Nowadays it’s easier than ever to find plenty of modern video cameras that allow you to capture high-quality footage. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on just any camera to capture crisp clear videos in low light conditions. Below are our top picks for the best low light video cameras 2019, including leading options from brands like Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm. For more background information, see our quick comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

ProductsSensorsVideo QualityMax ISOLatest Price
Sony A7S II35mm (35.6mm x 23.8mm)4K @ 30fps
FHD @ 120fps
409,600Check here
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S4/3 (17.3mm x 13.0mm)4K @ 60fps
FHD @ 240fps
51,200Check here
Sony A7 III35mm (35.6mm x 23.8mm)4K @ 30fps
FHD @ 120fps
51,200Check here
Canon VIXIA HF M401/3-inch (4.8 x 3.6 mm)1080p1,250Check here
Sony a6500APS-C (23.5mm x 15.6mm)4K @ 30fps
FHD @ 120fps
25,600Check here
Panasonic GH54/3 (17.3mm x 13.0mm)4K @ 60fps
FHD @ 180fps
12,800Check here
Sony Alpha a6300APS-C (23.5mm x 15.6mm)4K @ 30fps
FHD @ 120fps
25,600Check here
Sony RX100 V1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)4K @ 30fps
FHD @ 120fps
12,800Check here
Fujifilm X-H1APS-C (23.6mm x 15.6mm)4K @ 24fps
FHD @ 120fps
12,800Check here
Nikon DF35mm (36.0mm x 23.9mm)FHD @ 30fps
720p @ 60 fps
12,800Check here

Without further ado, let us get down to the main products.

Part1. Best Low Light Video Cameras

1. Sony A7S II

If 4K video and low light are your thing, Sony A7S II is a great option. It has long been hailed by the industry as the king of low light full-frame mirrorless cameras ever since its introduction.

For a little bit more than $2000, this camera can produce similar results to camera systems costing 10x more. Anyone on 4 figure budgets can use it to take full advantage of the sharp and fast 35mm interchangeable lenses to get clean low light video in 4K at 30fps or FHD at up to 120fps. It’s so sensitive that you can see even more detail in the dark through its view finder with a f/4 lens than you can see with your naked eye.

The resolution is kept to 12MP so it allows the A7S II work faster than its predecessors, also it ensures better light gathering power and improved video quality.  If you think the resolution as a kind of limitation or drawbacks, come and see me. I will show you an outstanding 20 x 30″ prints taken with this camera.

Pros

  • Wi-Fi and NFC compatibility
  • Excellent resolution in low light conditions
  • Superb ISO range
  • It has a 5-axis image stabilization to minimize distortion
  • Impressive shutter speed
  • Has a compact and durable construction

Cons

  • Falls in the higher price range
  • Battery life is short (only a few hundred shots), but it comes with two batteries.
  • The interior might corrode when exposed to humid conditions

2. Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S

Not every camera has low light ability, Panasonic believes they may have the answer.

The Lumix GH5S is essentially the same camera as the GH5 before it, but take a closer look and you will notice some major improvements in its imaging pipeline. As a result of that you won’t get an all rounder but rather a camera that is specifically focused on 2 niches: low light photography (such as astrophography) and videography.

This camera records cinema 4K video at 60fps (or FHD at up to 240fps) for the best quality possible. What’s more you can record HDR video in Hybrid-log Gamma. The 10.2MP sensor gives you 14 stops of dynamic range and it’s perhaps the best low light sensor that’s micro four-thirds that we’ve seen yet. Its low-light ISO performance is simply impressive when you consider the size of the sensor, all because of the Dual Native ISO the sensor has.

The GH5S has a large LCD and plenty of controls, but I wouldn’t recommend it to those who travel a lot because of its bulky nature. It also boasts of a night mode that allows you to dim the LCD and the viewfinder separately to deliver better focus in poor light conditions.

