The 10 Best Low Light Cameras and Camcorders to get in 2022
Compared to daytime videos, it’s easier to differentiate good and bad low light shots. Hence, aside from enhancing your skills in low light filming, using a high-quality camera is very important. In this post, we listed the best low light video cameras and the best low light camcorders you will ever need to get the best shots!
The Best Low Light Video Cameras
No doubt you want your low light videos to have less to zero noise, balanced mid tones, and vivid colors. Yet, we all know that’s not easily achievable—especially when we’re talking about low light videography. Nonetheless, a powerful low light video camera and a low light camcorder will give you a great start.
Check out these cameras:
1. Sony A7 III – Best low light camera
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
- 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
- Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking
- 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
- In the box: SEL2870 lens, Lens hood, Lens cap, Lens rear cap, Rechargeable Battery (NP-FZ100), AC Adapter (AC-UUD12), Shoulder strap, Body cap, Accessory shoe cap, Eyepiece cup, Micro USB cable
Powerful and dynamic—words that best describe Sony A7 III. It’s the best camera for sports and events photography.
In a nutshell, Sony A7 III insanely outperforms other cameras in low light videography with higher ISO values. The reason behind this is because of its incredible dual grain architecture that helps the sensor to become more sensitive to light.
This camera also does a great job in keeping an excellent level of sharpness in your images, thanks to its high-performing JPEG noise reduction. No doubt Sony A7 III is one if not the best low light video camera out in the market.
2. Panasonic HC-WXF991 – Best low light camcorder
- Ultra sharp 4K ultra HD recording, plus in camera editing for 1080p displays
- Electronic Viewfinder EVF emulates a semi Professional recording experience; Dedicated HDR button enables quick mode changes; Exclusive high dynamic range (HDR) mode reduces the overly high contrast...
- Leica Decoma Lens optical 20x zoom, 5 axis hybrid optical image stabilization; Image sensor 1/2.3 inch BSI MOS sensor; Total pixels 18.91 megapixels; Focal length 4.0 to 81.6 millimeter
- Built in Twin Camera, plus Wi Fi mobile features add multi camera scene picture in picture recording; Digital Zoom 60x / 1500x (The maximum value of zoom magnification can be set in 2 patterns)
- 4K cinema in camera editing and effects (Dolly zoom, slow/quick motion, 4K Post cropping, stabilization and zoom)
We can’t get enough of Panasonic—and for several reasons. One is that the HC-WXF991 is so powerful, it’s a mistake not to include it in the list. This camera is one of the best low light camcorders you shouldn’t miss out on.
HC WFX001 has a unique night vision setting that allows you to take excellent shots even in pitch-black areas. It has three modes you can choose: 0 and 1 lux for completely dark shooting and 2 lux for low light setting.
Plus, the LEICA Dicomar Lens enables you to zoom 20x and record in 4K UltraHD. It also has a built-in twin camera for PIP (picture-in-picture) effect.
3. Panasonic LUMIX GH5S low light camera
- PROFESSIONAL PHOTO AND VIDEO PERFORMANCE: 10.2-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and a significantly higher photoreceptive surface per pixel deliver an ultra-wide dynamic range; Dual Native ISO...
- RUGGED SPLASH or FREEZEPROOF DESIGN: Durable magnesium alloy body withstands heavy use out in the field and is freezeproof down to -10-degrees; Splash/dustproof construction with weather sealing on...
- UNLIMITED IN-CAMERA RECORDING OF C4K: Capable of internal SD card capture of 60p50p 8-bit, 30p25p24p 4:2:2 10-bit, 4K: 60p50p 4:2:0 8-bit, 30p25p24p 4:2:2 10-bit; 1080p up to 240fps and C4K 60p VFR
- ANAMORPHIC VIDEO MODE: 4K Anamorphic professional video production interchangeable lens camera system enables high performance, durability and mobility
- CONNECTIVITY AND PORTS: TC In or Out or Synchro Terminal (via included BNC cable), 3.5mm mic jack with line input, 3.5mm headphone jack, 2.5mm remote socket, HDMI Type A Socket and USB-C 3.1 Socket;...
Here’s another best low light camera from Panasonic—the LUMIX GH5S. When it comes to performance, it goes neck and neck with Sony A7 III.
The GH5S is reliable for low light videography, made possible by its dual ISO on the 4K-optimized sensor and larger pixels. This results in effortless grain reduction ability despite a higher ISO setting.
Not just that, GH5S has an exceptional high dynamic range (HDR) feature for better and more vivid videography. Even better, it has 4:2:2 color sampling, Vlog-L color profile, and 10-bit colors—features that will give you the liberty to modify the colors in post-processing.
