The best compact cameras deliver excellent image quality. It has amazing features all-in-one package. A compact camera is a camera with a fixed lens, unlike DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, which have an interchangeable lens mount. The lens might be a big zoom or a small prime. In this article we will discuss the best compact cameras for low light photography.
With a long zoom, a large sensor or a full suite of manual controls, these compact cameras offer things that even the best phone cameras physically can’t, and at the highest level can produce images on a par with the best mirrorless or DSLR cameras.
Smaller, travel-friendly compacts that deliver excellent value for money, including both cheap and premium options. Fujifilm X100VI is the most popular camera in recent years .
Best Camera For Low Light : Compact Cameras For Low Light Photography
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the best low-light camera. It improves upon the Canon EOS R6 in several ways, including a higher-resolution sensor, an updated autofocus system, and improved video features like uncropped 4k video at up to 60 fps. Despite its higher resolution, the R6 Mark II still performs incredibly well in low light, with amazing low-light noise handling. The added resolution also gives you more flexibility to crop your photos.
It has an incredibly effective autofocus system, with subject tracking that works well even in low light. The camera’s five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system can also help you slow down your shutter speed, therefore reducing noise when shooting handheld. Lens selection is relatively limited for Canon’s RF mount.
Best Upper Mid-Range Camera For Low Light
Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is an amazing camera with a reasonable price range . This full-frame model has top-tier noise-handling performance. You’ll get exceptionally clean image files even in poor lighting. The original Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a steal of a camera, and the S5 II has a new phase-detection autofocus system.
This camera is a video powerhouse, with advanced features like internal 10-bit recording, 4k at up to 60 fps, and a wide range of recording formats and codecs. L mount lenses aren’t the cheapest. If you’re more strictly interested in photography, the Nikon Z 6II is another great option at this price point. It lacks the S5 II’s more advanced video features, but it’s a great low-light performer for photography, with excellent ergonomics and an even more reliable autofocus system.
Best Mid-Range Camera For Low Light
The Sony α6700 is one of the best mid-range options. Sony cameras typically perform well in low light, and the α6700 is no exception. It uses an APS-C sensor, this hybrid model is very well-rounded, with one of the most sophisticated autofocus systems on the market, IBIS, and 4k video recording at up to 120 fps. This camera has amazing native and third-party lenses , with some offering excellent value, like Sigma’s trio of f/1.4 prime lenses that are all well-suited for low-light shooting.
Fujifilm X-S20, which goes toe to toe with the α6700 in many ways. Like the Sony, it has IBIS, a high-res APS-C sensor, and high-end video specs. Fujifilm also offers some of the fastest APS-C prime lenses on the market. Its AF system isn’t as reliable as the Sony. Photographers who want to save money can also consider the older Fujifilm X-S10, which uses the same sensor as the X-S20.
Compact Cameras For Low Light Photography :
Best Entry-Level Camera For Low Light
The Nikon Z 5 isn’t the camera to get if you’re interested in shooting video. It has severely cropped 4k recording and a slow burst rate relative to higher-end models. If you do not find a better full-frame camera body at this price point, making it the best camera for night photography for entry-level shooters.
It has an excellent full-frame sensor that captures fantastic overall image quality, superb ergonomics, and a high-res EVF, and it even includes some premium features like dual SD card slots and IBIS. Nikon’s Z series has some fantastic lens options, particularly within the premium S Line.
Best Budget Camera For Low Light
The Canon EOS R50 is a great choice for low-light shooting on a budget. It’s an especially good choice for people jumping from a smartphone to their first dedicated camera. Its portable size also makes it easy to take on the go, whether for everyday shooting or travel photography.
Canon EOS R50 has a small size. The R50 has an excellent sensor that performs well for its class, even in trickier lighting. While its autofocus system isn’t as advanced as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great alternative with a more established lens ecosystem. It even has IBIS, which is rare at this price point. However, its autofocus system is much less reliable.
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Best Camera For Low Light Video
The Sony ZV-E1 isn’t just the most advanced vlogging camera on the market. It’s also one of the best low-light video cameras. It uses the same low-light-optimized sensor as the high-end Sony α7S III and Sony FX3 but sits at a significantly lower price point. ZV-E1 records incredibly high-quality video, even in the trickiest lighting conditions. It’s also remarkably compact for a full-frame camera and includes IBIS, so it’s a good fit for run-and-gun style videography.
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5s is another great option for low-light video, with a low-resolution sensor and dual-native ISO that makes it more efficient in low light. It’s a smaller sensor than the ZV-E1, but opting for the Micro Four Thirds system means more compact lens options and a more effective IBIS system.
Best Compact Camera: Fujifilm X100VI
Pros
- In-body image stabilisation.
- Detailed crisp images.
- Unique design and handling.
- One-of-a-kind viewfinder.
- 6.2K video recording.
Cons
- Fixed lenses will not be for everyone.
- Full weather-sealing costs extra.
At A Glance:
- 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor.
- Fixed 35mm equivalent f/2 lens.
- In-Body Image Stabilisation – 6 stops (5-axis).
- 6.2K 30p, 4K 60p, and 1080p 240p video.
- $1,599 / £1,599, €1,799.
