Top cameras for low-light conditions can greatly enhance your nighttime and indoor photography. However, not every high-quality camera is adept at managing low-light environments; specific features are essential.
The ideal low-light camera should possess a wide dynamic range to capture details in shadows. It should also handle elevated ISO sensitivity well and benefit from fast-aperture lenses, whether removable or fixed, which is particularly advantageous. Modern cameras often include built-in stabilization, allowing for slower shutter speeds without a tripod, which helps to capture more light effectively.
This selection is based on my personal experiences with these cameras and data from AP’s comprehensive reviews. I have also considered budget constraints, so this isn’t merely a compilation of high-end models. Continue reading to explore my recommendations and check out our guide on the finest low-light lenses as well.
In a rush? Here’s a quick overview of the top low-light cameras:
Searching for the best prices on low-light cameras? You’ll find not only the top low-light cameras but also some great deals. Our ‘Buy now’ buttons link directly to the best prices from reputable retailers. Each camera also has additional retailers listed for your convenience.
- Best overall low-light camera: Canon EOS R6 – buy now
- Top low-light camera for enthusiasts: Fujifilm X-H2S – buy now
- Best MFT camera under low-light conditions: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III – buy now
- Top budget low-light camera: Nikon Z50 – buy now
- Best premium low-light camera: Leica Q3 – buy now
- Best low-light camera for video: Sony A7s III – buy now
Confused about how to pick the right camera for nighttime or low-light photography? Check out our suggestions at the end of this guide to help you find the perfect match.
Best low-light camera overall: Canon EOS R6
Quick specs:
- $1,625 / £1,175
- Maximum ISO 102,400
- Up to 8 stops of image stabilization
- Full-frame 20MP sensor
- Autofocus works down to -6.5EV
Full-frame cameras typically perform better in low-light than smaller-sensor models at the same ISO level and resolution. Since the Canon EOS R6’s 20MP sensor has larger pixels, they can capture more light. The camera leverages the DIGIC X processor for noise reduction, significantly improving low-light image quality.
This results in outstanding noise performance even at ISO 12,800, remaining quite acceptable even at higher settings. Although noise becomes noticeable at ISO 102,400, it can reach ISO 204,800 if necessary.
Autofocus System
The autofocus system is notably sensitive, functioning down to -6.5EV, making it ideal for events like nighttime performances. The combination of fast RF lenses enhances both noise performance and stabilization, helping photographers in low-light conditions.
Highlight: Image Stabilization
The image stabilization in the R6 is vital for low-light shooting. Its sensor stabilization can compensate for any lens attached but truly shines when paired with the right RF lenses. This dual-system can deliver up to 8EV of stabilization, enabling you to handhold a 50mm lens for a four-second exposure or a 500mm for half a second. However, this depends on the lens used, as some may offer only 6EV.
The RF lenses can provide a wider movement area for the sensor, allowing for more dramatic stabilization, letting users slow down the shutter speed while still capturing sharp images without a tripod.
Although Canon has introduced the EOS R6 II, the original model is still an excellent value for low-light photography without sacrificing overall performance—an ideal option for budget-conscious buyers.
Read our comprehensive Canon EOS R6 review
Best low-light camera for enthusiasts: Fujifilm X-H2S
Quick specs:
- $2,499 / £2,499 body only
- Exceptional high-ISO JPEG quality
- Effective 5-axis in-body stabilization
- Wide selection of fast-aperture lenses
- Strong noise management up to ISO 12,800
The Fujifilm X-H2S is the flagship for Fujifilm’s APS-C mirrorless lineup. With an efficient stabilization system and superb JPEG output directly from the camera, it’s an excellent choice for those hesitant about post-processing RAW files.
For low-light settings, the X-H2S thanks to its powerful 5-axis stabilization, allows for handicap-free shooting in challenging conditions. Its noise performance is commendable up to its standard limit of 12,800, though other expandable settings see a drop in quality. For low-light photography, the 12,800 setting is typically more than sufficient.
One of the appealing features is Fuji’s Film Simulation modes, which mimic classic film aesthetics, lending a unique appeal to images. The primary drawback of the X-H2S is its price; it’s relatively pricey for an APS-C camera at around $2000 / £2000, but given its full-frame feature equivalents, it could be viewed as a wise investment for its capabilities.
Highlight: Fast Lenses
X-H2S users can …
Utilize the system’s impressive abilities, especially its enticing selection of fast-aperture lenses designed for low-light photography. The standout option is the XF50mm f/1.0 R WR, which provides an angle of view akin to a 75mm lens on a full-frame system. This lens excels for street photography and ambient light portraits.
Check out our compilation of the best Fujifilm X-mount lenses for 2025.
