Best Low Light Digital Camera Models
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Get Better Shots with the Best Low Light Digital Camera
You'll find tips about choosing the right camera and how to take the best low light shots. You'll even find some of the best camera models on this page along with some third party reviews.
Photo: TonytheMisfit.
Important Characteristics of the Best Low Light Digital Camera Models
So you're on a search to find the best low light digital camera, to choose just a few characteristics/features that can produce better than average low light shots, look for:Generally speaking the best are on DSLR models, not point and shoot cameras. Of course, not everyone wants a DSLR, so you can check for some of the other characteristics listed here but even some point and shoot cameras offer a high sensitivity - low noise sensor that is better than average. One of the most recent offerings related to this are cameras that use a back-lit or back-illuminated sensor which increases sensitivity and keeps noise to a minimum.
Using high ISO is similar to using high film speeds in old film cameras. ISO is actually the light sensitivity. For good shots in low light, you want high sensitivity, which means a high ISO setting. For instance, ISO 800 will give you more light sensitivity than ISO 400, but ISO 1600 would be even better. Of course, using a high ISO can result in more "noise" or artifacts in the image you produce. Thus, having a low noise sensor or at least noise reduction technology is also important. Due to the limited sensor size in digital cameras it can be wise to choose one with an ISO over 800 but fewer megapixels so that the demands on the sensor are reasonable, and you don't end up with too much noise.
This helps to compensate for blurring that occurs when there are small inadvertent movements that happen with handheld shots. A long exposure or slower shutter speed is sometimes used to bring in more light when in low light settings. Unfortunately, this increases the likelihood of handshake. Thus OIS can be critical. Of course, the use of a tripod is the best defense.
You need to be able to turn off the flash. In most low light situations you want the flash off unless your subject is within flash range. To get a good low light shot, the camera needs to capture enough light. Thus, you may also want manual control over the aperture (to get more opening for more light) or control over shutter speed. Even many point and shoot cameras give you some control over these in an aperture or shutter priority setting. A night setting on your camera can help obtain similar settings in the absence of manual controls.
The best low light digital camera needs a fast lens. An f1.2 or f1.4 lens will most likely be found only on a DSLR model. But it's still useful to compare; an F4 would still be better than F22 for low light shots. (you want the F number to be smaller)
Photo: BreeBailey.
Taking Better Low Light Shots
Having the best low light digital camera is a good start, but knowing how to use it is even more important. Even for those without all of the features mentioned above, low light shots can still be improved if you know what to do. For casual users, the following tips can help.Assuming you have a point and shoot camera with a slower lens, then the shutter speed may be slow to allow more light into the lens for best results in low light situations. In this scenario, the best results are achieved using a tripod. This helps eliminate the risk of blurring due to camera shake. You can also use the timer to avoid unwanted movement caused by physically touching the camera to activate the shutter button. If there is no tripod available, try to use another stationary object in the area. If handholding the camera, bring your arms in close to the body and hold your breath while snapping the shot. Use your legs to brace yourself like a tripod or kneel down.
Most point and shoots have an aperture priority setting that allows adjustment. If nothing else however, using the Night Mode setting will help.
In most instances, using the flash isn't effective unless your subject is within 8-10 feet of the camera.
The longer your camera is on the more heat it produces which can create even greater noise from the sensor. Therefore, it's best to not use the camera for extended periods of time prior to trying to capture a night time shot.
Photo: left-hand. (no derivative work allowed)
Canon Powershot SD4000
Canon PowerShot SD4000IS 10 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 3.8x Optical Zoom and f/2.0 Lens (Black)
Amazon Price: $199.99 (as of 02/17/2012)
Availiable in a variety of colors, the Canon Powershot SD4000 is one of the best low light digital cameras in the budget category due in great part to it's back illuminated sensor which boosts sensitivity and minimizes noise. Of courses it's f/2.0 lens helps as well.
The SD4000 is a 10 megapixel camera with 3.8x optical zoom and 720p HD video recording ability. It offers a high speed burst mode allowing you to capture 8.4 frames per second, great for capturing fast action and a low light mode as well. In fact, this camera has 23 shooting modes to make capturing great shots easy. On the other hand, it offers both an aperture and shutter priority mode for those who want more control. Users also get special effects like Fisheye and Miniaturization and even a super slow motion movie mode.
