Best Low Light Video Cameras of 2024

The best low light video camera allows recording amazing footage even in poorly lit environments.

This task can be handled even by novice photographers.

Their characteristic features are low light mode or night vision to ensure a flawless performance even in the darkest spaces.

Full frame models are definitely the best option for shooting under poor illumination. The thing is that full frame sensors let in more light, so their performance in dim surroundings is on top level.

When shooting in poorly lit spaces, this type of sensor even functions better than the framing sensor (APS-C) or a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) budget video camera.

The quality of your lens is also crucial to consider. High-end lenses are very sensitive so they react to light promptly, collecting more light and transferring it to the sensor.

The autofocus system of the camera also plays an important role when shooting in dim environments. It is great that modern cameras are fitted with excellent motion tracking systems to identify subjects even in darkness with extreme precision. Some models are capable of 6EV, which is a significant improvement over older models.

A great low light video camera should be able to handle a wide range of ISO settings, letting videographers work even in the harshest conditions. Some of the best cameras for night photography can shoot up to ISO 409,600, which is ideal for professionals.

Type: Full Frame, Mirrorless | Video Quality: 4K/120p | Resolution: 12MP | ISO: Up to 409,6003

Sony Alpha 7S II is a highly functional low light video camera that can shoot 4K video at 120p, which is really great. Compared to the previous model, the A7II, it boasts excellent performance in poor lighting conditions producing videos with virtually no noise.

The output is a lifelike image with well-balanced contrast, which is great for filmmakers.

The highlight of this 4K video camera is the fully articulating screen. Besides, it is tiltable and can be flipped up or down or rotated to face to shoot in a selfie mode.

The camera is an excellent option for producing films, but stills shooters may be disappointed with the relatively modest 12MP sensor.

Type: DSLR | Video Quality: 4K/30p | Resolution: 32.5MP | ISO: Up to 51,200

If you are looking for a DSLR that offers excellent performance in poor lighting conditions, Canon EOS 90D is the best fit. This model attracts videographers with the ability to shoot 4K videos without the crop factor. This means the filmmakers can shoot full-frame movies of top-level quality.

The video AF is also beyond all praise with sticky autofocus and eye detection option that keeps the subject in focus all the time.

As for quality, this DSLR for video functions flawlessly, especially at low ISO configurations. The sensor captures every detail and makes sure that your colors are accurate.

Type: Mirrorless | Video Quality: 4K UHD 2160p | Resolution: 10.2MP | ISO: Up to 51,200

Panasonic LUMIX GH5S even goes beyond cameras fitted with larger sensors in terms of ISO performance. This is because of the dual native ISO feature, which offers two native sensitivities and leverages the higher one for poor lighting conditions.

The result is a perfectly looking picture shot in a poorly lit environment without noise or other artifacts.

Another plus of this mirrorless camera for video is that it can record amazing 4K footage as well as capture eye-grabbing slow-mo videos at up to 240fps.

However, this camera model lacks IS, which is a considerable drawback for many videographers. You’ll need to stabilize the camera on your own or rely on Panasonic lenses with embedded optical stabilization to record excellent content.

Type: Camcorder | Video Quality: 4K UHD | Resolution: 16.6MP

The high-performance sensor is the feature that allows naming Sony FDRAX53/B the best low light professional video camera. It captures more light producing top-rated videos even in dark spaces.

Moreover, the camcorder comes with an optical stabilization feature, which further improves the quality of footage eliminating blur and shakiness.

This Sony camera stands out among the competitive models with sophisticated time-lapse functions and miniature effects for realizing the boldest creative ideas.

With such features, it is easy to jazz up any footage producing eye-grabbing content. The only drawback is that the camcorder shoots at a higher ISO setting, so videos may contain unwanted noise.

Type: Full Frame, Mirrorless | Video Quality: 6K | Resolution: 24.2MP | ISO: Up to 102,400

Canon EOS R6 Mark is a good low light video camera that boasts lightning-fast performance when shooting footage in poorly lit surroundings. High-res UHD 4K 60p oversampled internal recording is definitely the highlight of this model.

