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14 Best Cameras for Night Photography in 2024

Author
Last Update: January 8, 2024

Photographing at night time can feel like a whole new world. But the technical aspects of night photography can often be a deterrent, not to mention the hours you’ll be missing from your comfy bed.

For those who brave the night to experiment with low light photography, you will be rewarded with stunning images you couldn’t take at any other time.

Today, we will look at the best cameras for night photography in 2023.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

A powerhouse DSLR boasting a whopping 30.4 megapixels, a high ISO range, and an accurate autofocus system!

My main focus will be on cameras that will help night photographers out on the technical side, giving them the tools to capture incredible images.

I have sat out in dark, cold environments many times, so you don’t have to!

What is the Best Camera for Night Photography?

Before we discuss each camera in detail, here are my recommended 14 best cameras for night photography:

Our Top Choice
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
  • Superb image quality from 30.4MP full-frame sensor
  • Nice 900-shot battery life
  • User-friendly touch screen
  • Cinema-type (DCI) 4
Best for Street Photos
Sony a7 III
Sony a7 III
  • Quick and accurate 693-point AF
  • Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
  • Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
  • Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities
Highest Resolution
Nikon D850
Nikon D850
  • 45.7 MP BSI CMOS sensor
  • Excellent autofocus
  • Long, 1,840-shot battery life
  • 4K/30p Ultra HD video
Best Nikon Mirrorless
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon Z6 II
  • Excellent low-light focusing
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Superb low-light dynamic range
  • Dual memory card slots
Best Canon Mirrorless
Canon EOS R6
Canon EOS R6
  • Relatively affordable
  • Excellent in-body image stabilization
  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • Fantastic expandable ISO range
  • Rapid burst speeds
Highly Recommended
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
  • 7 stops of IBIS
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Simulated Live ND filters
  • 4K/30p Ultra-HD video
Best Panasonic Choice
Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Image stabilization to prevent camera shake
  • Dual memory card slots
  • Great 4K video capabilities
Editors Choice
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • Fantastic image quality
  • Impressive 45-point AF system
  • Built well and nice to handle
  • Handy built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Great Value
Nikon D7500
Nikon D7500
  • Great value for money
  • Smaller, compact DSLR body
  • Easy to handle and hold
  • Long battery life
Best Fujifilm Choice
Fujifilm X-T4
Fujifilm X-T4
  • A great frame rate of 15fps
  • 6.5 stops of IBIS
  • 12 Film Simulation modes
  • 4K video (DCI or Ultra HD)
Best for Creatives
Nikon D780
Nikon D780
  • Long-exposure presets
  • Plenty of autofocus (AF) points
  • Nice, uncropped 4K video capabilities
  • Dual memory card slots (UHS-II)
Best for Low Light
Pentax K-1 Mark II
Pentax K-1 Mark II
  • Plenty of manual controls
  • A wide ISO range for low light
  • 5-axis Shake Reduction II worth 2.3 to 3.6 shutter stops
  • Dynamic Pixel Shift resolution provides sharper images
  • Astrotracer tracks stars at night
  • Durable camera body with excellent weather sealing
Most Affordable Nikon
Nikon D5600
Nikon D5600
  • High quality images for crop sensor
  • Great ISO sensitivity
  • Fast 39-point AF system
  • Not too bulky and nice to handle
Best Compact Choice
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS
  • Cheap compact camera
  • 10x fixed zoom lens
  • "Intelligent" optical image stabilizer
  • Three cheerful color ptions
  • Lightweight and portable

14 Best Cameras for Night Photography (in Detail!)

Now, we will look at the top Canon cameras, Nikon cameras, Sony cameras, and others that will help you take stunning images at night.

I will break down each camera’s features, clearly showing its most relevant specifications. This will include its ISO range, sensor type, and megapixels.

And our list includes the best cameras for night sky photography and the best cheap camera for night photography.

1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Best Camera for Night Photography

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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
30.4 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
24 x 36 mm
Frame Rate
7 fps
Autofocus Points
61
Pros
  • Quality sensor produces detailed and vibrant images even at high ISOs
  • Dual Pixel AF with eye detection
  • User-friendly touch-to-focus screen
  • 900-shot battery life
  • Cinema-quality (DCI) 4K video
Cons
  • Unreliable, imprecise subject tracking
  • Limited dynamic range
  • No in-body stabilization
  • No bluetooth
  • 64x crop factor with 4K video

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a powerhouse. Its sturdiness and reliability are why it is so high up this list.

When shooting in rugged and unforgiving environments, having a piece of kit that is built strong with excellent weather sealing capabilities can put your mind at rest. This is particularly relevant for people who want to shoot the night sky in remote areas.

