Home The Best Low-Light Cameras in 2022
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One of the most frustrating things for photographers has to be shooting in low-light environments. Regardless of how good your camera is, such environments are always going to be problematic. Instead of looking for the cameras with the best resolution, you should instead focus on getting low-light cameras that are built for such environments.
Camera technology has come a long way since then and there are now models that are specifically made to shoot in areas with less than ideal lighting. If you are looking for cameras built specifically for dark environments, then you should look for the best low-light cameras instead. Here are some of the best models we have found as of 2022 for shooting in low-light environments.
Starting this list is a camera from one of the most popular camera makers in the industry right now. For years, Sony has created amazing cameras, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they are able to create a good low light camera. The best low-light camera, for now, is the Sony A7S III. The A7S III offers 759 phase-detection AF points and excellent customizable autofocus with animal and human gaze tracking capabilities. This is backed up with an in-vivo image. The camera comes with IBIS and active stabilization that combines modern optical and high-end electronic systems in a small package. With images taken with sensitivities that range from ISO 100-51200, the A7S III is an open-ended camera, and of course, ISO can be much higher. Setting the ISO to 204,800 or higher still produces footage that can be used for certain types of video. Sony has also improved the focus speed of the A7S III, thanks to the sensitivity of the sensor. This allows the camera to recognize the subject in a darker place than with other sensors. This is more than just a camcorder. Simple side shots in low-light environments show the atmosphere and sharpness that other cameras usually lack. The Sony A7S III is easily one of the best low-light cameras thanks to the quality of the footage and images you can get from the camera. It’s the ideal camera that you’d want to get for shooting in very dark environments. Pricey as it may be, it’s still worth getting.
Best performance for low light environmentsGood video qualityGreat AF quality
Low pixel count
Another tried and tested name when it comes to cameras is Canon. They’re also able to become a good part of the low-light camera industry. The best they have when it comes to footage for low light conditions is the Canon EOS R6. Canon’s new EOS R6 may be easily outshined by its more expensive sibling, the EOS R5. However, the EOS R6 does have an impressive feature set. This camera does bridge the gap between the EOS R’s pretty impressive features and the EOS R5’s top-of-the-line specs. Simply put, the EOS R6 is an affordable R5; although, the sensor resolution is significantly lower and the video recording capabilities are limited. The EOS R6 is classified as an enthusiast’s camera; it has features comparable to Canon’s professional (and very expensive) models. This was Canon’s first attempt at the Image Stabilizer (IBIS), and they nailed it! It also makes video recording fun and exciting. Keep in mind that there are limits to shooting 4K footage, and it doesn’t reach the impressive 8K option of the R5, which might be a downside to some. Canon makes it known that the EOS R6 is primarily a still image camera. The R6 supports a 12 fps burst, but if you switch to an electronic shutter, you’ll get an amazing 20 fps burst. This is more than enough for wildlife and sports photography. Overall, the EOS R6 is a major step up from other Canon high-end cameras like the EOS 6D Mark II. It deserves its place as one of the best cameras for photography. The Canon EOS R6 is a good all-around camera, but when it comes to environments that are dark, it’s a superb choice. It’s one of the most expensive cameras right now, but it’s still a great investment all in all.
Great all-rounderGreat autofocusGreat image stabilization
Lackluster 4K
Panasonic used to be one of the most prominent camera makers. It might not be the most popular maker now, but they’re still providing some of the best cameras around. Their best for low-light conditions is the Panasonic GH5S. The GH5S performs well at a stable 12 fps in AFS mode. Alternatively, it can shoot at 8 fps with continuous autofocus. If you want to add tonal depth to the 14-bit raw file that is typically captured by a high-end still camera, the speed drops to 11 fps for single-shot AF and 7 fps for continuous autofocus. Given the impressive 4K processing power of the camera, this is a bit disappointing. However, Panasonic uses its amazing processing abilities in 4K mode, so the GH5S can capture 4K still images at an impressive speed of 60 frames per second. The size of these stills is about 8 MP, which is a major drop from the Panasonic’s 20 MP models such as the Lumix G9. The relatively low resolution of the sensor works well in other areas. At any sensor size, the lower the resolution, the larger the photo page. This means better light collection performance, less noise, and better dynamic range as well. And this is where the brand new GH5 sensor brings a clever technical twist, dual native ISO. This is a feature of Panasonic professional camcorders, and the sensor has two circuits that allow you to change to a higher natural sensitivity. The technology is complex, but the results are simple. Panasonic claims that it is highly sensitive, low in noise, and allows for a maximum sensitivity of ISO 51,200. It’s not as expensive as other cameras out there, but if you want something that’s worth the money and won’t cost too much, you should get the Panasonic GH5S.
