Low light photography is a passion for many people. Only the right type of cameras can be useful in this field. Beginners often find trouble while making the decision of which camera they should buy.
When it comes to low light photography, cameras need to have a perfect aperture, exposure, ISO, sensor, shutter, etc.
To state the obvious, purchasing a mirrorless camera can be hard for beginners. If you are a beginner, we will suggest that you know important information about cameras before purchasing.
Best low light mirrorless camera in 2024
In 2023, mirrorless cameras have significantly improved with all the new technologies that have been invented and developed. When buying the best low light mirrorless camera, you need to be up-to-date with all the new features of mirrorless cameras.
Certain features of a camera should be perfect to take a clear shot in low light conditions. Professionals know their camera well and can take pictures in any low night environment. Sufficient knowledge about cameras can help in your photography career.
Night sky photography is a general term that stands for night city photography, Astrophotography, wildlife photography at night, etc.
Comparison table of top 9 low light mirrorless camera
| Image | Name | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sony Alpha 7R V (Editor’s Choice) | Maximum Webcam Image Resolution: 61 MP Photo Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm) Image Stabilization: Digital Max Shutter Speed: 1/8000 seconds Min Shutter Speed: 30 seconds Exposure Control Type: Manual, Auto, etc Form Factor: Mirrorless | Check Price |
 | Canon EOS M50 Mark II | Maximum Webcam Image Resolution: 24.1 MP Photo Sensor Size: APS-C Image Stabilization: Digital Min Shutter Speed: 1/4000 seconds Exposure Control Type: Manual Form Factor: Mirrorless | Check Price |
 | Sony Alpha a7S | * 35 mm CMOS * 1.08 (pounds) * 5 x 1.9 x 3.7 | Check Price |
 | Olympus OM-D E-M10 | * 17.30 mm CMOS * 1.1 (pounds) * 4.7 x 3.6 x 3.3 | Check Price |
 | Sony FDRAX53/B 4K | Screen size: 3 inches Photo Sensor Size: CMOS Optical zoom: Digital Item weight: 2.54 pounds Flash memory type: SDXC Color: Black | Check Price |
 | Panasonic DMC-G7KS | * 17.30 mm CMOS * 14.4 (pounds) * 4.9 x 3 x 3.4 | Check Price |
 | Nikon Z6 | * 35.90 BSI – CMOS * 4.6 (pounds) * 12 x 10 x 7 | Check Price |
 | Fujifilm X-H1 | * 23.50 mm CMOS III * 4.4 (pounds) * 8.4 x 8 x 6.9 | Check Price |
 | PANASONIC LUMIX G7 | * 17.30 mm CMOS * 14.4 (pounds) * 4.9 x 3 x 3.4 | Check Price |
Our 9 picks of best low light mirrorless camera
To help the beginners to make a worthy purchase, we have listed the best 9 mirrorless cameras for low light photography. It has all the essential information that can help you decide which one you should purchase to fuel your passion for photography.
1. Sony Alpha 7R V – A premium quality mirrorless camera
Sony, one of the most reputed and well-established camera brands founded in 1946, has recently launched the Sony Alpha 7R as a full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.
It is now one of the best low light mirrorless cameras in 2024. That’s why we have picked this item for you.
Think of it as your own personal night owl, with a 61-megapixel and 35 mm CMOS sensor that sees every detail, even in the low light corners. Shooting stunning 8K videos even in low light is its superpower. And forget shaky, amateur footage – its built-in image stabilization smooths out your moves like a magic carpet ride.
Life never waits, and neither does the Alpha 7R V. This camera is a cheetah with a lens, capturing 10 photos in a single second! The Alpha 7R V serves up an array of shooting modes! Auto and Scene are instant treats, while Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Mode let you cook up custom masterpieces.
- Multiple shooting modes.
- 10fps continuous shooting speed.
- 8k 24p/25p and 4k 60p video recording quality.
- Detailed information about objects with AI based processor.
- Faster and more precise autofocus, even in low light.
- High ISO images at surprisingly low noise level.
- Raw image processing issues with apple photos app.
Bottom Line
The camera has all the quality that is needed for being the best mirrorless camera for low light photography. It is positively accepted by experts and users. Being such a great piece, it deserves to be on the top.
