There is a huge variety of best low light video cameras present on the market, and it is normal that you find it difficult to choose the ideal model for you. Especially if you do not have much experience and are looking for the best low light video camera to start with.
First of all, you have to be clear about the different types of cameras that exist on the market to know which one best suits your needs, including compact cameras, bridge cameras, best low light video cameras, and many more.
10 Best Low Light Video Camera Reviews 2022
However, it depends on your knowledge of photography and the use that you are going to give it, a model or other. After the long research and testing out the different cameras, we are going to tell you about the best low light video camera that you consider for yourself.
1. Nikon D750 FX-format Camera
The successor to the D610, the Nikon D750 is a full-frame camera, that is to say, that incorporates a 24 x 36 mm sensor. This best camera for night video is intended for professional or semi-professional use. Nikon D750 low-light video cam is compact, lightweight but strong.
It is a built-in magnesium alloy and carbon fiber, the case stands out for its compact size (140.5 x 113 x 78 mm) and lightweight (840 grams) for a Full Frame. It thus facilitates handling while maintaining great strength. Its refined and hollow handle is there to ensure a comfortable and secure hold.
If we talk about the image quality then Nikon D750 best low light video camera is equipped with a Full Frame sensor with 24.3 megapixels. Its sensitivity range extends from 100 to 12,800 ISO and can extend up to 51,200 ISO. So this FX sensor, coupled with the EXPEED 4 system, promises an excellent image even when the light is low.
The Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus is fast and precise. Configurable in 9, 21, or 51 points, it is sensitive down to -3 EV and promises effective focusing on moving subjects, again even in low light conditions. D-Movie mode provides Full HD 1080p video shooting at 50 / 60p speed. Audio recording is flexible and optimized by a microphone input while an audio output gives the possibility of monitoring the sound even during recording.
The D750 has an 8.1cm anti-glare LCD screen. If the monitor is not touched, the screen is mounted on a double hinge for better flexibility and strength. The SLR also incorporates several modes intended to facilitate and optimize the shooting.
It is possible to adjust various parameters such as contrast, sharpness, or brightness when taking a photo using Picture Control 2.0. Several special effects of adjustable intensity are available to enhance the photos.
It has Wi-Fi, allowing instant sharing of photos or remote control via smartphone or tablet, using mobile applications to download.
The Nikon D750 best low light video camera included a lithium-ion battery that can capture up to 1230 photos or 55 minutes of video footage on a single charge.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It provides excellent image quality | In the live view mode, the AF is very sluggish |
| The dynamic range in low ISO is amazing | |
| A built-in flash provides excellent performance | |
| Comes with the dual card-slots |
2. Sony a7R III Mirrorless Camera
With a new backlit 42.4 megapixel (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor, the Sony Alpha 7R III best low light video camera surpasses its predecessor on several points. Increased speed and sharpening of the image are for example part of the improvements.
It has a sensitivity range of ISO 100 – 32,000 expandable to ISO 50 – 409,600 which promises bright images regardless of the field of application chosen. With this versatile camera with an interchangeable lens, the photographer can indeed take all kinds of photos.
Equipped with a Sony E-Mount, the Alpha 7R III low light video recorder accommodates both standard and wide-angle, macro, and telephoto lenses for this purpose.
In video mode, unsurprisingly, Full HD and 4K Ultra HD quality are available to the user. With the new battery, Sony gives the photographer the possibility of taking around 650 photos or around 115 minutes of the film before reloading.
This calculation is made with the LCD screen and not with the viewfinder which consumes more energy. The dual card slot of this best DSLR for low-light video allows for simultaneous recording in 2 different formats (RAW + JPEG) or to move files from one card to another directly from the Sony Alpha 7R III.
The Sony Alpha 7R III’s optical viewfinder also has a higher resolution and it is 3,686,400 pixels against the 2,360,000 pixels previously. This allows you to have a more authentic overview even before pressing the shutter button.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dynamic range is improved | The menu system is very confusing |
| Shutter lag is very low | |
| It records 4K videos at 30fps | |
| Comes with the dual card slots |
3. Nikon D5 DSLR 20.8 MP Point & Shoot Digital Camera
If you are in the search of the best low light video camera then the Nikon D5 is the perfect option for you it is a full-frame DSLR camera and the considered a very impressive low light camera.