Other Canon PowerShot Cameras for Low Light Images
Fuji Finepix F200EXR
Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR 12MP Super CCD Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $269.00 (as of 02/17/2012)
This point and shoot camera offers potentially one of the best sensors for low light photography. Fuji's super CCD EXP 12 megapixel sensor is unique in it's high sensitivity and low noise capabilities. This camera also offers a 5x wide angle, dual image stabilized, optical zoom lens, face detection and red eye correction. It's dynamic range bracketing further improves it's low light performance.
In addition, the F200 EXR boasts a 3" LCD, 5 frames per second burst mode, intelligent flash, and multiple shooting modes. It even has an optional waterproof case available for those who like scuba. Click on the image to learn more about one of the best low light digital camera models on the market made for the average consumer.
Other Finepix Models for Good Low Light Shots
Nikon D5000
Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD
Amazon Price: $470.00 (as of 02/17/2012)
The D5000 is touted as one of the best low light digital camera models on the market as well. This is a DSLR model that offers a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and 3x zoom AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR lens. It also feartures a variable angle 2.7" color LCD.
It offers 720p HD movie recording abilities, 19 scene modes, 4 autofocus modes, a built in sensor cleaning system, GPS geotagging, 4 fps continuous shooting mode, and low noise ISO from 200 to 3200.
Nikon's D700 is another option. It allows the user to expand the ISO range from 100 to 25,600 for superb low light performance.
Click on the image to learn more.
More Nikon Cameras for Low Light Shooting
Panasonic DMC-LX3
Panasonic DMC-LX3S 10.1MP Digital Camera with 2.5x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)
Amazon Price: $328.95 (as of 02/17/2012)
Another great option for those who don't want a DSLR but want more control. This Panasonic gives users manual control over spot and multi point focus, aperture, and more.
This model offers a 10.1 megapixel, ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD sensor, and a f/2.0 24mm ultra wide angle Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens. It has optical image stabilization, a 3.0" high resolution LCD, and the ability to capture 1280x720p video at 24 frames per second. It offers an ISO range up to 3200. All of this adds up to one of the best low light digital camera models in it's class.
Click on the image to learn more.
Panasonic DMC GH2
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 16.05 MP Live MOS Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-inch Free-Angle Touch Screen LCD and 14-42mm Hybrid Lens - Black
Amazon Price: $995.00 (as of 02/17/2012)
This Micro Four Thirds camera from Panasonic offers creative control and high quality still and motion imaging. It features intuitive touch control, a free-angle "Intelligent" LCD, multi-aspect wide screen Live View Finder, and a 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor which results in less noise and much higher sensitivity. This camera offers speed as well. It is capable of capturing 5 fps in full resolution using mechanical shutter and a maximum of 40fps using electronic shutter.
With high speed and it's superior MOS sensor, the GH2 is also a good low light digital camera. It accepts up to 11 interchangeable lenses, including a 3D lens, and offers 7 preset color effects.
Beyond still images, the GH2 also records full HD 1920x1080i video with 60p output. It features cinema-like 24p movie with a maximum bit rate of 24Mbps and a variable movie mode which allows user to record motion in variable frame rates. The EX Tele Conversion function acts to extend the zoom and simultaneous HDMI can be used while recording to allow user to monitor images on a separate screen.
The DMC G3 is another good choice from Panasonic. It's another micro four thirds model with a 3" touch panel, a sensitive 16 megapixel sensor, and f/3.5-5.6 lens. It can also shoot 1080p video.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX1
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1/B 10MP "Exmor R" CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Steady Shot Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black)
Amazon Price: $279.99 (as of 02/17/2012)
Another option for a good low light camera is this Sony Cyber-Shot. It's a 10 megapixel digital camera with an EXMOR R back illuminated CMOS sensor to provide greater detail in low light shots. It features a 24mm wide-angle f/2.4 bright G lens for ultra sharp pictures and 5x optical image stabilized zoom. The f/2.4 aperture lens gathers twice as much light as typical compact camera lenses with less noise. It also features Handheld Twilight Mode, allowing it to capture six images in a fraction of a second with one press of the shutter button. The camera then combines all six to create a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise.
The WX1 also features a 2.7" color LCD, a high speed shooting mode that can capture up to 10 images per second, and an HD movie mode that lets you capture up to 29 minutes of 720p recordings. It also boasts a number of in- camera editing features, face, smile, and motion detection, as well as high sensitivity mode up to ISO 3200.
