Nighttime photography can be a challenging yet rewarding pursuit for photographers. However, capturing stunning shots in low light conditions requires the right camera equipment. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best camera for night photography without breaking the bank. If you are looking for an affordable camera to help you take your nighttime photography to the next level then, you are on the right page.
In this article, you will learn about the top 12 best and most affordable cameras for night photography.
Let’s dive in!
12 Best Cameras for Night Photography (Top Affordable Picks)
When it comes to night photography, having the right camera can make all the difference in capturing the perfect shot. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, cityscapes, or portraits, low light conditions can present unique challenges for photographers. The best cameras for night photography are those that can handle high ISO settings, have fast lenses, and offer good image stabilization to minimize camera shake. Below mentioned are the 12 best affordable cameras for night photography for you to choose from.
#1. Nikon Z 50
- Compact, lightweight and durably constructed mirrorless camera
- First DX-format mirrorless camera to use a large 55 millimeter lens mount, offering...
- 20.9 MP sensor with robust 4K UHD video features
With the Nikon Z 50 camera, you can take your night photography game to the next level. With its maximum ISO sensitivity of 51,200, you can capture sharp and clear photos even in low-light conditions. And with its electronically-controlled shutter type, you can easily capture fast-moving objects with a speed of 1/4000 second.
This camera is the best-budgeted camera for night photography. With its impressive ISO sensitivity, fast shutter speed, and other features and accessories, you can take breathtaking photos that are sure to impress. So if you’re in the market for a new camera, consider the Nikon Z 50 for all your night photography needs.
#2. Canon EOS R10
- DIGIC X IMAGE PROCESSOR: Enhances performance for sharp photos and ultra-high...
- CMOS SENSOR: Canon’s 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor ensures images appear crisp
- LENS COMPATIBILITY: Pair with a Canon RF-S/RF lens (or EF/EF-S lens using the Mount...
The Canon EOS R10 is a great choice for this kind of photography, with an APS-C CMOS sensor and 24.2MP of effective pixels. You can use the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II to focus quickly and accurately, and the electronically controlled shutter ensures that you capture every detail.
With an ISO range of 100-102400 and a shutter speed of up to 1/8000 sec, the Canon EOS R10 is one of the top-of-the-line cameras available. It offers advanced tools for experienced and aspiring photographers alike, allowing you to capture bright, clear images in low-light environments and freeze fast action in perfect clarity. So if you want to take stunning photos of fast-moving subjects, this camera is the way to go.
Discover the best SD cards for canon cameras: Canon Cameras SD Cards (Top 10 Picks).
#3. Nikon D3400
If you’re into time-lapse videos, the Nikon D3400 is an excellent choice for capturing those mesmerizing moments. For a longer exposure time-lapse shot, you could set your ISO to 1200 and the shutter speed to 50 seconds. This way, you’ll be able to create stunning time-lapse videos that you’ll love to watch.
To achieve a mid-range depth of field, you can set your aperture at f/6.3, allowing more light to pass into your camera lens. Additionally, for the perfect lighting effect, you can set your white balance to 3500k to achieve nice blue shades and avoid orange tints in your photos. Setting your frame rate at 24fps would also help you achieve high-resolution videos. With its great control over ISO and shutter speed, compatibility with Adobe Lightroom, and a fantastic selection of lenses, the Nikon D3400 is one of the top digital cameras on the market for night photography.
#4. Canon EOS Rebel T7
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
For capturing stunning night photographs, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 features a 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C) with an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800). It also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology for convenient sharing of your images.
The camera boasts a 9-point AF system and AI Servo AF for accurate and fast focusing, while the optical viewfinder provides an approximate 95% viewing coverage. Additionally, you can transform your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam using the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (available for Mac and Windows), with compatibility with Canon EF lenses (excluding EF-M lenses).
#5. Sony Alpha 6000
- The 24.3MP APS-C-sized Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor work...
- The Fast Hybrid AF system utilizes both a 179-point phase-detection system and...
- Full HD 1080p video recording is supported at 60, 30, and 24 fps in the high-quality...
To get the perfect shot of the moon with your Sony Alpha 6000, you can set the ISO to 300 to allow the right amount of light into the camera while keeping the shutter speed on the longer side to prevent the camera from capturing any movement of the moon across the sky. An ideal shutter speed for this could be around 1 second.
To ensure a clean and crisp shot, it’s recommended to set the aperture at around f/11 to achieve a wide range of depth of field and capture the full moon in all its glory. For a cool blue sky effect, set the white balance at around 3200k. Finally, choose a frame rate of 25fps to capture every movement of the moon and clouds. With its great features and budgeted price, the Sony Alpha 6000 is a fine choice for your night adventures.
Find the most reliable SD cards for you camera in the article below: 7 Best SD Cards for Sony A6000 Video.
#6. Nikon Z6II
- Mirrorless versatility on a whole new level. 24.5MP BSI resolution that excels in low...
- Full frame. Full pixel readout. Full featured 4K UHD Video. Top of the line video...
- Dual card slots (CFexpress/XQD plus UHS-II SD). Flexibility and peace of mind when...
If you’re looking for a camera that can perform well in low light and capture fast action, the Nikon Z6II 24.5MP camera is a great option. It can shoot at 14 FPS and provides outstanding 4K UHD video performance. This camera also features full-frame, full-pixel readout, and improved autofocus, making it ideal for serious videographers.
The Z 6II camera has been thoughtfully designed for comfort and ease of use, with an intuitive interface and durable exterior. It’s also vertical grip ready, making it easier to shoot vertically, and provides USB-C constant power and charging to ensure you never run out of battery during live streams, video shoots, and time-lapses. Overall, a great choice.