The Fujifilm X100VI is indeed a very capable and well-featured camera. It boasts the highest resolution sensor on our list with 40.2MP, as well as 5-axis In-body image stabilization. While reviewing we found that this allows sharp hand-held shots with shutter speeds as slow as 1/8s and 1/4s.
The small body has a retro design. It has the same sensor and processor as the X-T5. With the X-Processor 5, you get subject recognition autofocus and tracking, with birds, planes, and automobiles all being detected. There’s also human face and eye detection.
The film simulation modes made the X100-series so special in the first place, so Fujifim’s appealing feature has been added to this latest model too, with the new addition REALA ICE mode now it has 20 distinct options in total.
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Best Compact For Action: Sony Cyber-Shot Rx100 Vii
Pros
- Excellent zoom range.
- High-speed 24fps shooting.
- Pop-up viewfinder.
Cons
- Very expensive.
At a glance:
- 20MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor.
- 24-200mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5 lens.
- 20fps shooting.
- 4K video recording.
- Price: $1,298 / £1,048.
The ultimate offering in portability and overall image quality has to be the Sony RX100 VII. Sony RX100 VII has a one-inch sensor. It has 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) lens which offers an f/2.8-f/4.5 maximum aperture. High-speed shooting is available. The autofocus system is also pretty impressive.
Other exciting features include 4K video, in-built wi-fi and a tilting LCD touchscreen. It also has an electronic viewfinder which pops out from the corner of the camera.
Best Retro Compact Camera: Fujifilm X100v
Pros
- Gorgeous image quality.
- A pleasure to use.
- Stylish looks.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Difficult to find.
At A Glance:
- 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor.
- 23mm F2.0 lens (35mm equivalent).
- Hybrid Viewfinder (OVF EVF).
- 3-inch, 1.62-million-dot, two-way tilting touchscreen.
- 4K video at 30fps.
- Compatible with legacy conversion lenses.
- Price: around $1,970 / £1,360 used.
The Fujifilm X100V isn’t just a good-looking camera. It also takes excellent photos. It has a 26MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, and an updated lens design improves macro performance. The lens on the front is a 23mm f/2.0 prime lens, giving a 35mm equivalent (in 35mm terms).
It has a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder that can give you the best of both worlds, and give you the true rangefinder camera experience. The touchscreen on the back tilts which can help with awkward angles, or when you want to ‘shoot from the hip’.
Best Pocket Camera: Ricoh Gr Iiix
Pros
- Fast, reactive focusing.
- 3-axis stabilisation.
- Useful all-purpose focal length.
Cons
- Quite a niche proposition.
At A Glance:
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
- 26.1mm f/2.8 (40mm equivalent) lens.
- 100-102,400 ISO range.
- 3-inch, 1.04m-dot, fixed touchscreen.
- Full HD video.
- Price: $1,049 / £999.
The Ricoh GR IIIx, like the Fujifilm X100V, has an APS-C CMOS Sensor; impressive considering the compact size of the camera. It features a 26.1mm f/2.8 lens, equivalent to 40mm (in 35mm terms), and the camera has a clever ‘Snap’ focus system so you can quickly get shots without any delay from focusing, making it another great street camera.
The Ricoh GR IIIx is the latest digital iteration of the cult classic Ricoh GR film camera. It is designed to be a pocketable camera (weighing just 262g) that you can take anywhere. There’s also built-in sensor-shift shake reduction, which moves the 24MP sensor on 3-axis to counter any shake.
There’s a 3-inch touch-screen on the back. The GR IIIx handles really well. It has a rapid sub-one-second start up time, quick shutter response, comfortable single-handed operation and intuitive controls.
The Ricoh GR IIIx is a well positioned niche alternative to smartphones and big cameras, offering a wonderful mix of the two.Smartphone users considering a ‘real’ camera, and experienced photographers who want a ‘proper’ photographic tool in their pocket. But, first and foremost, it needs to deliver excellent image quality in any kind of light
Frequently Asked Questions
(1)What Camera Lens Is Best For Low Light?
A. A lens with a wide aperture is good for low light photography. Depending on the budget or the focal length, this means f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/1.8 or even f/2.0.The lower the number, the more light gets in.The cheapest lens is usually a 50mm-equivalent.
(2)What Are The Suitable Cameras For Low Light Conditions?
- Nikon Z7 II. Best all rounder: The Z7 II is especially good for astro and low light photography.
- Nikon D850. Best DSLR: The D850 is the best DSLR for low light photography and videography.
Conclusion
Low-light photography can be challenging.But with the right compact camera, you can turn those dimly lit moments into breathtaking images. Whether you’re capturing the warm glow of city lights, the mystery of a candle-lit dinner, or the serene beauty of a starry night, the right camera makes all the difference.In this article we have discussed best compact cameras for low light photography.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Panasonic LUMIX S5 II offer unbeatable performance.These are mostly used by professionals. The Sony α6700 and Fujifilm X-S20 have amazing power and are available in an affordable range. If you want to start photography, the Nikon Z5 and Canon EOS R50 are excellent starting points. If you buy the right camera then you do not just see the beauty of the night, but also capture images with amazing clarity.
