12 Best Low Light Video Cameras for 2021

What is the best low light video camera on the market in 2020? The answer is not easy because it depends on the photography styles and budget

The photographic offer grows and improves every year, and many brands are focusing on one of the key aspects for many photographers: the sensitivity to obtain the best performance when working in low light.

So much so that many brands are choosing to cut in resolution to offer us a higher and better ISO sensitivity in their latest models.

In this article, we will show you, the top 12 best low light video cameras present on the market today to photograph in low light. Are you thinking of renewing your equipment? This interests you!

12 Best Low Light Video Cameras 2021

1. Nikon D750

The Nikon D750 may not be the best Nikon camera but what is indisputable is that it is its most famous video camera and, without a doubt, its full-frame with the best quality/price ratio.

And it was always famous (and still is today) for its wide dynamic range and good noise management at high ISOs.

The Nikon D750 best low light camera provides you with the 24.3 MP full-frame sensors. It reaches an ISO of up to 12,800 (expandable up to 51,200 and reducible up to 50).

Nikon D750 best camera for low light photography is very fast and accurate autofocus system even in low light conditions, with 51 focus points and Bursts of up to 6.5 fps

It provides your video recording in Full HD up to 60 fps but Nikon D750 does not have a 4K recording option.

If you are in the search of the best video camera on a low budget then Nikon D750 is the best option for you.

2. Sony a7R III

Sony has 3 different models of the low light camera in its high range, the most focused on resolution, the most focused on sensitivity, and an intermediate model.

However, although the A7R best low light DSLR range is focused on resolution, it is also remarkable insensitivity, since currently, the Sony A7R III is one of the newest cameras that the brand has released.

The Sony A7R III is a mirrorless low light DSLR camera with a 42.4 MP full-frame sensor. It reaches an ISO of 32,000 (expandable up to 102,400 and reducible to 50).

Sony A7R III comes with a new improved processing system that provides better resolution and low noise over a wider ISO range.

3. Nikon D5

Nikon D5 video camera features a full-frame CMOS sensor with 21.3 megapixels, equivalent to shooting 35mm film.

The sensor acquires image data with a perfect balance of high resolution, rich tonal gradation, and a refined signal-to-noise ratio for quality images.

With image stabilization and a new mirror driving mechanism of Nikon D5 best low light digital camera, you can confidently follow the path of your subject even during high-speed continuous shooting.

It comes with the autofocus system with 153 AF points, 15 of them can work with apertures up to f / 8.

With EXPEED 5 image processing and a dedicated processor, AF functions and image processing are fast: Full AF is possible at 12fps, while 14fps with fixed focus is achieved.

The Nikon D5 XQD best low light camera 2020 lets you capture great detail and texture, rich tones, and stunning colors with precision and excellence in low-light conditions.

The native ISO range covers from 100 to 102,400 and reaches up to 3,280,000 with extension.

You can rely on a high-resolution touchscreen and longer battery life with approximately 3,780 shots per charge.

If you are serious about photography and want one of the best low light cameras, then Nikon D5 is worth every penny.

4. Nikon D850

Is the D850 the best video camera from Nikon to record video? Yes, definitely. Is the D850 the best camera on the market to record video? No, not even close.

Nikon D850 great low light camera armed with a 45 megapixel full-format CMOS sensor.

The Nikon D850 is capable of recording 4K UHD video (3840 x 2160 pixels) at 25 and 30 frames per second and Full HD video at speeds of up to 120 fps.

If we talk about the best low light digital cameras of Nikon then performance when recording video is excellent.

It reaches an ISO of 25,600 (expandable up to 102,400 and reducible up to 32). It comes with the autofocus system with 153 points (99 of which are cross-type).

Nikon D850 camera provides you the bursts of up to 9 fps at full resolution and 4K video recording at 30 fps.

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is a low light video camera, in any of its versions, is an excellent camera that covers practically all levels: beginners, amateurs, and advanced amateurs.

It is a small and light camera, but with excellent construction, with a magnesium alloy body that looks super resistant and the entire camera has very good finishes.

The E-M10 Mark II best low light digital camera includes the new Olympus 5-axis stabilization system built into the sensor. Olympus body stabilization systems are probably the best today, especially for photography.

The Image Stabilizer corrects small camera shake and shakes when shooting freehand (without a tripod).

It is very useful especially when we have to lower the shutter speed to values ​​where there is a risk that the image will be moved by jitter.

From an image quality standpoint, the E-M10 Mark II camera offers virtually the same performance since they share the same sensor. it records in Full HD (1080p at 60, 30, 25 and 24 fps)

It comes with the electronic viewfinder we can use the viewfinder or the rear screen interchangeably when recording video.

6. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

We continue with the best low light Canon camera, but this time with one of its best SLR cameras: the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV best low light DSLR is a 30.4 MP full-frame sensor reflex camera. It can achieve an ISO of 32,000 (expandable up to 102,400 and reducible to 50).

It provides you the 4K video recording at 30 fps, in this 5D Mark IV; you can record 4k video on SD cards as long as they have a write speed greater than 65 megabytes per second.

SD cards are cheaper than Compact Flash, but also less reliable.

3.2”1.6 million pixel touch screen is present. Touch functions are always a plus: we can control the camera with very light touches if we have it on a tripod in order to avoid vibrations in the recording.

5D Mark IV video camera comes with the 61-point autofocus system and the sensitivity of the camera should have improved compared to the 5D Mark III.

Since the ISO range goes from 100 to 32,000 in native mode and reaches 102,400 in expanded mode.

Recommended: What does ISO?

In other words, it should work better in low light and the images should generally be cleaner and have less noise.

7. Panasonic Lumix GH5

Panasonic has earned respect within all amateur video and most professional filmmakers, thanks to its quality and industry leadership.

The GH4 best low light camera was a revolution in the video sector but its great successor is surely the new Panasonic Lumix GH5.

The GH5 video camera upgrades features and specs that fit a three-year development cycle: 10-bit color (4: 2: 2) with no need for an external recorder, 6k and 4 k up to 60fps, Ibis (body image stabilization)

The GH5 comes with dual SD memory card slots, an optional XLR audio adapter, and anamorph mode, among many other smart and useful new features.

8. Sony RX100VA

Sony improves with the new RX100Va one of its best models in compact cameras.

A pocket-sized device but with power and image quality that surprises even the most demanding photographers.

Starting with the sensor, Sony has incorporated into the DSC-RX100M5A a CMOS Exmor RS of 20.1 MP resolutions.

It combines perfectly with its improved 315-point autofocus system by phase detection, which surprises offering the best results in just 0.05 seconds.

If we are interested in recording video with the RX100 VA best high ISO camera.

We can have 4K quality and we can reach 960 fps in lower quality to achieve an impressive slow-motion almost reaching freezing.

It offers everything that a high-end camera gives and its size is ideal for traveling.

9. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

PowerShot G7 X Mark II low light DSLR camera comes with performance and impressive speed as well as modern design.

It is the best option for the events, travels, or any situation you are on the journey. You can also use this as a secondary camera. It provides you the 20.1-megapixel with 1.0-inch CMOS sensor

Other than this the brilliant f / 1.8–2.8 lens makes easy to capture excellent pictures even in the low light to show your creativity

The benefits of DIGIC 7 canon low light camera image processor are seen at a time because it improves image stabilization, autofocus, and image clarity even when you are shooting at the high ISO

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II best camera to take pictures at night comes with a 20.1-megapixel to capture high-quality videos and images.

It also provides you the optical zoom lens f/1.8 it is wide-angle and f / 2.8 it is telephoto 24–100 mm.

10. Canon Powershot SX60

Canon presented this Powershot SX60 HS best camera for night shots, equipped with a powerful 65x optical zoom on a unique lens with a focal length of 21 to 1,365 mm (35mm equivalent), so the SX60 HS is predictably willing to face all situations.

It has a correct size that adapts well to the hand, pleasant touch, and contained weight. The grip is extremely ergonomic and its grip is very good.

The presence of a 16-megapixel sensor guarantees the excellent final result of the photographs; it is a 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS capable of achieving 6.5 frames per second.

Like its predecessors, the Powershot SX60 HS best ISO camera has manual controls and the ability to shoot in RAW.

In addition, the ultrasonic motor in the optics ensures fast and quiet focus and zooming. It also has manual controls for video recording and has a Wi-Fi connection.

The layout of the control buttons is easily accessible and, after brief learning with them, can be activated or deactivated without having to take your eyes off the viewfinder.

11. Sony a7S II ILCE7SM2/B

Many brands have decided to fork their high-end in two, offering cameras with higher resolution and others with higher sensitivity.

Sony is precisely a clear example of this: its A7R range focuses more on the resolution, while its A7S range focuses more on sensitivity.

The Sony A7S II video camera is a mirrorless camera with a 12.2 MP full-frame sensor.

Its low resolution makes it capable of reaching a maximum ISO of 102,400 (expandable up to 409,600 and reducible to 50).

It comes with the 4K video recording at 30 fps and Full HD at 120 fps and integrated 5-axis stabilization 169-point intelligent autofocus to capture the outclass videos and also images to show your creativity.

12. PANASONIC LUMIX GH4

In the line of the previous Panasonic models, it still has that marked design of a reflex in a reduced size, with a correct grip for small and medium hands thanks to a rubber and moldings that are adapt well during handling.

It comes with the 16 Megapixel Micro Four Thirds, with a score of 74 on DxOmark.