Pros

  • Functions excellently in low light conditions
  • Has a good battery
  • Uses an OLED electronic viewfinder
  • Has a great ISO performance

Cons

  • Lacks in-body image stabilization
  • Quite bulky

3. Sony A7 III

While the high-resolution Sony A7R, high-ISO A7S and high-speed A9 are all specialists, the base Sony A7 has always been more of a generalist. It’s okay at a variety of tasks but doesn’t excel in any one or at least that’s how it used to be.

When Sony introduced the A7 III, it proudly claimed it would redefine what it meant to be a basic camera with this combination of excellent image quality even in dim lighting situations, blazing fast performance and really solid video features. This isn’t just an affordable entry-level model, it’s an aspirational product of its own and probably the most valuable camera in Sony’s full-frame lineup.

Like the A7 and A7 II before it, the Mark III is built around a 24 megapixel sensor. But this one is now backside illuminated, meaning more surface area is exposed to light, making it more sensitive.

Unless you absolutely need more resolution, the A7III  is just about equal or better than any other full-frame camera on the market for both low and high ISO shooting. Adding to this, the 10 frames per second continuous shooting speed and it has more than enough speed for most photographers. Plus you get the 693 point autofocus system from the A9, a camera that costs more than twice as much. And don’t forget about the five axis stabilization which is now good for five stops of Shake Reduction.

Pros

  • Has weather-sealing features
  • Has built-in Wi-Fi and supports NFC
  • Includes a tilting, touchscreen LCD
  • Supports USB type charging
  • Has high megapixels

Cons

  • Problems in reading the memory card
  • Tends to overheat easily

4. Canon VIXIA HF M40

Are you working on a budget and you wish to get your first low light conditions video camera? If you are, you might want to check out this affordable camera. This camera allows you to record up to six hours of quality videos.

It comes fitted with a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor that captures 1080p HD videos. This camcorder has ISO 1250, which allows you to capture high-quality footage even in low light conditions. It captures crisp and clear videos in such conditions, and its performance gets better in normal lighting conditions.

Another aspect that impressed me about this camera is its excellent image control, which allows you to adjust it to get the perfect shot. It also has image stabilization that helps you capture footage in different situations. You can also connect it to external microphones through its 3.5mm jack.

Pros

  • Quite affordable
  • Has excellent low light sensitivity and range
  • Combines both manual and automatic control modes
  • Has excellent image quality
  • Compact design

Cons

  • Still images are only limited to 2MP
  • The microphone enhances wind noise
  • The LCD touchscreen is not so impressive


5. Sony a6500

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqwLH19qK6c

Are you tired of using your smartphone to capture videos whenever you travel? If you are, you might consider getting yourself the a6500 mirrorless digital camera. The camera features a lightweight design, and it comes fitted with a 2.96-inch LCD.

The camera also boasts of a 24.2 megapixels APS-C Exmor sensor. The sensor allows you to adjust its light sensitivity up to ISO 51,200. Moreover, it has a 5-axis in-body image stabilization that allows you to capture images and videos that aren’t distorted in low light environments.

Additionally, this camera has excellent noise-reduction capabilities that allow it to eliminate the brightness and colors that could compromise the quality of your videos. The camera also provides 11 frames per second continuous shooting to 269 frames. What’s more, it allows you to capture high-quality 4K videos.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Excellent video quality and resolution
  • Its accessories are available at an affordable price
  • Fast and reliable auto-focus
  • Fair price for the quality and specs

Cons

  • Battery life is not impressive
  • The menu system is a bit crampy

6. Panasonic GH5

Capturing quality stills and videos in low light conditions might prove to be a daunting task for a beginner. That’s why I thought you might want to try out the Panasonic GH5. This is a mirrorless camera that features exemplary performance to meet your shooting needs. It also has a compact construction, thus allowing easier handling and use.

