Capturing good videos in low-light condition can be challenging. I did extensive research to find you the best low light video camera in 2024, and am proud to present you my top 7 choices!
Overview
| Camera | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Alpha 9 II | Best Overall | ~$4,500 | ★★★★★ |
| OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | Best Budget Option | ~$800 | ★★★★☆ |
| Nikon D6 | Highest Quality Camera | ~$6,500 | ★★★★★ |
| Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX | Best Value | ~$2,000 | ★★★★☆ |
| Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Best Canon | ~$2,300 | ★★★★★ |
| Nikon D850 | Best DSLR | ~$2,500 | ★★★★☆ |
| Sony Alpha 6700 | Best Framerate | ~$1,800 | ★★★☆☆ |
Top 7 Best Low Light Video Cameras
1. Sony Alpha 9 II
✅ Great Low-Light Performance with High ISO Range
✅ Exceptional Autofocus
✅ One of the Best Grips of all Cameras
❌ No 4K 60FPS Recording
I’d heartily recommend the Sony a9 II to anyone seeking a reliable camera for low-light shooting; it’s a professional’s dream for both speed and precision.
With a great ISO range and a full-frame sensor, you naturally get amazing low-light performance, also for videos!
But honestly, if you’re into fast paced, sports or action photography, you need to get this. The autofocus is amazing, and the grip is one of the best I’ve ever held, making it perfect for this kind of photography.
But also for chilled photographers who just want to shoot nature photography, the Alpha 9 II is a great camera to get and the best low light video camera to me.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | Full-Frame 24 Megapixels 6000 x 4000 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, ISO 100 – 51200 (expands to 50 – 204800) |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 693 Focus Points |
| ★★★★☆ Measurements | 678 g (1.49 lb / 23.92 oz) 129 x 96 x 76 mm (5.08 x 3.78 x 2.99″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
2. OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
✅ Really affordable
✅ Stellar image stabilization
✅ Compact and lightweight build
❌ Smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor
If you’re on a budget instead, I highly recommend getting the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV (what a name, eh?).
Of course, as you save money we have to cut down on the full-frame sensor. However, with an amazing ISO range and built-in image stabilization, you still have an amazing low-light performance. Also with video recording, as you of course have 4K video quality.
Getting the best low light video camera without a full-frame sensor (and therefore for a cheap price) can be tricky of course, but with this camera you get a great deal!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★☆☆ Sensor | Four Thirds 20 Megapixels 5184 x 3888 |
| ★★★★☆ ISO | Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600) |
| ★★★☆☆ Shutterspeed | 1/4000 sec |
| ★★★★☆ Autofocus | Contrast Detection 121 Focus Points |
| ★★★★★ Measurements | 383 g (0.84 lb / 13.51 oz) 122 x 84 x 49 mm (4.8 x 3.31 x 1.93″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Nikon D6
✅ Highest ISO you can get
✅ Most Powerful Autofocus in Nikon History
✅ 14 FPS burst rate
✅ Solid Build
✅ 4K Video Resolution
❌ Expensive
This is the best low light video camera you can get for low-light photography and videography, period.
Just look at the specs and you will understand:
- Up to 3,280,000(!!) ISO Range
- 14 FPS Burst Rate
- Triple Density, 105-point cross-type sensor Autofocus
Over 3 million ISO…who needs light anyways?! Long Exposure Photography will be so awesome with it!
Okay but seriously, this camera is Nikon’s flagship camera and therefore will provide you astounding photo and video quality. You have tons of settings and options that you’ll have to get used to.
If you have the money to spare – this is the camera to get.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | Full-Frame 21 Megapixels 5568 x 3712 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, 100 – 102400 (expands to 50-3280000) Incredible! |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 105 Cross-Type Focus Points |
| ★★☆☆☆ Measurements | 1450 g (3.20 lb / 51.15 oz) 160 x 163 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.42 x 3.62″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
4. Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX
✅ Impressive image stabilization during movement
✅ Unlimited Video Recording
✅ 5.8K Video Resolution
❌ A bit bulky
❌ Steep Learning Curve for Beginners
For just about $2,000 you can get an amazing full-frame camera with up to 5.8K video recording capability.
Handling this camera felt intuitive, especially with the active image stabilization. That kind of stabilization is a game-changer, making videos look smooth and professional with minimal effort.
What makes S5IIX one of the best low light video cameras is its ability to record endlessly without overheating. Just perfect for any videographer, that can easily hold on par with way more expensive alternatives.
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | Full-Frame 24 Megapixels 6000 x 4000 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, ISO 100 – 51200 (expands to 50 – 204800) |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 779 Focus Points |
| ★★★☆☆ Measurements | 740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz) 134 x 102 x 90 mm (5.29 x 4.03 x 3.55″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
5. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
✅ Great image quality and low-light performance with Full-Frame Sensor
✅ Incredible 4897 Autofocus points for perfect Focus
✅ Continuous shooting of up to 40 fps at 20MP for dynamic action shots
❌ A lot of customizations can be challenging for beginners
❌ Heavier body
I’m a Canon enthusiast. When I started out with photography, I got a Canon camera, and all equipment you could need for it. Therefore I sticked to Canon for years, until I tried other brands.