This camera comes with the 20.8-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor and the company provides you with its fastest image processor in the Nikon D5, the EXPEED 5. But the most important thing is that it provides you with the native range of 100 to 102, 400 pixels that are scalable to 3,280,000.
The Nikon D5 features an AF system and it operates in low light time and also provides 153 focus points, other than this the Nikon D5 can easily track your subject very easily.
If we talk about the recording then it has the capability to record 4K videos also with the fast 12fps continuous shooting speed. With the help of its maximum ISO sensitivity the 20.8 MB sensor shots very clear images in any type of lighting condition. Other than this, the autofocus of this low-light video cam is mind-blowing.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Image quality is outstanding | It is a little bit heavy |
| Amazing build quality | |
| Professional video quality |
4. Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera
In the specialized professional digital SLR market, the Nikon D850 best low light video camera has its place on the podium. This full-frame camera gives professionals the opportunity to take 45.7-megapixel photos or film in 4K UHD without switching devices.
Also gives you the freedom to quickly switch from one mode to another during commands which require the taking of both images and videos. A large CMOS sensor (24 x 36 mm) whose full extent is engaged, is the asset of this type of camera.
No need to anticipate cropping of the image or to have to rely on a conversion: the image displayed in the field of the lens corresponds to the final rendering.
The Nikon D850 best low light professional video camera that delivers crisp, detailed images without an optical low-pass filter. Unsurprisingly, this pro camera equipped with an instant return mirror offers adjustable exposure compensation, white balance, and even shutter speed.
The 153-point autofocus was taken from the Nikon D5 and proved to be extremely effective according to tests. No built-in flash, but a sensitivity range that extends from 64 to 25,600 ISO, expandable from 32 to 102,400 ISO.
Finally, there is a burst mode present in this low light video camera for up to 9 images per second. The Nikon D850 is therefore suitable for shooting sports or nature scenes as well.
In addition to the tilting 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen on the back, the video mode has progressed since the appearance in early 2022 of videos of 4K Ultra HD quality (3840 x 2160 pixels) on the brand’s digital SLRs with the Nikon D5.
As for the sound socket, it should be noted that a microphone and a speaker are integrated, but a jack socket for connecting external equipment is of course not lacking in the Nikon D850.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The dynamic range is excellent | A built-in flash is not present |
| AF speed is very fast | |
| Large optical viewfinder | |
| Battery life is excellent |
5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera
The third version of the series, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a successful evolution of the previous model, especially with a new processor and the addition of 4K video.
This best low light camcorder is a good mid-range model for photographers looking for a tool that takes some fancy pictures. With a weight of 410g and dimensions of 12.15 x 8.36 x 4.95cm (without lens), the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III remains compact enough for a hybrid.
This lightness is explained by an entirely plastic case, unlike the predecessors of the device. The effective image resolution of 16.1 megapixels, reasonable quality for amateur photographers, is due to the 4/3 ” Live MOS sensor, which has remained unchanged since the start of the series.
This best low light video camera offers a sensitivity range of ISO 100 – 25,600. The built-in, sturdy, retractable flash provides an additional light source in dark places. In addition, 5-axis stabilization is also still on board the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and allows you to take pictures with as little blur as possible without a tripod.
Great novelty to the delight of photographers-videographers: 4K! The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III records Ultra HD quality files, i.e. 3840 x 2160 pixel definition images with a choice of 30, 25, or 24 frames /second.
For audio capture, the E-M10 Mark III low light camcorder has an internal stereo microphone. However, you should always count without headphones or external microphone jacks. If we talk about the other features then the usual manual, automatic, autofocus priority, aperture priority, or self-timer modes abound, and white balance meets the user’s needs.
