Best Low Light Video Cameras: If you are looking for a low light video camera for landscape videography/photography, hunting, or low light concert video recordings then you have came to the right place. We have compiled a list of best DSLRs and Camcorders perfect for indoor and outdoor low light video shooting.
Filming in low light can be quite rewarding, springy dramatic images that show a new aspect to the world around us – but it necessitates planning and the proper equipment.
When choosing the best low light video camera, there are several factors to consider: sensor size, megapixel count, and ISO settings, to mention a few.
You should also consider if you’d like a tiny fixed-lens camera or an interchangeable-lens camera that allows you to exchange lenses as needed.
So, no matter if you want to capture dark skies or use your camera in a night party, this article will help you make an effective choice.
Image | Product | Price |
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Panasonic 4K Video Camera Camcorder HC-WXF991KGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Sony NEW Alpha 7S III Mirrorless CameraGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Panasonic Full HD HC-V770 CamcorderGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Panasonic LUMIX GH5S 4K Digital CameraGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording CamcorderGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKORGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Canon VIXIA HF G40Good Choice
| Check Price | |
Sony ILCE7S/B Alpha a7SGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IIIGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Canon PowerShot Digital Camera [G7 X Mark II]Good Choice
| Check Price | |
Sony HXR-NX100Amazon’s Choice
| Check Price | |
Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D]Good Choice
| Check Price |
Read Also: (Top9) Best Webcam for YouTube Videos
Best Low Light Video Camera Reviews
Panasonic 4K Video Camera Camcorder HC-WXF991K
The Panasonic WXF991K is the ultimate of a hand-held 4K video recording, with a number of in-camera cinema artistic and editing options that allow anybody to film and produce like a pro.
Panasonic WXF991K comes with Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) that makes your recording experience semi-professional.
The WXF991 supports in-camera downsampling to 1080p Full HD screens for individuals who don’t have access to 4K screens.
Use a second built-in camera to record multi-camera scenario picture-in-picture recording, or add a WiFi link to a mobile device camera to expand your creative options.
This camera also has features like Dolly Zoom, Slow/Quick motion, 4K Post Cropping, Stabilization and Zoom. This is what makes it the best low light video camera under $1000.
Other than that, WXF991Kwill allow you to shoot in Exclusive High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode.
Key Features
- Ultra-sharp 4K Ultra HD recording
- LEICA Dicomar Lens optical 20x zoom
- Lectronic Viewfinder (EVF)
- Built-in Twin Camera
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Sony NEW Alpha 7S III Mirrorless Camera
The 7S III sets the standard for photographers with extraordinary full-frame movie capabilities, featuring high sensitivity (increased ISO up to 409600), 15-stop broad dynamic range, 4K 120p1, fast and consistent autofocusing, and extra-strong image stabilisation.
The Sony a7S III is one of the best low light camera under $4000 you can purchase right now in terms of sheer power.
The Sony A7S III can see in the dark because to its ISO limit of 409,600, and its full-frame sensor makes the most out of every pixel.
This device has an image quality like no other, and its theatre 4K footage is among the finest you can get with a camera of this size and budget.
It’s a camera that’s clearly geared towards video, which explains the camera’s unexpectedly modest megapixel resolution of 12MP.
This is wonderful for low-light situations, but if you’re a stills purist who wants to print your photos, it could be a little lacking.
Key Features
- Vari-angle LCD monitor
- Two CFexpress media slots
- Low noise images
- w/ ISO up to 409,6003
Panasonic Full HD HC-V770 Camcorder
The HC-HDR V770’s Movie mode takes crisp, detailed images in both bright and dark environments. The HDR Movie feature avoids blown highlights and blocked shadows by merging two photographs shot at different exposure intervals. This results in sharper, clearer films.
The Panasonic HC-V770 Full HD Camcorder has a 20x Optical Zoom and a 4-drive lens setup.
This 1080p camera produces clean photos with superb clarity in both bright and dark environments thanks to its HDR Movie mode (High Dynamic Range).