The wide maximum aperture allows for photography in very dim environments without excessively raising the ISO, while still enabling a shutter speed fast enough to capture moving subjects sharply. Fujifilm’s XF56mm f/1.2 lenses offer similar advantages but at a slightly longer focal length. Additionally, there is a set of six f/1.4 lenses covering focal lengths from 16mm to 35mm, effectively spanning the popular full-frame equivalents of 24mm, 27mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 52mm. For those needing longer focal lengths, there’s a range of seven lenses with f/2 apertures, spanning 18mm to 200mm.
Discover our review of the Fujifilm X-H2S.
Top MFT Camera for Low-Light: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Quick Overview
- Starting at $725 / around £600 for the body (used)
- Exceptional image stabilization system
- Live Bulb/Time modes
- Live Composition mode
- Starry Sky AF
Typically, smaller sensors are less effective in low-light photography, but the OM-D E-M1 Mark III from Olympus compensates for its small pixels with a variety of impressive features. While its ISO range peaks at 6400 in standard settings, Olympus ensures that raising the sensitivity that high is not frequently necessary.
Even at ISO 6400, the camera delivers images with a well-managed noise profile, although it does exhibit more noise than a contemporary full-frame model would. The Micro Four Thirds system is well-equipped with ultra-fast lenses, including Olympus’s f/1.2 Pro series and Panasonic lenses, as well as Voigtländer’s f/0.95 primes. This camera also boasts an outstanding image stabilization system, providing 5-axis compensation of 7 stops just with the shifting sensor.
Outstanding Stabilization
This enables the use of vintage and unstabilized lenses handheld at very long shutter speeds. When combined with one of Olympus’s stabilized lenses, the compensation can increase to 7.5EV. This allows for handholding a standard lens (25mm in this instance) for up to three seconds, which is quite remarkable. While this may not be effective for moving subjects, it significantly reduces the need for a tripod, which is a plus for many photographers.
Since its release, there has been an update in the form of the OM-System OM-1. The name change reflects the sale of Olympus’s imaging business to OM Digital Solutions, and this camera shows exceptional performance in low-light and other conditions, as highlighted in our complete OM-System OM-1 review.
For now, we continue to recommend the E-M1 Mark III due to its recent decrease in average street price (though less so in the USA as of this writing). This offers a considerable saving compared to the newer model, a benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked. We are confident that the OM-System OM-1 will be included in this list soon.
Feature Highlight: Live Bulb
Olympus includes several ‘Live’ shooting modes that greatly aid in determining exposure during long exposures. The Live Bulb, Live Time, and Live Composite modes let users monitor the exposure progress live on the rear screen during an extended shutter opening. Users can view a faint image on the display that brightens gradually; they can stop the exposure once the desired brightness is achieved.
This eliminates guesswork during long-exposure photography and minimizes time-consuming trials. Live Bulb is active while the shutter button is pressed, Live Time operates between two presses of the shutter button, and Live Composite records the accumulation of multiple exposures. Olympus uniquely allows for the creation of low-light scenarios to shoot, effectively simulating low-light conditions.
Utilizing Live ND mode, the camera can replicate the effect of shooting through an ND filter of up to 5 stops through a multiple exposure technique, facilitating motion capture in clouds and water even under bright lighting.
Read our detailed review of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III.
Top Budget Low-Light Camera: Nikon Z50
Quick Overview
- $479 / £530 body-only (used)
- 20.9MP APS-C sensor
- Nikon Z-mount
- 11fps continuous shooting with AE/AF
- Tilting touchscreen
The Nikon Z50 marked Nikon’s initial foray into APS-C mirrorless cameras within the expanding Z series. Since then, more models, including the Z50 II, have been released, which has decreased the original Z50’s price. For my view, it’s among the best budget-friendly low-light cameras available.
Compact and efficient, the Nikon Z50 has impressed our reviewer, who gave it a five-star rating. Notably, the camera performs admirably with high ISO settings, yielding good images even at 12,800.
It’s worth noting that the Z50 lacks stabilization (as do all Nikon’s APS-C cameras), meaning users will depend on lens-based stabilization if they want to attempt slower handheld shutter speeds. As for lenses, although Nikon’s Z-mount selection has significantly grown, there are still relatively few dedicated DX-format lenses for APS-C. It’s usually advisable to opt for a lightweight full-frame lens like a 50mm F1.8, which translates to an equivalent focal length of 75mm.
Highlight: Affordable Price
As previously mentioned, the Z50 has become more affordable over time, especially following the release of a successor camera, which has lowered its used market price.
Purchasing it for about $479 / £530 is quite a bargain for a camera with such capabilities. Additionally, considering the reasonable price of a capable low-light lens like the Z-mount 50mm F1.8, the Z50 offers exceptional value.