In addition, the Scene mode has 25 different parameters (from classic Sports to practical Documents through the poetic Candle), and 15 artistic filters are available.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The image quality is decent | It is very expensive according to its features |
| Comes with the compact and solid build | |
| Provides the built-in flash and EVF | |
| Excellent stabilization |
6. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Camera
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV succeeds the Mark III released in 2012 in the 5D segment of professional SLRs. Much awaited by the most demanding photographers, this case remains in the line of a successful family. Its high-level technical sheet benefits in particular from an autofocus module with 61 points and a 4K video.
The LCD touch screen of this best low-light DSLR is the same size as the Mark III (8.10 cm diagonal or 3.2 inches) but its definition has been revised upwards by 1,620,000 points. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV best camcorder for low light has a CMOS sensor with 30.4 million pixels.
This full-frame model (24 x 36) is equipped with a low pass filter which promises good performance in low light. Associated with the recent DIGIC 6+ processor, the box offers all the speed expected in this professional segment, notably with a burst mode at 7 fps.
The sensitivity range is between 100 and 32,000 ISO (expandable from 50 to 102,400 ISO) and the exposure time is from 30 to 1/8000 s. If we talk about the autofocus then the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV low light digital camera uses an AF system with 61 points, including 41 crosses and 5 double-crosses for a very large framed image area.
A brand new feature called Dual Pixel RAW (DPR) is responsible for subdividing each captured pixel into two sub-pixels. It thus generates two distinct images but is incorporated in a single file. This process allows you to perform some post-production retouching such as sharpness adjustment, bokeh off-center, or even ghost image attenuation.
Not surprisingly, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV best low-light digital camera has a full video mode. It is capable of shooting in 4K resolution (4096 x 2160 pixels) at 24, 25, or 30 fps.
Be careful, however, recording in 4K performs a crop with a coefficient of 1.74xs. The camera also films in Full HD 1080p (at 50 or 60 fps) or 720p (at 100 or 120 fps) resolution.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Image quality is very good | Both card slots use different formats |
| Comes with the dual card slots | |
| Color accuracy is amazing | |
| Its dynamic range is very good | |
| Dual card slots |
7. Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 updates the GH range which brings together hybrid cameras that are particularly efficient in the field of video. The successor of the GH4, this camera offers a large number of features and offers improved performance, pushing the boundaries a little further in terms of aiming, ergonomics, and video.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 best camera for low light is based on a chassis entirely made of magnesium alloy. Its tropicalized case is resistant to -10 ° C and displays a reflex look design with slightly rounded angles. First, the device relies on a Live MOS Micro 4/3 sensor with an effective resolution of 20.3 megapixels.
In addition, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 benefits from particularly complete hybrid stabilization: on 5 axes for the sensor and 2 axes for the optics, for a gain of 5 EV from wide-angle to telephoto. Likewise, the focus module has been greatly improved. This is a DFD autofocus capable of focusing in 0.05 s on 225 points.
The case also relies on scene prediction technology, which allows it to gain efficiency with continuous motion tracking. This best low-light DSLR camera has received a high-end video mode! The box allows you to shoot videos beyond 30 minutes, sometimes up to 150 minutes.
The camera is capable of shooting in 4K Cinema 60p format without cropping (4096 x 2160 pixels). But it also captures the scenes in 4K UHD, in Full HD 180p, in 4: 2: 2 10-bit formats, in high-resolution anamorphic, Time Code, Cinelike D, and V modes…
Also good to know: it is also capable of taking photos in 6K / 30p and 4K / 60p formats, i.e. bursts of 18 megapixels at 30 fps or 8 megapixels at 60 fps!
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provide higher resolution | A built-in flash is not present |
| The dynamic range is very good | |
| The 225-point autofocus system is present | |
| Comes with the deep buffers |
8. Sony RX100VA Low Light Video Camera
The Sony RX100 V’s best low light video camera is a carbon copy of the RX100 IV would be somewhat reductive and comes with the 20.1 Mpx BSI CMOS Type 1 “sensor with the DRAM soldered on the back.