The camera is capable of delivering professional-grade video quality thanks to its 20.3 Micro Four Thirds sensor. The sensor delivers a maximum ISO range of 12,800, and it has no low pass filter. These aspects allow you to use it in a variety of conditions with a high dynamic range and noise-reduction capabilities.

The camera also has an5-axis dual IS system plus in-body stabilization – features that allow you to capture high-quality 4K videos at 20/50 frames per second.

Pros

  • Has manual and automatic exposure settings
  • Performs well in low light conditions
  • Has a compact and lightweight design
  • Boasts of a durable construction
  • Superb image and video quality
  • Excellent autofocus in low light conditions

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a built-in flash
  • A bit pricey
  • Menus are not straightforward

7. Sony Alpha a6300

This mirrorless camera could help you capture high-quality stills and videos, and it delivers all that at a fair cost. The camera also has superb construction. Its design incorporates a weather-sealed magnesium body that enhances its durability.

But wait, there is more. This camera has one of the fastest autofocus in its category. It has a speed of 0.05 seconds it comes fitted with an advanced 24.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor that helps to increase sensitivity and reduce noise distortion. It has a maximum ISO of 25,600

The camera allows you to capture up to 11 frames per second, full HD and 4K videos. Interestingly, it also comes fitted with a high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder to improve your viewing. It also has a retractable zoom lens that allows you to capture videos better.

Pros

  • Comes with an excellent sensor size to capture quality footage
  • Delivers exemplary results in low light conditions
  • Features quality construction
  • Delivers fast and continuous shooting
  • Has an electronic viewfinder

Cons

  • The LCD is not a touchscreen
  • The menu system is a bit confusing

8. Sony RX100 V

Sony is at it again with a high-quality video camera that will allow you to capture images and videos in poor lighting conditions, the RX100 V. The camera has a compact design, and it has a superbly first auto-focus with speed of 0.05 seconds. This camera delivers continuous shooting of up to 24 frames per second with AF/AE tracking.

The camera is designed to capture high-quality 4K videos, and it has a wide 315 A point coverage. This feature allows it to track and follow fast moving objects. Additionally, the camera is designed with 20.1 megapixels that allow it to capture high-resolution images. You can follow the objects through its impressive LCD.

Another interesting feature on this camera is its super slow motion that allows you to record videos at 960 frames per second.

Pros

  • Excellent tracking accuracy
  • Has a super slow motion mode
  • Captures high-resolution images and videos
  • It has a superfast autofocus
  • Maximum ISO of 12,800

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Might overheat when you shoot 4K videos over extended periods

9. Fujifilm X-H1

I consider Fujifilm X-H1 one of the top rated low light video cameras that the photography industry has to offer today. Maybe you might share a similar opinion once you see what it has to offer. It has a maximum ISO of 12,800, which is adequate to let you capture videos in poor lighting conditions without worrying about noise distortion. The camera is compatible with all XC and XF lenses, and you can choose the one that works best for you.

It also features 5.5-stops in-body image stabilization, plus new high-resolution EVF. Intriguingly, the VF resolution is quite smooth. It has a frame rate of 100 fps and a delay time lag of 0.005 seconds. Additionally, the camera has a 1080/120P high-speed video mode. It comes with a focal plane shutter and it has dust- and waterproof qualities.

Pros

  • Resistant to dust and water
  • Its quality construction makes it scratch-resistant.
  • You can operate it in temperatures below 10 degrees C.
  • Has large dials that are easily accessible
  • Has excellent image stabilization

Cons

  • Quite bulky
  • The touchscreen is too sensitive
  • You may accidentally change unlocked settings

10. Nikon DF

Nikon has put in a lot of work on this camera to ensure that it can capture the footage you want in low light conditions. They have designed it to feature ISO sensitivity with a maximum range of 12,800 ISOs.

The camera features an impressive, slim, and sleek body design. Its design also features a 16.2 megapixels image sensor paired with EXPEED 3 image processing for shutters. The camera also allows you to use AF-D, AF-S, and AF NIKKOR lenses.

