Without a proper camera, it’s impossible to shoot epic images in low light. Most of the time, you will be taking underexposed nighttime shots. A solid night camera can lighten dark areas and shadows without affecting the quality of the image.
Night photography requires a camera with a large sensor, a high dynamic range, and a high ISO range. Most quality DSLR cameras have these features so if that’s what you’re already shooting with, you’re set! Though if not, we’ve decided to narrow down the search for you and list some of the best cameras for night photography. Here are our choices:
- Best Nikon Cameras for Night Photography: Nikon D810, Nikon D5
- Best Canon Camera for Night Photography: Canon E0S 77D
- Other Popular Cameras for Night Photography: Sony a7R III, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, Panasonic LUMIX GH5
- Most Affordable Camera for Night Photography: Pentax K-3
1. Nikon D810
We are starting off this list with the Nikon D810. For anyone looking for the ideal tough camera perfect for backpacking and mountaineering, the Nikon D810 makes for a solid pick. For night photography, particularly landscape and sky images, this one ticks all the boxes. It has a huge range perfect for taking shots in a forest or from the sky. There is no better pick when it comes to quality and durability.
Images from the D810 come out noise-free and flawless. One of its best features is that you don’t have to change lenses when moving between light and dark scenes as the camera quickly adapts to the environment. You can read our complete Nikon D801 review to learn more.
Why is the Nikon D810 our best pick for a night vision camera? Simply put, this is the highest technical performance DSLR out there for outdoor, landscape, and other high-resolution photography.
2. Sony a7R III
When you are thinking about a solid investment, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the Sony a7R III. With this little fella, you get to shoot images in incredible detail. Even when there is little to no light, you will still get excellent shots at night.
One of its cool features is the autofocus. Once it registers your eye, it will align its focus accordingly. So, even if you shoot images in the middle of the night, you will still get the deep and rich colors you are looking for. Our complete Sony a7R III review has more in-depth information on this wonderful camera.
3. Nikon D5
The Nikon D5 is like a dream come true for most skilled photographers. It’s all about flexibility, quality, and durability – and the Nikon D5 has it all. It is ideal for night photography due to the beautiful images it creates. You get 4K resolution photos that not many similar devices can offer.
The colors are sharp and vivid, and the whole landscape it captures is in its purest form, no matter how dark it may be outside. What sets this camera apart from the rest are the sensors. You can shoot incredibly fast at up to 14 frames a second.
Any traveling photographer knows how difficult it is to maintain a full battery on a camera you use all the time. But, with the Nikon D5, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. It has an excellent battery life that won’t disappoint.
Last but not least is the processor. The Nikon D5 comes equipped with the most powerful processor, which makes it ideal for taking master-quality images. With this camera, you will be able to overcome even the toughest of challenges. You can learn more about the camera by reading our Nikon D5 review.
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
For anyone looking for wide space cameras for night photography and long exposures, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is definitely the camera to go for. You get a five-axis stabilizer, a powerful sensor, and a viewfinder. What more could you ask for from a product this cheap? At an affordable price, you get a camera ideal for fast shooting and night photography.
On top of all that, it’s small, compact, and easy to transport. You get sharp and clear images with little effort, and the best thing about it is you don’t have to spend a fortune to get it. Maintaining it is a piece of cake, and the whole camera is rock solid – it can handle rough treatment.
The battery life is not that bad either, while it can’t compare with the Nikon D5, it still makes for a great choice when you are going out camping or planning on staying somewhere a long time. Finally, it’s small, compact, lightweight, and easy to move around. You will love taking it with you wherever you plan ongoing. You can read our complete Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III review to learn more.
5. Panasonic LUMIX GH5
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 is another great camera to have as a professional photographer. All the features you get to play around with are ideal for bloggers and videographers. Not only is it suitable for all weather conditions, but you also get great 4K and 6K modes. While it is a lot more expensive than some of the cameras for night photography on this list, like the Olympus, it still packs quite a punch.
You get multiple functions at a great price. It’s perfect for taking pictures at night, even when there is little to no light. You can use it to shoot the perfect landscapes and portraits. The zoom will also make your life a lot easier. So, this camera is a solid investment for anyone looking for stylish, modern cameras for night photography.
6. Canon EOS 77D
If you are looking for a camera for both great video recording and photos, then the Canon EOS 77D is the ideal choice. You will get excellent quality images with a clear view, especially at night. The touchscreen makes for easy access and control of the settings. You can play around with all the shooting settings for an innovative image.
Once you get the hang of all the features and options, you can make the ultimate image fit for a professional photographer. It has everything you need for a beginner including environment sealing, flash control, speed, and more. It’s a solid device you can depend on and it’s pretty convenient to handle.
Also, it is durable making the Canon EOS 77D a solid investment for anyone who has decided to try night photography. The cool thing about it is that you simply can’t go wrong with it. With just a little practice, you will be able to shoot the excellent quality images that you’ve always wanted. Our Canon EOS 77D review tells you everything you want to know about this wonderful camera.
7. Pentax K-3 (Budget Winner)
While not the cheapest camera, the Pentax K-3 isn’t the most expensive either. It is prepared to handle even the toughest weather conditions. You can use it when there is snow, fog, dust, sand, and even with water.
One of its key selling features is the Live View focus and enhanced AF. This is a great camera, compact, and easy to use. The photos you take with this camera will be smooth and noise-free. You get clear images in a matter of seconds. You get the same quality videos as if you are shooting them in a studio. Furthermore, it’s easy to carry around, so you can transport it anywhere you need.
Choosing Cameras for Night Photography
There are many great-quality cameras on the market to suit everyone’s taste. But, when it comes to cameras for night photography, only the best of the best deserve a spot on our list. These cameras meet all the requirements a professional photographer will be looking for.
You can either go for the most expensive one, which is the Nikon D5, or you can select the cheapest one like the Canon EOS 7D and still get your money’s worth. If you are looking for a mix of both, you can always check out the Sony a7R III or any other cameras for night photography on this list– the choice is yours.
Pick the one you want based on the features and options you are looking for; that way, you will always make the right decision.