The autofocus is very fast in all circumstances, with a noticeable improvement in low light and a much higher snap rate and the dynamic AF tracking works wonderfully well, especially for subjects moving sideways.
In terms of image quality, we find the same trio as on the RX100 IV: 20.1 Mpx Exmor RS Type 1 “BSI CMOS sensor, BionzX processor, Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T * 24-70 mm f / 1.8 zoom -2.8. As usual, the image quality is excellent, with a nice increase in sensitivity up to ISO 1600.
However, beware of the white balance which can sometimes be trapped, and the red tints which tend to saturate more quickly than the others. On the video side, the RX100 V plays the big game despite the lack of microphone and headphone jacks and its low battery life.
This low-light video cam still films in 4K / UHD 30p and in Full HD 60p. Note that the RX100V never shoots using the full width of the image and that, strangely, the crop applied for Full HD is greater than that applied in UHD.
The camera now maintains slow-motion mode (HFR) at up to 1000 frames per second, in Full HD, for 6 seconds – twice as long as its predecessor.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compactness | Inadequate and poorly optimized menus |
| Reactivity | No touch screen |
| Burst at 24 frames per second | |
| Best image quality |
9. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera
The Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II best low light video camera and features a bright lens, large sensor, and DIGIC 7 processor to easily create professional-looking photos and videos. This compact allows you to take continuous shots at a frame rate of 8 fps and videos in Full HD60p.
The approximately 20.1 megapixels 1.0-type back-illuminated CMOS sensor gives you outstanding image quality. Its 4.2x optical zoom covers a wide focal range (24-100mm in 35mm Equiv.) To meet all photographers’ needs. Its 24mm ultra-wide-angle allows you to widen and bring your field of view closer to capture an entire scene without having to back up or move.
Never miss a shot again with Dual Image Stabilization eliminates blur caused by camera shake and delivers crisp photos every time, even in difficult lighting conditions or when your hand is shaking a little. The 3-inch tilting LCD touch screen of this best camera for low light photography allows you to access the various menus and functions, and to easily view and share your photos.
The touch screen allows you to enjoy easy and precise access. In addition, its tilting side allows you to rotate it in the event of backlighting or when shooting from a height. The Smart Auto mode is fully automatic, which allows the device to detect 58 different types of scenes.
The powerful DIGIC 7 processor of this low-light DSLR ensures you improved speed, performance, and functionality for perfect results in the blink of an eye.
It also allows you to take remarkable shots in low light.
You can also shoot professional-quality Full HD 60p video, taking advantage of the many creative possibilities offered by variable frame rates of 24, 25, 30, 50, and 60 fps. You can film for 29 minutes and 59 seconds without interruption (i.e. 4 GB). Save your videos in MP4 format for easy transfer and editing.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very comfortable camera body | Optional or built-in viewfinder is not present |
| Telephoto lens performance is excellent | |
| Very good image quality | |
| Hue accuracy is amazing |
10. Canon PowerShot SX60 HS Digital Camera
The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS best low light video camera entering the segment of digital bridge cameras with a powerful zoom. This is the main asset of this body which proudly sports an ultra-wide-angle lens offering up to 65x magnification.
The main interest of the SX60 HS best low-cost video camera is obviously its purpose. This is a 65x zoom, 21-1365mm equivalent, (f / 3.5-5.6). With such focal amplitude, we will benefit here from a super wide-angle model which can also play the role of a telephoto lens. Photo enthusiasts will be able to satisfy all their desires.
Canon has chosen a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor (optical stabilization) associated with the recent Digic 6 processor. However, the sensitivity range remains limited between 100 and 3200 ISO.
Video capture has not been left out and this bridge can record Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels at 60 fps (or 30 fps). Good point: it is possible to shoot with automatic or manual exposure control. During recording, the sound is captured in stereo but you can go through an external microphone.
The zoom of this low-light digital camera expands slowly while shooting a video, but it remains silent. A dial appears behind the shutter button. It allows you to change the aperture speed and the shutter and several help buttons are also available, including two dedicated to optimal use of the lens.