Learn More about Low Light Photography
- Sony Claims New RGBW Sensors Improve Exposure, Low-Light Performance
- This is good, much more accurate than taking the average from the RGB elements, and should in fact make low-light photography significantly better. The press release shows off an improved low-light shot (seen above) and a video where an ?HDR? function ...
- It's the end of an era, as Sony completes its buyout of Ericsson
- It had a sliding lens cover that used a magnet to stay closed, Sony's BestPic burst mode, red-eye reduction, an image stabilizer and auto-focus, plus a xenon flash for superb low-light photography. It performed brilliantly too, taking pictures that ...
- Canon PowerShot SX240 HS & SX260 HS
- Alternatively, give your low-light photography an added boost with Handheld Night Scene which combines a high-speed sequence of shots into one image offering the least possible blur and best possible exposure. The enhanced Creative Filters in the ...
- M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro & M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8
- The M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 (pictured) is an ultra-bright telephoto lens with a full-metal exterior, designed primarily for portraiture, indoor sports and low-light photography. Mock-ups of both lenses will be on display at the CP+ Photo and ...
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canonpowershotsx130isreview
Jan 11, 2012 @ 6:16 am | delete
- f1.2 and f1.4 lens are both pretty decent especially when you are paying under $500 for the camera itself.
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wcjohnston
Nov 7, 2011 @ 5:51 am | delete
- Great Lens, I like the look of the Panasonic DMC-LX3, to carry my Canon 5D Mk ii everywhere can be hard work.
Photographer Bristol.
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poges
May 27, 2011 @ 7:41 am | delete
- Excellent lens.Nice low light digital camera.Thanks for sharing. strategic planning software
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TeamDealStartsHere May 18, 2011 @ 3:59 pm | delete
- Thanks for the insight! I really needed this as I am new to night photography, or photography in general! Definitely going to share this with my classmates!
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LisaAuch
May 3, 2011 @ 8:20 am | delete
- i had already been here before, but a wonderful informative page - blessed
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Irenemaria
May 3, 2011 @ 8:18 am | delete
- Tempter there. Now I am slowly going from wanting to NEEDING!
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canonpowershotprice
Mar 19, 2011 @ 11:43 pm | delete
- I have canonpowershotsx210 which is also very compact delivers good quality photo but after seeing this lens and reading the comparison i think G10 would have been better choice . Thanks for this excellent lens
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GrowWear
Oct 27, 2010 @ 8:34 pm | delete
- As always, very nice work. :)
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pmolinero
Oct 27, 2010 @ 8:51 am | delete
- A great lens and some great tips. Now I know what to pay attention to when buying the next camera. Thank you and thumbs up.
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SofiaMann
Oct 26, 2010 @ 7:38 pm | delete
- Nice lens. Thanks for the info.
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Aladdin led lighting
Nov 20, 2011 @ 8:25 pm | delete
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LisaAuch
Sep 21, 2010 @ 3:24 pm | delete
- This was great, I love taking low lighting shots, so this was helpful. Fab information
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redmalloc
May 15, 2010 @ 10:54 pm | delete
- Nice lens - thanks for the information. Even if you have a great camera for low light, knowing how to use it properly makes a great difference, so thanks for adding the shooting tips.
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LindaJM
Feb 26, 2010 @ 8:24 pm | delete
- Very helpful information. I'm going to get a new camera one of these days.
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Tipi
Feb 25, 2010 @ 4:42 pm | delete
- Beautiful job on this lens. These look like some great cameras, would love to try one out someday. Right now I'm still getting to know my camera I got a couple months ago.
Best wishes,
Susie
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by mulberry
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Olympus XZ-1 10 MP Digital Camera with f1.8 Lens and 3-Inch OLED Monitor (Black)
Amazon Price: $465.00 (as of 02/17/2012)
The XZ-1 is one of the best low light digital cameras with it's 10 megapixel CCD sensor which offers twice the light gathering ability as previous models. It also features a f1.8-s.5 6.0-24mm 4x zoom iZuilo lens that gives users a wider aperture when needed for those low light shots as well as faster shutter speeds.
Other features include a built-in pop up flash, an AF illuminator, dual image stabilization, advanced manual controls such as a control ring around the lens, advanced face detection, and AF tracking. The XZ-1 also gives users 6 creative art filters, a hot shoe and accessory port for adding microphones and lights, a bright 3" OLED display, and the ability to capture 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. There is even an optional underwater housing available that will make this camera waterproof to depths of 130 feet.
