Last Updated on February 8, 2020
Not all cameras are created equal. So if you frequently shoot in poorly-lit places or in low light environments, you need to use the right camera.
Fast Facts
- The bigger the sensor is, the more capable the camera in accumulating available light. Full frame cameras make the best choice.
- The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the camera is to light. This increases the risk of noise/grain, however.
- The slower the shutter speed the better a camera can capture more light. But image stabilization must be available to reduce motion blur.
- Wide aperture lens allows more light to hit the sensor, so you can use faster shutter speed and a lower ISO.
Top 10 Best Cameras for Low Light Photography in 2018
Sony A9
Sensor Format: Full Frame
ISO Range: 100-51,200
Low Light ISO: 3517
Megapixels: 24MP
Designed to compete with professional-grade photography, this high-end mirrorless camera has the highest ISO for low light photography with a 693-point focus. Although mirrorless cameras have lower performance than DSLR cameras, this particular model comes with features that ensure decent results in low light. This is especially true if you use a faster and wider aperture lens.
With this camera, you will be able to lock in your focus quickly even when the intensity of the surrounding light is low. It also comes with a high-ISO noise reduction function.
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Pentax K-1
Sensor Format: Full Frame
ISO Range: 100-204,800
Low Light ISO: 3280
Megapixels: 36MP
Built as a cheaper alternative, expect the Pentax K-1 to have a few compromises, such as no touchscreen, limited options of lenses, and a slow burst shooting. But when it comes to low light performance, it beats the competition by a huge margin. With a low light ISO that goes as high as 3280 before a shot gets grainy, you are guaranteed excellent results.
Noise is barely visible and the neutral colors and details are well preserved. Combined with the 33-point AF system and autofocus, it can rival the Canon 5D Mark IV in terms of low light photography performance.
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Sensor Format: Full Frame
ISO Range: 100-32,000
Low Light ISO: 2995
Megapixels: 31MP
Part of the EOS 5D series from Canon, this particular model has little difference from its predecessors. But what sets it apart is the noise-processing algorithm that was integrated into it. This enables the camera to suppress noise and muddiness when the ISO is cranked high, making it a great choice for low light photography.
The same function also ensures that the high resolution of the camera sensor will not capture more noise at a high ISO range. Combined with the camera’s AF system sensitivity rated to EV-3, you will get you great results with low light photography.
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Nikon D600
Sensor Format: Full Frame
ISO Range: 100-51,200
Low Light ISO: 2980
Megapixels: 24MP
When it comes to performance, this camera can rival pro-grade DSLRs that are much more expensive.
At its native ISO range of 100-6400, expect clean images in both daylight and low-light situations. Even on the darker parts of the frame, the camera would barely show any noise. It only starts to show at ISO 3200 and higher.
Its AF system has a 39-point focus and phase-detection function, which is the same thing used on Nikon D7000. It is very accurate and blazing fast.
This camera is the best full frame unit sold at an enthusiast-level price range.
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Nikon D800
Sensor Format: Full Frame
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Low Light ISO: 2853
Megapixels: 36MP
With an EXPEED 3 image processor and 36MP FX CMOS sensor, this camera churns out spectacular images in any situations, including low light. If the only light available comes from the street light, however, you may need to put the subject at the center of the frame to get the best shot. Nevertheless, expect excellent images at all ISO levels.
For low light photography at ISO levels of between 3200 and 6400, remember to soften the images by turning off the Long Exposure NR and High ISO NR in the menu.
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Nikon D7500
Sensor Format: APS-C
ISO Range: 100-51,200
Low Light ISO: 1483
Megapixels: 20MP
As DSLRs with budget cropped sensor go, the Nikon D7500 is the best in its class. Despite fewer megapixels, it has high ISOs and the processor used in the pricier D500. This ensures an image quality that you can expect from high-end Nikon cameras.
Accurate color rendition, semi-automatic modes, in-body options for high-ISO noise processing, and impressive dynamic range in highlights and shadows, this is a good choice for low light situations. You may need a faster lens to get the best results. But for its price point, this camera from Nikon is definitely worth it.
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Nikon D5500
Sensor Format: APS-C
ISO Range: 100-25,601
Low Light ISO: 1438
Megapixels: 24MP
This is an entry-level DSLR camera that performs impressively in both daylight and low light photography. It has an AF module that ensures fast and accurate performance even in poor conditions and when there is less light. Just remember to turn on the AF light when shooting under such conditions.
At its lowest setting, the ISO will give you 12.3EV dynamic range. Increase it to 1600 or 3200 and you would still get highly usable images even with little light available. Avoid going higher than this range, though.
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Sony A6300
Sensor Format: APS-C
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Low Light ISO: 1437
Megapixels: 24MP
This mirrorless camera is designed to work with several lens options, which makes up for it not being a DSLR. It boasts of a 4K video capture and the fastest autofocus systems. Its burst mode and hybrid AF system allow you to capture 11 frames in a second.
The Sony A6300 low light ISO is noted at 1437 but you can still get a usable result if you go much higher. Because it is capable of producing images with relatively low noise at high ISO, it is one of the ideal cameras for low light photography.
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Nikon D7200
Sensor Format: APS-C
ISO Range: 100-25,601
Low Light ISO: 1333
Megapixels: 24 MP
This mid-range shooter comes with a lot of improvements compared to the Nikon D7200. It is easier to operate and has a better image quality.
In low light situations, it will give you good results with low noise even on high ISOs. It may not be as good as a full frame camera, but it performs exceptionally well even in extremely dark places. Although you will only get black and white images under such conditions, the output will remain clean and crisp. Its AF system’s low light sensitivity is rated up to -3EV.
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Sensor Format: Micro Four Thirds
ISO Range: 200-25,600
Low Light ISO: 1312
Megapixels: 20MP
When it comes to low light photography performance, this camera does not compare to the likes of Nikon D600 but it is so much better than other small sensor cameras. What it lacks in low light capability, it makes up for it outstanding image stabilization system. This means you can set the shutter speed to its lowest, the ISO in low, and get great results.
For better results and little to no shakes, make sure to mount the camera on a tripod. Better yet, use a remote shutter release.
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Given that you’re shooting in low light conditions, you need to change your camera’s settings to get as much light as possible for excellent exposure. Take note of the fast facts listed above to help you adjust the settings correctly.
But with cameras that allow you to set the ISO level to high without the noise and muddiness, low light photography would be a breeze. The low light ISO for each camera serves as your baseline, you can adjust from there and make your own observation.
Now that you know which cameras have the best low light ISO, you get to choose the right model with ease.