#7. Canon EOS 6D
- 20.2MP full frame CMOS sensor
- 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting
- 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
If you’re looking for the best camera for night photography, the Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera Body is a great option. Its solid body is perfect for various applications, including astrophotography when you go outdoors or photographing cityscapes.
With its 20.2MP resolution and CMOS sensor, this camera offers excellent image quality, making it one of the best cameras for night sky photography. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 25600, and you can even expand it to 102400. However, some lenses may produce soft images with this camera, so it’s important to choose the right lens for your needs. Be sure to check out the best lenses for the Canon EOS 6D.
#8. Nikon D850
- Nikon designed back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor with no optical...
- 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually...
- Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
The Nikon D850 is a full-frame camera with an impressive 46MP resolution and a fast burst shooting mode of 7 frames per second. It also boasts one of the best autofocus systems with a range of modes and configuration options. The backlit sensor improves image quality in low light and nightscapes, making it an ideal choice for night photography.
Additionally, the BSI technology and “double enhancement” ISO processing help to reduce noise and capture clear, stunning photos of the night sky. Overall, the D850 is widely considered to be one of the best cameras for night photography.
#9. Sony A7S II
- NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1080mAh)
- BC-TRW W Series Battery Charger (Black)
- AC Adapter
The Sony A7S II is a mirrorless camera with a big sensor and a small megapixel count, which helps maintain true-to-life colors. The camera has an extra-high ISO and is capable of producing low noise-to-signal ratios even at high ISO values. The A7S II is also equipped with 5-axis image stabilization technology, allowing for clear, detailed images even at slower shutter speeds.
While the A7S II is great for night photography, its print resolution is poor, and its battery life is disappointing. Nonetheless, its dynamic range, low noise, and ability to restore shadows and light make it one of the best options for night photography.
#10. Panasonic Lumix GH5S
- PROFESSIONAL PHOTO AND VIDEO PERFORMANCE: 10.2-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and...
- RUGGED SPLASH or FREEZEPROOF DESIGN: Durable magnesium alloy body withstands heavy...
- UNLIMITED IN-CAMERA RECORDING OF C4K: Capable of internal SD card capture of 60p50p...
The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is a compact camera with a DSLR sensor that offers excellent image quality for night photography. It boasts a large ISO range and three available ISO modes, making it a great option for low-light settings like concerts and festivals. While the camera doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, it still performs well in low-light conditions and allows for noise reduction and improved color saturation.
The GH5S also comes with V-Log L and HLG, which offer further flexibility in post-processing. Additionally, the camera features a built-in 4K sensor, dual card slots, and a vari-angle LCD touchscreen, providing you with the necessary tools for your night photography adventures. One downside is the camera’s low resolution, which may not be ideal for certain types of photography. However, with its large ISO range and other features, the Panasonic Lumix GH5S is worth considering for night photography enthusiasts.
#11. Fujifilm X-H1
- 5.5 Stops In Body Image Stabilization; Compatible with all XF and XC lenses
- New High Resolution EVF: Magnification ratio of 0.75x and 3.69M dot resolution; The...
- Comprehensive video features: new external film Simulation ideal for shooting movies,...
The Fujifilm X-H1 is a super-sturdy camera with an impressive range of features that make it a great option for night photography. Its integrated image stabilization system ensures sharp, clear shots even at low shutter speeds, making it ideal for capturing stunning shots of the night sky and the Milky Way. The X-H1 also boasts incredible autofocus speed, making it easier to shoot in poor lighting conditions.
Additionally, the camera’s impressive noise characteristics allow you to save all the details of your shot as clearly as possible. However, to achieve maximum performance, an additional grip may be needed. One downside is that the camera’s display is not a true vari-angle display. Nonetheless, with the X-H1’s spring mechanism that reduces vibrations when using a mechanical shutter, and the ability to shoot at 14 frames per second with the digital shutter and 8 shots per second with the mechanical shutter, this camera is worth considering for your next night photography adventure.
Discover interchangeable lenses for your camera in the following article: 7 Top Video Lenses for Fujifilm X Mount.
#12. Sony Alpha A7 III
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed.Aspect Ratio - 3:2,...
- 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800. Compatible with...
- Up to 10fps silent or mechanical shutter with AE/AF tracking. Battery life (Still...
A full-frame camera that offers fantastic image quality and improved noise reduction for night photography is the Sony Alpha A7 III. With a shooting speed of 10 frames per second and the ability to take up to 700 shots without recharging the battery, this camera is a great option for those long night photography sessions. The A7 III also features improved autofocus and can be recharged via USB. While the display isn’t a true vari-angle display and the camera doesn’t have a built-in flash, these are minor drawbacks compared to its many advantages.
With a CMI BSI sensor that provides an incredible dynamic range and works well in all lighting conditions, this camera is great for shooting nightscapes and the sky. It handles noise very well, making it ideal for use in nightclubs and festivals. The A7 III performs well up to ISO 12800 and even up to ISO 25600 in some cases, making it one of the most powerful cameras with fewer megapixels. With 4K video recording support and an object tracking system with 10 shots per second, it is a great model to choose from.
Check out the best SD cards for your camera: Sony a7 III SD Card Speed Recommendation for 4k Videos.
Did You Choose Your Favourite Yet?
Photography is a wonderful hobby that allows us to capture and preserve memories, express our creativity, and see the world in a different light. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting, there are always new techniques and technologies to learn and explore. Our top choice is the Nikon D850.
So grab your camera, experiment with different settings, and don’t be afraid to get a little quirky with your shots. After all, as the famous photographer Diane Arbus once said, “I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.” Happy shooting!
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I hope this guide helped you learn about some of the best cameras for Night Photography. 🙂
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