The camcorder’s Wi-Fi capabilities enable it to do a range of jobs, including remote shooting and viewing via the Panasonic smartphone app, as well as picture-in-picture style video recording using your mobile as a sub camera.
You may also watch livestreamed events or keep an eye on the infant from wherever. When the audio sensor detects the infant awake or screaming, a push notification is sent.
The HC-BSI V770’s (Back Side Illumination Sensor) offers a wide effective area of 6.03M effective pixels, which suppresses noise even in low illuminated situations like interior sceneries or nightscapes.
It creates incredibly gorgeous photos with the slightest of details. Miniature Effect, 8mm Movie, Silent Movie, and Time Lapse Recording are among the filter effects available on the HC-V770 camera.
Key Features
- 20x Optical Zoom
- Wireless Twin Camera Uses Your Smartphone
- BSI Sensor
- Flexible LCD
Panasonic LUMIX GH5S 4K Digital Camera
Upgrade to Panasonic’s professional-grade LUMIX GH5s C4K interchangeable lens camera standard. Its mirrorless solutions allow professional Cinematic and Anamorphic 4K video production with great performance, endurance, portability, and low light capturing.
We suggest Panasonic’s LUMIX GH5S as one of the best low light video cameras under $2000.
In terms of performance, it is neck and neck with the Sony a7 III.
Due to its dual ISO on the 4K-optimized sensor and larger pixels, the GH5S excels in low-light filmmaking.
Even with higher ISO settings, this provides for simple grain removal. The GH5S boasts a unique combination of capabilities that make it ideal for high-dynamic-range (HDR) filming.
It has a Vlog-L colour profile with 4:2:2 colour subsampling, 10-bit colours, and a Vlog-L colour profile, which allows you to alter the colours in post-production.
It even features 4K internal recording with 10-bit resolution, which the Sony a7 III lacks.
Key Features
- 4:2:2 10-bit Internal Recording
- DMW-XLR1 Microphone
- Multiple Aspect Ratios
- Durable magnesium alloy body
Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder
Your memories deserve clarity that only 4K Ultra HD can deliver. With Sony FDRAX53/B, you’ll always get the ideal photo with a wide-angle lens, a 20x zoom, and the unsurpassed stability of Balanced Optical Steady Shot.
Next on our list of the best low light video camera for hunting and other outdoor activities, we have Sony FDRAX53/B that features 4K XAVC-S recording with 16.6MP.
This device shoots in 4K Ultra HD (38402160), which is equivalent to 8 megapixels compared to 2 megapixels in Full HD.
This model offers Sony’s finest Balanced Optical Steadyshot (BOSS) picture stabilisation, in addition to shooting at 4 times the resolution of HD.
Despite being a consumer model, this camcorder offers numerous high-end features, including a premium Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T lens f2.0-38. (20x optical and 30x extended zoom).
Because the industry is moving toward 4K resolution in TVs, shooting at this quality will future-proof your films.
You can crop or zoom in on 4K footage while maintaining Full HD quality, it may also be utilised for Full HD video creation.
Key Features
- 4K XAVC-S recording with 16.6MP
- Exmor R sensor
- B.O.SS stabilization
- 3.0″ LCD
Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR
It is the greatest camera for night video at an affordable price. It can record HD movies and features an 11-point focus system. Using a specific app, you may share your films over Bluetooth mode. The battery, on the other hand, has a very extended life span.
The D3400 and a great NIKKOR lens produce photos and films that are as colourful and vivid as the moments they record.
It’s not an issue to shoot in really low light.
Stop fast-moving motion in its tracks. Create portraits with gorgeous blurred backgrounds and rich, realistic skin tones. Everyone, including yourself, will be awestruck by the images you post.
When you take a photo with the D3400, it is instantly uploaded to your compatible mobile device, where it may be shared.
SnapBridge syncs with Nikon Image Space, a cloud storage and sharing service, to enable you back up your photographs and build and share galleries with friends and relatives.
Other than that, this camera is designed to be on the go, with the help of its compact and lightweight design.