The DF delivers continuous shooting at 5.5 frames per second, and it features a 39-point auto-focus system with 9 cross-type points. It also has a wireless mobile adapter that allows you to share your footage.

Pros

  • Compatible with smartphones and tablets
  • Has a slim design
  • Supports multiple lenses
  • Has excellent dynamic control

Cons

  • It uses retro controls, which are a thing of the past
  • It has a small battery

Part2. Low Light Video Cameras Buying Guide

1. Types of Video Cameras

Before making any purchase decision, however, you need to know about the different types of video cameras. Selecting the right type of camera for your needs makes capturing videos a seamless task.

Here are the types of video cameras that you are likely to find on the market.

I. Point-and-shoot cameras

The first type of cameras that you can find is the point-and-shoot cameras. They are basic cameras, which makes them very easy to use. This aspect makes them suitable for individuals that have rudimentary knowledge about video cameras. With this type of cameras, you don’t need to do much; just point it at the subject or object you need to shoot, and the camera will capture the footage automatically.

You don’t need to adjust the settings to capture your footage. They come with features such as auto-exposure, automatic white balancing, and auto-focus.

II. Camcorders

Camcorders have been around for quite some time. Previously, you could only find analog camcorders that only allowed you to capture footage, and you could only play back your recording on a television set. Today, however, there are digital camcorders that provide you with much more options.

Camcorders require you to shoot footage using your hands, and this could result in jittery videos. Fortunately, there are models that feature image stabilization to sort out this problem. Others also come with a HDMI output that allows you to connect them to an HD-TV.

III. Bridge cameras

Lastly, we have bridge cameras. They are also referred to as Ultra Zoom cameras. The cameras have good quality because they provide you with a closer zoom. They combine the features of both point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras, and they run on automatic functions. As a result, you can use such cameras to capture events like concerts.

IV. Mirrorless cameras

The other type of cameras that you can find on the market are mirrorless cameras. These cameras usually have outstanding video quality and come with interchangeable lenses. These features ensure that the cameras have superior functionality.

However, these cameras don’t have an optical viewfinder and a mirror.

As compared to DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter. They also have an excellent auto-focus, and they come with modern systems that deliver a balanced performance.

V. DSLR cameras

Next up, we have DSLR cameras. Overall, they are the most popular types of video cameras because of their excellent functionality and quality. These cameras also have interchangeable lenses, which allows you to customize them to your shooting needs. Interestingly DSLR cameras are more affordable as compared to mirrorless cameras. What’s more, they are quite versatile.

If you wish to purchase a camera that you can easily travel with regularly, however, I would advise against getting a DSLR camera. This is because of their bulkiness and size.

VI. Action cameras

Do you like capturing thrilling events such as extreme sports? If you do, then you might want to check out action cameras. These types of cameras normally have a small and lightweight design. You could also distinguish them through their rugged construction. Action cameras are best suited for outdoor activities because of their hands-free operation.

You can also wear them on your body to capture the footage that you would like. Have you ever seen a footage of someone surfing with a camera attached to his body? Well, he must have been using an action camera.

2. Things to consider before buying low light video cameras

When you venture into the market to get yourself the best low light video cameras, you first need to understand that you will find numerous brands of cameras on the market. As a result, establishing the quality of a camera should be your focus. The quality of a camera, however, depends on the features and specifications that it comes fitted with. That said, here are some of the essential things that you need to look out for before buying a low light video camera.

I. ISO

One of the most critical features to look out for in a low light video camera is the ISO. ISO was previously referred to as film speed. It measures the light sensitivity of your camera’s sensor. Fortunately, modern cameras allow you to easily adjust ISO. It is imperative for you to get a camera with an effective ISO. This is because increasing ISO enables you to enhance the camera’s shutter speed. The higher shutter speed allows you to capture even objects in motion effectively.