If you’re like me, here is my favorite Canon for low-light videos! The R6 Mark II is just amazing for about any task, and low-light does not fall short.
Especially moving subjects are no hassle for this camera.The fast autofocus locks onto subjects with lightning speed. With about 5,000 autofocus points, you have one of the most amazing focuses you could wish for.
That comes in handy especially when shooting to darker territory, making it one of the best low light video cameras!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | Full-Frame 24 Megapixels 6000 x 4000 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, ISO 100 – 51200 (expands to 50 – 204800) |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 693 Focus Points |
| ★★★★☆ Measurements | 678 g (1.49 lb / 23.92 oz) 129 x 96 x 76 mm (5.08 x 3.78 x 2.99″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
6. Nikon D850
✅ Compatible with Nikon Equipment
✅ Impressive Autofocus and fast continuous shooting
✅ Stellar image resolution and dynamic range
❌ Overly complex for beginners
❌ Heavier body
If you want a real DSLR camera instead of a mirrorless option, the D850 is my favorite choice!
Even though DSLR cameras have fallen short in the past years, the D850 is an absolute delight to use. And speaking of light – the low-light performance is amazing as well!
We have a great and accurate autofocus system and great ISO range, which is great for shooting and recording in the dark. The video quality is crisp clear, and will satisfy any videographer.
Of course, with a DSLR comes a bulkier and heavier build, but that’s the price you have to pay for a DSLR!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★★ Sensor | Full-Frame 45 Megapixels 8256 x 5504 |
| ★★★★★ ISO | Auto, 64-25600 (expands to 32-102400) |
| ★★★★☆ Shutterspeed | 1/8000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 151 Focus Points |
| ★★★☆☆ Measurements | 1005 g (2.22 lb / 35.45 oz) 146 x 124 x 79 mm (5.75 x 4.88 x 3.11″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
7. Sony Alpha 6700
✅ AI-based subject tracking keeps the focus sharp
✅ 4K video recording at 120FPS
✅ Amazing Image Quality in Low-Light
❌ APS-C instead of Full-Frame
With 4K at incredible 120 FPS video recording, the Alpha 6700 has an amazing video quality. And with AI-based tracking on your autofocus, you’ll get crisp clear results, even when moving!
I found the Alpha 6700 surprisingly good, even though it has a steep learning curve. Of course, you only have an APS-C sensor, but with great autofocus and ISO range, you can still shoot marvellous photos and videos in dim light.
And on top of that, the camera is absolutely affordable!
Most Important Specs:
| ★★★★☆ Sensor | APS-C 26 Megapixels 6192 x 4128 |
| ★★★☆☆ ISO | 100 – 32000 (expandable 50-102400) |
| ★★★☆☆ Shutterspeed | 1/4000 sec |
| ★★★★★ Autofocus | Contrast & Phase Detection 759 Focus Points |
| ★★★☆☆ Measurements | 493 g (1.09 lb / 17.39 oz) 122 x 69 x 64 mm (4.8 x 2.72 x 2.52″) |
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆
Buying Guide
If you still don’t know which camera to choose or which aspects are important to you, let me help you out! I’ll explain to you in detail what specifications you have to look out for in the best low light video camera.
Sensor Size
The sensor is the heart of the camera, especially for low-light conditions. A larger sensor can capture more light, which translates to better performance in low light scenarios.
| Sensor Type | Light Capture Ability |
|---|---|
| Full Frame | Excellent |
| APS-C | Very Good |
| Micro Four Thirds | Good |
ISO Range
ISO measures a camera’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO range is vital for low light video as it allows the camera to capture videos in settings where light is not optimal without adding too much noise to the footage, making it essential for the best low light video camera.
Note: High ISO performance varies between cameras, so look for models with a reputation for maintaining clarity at higher ISO levels.
Lens Aperture
The lens aperture affects exposure and depth of field. For low-light, I suggest lenses with wide apertures (lower f-numbers) to allow more light to reach the sensor.
| Aperture | Light Intake |
|---|---|
| f/1.4 | Very High |
| f/2.8 | High |
| f/4 | Moderate |
Image Stabilization
Optical or in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is crucial. It helps to reduce blur caused by camera shake during handheld shooting in low-light conditions.
Video Quality
And, of course, the best low light video camera should have crisp and high video quality. Search for cameras capable of capturing high-resolution video, 4K if possible, as they tend to have better overall image processing which is vital for low light environments.
My Opinion on the Best Low Light Video Camera
Shooting in low light can be devastating with a unsuited camera. So it is understandable that you want to upgrade. Overall, I would recommend the Sony Alpha 9 II as it is a great camera in general, and peaks at the amazing autofocus and the great ISO range.
If you’re on a budget, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great deal to get, and will definitely bring your videography to the next level.
Now you’ve got everything you need to decide on the best low light video camera! If you need some other recommendations or want to read some photography guides, have a look at these:
Also, have a look at our Socials to stay up-to-date with the latest photography trends!
Do you have other recommendations for the best low light video camera? Let us know in the comments down below!