Key Features
- 24.2MP sensor
- Native ISO range from 100–25,600
- Snap Bridge Bluetooth Connectivity
Canon VIXIA HF G40
With its Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom lens and extremely sensitive HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with increased low-light performance, Canon’s VIXIA HF G40 camcorder produces clear, Full HD footage in practically any lighting conditions.
Canon VIXIA HF G40 is the best handheld low light video camera that you can buy this year.
When shooting handheld, a DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor boosts operations and allows the lens’ image stabilisation for clean shots.
The camera’s 3.5-inch touch-capacitive display and tiltable electronic viewfinder make it easy to use in a variety of circumstances.
For natural colour and detail, a variety of manual parameters are combined with Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority.
The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder has a modified 1/2.84-inch, 2.91 Megapixel HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor that records roughly 2136 x 1362 pixels for extraordinarily clear and detailed high-definition video recording.
The VIXIA HF G40’s enhanced signal-to-noise ratio helps produce colourful, precise recording thanks to the sensor’s increased sensitivity.
You can simply share your HD video thanks to the built-in dual-band (5 GHz/2.4 GHz) Wi-Fi technology.
You can also handle important camcorder functions like recording start/stop and zoom from a distance (in three different speeds).
Key Features
- HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor
- 1080/60p Recording in MP4
- 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens
- 3.5-inch OLED Viewscreen
Sony ILCE7S/B Alpha a7S
A 12.2 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor is combined with a strong BIONZ X picture processor in the revolutionary Sony Alpha 7S.
The 7S can shoot from ISO 100 – 4096004 with minimal noise and a dynamic range of 15.3 stops, which is unmatched.
Its extra-large pixels gather far more light than standard cameras, resulting in highly detailed, low-noise photographs in even the most difficult lighting conditions.
7S is the world’s first 35mm camera to use ‘direct pixel readout,’ which uses the complete width of the full-frame picture sensor without pixel binning or line skipping.
The award-winning 7R camera’s high-precision Fast Intelligent AF technology is used in the 7S, which enhances AF sensitivity in low-light situations down to EV -4.
Sony’s newest image sensor technology is used in this device, including a larger-than-normal pixel size on the 35mm full-frame image sensor with effective 12.2MP.
Key Features
- 35mm large pixel image sensor
- High ISO up to 409,600 w/ fast
- New-generation RGB filter
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
With a 22MP full frame CMOS sensor to 61-point AF system, Canon EOS 5D is here to stay. This device works effectively if you are into low light photography.
Next on our list of best low light cameras, we have Canon EOS 5D Mark III. High-resolution picture capture is designed to function with turbocharged EOS speed and full frame.
Special optical features such as 61-Point High Density Reticular AF and an ISO range of 100-25600 make it perfect for recording weddings in the studio, on location, and in still photography.
Professional-level high-definition video features include a number of industry-standard filming protocols as well as improved performance, allowing you to shoot stunning dramatic movies in EOS HD quality.
When capturing images, a 22.3 Megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Canon DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, and shooting speeds of up to 6.0 frames per second give remarkable clarity and sharpness.
Key Features
- 6 frames per second
- ISO 100 – 25600 range
- 61-point AF system
Canon PowerShot Digital Camera [G7 X Mark II]
The PowerShot G7 X Mark II camera, which blends exciting performance and reliability with a small design, will keep you motivated.
When we talk about the best low light video cameras, Canon has different devices to offer.
Here we talk about G7 X Mark II which comes with a 1.0-inch sensor, a powerful DIGIC 7 Image Processor, a quick 4.2x Optical Zoom lens, and other features that can help you shoot stunning photographs anytime inspiration strikes.
A strong camera is powered by a 1.0-inch 20.1 MP* CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 Image Processor, while the lens has a brilliant aperture value of f/1.8–2.8 and an Optical Zoom of 4.2x (24mm–100mm).
With high-speed continuous shooting up to 8.0 frames per second, you can quickly capture action photos.
