We always say that there is not the best camera or the ideal camera, but the best camera for each person behind it. And this depends on your needs, which can be very varied. For example, there are those who fundamentally shoot in the studio, or who normally do it outdoors and during the day, and there are those who, for example, prefer to photograph night landscapes. Today we are going to focus on the best cameras for night photography and other moments of darkness. And since we’re talking about the subject, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our mega guide on night photography, where you’ll find tips, tricks, and loads of inspiration.
If you are from the group of night photographers, concert photographers and other indoor or night events; telephoto lens user; interior photographer, etc.; If you are looking for a camera and you are within this profile, here are our recommendations. However, keep in mind that we are talking about amateur Photography, I am not going to include professional cameras with exorbitant prices.
What I do include in this list for the amateur night photographer are cameras for all types of users, mirrorless, reflex, some compact and a surprise for astronomy lovers. By the way, the order is none other than a grouping by brands, neither better nor worse. Here is the list of our best cameras for night photography:
- Pentax K70
- sony a68
- sony a6500
- Sony A7II
- Nikon D5300
- Nikon D7500
- Nikon D750
- Canon EOS M5
- Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II
- Canon EOS 6D MarkII
- Fujifilm X-T3
- Panasonic GH5
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
- Svbony SV205 Electronic Telescope Eyepiece
1.Pentax K-70
This camera with 23.5 x 15.6 (mm) resolution sensor 24MP count with one ISO 100-102400. I include it for several reasons, such as the autofocus that works very well in very low light conditions or its in-body stabilizer that is capable of compensating 4.5 shutter steps. Ideal for low light situations and for making pans (movements for sweeps or panoramas.
The LCD monitor is multi-angle and has connection Wifi. The screen adjusts according to the different lighting conditions, having a night mode ideal for astronomical photography.
Have the Star Stream video mode to make videos of star trails. Here’s an example of what you can do.
If you attach the optional O-GPS1 module, you will have the ASTROTRACER functionwhich allows you to photograph stars without trails in long exposures.
In addition, its body is sealed and is resistant to dust and water (not submersible, eh?). But best of all, if you are thinking of taking night photos in very cold places, its performance is optimal down to -10ºC.
You will find all the specifications here. But you can also read our specific review of the Pentax K-70.
Right now the price on Amazon of the body is €762.32 Do you believe it?
Also the Pentax K-1 or the Pentax K-3 would be good candidates. If you find them second hand they can be a good opportunity.
2.Sony A68
An excellent SLR camera to start with and also at a really interesting price, especially considering the quality it offers. If yours is night action this is your camera, well its continuous follow focus system is one of its most remarkable features, even in low light.
But what makes it especially suitable for the night is that even adjusting to its maximum value of ISO25,600 the results are very acceptable. It should also be mentioned that it has stabilizer in the body. Refrain avid WiFi users.
You can read more about the Sony A68 in this review.
Its price is approximately 600 euros.
3.Sony A6500
When we review Sony A6500 in this article we talk about all its benefits. Among them its sealed body, its 5-axis optical stabilizer or its noise control, reasons why it could not be missing from this list.
It should also be added that it records in 4k, which offers very good dynamic range and 11 / fps. A whole machine indicated for those who are already well immersed in photography and like to photograph the night, the stars or the Milky Way. For someone who is just starting out, it is a bit big and they will not be able to squeeze it to the fullest.
Its price is currently N/A
4. Sony A7II
In this case we are talking about the Sony A7 II, an EVIL (mirrorless) camera from full format that has been on the market long enough to know that it works wonderfully and that its users are delighted with it. With fast hybrid autofocus, 5-axis optical image stabilization It is an excellent camera that after several years the only thing that has declined is its price.
It does have a not inconsiderable drawback for night photography, it is that its noise elimination system, so appropriate for photographing in low light, also makes stars disappear. So if you are clear that photographing stars is your thing, this may not be your ideal camera.
Its current price is €999.00
5. Nikon D5300
This hobbyist Nikon with some history behind it is another camera for the night photographer looking at the used market. Among the features of the Nikon D5300 we find a processor to give better response in low light situations and a maximum ISO sensitivity of 25,600. And although it does not record in 4k, it does video responds very well in low light situations.