If you need a heavy lifter low light camera, get yourself the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S.
4. Canon EOS 90D low light camcorder
![Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K Video, Dual...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51egQGBklgL._SL160_.jpg)
- High image quality with 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 10 fps with no time Lag during ovf shooting
- 4K UHD 30P/ Full HD 120P video
- 45-Point All Cross-type AF System supports up to 27 points with an F/8 metering
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
Anyone who likes power, speed, and convenience in their camera must get EOS 90D. This innovation from Canon does not only excel in low light environments—but it also allows you to connect to the internet and other devices through Bluetooth.
The Canon EOS 90D features a 32MP CMOS (APS-C) sensor and a powerful wide-range ISO of 100-25000, letting you record your subjects from morning until evening. Expect no time lag with its 10FPS continuous shooting. The awesomeness doesn’t stop there. Canon EOS 90D lets you capture videos in 4K 30P quality.
In a nutshell, EOS 90D is for everyone who is looking for a professional and powerful camera for demanding shoots.
5. Sony A6400 low light camera
- Bundle Includes: Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-135mm Lens (Black), 64GB Extreme PRO 200MB/s UHS-I SDXC Memory Card, 40.5mm 3-Piece UV, CPL, FLD Filter Kit, NP-FW50 Two-Pack...
- Sony Alpha A6400: This camera features the world's fastest auto focus which allows you to capture instant shots from fast action to candid. You can capture amazing shots and get incredible detail that...
- Ultra HD Video: Press the MOVIE button on your Sony a6400 to start recording beautiful 4K UHD movies notable for their sharpness and lack of visual “noise” in your choice of 60p, 60i or 24p. New...
- 16-50MM OSS Lens: The Sony Alpha a6400 interchangeable lens is the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens, bringing you a 35mm format equivalent of 24-75mm for portrait to landscape shots
- Connectivity: It allows instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC
Sony A6400 is another competitive video camera perfect for low light situations. But worry not this camera is far from being expensive, yet it works exceptionally well in delivering high-quality shoots.
The camera build is utterly perfect—lightweight and compact. It’s the best camera for traveling and spending time outdoors.
This camera is equipped with a spectrum of tools to assist you in your shoot. Navigate through different tools, such as zebra stripes, focus peaking, histogram, and focus punch-in. It also has a powerful A9 processor that allows you to focus on your subject for a longer time.
A6400 also does a great job of recording low light footage. The expandable ISO range (up to 102400) lets you capture crisp videos in low light situations. Plus, it can record videos in 4K quality. Overall, it is one of the best (and budget-friendly) low light cameras today.
6. Panasonic LUMIX G85 best low light camcorder
- Fine Detail Performance: 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensor with no low pass filter resulting in a near 10 percent boost in fine detail resolving power over existing 16 megapixel micro four thirds...
- Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera: With 12 60 millimeter lens, Shoot lighter and faster with the modern hybrid photography performance of a mirrorless camera and nearly half the bulk of most...
- Class Leading Dual Image Stabilization: In body 5 axis dual image stabilization works in both photo and motion picture recording including 4K video to produce clear handheld shots even in low light...
- Live Viewfinder and Flip LCD Display: Integrated eye level OLED live viewfinder (2360K dots) and rear touch Enabled 3 inch LCD Display (1040K dots) adjusts for optimal viewing angles to maximize...
- 4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive Lumix 4K photo and 4K Post Focus allows you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the...
Panasonic sure does know how to build the best low light video cameras. And here we are again, adding the LUMIX series to the list—and we’re not even sorry about it.
LUMIX G85 is a mirrorless camera with insanely amazing versatility. You will love the wide range ISO that can be adjusted from 200-25600. This allows you to record footage with incredible clarity. And when it comes to speed, it doesn’t disappoint. If you use an electronic shutter, this camera can shoot up to 40FPS at 4K quality.
That’s not the best part yet. The post focus feature lets you change the focus in a photo even after you have captured it. Incredible? Absolutely!
This is a bold statement, but we’ll say it anyway: LUMIX G85 is the best low light mirrorless camera, perfect for both beginners and amateurs.
7. Canon VIXIA HF G20 – Best low light camera
- 10x HD Video lens (5mm equivalent: 30.4mm – 304mm) with 8-Blade Iris, 3.5 inch touch LCD
- Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor (1/3-inch, 1920 x 1080 image sensor) with 20% improved low-light performance
- Up to 12 hours of HD recording to 32GB internal memory (2 additional card slots available)
- Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Intelligent IS automatically
- Cinama-Look Filter with 9 built-in filters
The list isn’t over…. Canon VIXIA HF G20 is yet another best low light video camera in the market, and if you’re a photography and videography enthusiast, you should definitely get yourself this camera.