Producing crisp and clear footage, this Canon camera provides videographers with the ability to shoot externally in 6K outputting videos in raw format, making video editing more flexible.

3- or 5-second prerecording is another advantage offered by Canon EOS R6 Mark. With it, filmmakers can start capturing footage even several seconds before they hit the shutter release, which is ideal for shooting every fleeting moment.

Type: Full Frame, Mirrorless | Video Quality: 2160p, 1080p | Resolution: 24.2MP | ISO: Up to 102,400

Sony Alpha a6400 is an excellent camcorder capable of shooting videos in 3840x2160 resolution as well as slow-mo footage at 120 fps. Thanks to high-bitrate recording, the resulting footage is crisp and full of detail.

The camera features a large sensor and offers high ISO, which is crucial for shooting amazing videos even in places with bad illumination.

Although this model is considered one of the cheapest full-frame cameras, it comes with many high-end features AI-based object recognition, which lets naming Sony Alpha a6400 the best camera for low light video.

Type: Mirrorless | Video Quality: 4K/24p | Resolution: 24.1MP | ISO: Up to 25,600

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great camera with an intuitive UI, which is an ideal option for those who produce content for sharing on social media pages. This vlogging camera is fitted with all the needed options for smooth streaming and recording videos outdoors even in darkness.

A wide ISO range is a parameter that allows this Canon video camera to record amazing videos with minimal noise even in low lighting conditions.

A fully articulating screen is another advantageous feature of this model, which is especially useful for vloggers and YouTubers who can see themselves during the recording and frame their shots more easily.

Type: Camcorder | Video Quality: 4K Ultra HD | Resolution: 18MP

Panasonic HC-WXF991K is probably the best low light video camera that records pro-level videos in poorly lit environments. High resolutions and impressive AF are the major highlights of this model.

Videographers also like that this camera offers much storage space, letting you edit pics and movies without trouble.

Another advantage of this camera is a clear and bright LCD screen, so videographers can navigate and control the device worry-free. A minus for novices is a steep learning curve.

The interface is a bit overwhelmed with many settings. However, once you master it, you’ll be able to benefit from its complete functionality.

Type: DSLR | Video Quality: 4K | Resolution: 45.7MP | ISO: Up to 102,400

Nikon D850 is a highly functional camera suitable for different shooting scenarios and is built to function flawlessly even in harsh environments. A large sensor is probably the most appealing feature of this camera, thanks to which it can produce amazing footage when coupled with Nikon lens.

This model is fitted with a headphone and a mic jack for perfect audio recording capabilities. A user-friendly LCD touchscreen, which simplifies shooting from different angles, is another strength of this device.

The camera will probably disappoint shooters with an unreliable AF mode, which often fails to track the subject in motion properly. So, shooting run-and-gun videos with this camcorder is really problematic.

Type: Mirrorless | Video Quality: 4K QFHD | Resolution: 16MP | ISO: Up to 25,600

Many videographers are looking for this specific camera model because of its impressive image stabilization system that delivers high-quality pics even in poorly lit spaces. Moreover, this is one of the cheapest 4K cameras that comes with the Post Focus mode, which allows shooting many pics with different focus points combining them into one focused pic directly in the camera.

4K Live Cropping function might become a problem. Although it is perfect for stable panning and zooming, it crops the sensor area when you push the shutter button during video shooting. This is why you won’t be able to move the camera to produce wider shots.

I tested three cameras manufactured by different camera brands in different lighting conditions.

Each model has its unique functions, but the Sony Alpha 7S III beats others with superior low-light sensitivity and cutting-edge functions that enable trouble-free shooting in harsh lighting conditions, A pic taken with this camera is crisp, without noise, and features realistic shades.

Its dual ISO capability is another spotlight, which makes this device the best low light video camera for seasoned videographers who record movies and clips in difficult lighting conditions regularly.

Although Canon's EOS 90D is not designed for shooting in poorly lit spaces, its performance in low light is decent because of the APS-C sensor range, which makes this camera a perfect option for shooting in different scenarios.