Continuous shooting is available in RAW**, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG** modes, allowing you to capture the moment just as you want it.
Key Features
- 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- 3.0 inches LCD monitor
- Built in WiFi
Sony HXR-NX100
HXR-NX100 is an expensive, small Full-HD camera capable of stunning results. Featuring three separate manual lens rings, plus clever completely auto choices, the HXR-NX100 is a good choice.
In a rugged yet small design, the NX100 provides all of the professional features you want.
The HXR-NX100 has substantially better sensitivity than camcorders in its class because to the 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor.
The 1.0 sensor is bright, has higher resolution, and provides more blurring with a narrow depth of field than any other camcorder in its price category, enabling you to capture stunning, dramatic photographs that will impress both you and your customers.
The NX100 provides a significant improvement in imaging performance while also supporting a variety of recording formats, including XAVC-S 50Mbps, AVCHD, and DV file-based recording.
Sony created a high-quality 29mm wide-angle G Lens particularly for the NX100, allowing it to record even the vastest settings with exceptional clarity.
Sony’s By Pixel Super Resolution Technology, which can increase a picture by an extra 24x while maintaining picture quality, substantially improves a 12x optical zoom.
Key Features
- 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor
- 29mm wide-angle G Lens
- 12x optical zoom
- 48x Digital Zoom
Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D]
The EOS 80D camera is the solution if you want to up your photographic game to SLR level or just have fun with a feature-rich, adaptable SLR you can use pretty much everywhere.
Last on our list of best low light video cameras, we have Canon EOS 80D.
It has a 45-point all cross-type AF technology that enables high-speed, high-precision AF in nearly every lighting condition.
This camera has enhanced low brightness performance to EV -3 in dim circumstances and is suitable with most EF lenses (lenses with maximum apertures of f/8 or higher, and certain extender-equipped lenses may function at a maximum of 27 points).
It also has four alternative AF area selection settings that may be used in a variety of AF settings.
The Intelligent Viewfinder aids artists in maintaining focus on their subject, allowing them to snap the perfect shot at the appropriate time. The EOS 80D’s performance is improved across the board with to its strong 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for Live View photography.
Key Features
- 45-point AF
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Intelligent Viewfinder
How to Choose the Best Video Camera for Low Light Recordings: Buyer’s Guide
There are a number of things you must consider before choosing the best low light video camera.
Sensor Size
Sensor size is significant in most aspects of photography, but it becomes much more critical when shooting in low light. The gold standard for capturing the most light is full frame cameras (those with sensors equal to 35mm film cameras). Capturing more light is always beneficial, but when light beams are rare, it becomes a problem. In low-light situations, a full frame camera will nearly always outperform an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera.
ISO
ISO refers to the amount of light that your sensor can catch. When you boost ISO, you may raise your shutter speed, which is very beneficial when taking handheld or trying to capture moving things. High ISOs, on the other hand, have a lot of drawbacks. The higher you set your ISO, the more noise you’ll get in your image—but some cameras are better than others at handling high ISOs. To put it another way, just because a camera can capture at a high ISO is does not mean you must!
Noise
It is the distortion that occurs in digital images when the ISO is raised to a high level, and it can be difficult to avoid while photographing in low light. Noise in an image shows as changes in brightness and hue in the snapshot, comparable to grain in film photography—and it doesn’t look nice. A noisy image will be blurry and unappealing to the eye. Photography at lower ISOs with wider apertures reduces noise levels.
FAQs Related to Low Light Cameras for Videography
All the options in our article are good if you wish to shoot during the night time. Panasonic 4K (HC-WXF991K) and Sony NEW Alpha 7S III are amazing options as well.
Sensor size, ISO, noise are a few features that you must look out for before choosing the best low light camera.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera will generate better video quality than a camcorder in low light merely as they have a bigger sensor. For low-light video and stills, a big sensor is required.
Yes, DSLR is a good option for taking videos.
Final Words
Here I conclude this article on best low light video camera that you can purchase on Amazon.
Just find one best option for you and enjoy filming even in the low light destinations.