Recording, photography, and cameras do not seem alien to us. Nowadays, these things or actions could be involved in our life at any moment. Whether you go out with your family or go out on a school trip, you will need to take photos and record videos. However, there are more and more conditions where we want to record video in the dark.
But it is difficult to have high-quality videos made with just the phone. That’s why we have today’s topic: Cameras and video cameras for low light conditions here to discuss. Let’s find out how to easily choose the best camera for low light conditions.
In harsh conditions such as pure darkness, low-light cameras are the only way to make great 4K videos. Most of these cameras can easily capture the things you want to record in the dark; some even have infrared night vision available.
Best Low Light Video Cameras 2022
Table of Contents
Having a camera suitable for low light conditions can help you in many situations. If you’re camping with your friends and want to photograph people under the stars, a phone won’t be that useful. With a low-light camera, this is a completely different story. Now, the problem is how to find a great low-light camera that suits me? What different features and elements do we need to consider in order to choose the best possible camera.
Lenses are a significant feature when it comes to the best low-light cameras. If used with the wrong lens, even the best of the best low-light cameras will not perform well. So it’s pretty important when choosing a goal.
The larger the lens aperture, the more light the sensor will let in. Hence, choosing a lens with a low aperture will lead to better performance of your camera in low light conditions.
Best Low Light Video Cameras | Comparison Table 2022
After looking at the features we need to consider when choosing a low-light camera, you may be able to search for one on your own. However, if you want some tips on some great low-light cameras, below are the four best low-light cameras that are sure to be useful and useful. Read on and find out more details about them.
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic LUMIX GH5S Body 4K Digital Camera, 10.2 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera with High-Sensitivity MOS Sensor, C4K/4K UHD 4:2:2 10-Bit, 3.2-Inch LCD, DC-GH5S (Black) | Panasonic | Check Price | |
| Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Body Only,Base Configuration,Black | Sony | Check Price | |
| Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K Video, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen, [Body Only], Black | Canon | Check Price | |
| Panasonic 4K Cinema-Like Video Camera Camcorder HC-WXF991K, 20X Leica DICOMAR Lens, 1/2.3" BSI Sensor, 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S, HDR Mode, EVF, WiFi, Multi Scene Video Recording (Black) | Panasonic | Check Price | |
| Panasonic LUMIX G85 4K Digital Camera, 12-60mm Power O.I.S. Lens, 16 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 5 Axis In-Body Dual Image Stabilization, 3-Inch Tilt and Touch LCD, DMC-G85MK (Black) | Panasonic | Check Price | |
| Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body | Canon | Check Price | |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7i US 24.2 Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Black (1894C002) | Canon | Check Price | |
| Canon VIXIA HF G20 Camcorder with 10x HD Video Lens (30.4mm-304mm), 3.5" Touchscreen LCD, HD CMOS Pro and 32GB Internal Flash Memory (Renewed) | Canon | Check Price | |
| Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder (Black) | Sony | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Low Light Video Cameras | 2022 Reviews
1. Panasonic LUMIX GH5S
- 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 provides ultra-sensitive video capture with impressively low noise
- 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 every joint, dial and button
- 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; Available twin SD Card slots (UHS-II U3 compatible)
2. Sony a7 III
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed
- 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800. Compatible with Sony E mount lenses. Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring (as of the date of release)- Android (Android 5.0 or later, Bluetooth 4.0 or later), iOS (Bluetooth 4.0 or later)
- Up to 10fps silent or mechanical shutter with AE/AF tracking. Battery life (Still Images): Approx. 610 shots (Viewfinder) / approx. 710 shots (LCD monitor), battery life (Movie, continuous recording): Approx. 200 min (Viewfinder) / Approx. 210 min (LCD monitor)
- 693 phase detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93 percent image coverage. Focus sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor
- In the box: Rechargeable battery (NP FZ100), AC adapter (AC UUD12), shoulder strap, body cap, Accessory shoe cap, Eyepiece cup, Micro USB cable. Metering type: 1200 zone evaluative metering
3. Canon DSLR Camera
- 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.
4. Panasonic 4K Cinema-Like Video Camera
- 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 look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions
- 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)
- 4K photo captures high quality photos from 4K video frames
5. Panasonic LUMIX G85 4K Digital Camera
- 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 sensors; Color temperature setting 2500 to 10000K in 100K
- 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 DSLRs
- 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 conditions. Diopter adjustment: minus-4.0 to plus-4.0 (dpt)
- 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 viewing
- 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 photo has been Taken
6. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- 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 plus 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.
