The best cameras for low light photography provide excellent image quality in low light and can focus accurately in the dark. These are our picks...
When it comes to choosing the best cameras for low light photography, there are really two things to consider: image quality and AF performance.
Photography is all about capturing light, so it only makes sense that the toughest challenge for any photographer will be capturing images in low-light conditions. As digital camera technology has improved over the years, cameras are able to capture usable images at higher ISO settings, but ‘usable’ can still mean quite a bit of noise.
It’s rare to find a camera that can both focus reliably at low light levels, yet also produce clean images that resolve fine details. Some, like the Nikon D850, can achieve both admirably. Most tend to excel at one or the other.
As well as the best cameras for low light photography, we will also be looking at the best cameras for low light video in this round-up. These might sound very similar, but there are a few subtle differences you should be aware of when shopping.
What sensor size for low light?
Generally, the bigger the image sensor, the better it will perform in low light. So a camera with a full-frame sensor is probably your best bet. The sensor design also plays a part. Backside illuminated sensors, for example, keep more of the circuitry out of the way so more light can reach the sensor’s photo sites.
But as a general rule, if the pixel count is the same between a full-frame sensor and an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds sensor, the pixels in the bigger full-frame sensor will capture more light and perform better in low light conditions. For more on sensor size and what it means for low light performance, check out our guides to APS-C vs full-frame and Understanding camera sensor size.
Likewise, if two cameras both have the same size sensor, the camera with the lower resolution sensor will perform better in low light. For example, the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 both have full-frame sensors, but the R6 is better than the R5 for noise control in low light, owing to its lower resolution.
It’s also worth noting that with mirrorless cameras, better noise control in low light can help the autofocus perform better as the AF system uses the imaging sensor.
How pixel size affects low light performance
The more pixels you place on a sensor, the smaller those pixels will be. Assuming then that two sensors are the same size, the sensor with more megapixels will have smaller pixels. The size of each pixel on your camera’s sensor is measured as a Micron, which is represented as μm.
Pixel sizes range from 1.1 microns in the smallest smartphone sensor to up to more than 8 microns in some full-frame sensors. Using our previous example, the Canon EOS R5’s pixels measure 4.39 μm while the EOS R6’s pixels are a larger 6.56 μm.
Best cameras for low light photography
The options on our list of the best cameras for low light photography were chosen based on our experience testing them. You might also find our guide to the best cameras for image quality useful. For a deeper dive into the many different camera types and features available, check out our range of camera buying guides.