There is also the option to purchase the newest model in this series, the Nikon D5600.
6. Nikon D7500
The Nikon D7500 is a SLR camera aimed at advanced user more demanding with ISO 51200 (expandable up to 1640000) and truly remarkable high ISO response levels make it an ideal camera for the night photographer and for shooting in low light conditions.
Among its other features are the autofocus accuracy, the touch and tilt screen, the WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity, its sealed body and recording in 4k But you can learn more about the Nikon D7500 in our review.
The body of the Nikon D7500 currently costs €1,099.00 on Amazon
7. Nikon D750
We continue with Nikon, in this case with a camera for advanced or professional users, which has more than enough experience in the market to guarantee confidence in it.
This is the Nikon D750, a full-format SLR camera (Full frame) with ISO 100-12800 expandable to 50-51200 (equivalent) and excellent response to high values.
Their quick shot and precise focus and with detection of moving subjects make it also ideal for all kinds of events. But to find out more, we recommend reading our Nikon D750 review.
And if you’re wondering about the price, right now it’s N/A
8.Canon EOS M5
I present to you now a camera mirrorless Canon compatible with all EF-S mount lenses. Which allows you to take advantage if you have another previous SLR camera or increase the possibilities of purchase.
This camera is indicated for those looking for a high level of performance but in a lighter body. And those who prefer reflex aesthetics but are not convinced by its weight or size.
With a touch screen and good ergonomics or ease of use, it is ideal for those who want take night videos without investing too much, then record in 4K and video has a stabilization system.
As for photography, its high ISO performance is not really remarkable, but it is better than others in its range. If you want to know more, you can read the article that we dedicated back in the day to the Canon EOS M5.
You can get the body of the Canon EOS M5 for about 600 euros on Amazon.
9. Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II
We are now going to talk about a compact for those night photographers who want a camera to keep in their pocket but with great features. Or as a second camera to always carry with you without sacrificing image quality.
Optical stabilizer, 1.0 type CMOS sensor (let’s not forget that we are talking about a compact camera), f/2 aperture, wireless connections and ease of use make this a very interesting camera for those who don’t want to have to worry about changing lenses or sacrificing portability. Available in black or in silver and leather and it costs about 400 euros.
10. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Is Canon SLR with full sensor it is intended for the enthusiastic hobbyist looking for a camera that is robust, yet not too large, with advanced camera features and good image quality.
Full sensor, articulating touch screen, 26 MP, 6.5 fps burst, Live View mode, wireless connections and GPS are some of its features, but what makes it suitable for night photography is its performance with ISO values high, its maximum value is 40,000 ISO (expandable up to 102,400), although from 10,000 ISO it can be annoying in some situations, below it it offers great results.
Currently you can buy the body of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II for around 1,300 euros.
Refrain those who want to make videos in 4k 😉
11.Fujifilm X-T3
This mirrorless gem from Fujifilm It is among the favorites of many photographers and is designed for both enthusiastic photographers, semi-professionals as well as professionals.
To highlight its excellent processor, its response to low light situations, its sealed body, dynamic range, fast autofocus in low light, its 26 MP and its burst shooting that can reach up to 30fps.
For night and star photography, it is possibly the best APS-C camera you can find on the market today. All the specifications here.
Its price is currently N/A
12. Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
video lovers, pay attention. If video recording is your thing, this Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera may be among your best options.
Among its features: 20.3 MP Live MOS sensor and no low-pass filter, great sharpness at high ISO values, good dynamic range, very quiet shutter, Dual IS system (two-axis optical image stabilizer combined with a five-axis in-body one), 4k recording and much more.
It is not one of the cheapest options that I have presented to you (€1,245.60 ) but it is a camera with great features and whose body can withstand up to -10ºC, something to take into account for lovers of night photography in frozen environments.
13. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
This Olympus camera with micro 4/3 sensor is in this list not because of its operation with high ISO values, but because of its 5-axis image stabilization system that allows shooting in many low-light situations even without a tripod. It also has a very practical silent shooting mode for events in which you must go unnoticed and its Live Composite and Live Bulb mode what do you allow to perform…