Similar with other Canon cameras, VIXIA HF G20 has 20% greater power in low light environments, all thanks to its HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor. This technology captures more light and adds sharpness to your footages.
This camera also features a DIGIC DV III Image Processor that eliminates noise and keeps your videos vivid and more realistic. Further, it comes with a detachable lens hood for flexibility.
In conclusion, this camera can compete well with DSLR cameras in shooting videos.
8. Sony FDRAX53/B – Best low light camcorder
- ZEISS lens(26.8mm) 20x optical zoom in 4K, 30x Clear Image Zoom in 4K
- 3.0 inch LCD (Touch panel), EVF, Wi-Fi/NFC, manual ring, night shot, 4K Time-lapse capture.Diopter adjustment:Yes (-4.0 to +3.0 mstyle name= inch sup inch -1/style)
- Built-in Zoom Microphone. Minimum Focus Distance- approx. 13/32 Inch (Wide), approx. 31 1/2 Inch (Tele), approx. 1 cm (Wide), approx. 80 cm (Tele). Focal Length (35mm equivalent) (Still Image)-...
- In-the-box: Rechargeable Battery Pack(NP-FV70/NP-FV70A) (1); AC Adaptor (1); Power Cord (1); Operating Guide(1); HDMI(micro) Cable (1); micro USB Cable (1)
The thing that most people complain about camcorders is how they perform poorly in low light situations. But you won’t likely have to complain about that when you get the Sony FDRAX53/B.
Sony FDRAX53/B features a powerful 16.6MP Exmor R sensor that works perfectly with other DSLR cameras. The Exmor R sensors are structured with smaller sensors that allow for higher resolution without sacrificing the light sensitivity. This camera will also let you shoot footage in crystal clear 4K quality at 24FPS or 30FPS.
If you love taking videos of moving subjects, the Sony FDRAX53/B is the best low light camcorder for you!
9. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Low light camera
- New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400 (equivalent ISO).
- 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.
- Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or live view shooting; LCD monitor has a full touchscreen interface, including selection of AF area.
- Excellent performance - up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting speed with high-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for improved speed and excellent image quality.
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
Although Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is designed for still shooters, it still performs extraordinarily well in capturing videos in low light situations.
If you want clarity and crispness in your videos, you will love this camera. The features lets you easily record 4K footage with its 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor. You can adjust the ISO to 25600, which is more than reliable for low light videos.
Moreover, this camera has DAF (dual pixel CMOS AF) that allows you to auto-focus smoothly. This feature comes in handy when filming fast-moving subjects.
EOS 5D Mark IV is a must-get, whether you’re a beginner or professional.
10. Canon EOS Rebel T7i – low light camcorder
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS C) sensor
- Built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth Lens used: EF S 18-55 millimeter f by 4-56 IS STM (at focal length of 55 millimeter)
- High Speed continuous shooting at up to 60 fps Weight Approx 1877 ounce or 532 grams (including battery pack and SD memory card) Approx 1711 ounce or 485 gram (body only)
- Metering Range: EV 1-20 (room temperature, evaluative metering)
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon Camera into a high-quality webcam
Last but definitely not least, Rebel T7i from Canon is impressive and reliable. It’s known for its high-performance focus tracking and responsiveness. Not just that, it’s an excellent camera that provides flexibility when shooting videos in low light places.
Rebel T7i is an affordable camera with powerful features. It comes with a large 24.2 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor—this will let you shoot 60 frames per second in high definition. The ISO range can go as high as 25600. This camera is definitely a bang for your buck.
Conclusion
Shooting videos in low light places may be tricky to perfect, but with the right tool in your hands, filming won’t be such a challenge. Invest in the right camera and learn to use the features to maximize your filming experience.
Related Questions
What’s the best f stop for low light?
This might come as a surprise, but the best f stop number for low light situations is f 2.0. This number will increase the size of your lens, allowing more light to enter. This will make your footage better and the subject sharper.
How can I make an excellent low light video?
Aside from getting high-quality cameras (as listed above), it’s crucial to invest in lighting equipment. After all, you’re making low light videos and not zero-light ones.
If you are after product photography, here is a review of the best lenses for product photography.
That’s all for choosing the best low light camera and the best low light camcorder. If you like the post, sharing it with friends that like photography or even professional photographers can be a plus!
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