Prominent star features are its whopping 30.4 megapixels and a high ISO range. It would be hard not to take noise free images in low light with these combined elements. With its 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, you won’t struggle to do so. This allows the autofocus system to function accurately even in low light conditions.

If you are considering buying a 5D Mark IV, you should check out how it compares to other models first. You can try the following for inspiration:

2. Sony a7 III

Best Camera for Steet Photos at Night

no

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Sony a7 III
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24.2 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Frame Rate
10 fps
Autofocus Points
693
Pros
  • Quick and accurate 693-point AF
  • Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
  • Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
  • Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities
Cons
  • Noise reduction can remove details
  • Front heavy with big lenses
  • Menu system is difficult to get used to

The Sony A7 III is one of the best mirrorless cameras for night photography. It is a smaller camera, ideal for shooting on the go.

I recommend this product as the best camera for street photographers who enjoy taking photos at night. Sony has managed to reduce noise in their higher ISO range. So, street photographers can now push up ISO sensitivity without worrying about noise or loss of quality.

Another feature that shows the Sony A7 III is great for street photographers on the go is its five-axis image stabilization system. This heavily reduces camera shake, therefore giving you sharper images. With all these features combined, you can see that the Sony A7 III may not be made for shooting at night, but it certainly does excel in this field.

Have a look at these comparisons with the a7 III before you decide:

3. Nikon D850

High Resolution Camera for Night Photography

no

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Nikon D850
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
45.7 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.9 x 35.9 mm
Frame Rate
7 fps
Autofocus Points
153
Pros
  • Fantastic overall image quality
  • Excellent 3D continuous AF tracking
  • Long, 1,840-shot battery life
  • Durable, weather-sealed construction
  • Sharp 4K/30p Ultra HD video
Cons
  • No customizable shooting presets
  • Slow autofocus in Live View
  • Needs an expensive XQD card
  • Rolling shutter noticeable in 4K video
  • Slow 7 fps or 9 fps with an expensive battery grip

Nikon’s D850 is favourable for night photography, with the highest megapixel count on this list. It’s the right camera for night photographers because of its high ISO sensitivity and image quality.

Its ISO capabilities combined with its stunning nine frames per second shooting gives you a camera geared up for night time sky photography. The Nikon D850 is also a camera you can trust on a tripod, allowing for fast processing of its images.

Check out the following comparisons with the D850:

4. Nikon Z6 II

Best Nikon Mirrorless for Night Photography

no

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Nikon Z6 II
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24.5 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
35.9 x 23.9 mm
Frame Rate
14 fps
Autofocus Points
273
Pros
  • Excellent low-light focusing
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Superb low-light dynamic range
  • Dual memory card slots
Cons
  • Autofocus can be slow
  • Relatively short battery life
  • Lower MP count than main competitors
  • Needs more customizable buttons

Nikon’s Z6 II is another mirrorless camera that can be a street photographer’s best friend at night. Their strong point in night photography lies in their autofocus system. This system can detect focus points in -6 EV (exposure value) visibility. Nikon even claims that you can find focus points under quarter-moon light.

With a great dynamic range, you will be able to get information in the shadows and potential highlights in your night sky photographs. A camera with an excellent dynamic range will go a long way when dealing with night photography.

5. Canon EOS R6

Best Canon Mirrorless for Night Photography

no

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Canon EOS R6
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
20.1 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.9 x 35.9 mm
Frame Rate
20 fps
Autofocus Points
1,053
Pros
  • Relatively affordable
  • Excellent in-body image stabilization
  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • Fantastic expandable ISO range
  • Rapid burst speeds
Cons
  • Low megapixel count compared to closest competitors
  • Interface is challenging to navigate
  • EVF drains the battery
  • Camera heats up shooting 4K / 60 fps

Canon cameras have dominated the top of this list because of their excellent features. The Canon EOS R6 is no different. The camera’s fantastic ability to function as a handheld camera at night is why you can add it to the list of best cameras for night photography. And it is the other best mirrorless camera on our list.

The Canon EOS R6 has fewer megapixels than other Canon cameras but a higher ISO sensitivity. A great feature of this camera is its five-axis image stabilization system. This stabilizer allows you to take sharper images when photographing without a tripod. Canon claims you can take a four-second exposure, and it will still be sharp!

6. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography

no

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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
20 MP
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Sensor Size
17.4 x 13 mm
Frame Rate
60 fps
Autofocus Points
121
Pros
  • Multi-shot, handheld, high-res mode
  • Compact and lightweight
  • 60 fps RAW and JPEG image capture
  • 7 stops of image stabilization
  • Simulated Live ND filters
  • Quick-and-easy Pro Capture (action) and Starry Sky AF modes
  • Excellent video options
Cons
  • Relatively low sensor resolution
  • Not the best when pushing the high ISO range
  • Unreliable subject tracking
  • No vehicle and train recognition AF modes like the E-M1X
  • Complicated menus
  • Relatively short 420-shot battery life

Olympus makes it onto this list with a great cropped image sensor camera. Not only is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera light, but it will provide sharp images thanks to its excellent autofocus system.

A new feature solidifies its place on this list. It is a new feature called Starry Sky AF (autofocus). If you haven’t guessed already, this feature will identify the night sky and get all the stars in focus, no matter how small or faint they are. It is ideal for night sky photography.

7. Panasonic Lumix DCS5

Best Panasonic Camera for Night Photography

no

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Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24.2 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Frame Rate
7 fps
Autofocus Points
225
Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Image stabilization to prevent camera shake
  • Dual memory card slots
  • Great 4K video capabilities
Cons
  • Slow-burst shooting
  • Short battery life
  • Poor autofocus within camera class
  • Limited L-mount lens range

Panasonic’s mirrorless camera also gets a spot on this list with the Lumix S5.

The lightweight capabilities matched with extraordinary image quality means that you can use mirrorless cameras in both on and off tripod situations. Its off-tripod success comes from its image stabilization system.

Its new I.S. II system allows up to 6.5 stops of benefit. This comes in handy when shooting along the streets at night.

8. Canon EOS 6D

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Canon EOS 6D
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
20.2 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
24 x 36 mm
Frame Rate
4.5 fps
Autofocus Points
11
Pros
  • Affordable full frame EOS camera
  • Great low-light performance
  • Good ergonomics for handling
  • Light, durable magnesium alloy shell
  • Convenient GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
  • Slow continuous burst shooting by modern standards
  • Limited number of AF points
  • No in-body image stabilization to minimize camera shake
  • Only one memory card slot

Since its inception, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II has been one of the best cameras for night photography. It set a high bar for DSLR’s in its time with a high ISO range and night photography capabilities. Even now, the Canon EOS 6D has kept these qualities.

And it has kept improving, keeping this line of cameras on our list. It has improved its autofocus system so that the camera has outstanding low light performance with added sharpness. It was an issue with the older rendition.

9. Nikon D7500

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Nikon D7500
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
20.9 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
15.7 x 23.5 mm
Frame Rate
8 fps
Autofocus Points
51
Pros
  • Great value for money
  • Smaller, compact DSLR body
  • Easy to handle and hold
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Images not as sharp as other cameras
  • Limited to crop sensor (DX) lenses
  • No USB charging
  • Just one memory card slot

For those who aren’t quite ready to spend money on a full frame camera, Nikon’s D7500 is a great option.

The ISO capabilities here are plenty to quench your thirst when it comes to night photography. Nikon has worked on reducing fine grain. This means you’ll be able to push into higher ISO sensitivity without noise ruining the image.

10. Fujifilm X-T4

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Fujifilm X-T4
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
26 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
Frame Rate
20 fps
Autofocus Points
425
Pros
  • Decent APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
  • A great frame rate of 15 fps
  • 6.5 stops of image stabilization
  • 4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
  • A fully articulating rear touchscreen
  • 12 Film Simulation modes
Cons
  • Expensive for an APS-C camera
  • Autofocus speed and accuracy depends on the lens and the subject
  • Unreliable face and eye detection
  • No external battery charger provided
  • Limited video recording time
  • No subject tracking in video mode

Fujifilm also provides cameras that function great in low light situations. My favourite Fujifilm camera has got to be the Fujifilm X-T4.

It seems that all companies are developing autofocusing systems with excellent low light performance. The same can be said for Fujifilm. The X-T4 system works down at -7.0 EV—almost in complete darkness!

11. Nikon D780

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Nikon D780
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
25 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.9 x 35.9 mm
Frame Rate
12 fps
Autofocus Points
51
Pros
  • Long-exposure presets
  • Plenty of autofocus (AF) points
  • Nice, uncropped 4K video capabilities
  • Dual memory card slots (UHS-II)
Cons
  • Relatively expensive
  • No built-in image stabilization
  • Noise reduction can be harsh
  • No built-in GPS

The Nikon D780 comes in as a significant upgrade of its older sibling, the D750. It even outperforms its more professional sibling, the D850, with a newer processor (EXPEED 6 vs EXPEED 5).