You need to know, however, that high ISO results in more noise, which could cause your video to be unattractive. Different cameras have different ISOs, and your camera’s noise-reduction capabilities and sensor will determine its maximum ISO. Your camera’s ISO determines whether you can capture high-quality videos in tough light conditions.

II. Noise

Shooting footage in low light conditions is more hectic as compared to shooting in areas that have excellent lighting. As a result, you may need to adjust your camera’s ISO and increasing ISO results to noise distortion. You can identify this distortion when you see variations in color and brightness in your footage.

This effect affects the quality of an image or video, making it unattractive. You can prevent this distortion by getting a camera with excellent noise-reduction capabilities. Alternatively, you can also capture videos at lower ISOs by utilizing wider apertures.

III. Aperture

When it comes to shooting in low light conditions, you need to look out for the aperture. Aperture is the measure for the diameter of your camera’s lens opening. Wider apertures are ideal for shooting in low light conditions because they allow more light in your video or image. It is important, however, to note that different cameras feature different apertures. It would be wise, therefore, to get a camera that allows you to pull the diaphragm far enough to deliver adequate lighting for shooting in low light conditions.

I will have you know, however, that when your camera’s lens is wide open, plenty of unfocused light rays could get in. This aspect causes a shallow depth of field, which implies that the area behind or in front of the object you’re focusing on will be blurry.

IV. Sensor size

Sensor size is another critical factor because it affects the image and video quality. Technically, a bigger sensor will produce better quality than a small sensor. If you want to shoot high-quality low light videos, therefore, I would suggest settling for a camera that has full-frame video capabilities. Such cameras feature better sensors, and they can easily capture crisp and noise-free images.

Experts recommend full frame, mirrorless, or DSLR cameras. An adequate sensor size allows you to capture professional-grade videos. Full frame cameras are the best for shooting in dark conditions, but you should be prepared to spend more on these types of cameras. They are also heavier than their counterparts.

V. Video resolution

Do you wish to capture high-quality images and videos even in areas that have poor lighting? If you do, it is crucial for you to consider the video resolution of the camera that you would like to get. I would recommend going for a camera that has a video resolution of 1080p HD. You, however, could also find cameras with 4K video resolution that are more superior. The video resolution you settle for will greatly determine the sharpness and clarity of your videos.

VI. Megapixels

One megapixel has 1 million pixels, and the megapixels on your camera greatly affect the quality of the footage you take. The megapixels determine how big your image can get without you having to enlarge it digitally. The higher the megapixels, the better the quality of your images and videos. Taking quality videos in low light conditions demands a camera that has 12 megapixels and above.

A few more things worth thinking about:

VII. How much are you willing to spend?

If you ask me, I would tell you that it is unwise for you to empty your bank account to acquire a low light video camera.

Yes, passion might get in the way, but it is still the wrong thing to do. Before you venture into the market, you need to set budget limits. Conduct adequate research to find a high-quality camera whose price is below or equal to the amount you’re ready to spend.

Here is a video illustrating how you can shoot high-quality images in low light conditions.

Conclusion

Being able to capture a high quality footage in low light conditions is not something you will achieve on first trial, and it certainly isn’t something you achieve with just any camera. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an expert or a novice, you can only capture high quality videos in such conditions by using the best low light video cameras. That’s why I took the liberty of researching the best you can find and deeply reviewing each one of them. However, I select Sony A7S II as the clear winner of this roundup, especially for beginners. The camera has an excellent ISO range, it has a 5-axis image stabilization, and features quality construction. What’s more, it is quite versatile.

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Best Low Light Video Cameras 2020
5 (100%) 3 votes

Hey, My name is Paul – nice to e-meet you 🙂 I’m a freelance video editor who has over 4 years experiences of making all types of videos. I founded this website to provide step-by-step and easy-to-follow instructions to first-time editors or beginners like you who want to start their journey in video editing.

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