7. Canon EOS Rebel T7i
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS C) sensor
- Built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth Lens used: EF S 18-55 millimeter f/4-56 IS STM (at focal length of 55 millimeter)
- High Speed continuous shooting at up to 60 fps Weight Approx 1877 ounce/532 grams (including battery pack and SD memory card) Approx 1711 ounce/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
8. Canon VIXIA HF G20 Camcorder
- 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 super range Optical image stabilization and intelligent is automatically; cinema-look filter with 9 built-in filters
9. Sony 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder
- ZEISS lens(26.8mm) 20x optical zoom in 4K, 30x Clear Image Zoom in 4K
- 3.0 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=sup-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)- f=26.8-536.0 mm (16:9) f=32.8-656.0 mm (4:3).Focal Length (35 mm equivalent) (Video)- f=26.8-536.0 mm (16:9)2
- 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)
What features to consider when choosing a low-light camera?
It is important to consider the different essential features of low light cameras as I am sure you will not want to buy the wrong one with bad quality. Selecting a low-quality one will really be a waste of money and affect your mood. So it’s essential to go through the different features listed below to find the best low-light cameras that suit you. Read on and find out more.
The sensor size of the best low light camera
The first thing we need to consider is the size of your sensor. This is pretty simple as the sensor is what captures the light through the lens. This means that the sensor is what makes the light it sees and transfers it into the image you will understand. The larger that camera’s sensor for low-light conditions, the more light it can capture. Basically, a low-light camera with a large sensor will provide better performance in dark conditions. Since the more light the camera captures, the better the image quality, regardless of the conditions.
ISO range of the best camera for low light conditions
The next feature we’ll look at is the ISO range, which is important. ISO always plays an essential role in a camera in low light conditions. The less light available for you to see, the higher the ISO you want to increase. This is why low-light cameras require a lot more ISO than regular cameras. Increasing the ISO allows the image captured by the camera to be brighter, effectively solving the problem of a dark condition.
lenses
With a fixed lens camera, you will save the expense of purchasing multiple camera lenses. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about leaving what you need most at home. Whether you’re streaming live events on the web, creating YouTube videos, shooting indie movies, or doing a little bit of everything, there’s a professional video camera that suits your needs.
Manual controls
One of the main benefits of using a camcorder over a DSLR or mirrorless camera is access to manual controls. You will also have multiple input and output ports on the camera. Many smaller camcorders lack video outputs, audio outputs, and even microphone inputs. While most of the controls are accessible via the menu, many controls on smaller cameras, such as audio levels, aren’t present at all.
Likewise, not many zoom lenses have built-in motorized zoom controls. This type of control can make your goal much easier and quicker to adjust. Also, many new camera lenses lack manual aperture control, which can make some operating situations very difficult. These features are standard on most professional fixed lens camcorders.
Color sampling
Video is recorded as a luminance channel and two chroma channels. Compression of color data is somewhat less detrimental to the image quality referred to as a ratio. Ideally, cameras would record 4: 4: 4 video but generally the chroma (color) channels are compressed, for example to 4: 2: 0 or 4: 2: 2.
Bitrate
It is the level of compression applied to the movie. As a general rule, higher compression produces smaller but lower quality files, while lower compression creates larger but better quality files.
Microphone
Most cameras have an internal microphone, but the stereo will not have good quality sound or directional sensitivity for video. This makes an external microphone an essential accessory such as directional shotgun microphones or wireless lapel microphones.
Memory
For videos, you will need a memory card with a sustained minimum speed and not the maximum transfer speed, which is useful for measuring performance. The bare minimum for a 4K video is 10MB / s, 30MB / s is better (UHS Class3, V30), and 60MB / s is perfect (V60). Although with camcorders the video is recorded directly to the internal memory of the camcorder which serves better for a longer duration of the recording.
LED lights
In general, flash isn’t good for video, so you’ll need to use artificial continuous lighting. LED panels are the best choice for video as they work for a longer period offering high levels of illumination and low heat. Some lights offer a variable color temperature to suit different light sources.
Using the video
Your stylistic choices and your practical needs will determine the equipment you want to shoot with. If you want your audience to see vivid images on the screen of a large film festival, we recommend a camcorder with great colors. Do you need to broadcast your video live? There are cameras built just for that. If you want a camera that can give you a cinematic look but still good for run and shoot shooting, a versatile model is your best option.
Bit depth
Most cameras out there capture 8-bit video, which has its limitations and can break and show posterization effects with heavy editing. Some high-end cameras can capture 10-bit video with ample possibilities for editing later.
Conclusions
We have seen some of the most interesting models of camcorders that can take good night shots.
We have tried to cover all price ranges, from the highest to the lowest.
It goes without saying that the price also reflects the quality of the technical features present in the machine, so the more you are able to spend, the higher the quality of the technology you will take home.
If I can express my personal point of view, I would tend to exclude the extremes of the ranking, concentrating on the articles in the middle, where there are some very valid products, on which to think about.
Leave a Reply