A handy feature for night photography is the 900-second or 15-minute exposure time you can set. This relieves your duty of holding the shutter release down when exposing longer than an average camera allows. It is perfect for star trails and other long exposures you will take in night sky photography.

12. Pentax K1 II

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Pentax K-1 Mark II
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
36 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
35.9 x 24 mm
Frame Rate
4.4 fps
Autofocus Points
33
Pros
  • Plenty of manual controls
  • A wide ISO range for low light
  • 5-axis Shake Reduction II worth 2.3 to 3.6 shutter stops
  • Dynamic Pixel Shift resolution provides sharper images
  • Astrotracer tracks stars at night
  • Durable camera body with excellent weather sealing
Cons
  • AF is not as refined as others
  • A slow frame rate
  • Noise reduction always applied leads to soft images
  • Limited modern lens selection
  • Soft Full HD and no 4K capture
  • A short battery life

For professional photographers who are fans of the Pentax lens range, the Pentax K1 II is the ideal camera for taking low light images. With fantastic quality and plenty of options for complete control over your images, the Pentax K1 II will give you spectacular results.

The main weakness of its night photography abilities is its noise reduction system. It can often be quite aggressive when shooting in JPEG mode. Even if you shoot in RAW, Pentax has a pre-processor that adds noise reduction into RAW files that you can’t turn off.

13. Nikon D5600

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Nikon D5600
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
24.2 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
15.6 x 23.5 mm
Frame Rate
5 fps
Autofocus Points
39
Pros
  • High quality images for crop sensor
  • Great ISO sensitivity
  • Fast 39-point AF system
  • Not too bulky and nice to handle
Cons
  • Autofocus isn't great in video mode
  • No dual memory card slots
  • No USB charging
  • No Nikon Fine-Tune function to adjust AF for specific lenses

The Nikon D5600 is a great camera for night photographers who want an up to date DSLR for cheap. The advantage of having an up to date DSLR is the quality you will get packed into a small body. This DSLR also has an impressive dynamic range performance for its size. This means it will be able to handle low light situations with ease.

14. Canon Powershot ELPH 190 IS

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS
Camera Type
CompactCompact
Megapixels
20 MP
Sensor Format
1/2.3”1/2.3”
Sensor Size
6.17 x 4.55 mm
Frame Rate
0.8 fps
Autofocus Points
1
Pros
  • Cheap compact camera
  • 10x fixed zoom lens
  • "Intelligent" optical image stabilizer
  • Three cheerful color ptions
  • Lightweight and portable
Cons
  • Not much manual control
  • Low-resolution LCD
  • Relatively poor video capabilities
  • No touchscreen capability
  • Short battery life

This option is for people who want a dedicated point-and-shoot that handles low light conditions well. We are now in a time where small sensors can produce whopping 20-megapixel images!

Of course, it won’t handle low light conditions like others on this list, but the portability and price make up for it. I would suggest using this camera to take low light images with more light in the scene. For instance, it would work great in nightclubs or on city streets.

What Makes a Great Camera For Night Photography?

As advancements in technology progress, camera manufacturers have developed impressive features to improve how their cameras handle low light conditions.

These features can be anything from high ISO sensitivity to how a camera’s autofocus reads focal points. Some of the best cameras for night photography even have AI capabilities that can help.

The main feature of an excellent camera for night photography is how it performs with its higher ISO capabilities. This is most relevant for images that do not require a tripod.

Aurora borealis shot at night with mountains and a reflection in water, shot with one of the best cameras for night photography

Is Mirrorless or DSLR Better For Night Photography?

There is no direct answer to this question as both types of cameras have impressive features. There is less chance that camera shake will affect the image with mirrorless cameras as there is no mirror to lift with every shot. But DSLR cameras have a greater selection of lenses and better battery life.

The type of cameras to consider for night photography should be based on your personal preferences.

City street scene with cars in the distance shot at night time, shot with one of the best cameras for night photography

How Many Megapixels Do I Need For Night Photography?

Of course, there is no set number of megapixels you will need for the best night camera. But it does help if you have more.

A full frame camera, typically meaning more megapixels, will be beneficial. As a rule of thumb, any camera over 15 megapixels will provide excellent night time images.

Our Verdict

After going through this list, it is easy to see that newer digital cameras are pushing the boundaries of shooting in low light scenarios.

Badge
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

A powerhouse DSLR boasting a whopping 30.4 megapixels, a high ISO range, and an accurate autofocus system!

With recent advancements in image stabilization sensors that can read the information in near pitch-black conditions, shooting in the dark has never been easier. We hope our list of the best cameras for night photography will help you find the perfect camera for you!

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