Great design for handlingGood video qualityDual native ISO
Small sensor
In terms of the most active and well-known brands right now, you shouldn’t look anywhere other than Nikon. Their best low-light camera is the Nikon Z6 II. The Nikon brand should say a lot about the quality of the Nikon Z6 II. Photographers who buy cameras at the Nikon Z6 II level are usually looking for more than just a camera. Nikon’s entire ecosystem of high-end lenses, flashes, and other accessories is fantastic for accentuating the Z6 II. This is not always the case with cameras such as the Nikon Z50 and Nikon Z5 that are aimed at a wide range of viewers, who only buy one or two lenses at a time. Almost all camera companies rely, to some extent, on these types of photographers. The Nikon Z6 II is a great all-around camera by today’s standards, but we know what you’re here for. Is it a good camera to use in dimly lit setups? The short answer is yes; it’s a perfect camera for that purpose. It has amazing features that will let you enjoy a wide selection of shots without having to worry about the light. Another upside to the Nikon Z6 II is you’re getting great value for your money. It is a highly functional camera that you can use for videos or photography. If you want something that’s worth your money, then this is something that you should get. The Nikon Z6 II is definitely what you’d expect from a brand like Nikon. The camera is built well, it comes with amazing features, and most importantly, and the quality of the output is something that you’d get from the top camera makers around.
Great all-rounder cameraEasy to useGood value for money
Lense attachments can be expensive
If you’re on a budget, and you’re on the lookout for the cheapest low-light cameras out there, then you should consider getting the Fujifilm X-T4. It’s one of the cheapest low-light cameras that your money can buy without having to sacrifice quality or build. While a full-frame mirrorless camera is very popular among photographers, you shouldn’t overlook ASPC cameras. These cameras offer almost the same quality and almost all the features and performance of full-frame mirrorless cameras. And now, the all-new Fujifilm XT4 seems to have everything that all amateurs, enthusiasts, and professionals could desire. We are still video testing, but we have complete lab test results and complete product sample images. So far, the Fujifilm XT4 looks like it’s easily one of the best mirrorless options out there. Surprisingly, the Fujifilm XT4 also looks like one of the best 4K cameras for filmmaking, as well as the best camera for Vlogging. Fujifilm has also included another new feature, the Variangle screen. It’s not the 3.5-inch 16:9 screen found on the Fujifilm XA7 and XT200, but Fujifilm uses a regular, 3-inch screen to provide enough space for the DpadCreating at the back of the camera’s body. Another noteworthy improvement is the ETERNA film simulation mode. There’s also a new autofocus algorithm that helps improve face and eye detection. The Fujifilm X-T4 is an amazing camera despite its price. Not a lot of people think that you can get a good camera for a cheap price. The Fujifilm X-T4 proves the doubters wrong as this is easily one of the best low-light cameras on this list.
All-rounder cameraGreat image installationGood design
Smaller sensor
From the cheapest, let’s talk about the most expensive on this list. The Nikon D850 is a good find if you aren’t worried about the money you’ll spend on a camera. The premium pricing of the Nikon D850 should reveal exactly how good a camera it is. The D850 maintained the same quality resolution as the Nikon D800; however, the D850 was equipped with a brand new 45.7 MP Full Frame Backlight Sensor (BSI). Because the condensing element is near the sensor, the BSI design provides better low-light performance than other types of sensors out there. The D850 does not use anti-aliasing filters, so while there is a risk of moiré patterns, you can get more details out of the sensor. If you don’t want (or don’t need to) to shoot at full resolution on the D850, you have two reduced size options, 25.6 MP and 11.4 MP, to capture either RAW or JPEG files. The Nikon D850 is a good camera that might be expensive, but you’ll get what you’re paying for. This is a Nikon camera at the end of the day. It’s expensive, but don’t think of it as an expense on your end; it’s a big investment for your hobby or job as a photographer
Easy to handleAll around cameraGood autofocusing
Big and bulky
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