The SX60 HS best camera for low light is Wi-Fi compatible and can be controlled remotely from a smartphone via the Canon Camera Window app. The box also receives an NFC chip for rapid transfer of images to other compatible devices.
The bridge camera has HDMI, A / V, and USB ports, and it can accommodate SD, SDHC, and SDXC storage media. When fully charged, its NB-10L battery can take a little over 300 shots.
Products Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with the good handling | Slo-mo mode is not present |
| Provides the flexible focal range | |
| Its zoom range is 65x |
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Low Light Video Camera
In the market, there is a huge variety of best low light video cameras, of different models and types.
This can make it very difficult for you to choose the best camera that suits your needs. So we are going to tell you the complete buying guide for the best low light video camera.
ISO
The less light, the more you will have to raise the ISO of your camera. Therefore, if you are going to take photos outside where there is a lot of sunlight, I recommend ISO 100-200.
However, if you are taking photos indoors, where there is little light, you will have to use a higher ISO.
It is important that you know that the higher the ISO of your photograph, the more noise it will have. This will also depend on the type of sensor and processor your camera has.
There is high-quality equipment that will be able to take high ISO photos with little noise.
Anyway, when raising the ISO of your camera you will also have to modify the diaphragm and shutter I will explain to you next.
Diaphragm
This feature is useful to regulate the amount of light you want to enter the sensor of your camera, it is mainly used to achieve the depth of field.
You will find this on your camera lens and is indicated with an F followed by a numerical value.
For your understanding, the smaller the “F” number (eg f 2.8) the lighter you will allow to enter the camera’s sensor, thus achieving a more blurred background.
Otherwise, the higher the “F” value, you will get a sharper background since less light is entering the sensor.
Shutter
The shutter will regulate the time that we are going to allow the light source to enter the sensor of your camera. I give you an example so that you understand it better.
The faster the shutter is set and therefore the faster your shot, the more you will be able to freeze the image you want to photograph.
Therefore, for moving images it is recommended to set a faster shutter speed.
Budget
Many people when choosing a camera focus on choosing a very professional model with very good features, which, if it can allow you to invest in a camera of this style, is not bad, but they are quite expensive.
To start in this world I recommend that you opt for a more basic model so that you can learn.
Camera Body
If you are here it is probably because you are looking for a light and compact best low light video camera for your trips or simply for your day-to-day, without it being a hindrance.
It is important that in addition to looking at the size and weight of the model you want to buy, make sure your camera is as ergonomic as possible.
Sensor size
The sensor is a fundamental piece in a camera since it is what will really give the image quality, in addition to the capabilities of the photographer himself.
In general, the larger the sensor, the better, as it will allow you to take better photos.
If you are interested in compact or bridge cameras, ensure that their sensors are at least 1 inch.
On the other hand, the more professional models can have APS-C sensors and even full-frame, they are larger and will provide you with better photos, but in general, they are more expensive.
Zoom
I think we all know that zoom is a resource used to zoom in on a distant object.
But many people who want to start in this world are not clear about the difference between optical zoom and digital zoom.
Digital zoom is when we zoom in on the image using software that has the camera installed once the photograph is taken.
The optical zoom is used to enlarge the apparent size of an image without getting closer to the photographed object, without the projected image the sensor loses quality.
I recommend that you give more importance to optical zoom since it is the real zoom that will ensure that your photo does not lose quality.
Also, look at the amount of magnification the camera has before you buy it. The more magnification the camera has, the better, you can zoom in on the images without losing quality.
LCD Screen
The screen of your printer is essential as it will make its use easier and more intuitive.
I recommend a camera with a minimum 3-inch touch screen, where you can focus the image by touching it.
In addition, many cameras have folding screens, which allow you to rotate them 180 degrees, this comes in handy for self-photography or even to record blog videos.
Connectivity
The great advantage of a camera that has a Wi-Fi connection is that you can transfer the photos you have just taken to your Smartphone without the need for a cable.
This makes things quite easy when it comes to sharing your memories with your friends and family.
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