Read our review of the Nikon Z50.
Top Premium Low-Light Camera: Leica Q3
Quick Overview:
- $6,295 / £5,550
- 60.3MP full-frame sensor
- 28mm f/1.7 optically stabilized lens
- ISO 50-100,000
- Up to 15 fps shooting
Regrettably, many excellent products come with a hefty price tag—sometimes so high that all we can do is admire them.
When it comes to high-end cameras, the full-frame Leica Q3 stands out – in fact, most Leica models fall into this premium category. The Q3 is particularly well-suited for photographers who work in low-light situations, provided they have the budget for it.
This compact camera features a 60MP full-frame sensor paired with a fixed, optically stabilized 28mm lens. The optical image stabilization activates automatically at slower shutter speeds, which are essential in low-light environments, and its maximum aperture of F1.7 allows the sensor to capture as much light as possible, which is beneficial for night photography.
While the 60MP resolution might seem excessive for many projects, the Leica Q3 offers a smart triple-resolution feature – it can also work at 36MP and 18MP. This flexibility is a handy way to save storage space when full resolution isn’t necessary.
In terms of composition, users can choose between a tilting LCD screen or a stunning electronic viewfinder. The Q3 operates smoothly and intuitively, offering the premium experience one expects from a Leica camera.
Highlight: Exceptional high-ISO performance
As photographers, we’re often advised to avoid high ISO settings; however, one of the standout features of the Leica Q3, as noted in our review, is its impressive performance even at elevated ISO levels.
During our testing, technical editor Andy Westlake observed that details remained remarkably clear, even at ISO levels as high as 25,000. This performance surpasses that of many other full-frame cameras, greatly enhancing your options for shooting in low light.
Additionally, when using the monochrome setting, the digital noise associated with high ISOs takes on the appearance of film grain, resulting in striking low-light images and allowing for even higher sensitivity settings.
Check out our detailed review of the Leica Q3
Top pick for low-light video: Sony A7S III
Quick facts:
- $3,498 / £3,399 (body only)
- Extended ISO range: 40-409,600
- 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- 759-Point Fast Hybrid Autofocus
The Sony A7S III is widely regarded as the ultimate low-light camera available – but there’s a caveat. This remarkable mirrorless model is the latest iteration in a series of full-frame cameras designed specifically for low-light shooting, beginning with the original Sony A7S in 2013. With an astonishing maximum ISO setting of 409,600, the A7S III can effectively transform darkness into daylight, while its 5-axis stabilization allows for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.
However, it’s important to note that the A7S models have always been more video-focused than still photography, and this trend continues with the A7S III. The 12MP resolution may be limiting for traditional photography needs, particularly when it comes to printing or cropping. On the plus side, it excels in capturing high-quality video, with the ability to record UHD 4K at 120p. With advanced codecs and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling across all recording settings, it is highly effective for professional video work.
While it does offer solid still photography capabilities, given its price point, it’s primarily suited for those whose main focus is video. Photographers may find better value elsewhere for that amount.
Highlight: Back-illuminated sensor
The Sony A7S III features a newly designed Exmor-R sensor that incorporates a back-illuminated architecture. This design allows for rapid readout speeds essential for high-quality video recording.
This innovative sensor also enables the A7S III to capture exceptionally clear images at high ISO settings, enhancing its performance in low-light conditions. Noise management has significantly improved, resulting in clearer images overall.
According to Sony, when paired with the new BIONZ XR processor, this sensor enables a broad dynamic range—approximately 14 stops for stills and up to 15 stops for video—allowing for better retention of shadow details in poorly lit environments.
Check out our review of the Sony A7S III
Choosing the best cameras for low-light photography and video
Long shutter speeds
One of the first things to consider in low-light conditions is increasing the duration the shutter remains open. A camera capable of long shutter speeds is beneficial for this purpose. While prolonged shutter speeds are ideal when using a tripod, they won’t suffice for capturing moving subjects.
Image stabilization (IS)
Modern IS technology is quite impressive, with some systems shifting the sensor to account for camera movement, while others move certain lens elements. These advances allow for handheld photography at extended shutter speeds that would typically be impossible. However, moving subjects may still appear blurred, even with the best stabilization.
High ISO
To capture moving subjects with a shorter shutter speed, high ISO settings can be advantageous. Many cameras offer high ISO capabilities, but not all manage noise effectively under heavy amplification. Regardless of how well noise is handled, high ISO settings can compromise overall image quality.
Wide apertures
Using lenses with wide apertures simplifies shooting in low-light environments. Lenses that allow more light make focusing easier, reducing the need for high ISO settings or long exposures. This way, photographers can often shoot handheld without difficulty.
Now that you’re familiar with the top cameras for low-light photography, why not explore:
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