A notable improvement over the successor Panasonic Lumix GH3 but in line with its competitors Olympus in the micro four-thirds sector.

If we talk about the shooting and menu speed of this camera then burst is a machine gun from simple jpg to fine RAW+jpg. 12 per second without limit and up to 7.5 shots per second if you do not want to give up continuous autofocus.

A built-in flash function is present and it’s a function that is not used professionally (since you have dedicated flashes for this) but that can save a shot in many circumstances in low light.

How to choose Best Low Light Video Cameras

Do you want to get one of the best low light video cameras? If you wish, you have to know some main hidden features before paying the money.

Here is some useful information, which will help you compare it with the other camera in the market. You will automatically find the real task.

There is no big headache for the customers to know about the video cameras. They only need to know a couple of options in the low light camera. One thing takes into account, and these features could be new for the newcomers. They may also face some problem to understand it.

We don’t like to waste your precious time, now look at the mega options on the camera.

Size of Sensor

The sensor’s size must be large as it is the main part to produce a better image than the others. No doubt, the sensor captured the light and promoted it into a beautiful image for the users. All the larger size sensors released more accurate results versus the lower ones.

Lens Aperture

After knowing the importance of senor size, the 2nd most prominent part of the camera is the lens aperture. The best video camera for low light consisted of a mega lens aperture. There is not a big change in both options. We also need the largest size of the lens aperture. If the lens aperture captures more light, then the image’s result will be good than usual. So, do not compromise on the larger lens aperture.

ISO Range

You have to compare the ISO range to the other cameras of the same kind  video. However, as per the experience, if a camera is composed of a maximum ISO range, it would be more sensible to leave better output. It is also the best camera for night video. I am adding something more than high ISO range cameras produced some small dots and grains before giving the image.

Buying Guide – What is the Best Low_Light Video Cameras on the Market?

There are a lot of brands, so deciding which low light camera is best is not that easy. This guide to buying the best low light camera will help you make the right decision to enjoy quality photos while making a good investment.

Image quality

Contrary to general belief, image quality is not determined solely by resolution, better known as the pixels that the camera is endowed with.

The best compact digital cameras have a resolution of 14 or more megapixels, in this regard the more the better.

You should also consider the size of the image sensor; Look for cameras with sensors larger than 4.2 cm (1 2/3 inches) in size.

It is useless to have a resolution of many pixels if the image sensor is very small. Larger sensors get more information from what we are photographing, which leads to better photos.

Image stabilization is especially important when using zoom lenses. The more the lens is extended, the more unstable the camera becomes.

So the image stabilizer data is important to compensate for that camera movement and achieve clear photos.

Features

In addition to taking the image, this would be the summary of the elements to consider when you want to buy the best low light camera:

Video recording: Some cameras even allow you to record high-quality video. In the best cases, this video will be HD, in addition to having sound. In fact, some even allow you to take photos while recording a video.

Zoom: Practically all cameras will allow you to zoom, that is, to enlarge the image, whether it is photography or video. Above all, take optical zoom into account.

Wi-Fi:  Some devices have Wi-Fi so you can share your photos directly from your camera to social media.

Editing:  More and more tools are incorporated into the cameras to edit the photograph directly. Among them, we find artistic filters, image enhancement, as well as other special effects known as transform to sepia, fisheye, portrait, etc.

Face detection: This feature allows the device to detect the faces of the people in the photo (if any) to keep the focus on those people. If there are multiple people, priority is given to those who are more focused.

Photography modes:  You can select photography modes suitable for certain types of photos, for example, night, children, landscapes, macro, etc. Each of these modes has a series of associated parameters regarding the ISO to be used, light, color, flash, zoom, etc.

Auto shot:  This feature is very important not only if you want to be in the picture. Automatic shooting is also recommended when you want the camera movement to be zero so that the photo is sharper.

Battery life and storage

Most of these devices come with rechargeable batteries. Generally, a battery of these gives to take about 200 to 300 photos before having to recharge it.

Now, if you are one of those who travel to remote areas where it is difficult to charge the battery, you could look for a camera to which you can put disposable batteries or make a second rechargeable battery so you do not run out of photos.

As for storage, we distinguish internal from external storage. Many of these best low light video cameras do not have internal storage and, if they do, it is very small, so the photos will be stored mainly on SD or micro SD cards that you will have to buy separately.

Design

If you’re looking to buy a cheap low light camera, you probably won’t be able to ask for much in terms of design.

These types of cameras combine the use of quite good zoom lenses with a rather light camera.

Find a camera with which you feel comfortable both in terms of weight and size, that fits well in your hands.

If you prefer a camera with a touchscreen instead of buttons, look for one that has a screen that is at least 7.6 centimeters (3 inches).

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)