well as design and construction and its overall performance are all aspects we consider when reviewing.

Our expert staff or freelance contributors (who know their fields inside and out) are the ones who review the cameras. That means you can rely on a hands-on experience and a fair judgement on each model based on its price point, destined use and class. 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.

Of course, with our reviews we also include the necessary information like how easy each model is to use, the technology it features and what specs it boasts as well as whether or not it can produce high-quality stills and videos. We also like to recommend any additional kit that would enhance a camera's performance and therefore, the photographer's experience.

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.

Tantse Walter

Tantse Walter is a photographer and adventurer that's spent seven years facilitating global adventurous expeditions. She loves getting into the nitty-gritty of sourcing and planning trips. Whether that be for astrophotography location scouting, or just for the love of exploration. Tantse enjoys taking creative, bright and bold photos of people, places, animals and the night sky. Tantse’s photos have been purchased by notable companies such as Ford and Cross Country Trains as well as an upcoming book about the songs, rituals and musical history of Capoeira.