2. Canon EOS M50 Mark II Content Creator Kit, Mirrorless 4K Vlogging Camera
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Content Creator Kit, Mirrorless 4K Vlogging Camera
Canon cameras are beasts when it comes to quality. It is professionals’ top favorite. That’s why the Canon EOS M50 Mark || is in our top 2. It is also known as one of the best low light mirrorless cameras of this era. Personally, I recommend it as it can capture decent pictures even in the dark.
This model for Sony comes with a 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C) that can exploit more light in low light conditions and it can provide detailed images without the usage of a mirror.
This camera boasts Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a fancy name for a super-smart system that tracks your subject like a cheetah chasing its lunch. Even It can focus in dimly lit environments and just not only on the face but also on the subject’s eyes, letting you capture as live.
The M50 Mark II, with a brain like lightning (DIGIC 8 processor!) and eyes like a hawk (2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder!), whisks you through adventures, capturing every laugh line and sunbeam in vibrant detail. This lightweight handicraft allows you to record videos with 4K UHD 24p and HD 120p for Slow Motion. With its LCD touchscreen, it appears convenient to do vlogging and other compositions.
- Electronic viewfinder for low light conditions.
- Better AF than previous model.
- Adjustable LCD screen for various angle.
- 100-25600 ISO range for low light photography (highest 51200)
- EOS webcam utility software for both Windows and Mac devices.
- DIGIC 8 image processor with auto lighting optimizer.
- DM E100 stereo microphone.
- The screen doesn’t respond properly sometimes.
- Not exceptional video quality in 4k UHD.
Bottom Line
As we all know, Canon cameras are very well-made. So it is safe to purchase it. It can be a little confusing for beginners, but as they get used to it, they’ll be able to take many great pictures.
Check Also: Best Rear View Mirror Camera 2024 Reviews
3. Sony Alpha a7S – Small and lightweight mirrorless camera
Sony produces a lot of mirrorless cameras, so it is not surprising to have them multiple times on our list. It stands out from other mirrorless cameras by being very small and lightweight.
Mirrorless cameras are usually small and lightweight comparing to DSLR cameras. But Sony Alpha a7S is the most lightweight amongst most mirrorless cameras. Still, the sensor is as large as 35 mm, which allows the camera to take excellent shots.
It is specially made for taking pictures in dark areas. It has a low light 4k feature for taking videos in the dark. Moreover, the combination of perfect ISO and aperture will let you take beautiful pictures in darkest of areas.
The camera is compatible with all of the Sony E-mount lenses. This offers many options while taking zoomed-in pictures. Although, you need to purchase an adapter if you want to fit other lenses.
Battery life is significant for photography. But unfortunately, many users weren’t satisfied with the battery life of this camera. But that can be changed by replacing the batteries.
- Small and lightweight comparing to other mirrorless cameras.
- A 35 mm large image sensor gives clear photos in low light environments.
- It has a low light 4k feature for taking videos in the dark.
- Has a silent shutter mood.
- LCD can be tilted in various angles.
- Compatible with Sony E-mount lenses.
- Needs adapter to fit with lenses other than Sony E-mount.
- Users have complained about battery life.
Bottom Line
This is another excellent camera from Sony with many exceptional abilities. It is a reasonable choice for newbies who aren’t used to manual control. Being such lightweight made this camera very famous amongst experts, and they had a positive response towards it.
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II – Portable mirrorless low light camera
Being a century-old camera brand, Olympus is as great as the top brands. Olympus OM-D E-M10 is a beautiful camera when it comes to low light photography. Its unique features make it different from other cameras any many people love it for that.
The Olympus OM-D can be an excellent choice for beginners because it has a decent quality autofocus system. You can focus on any object just by touching the screen.
The viewfinder is another feature that is loved by many users. It helps to take shots easily without moving your eye from the viewfinder. The body feels good in hands, and good stabilization makes the pictures shake-free.
Some other features add to the credibility of the camera. The silent shutter mode allows taking pictures without any sound. Even the shutter noise is very low. Built-in Wi-Fi is good enough for sending large files. It also has a built-in flash, which some cameras lack.
The camera is not weather resistant. So you got to be careful while bringing it outside. This is a downside to this camera. If you want a weatherproof camera, this wouldn’t be the right choice for you.
- Large viewfinder for taking pictures easily.
- Fast touch autofocus allows newbies to capture great shots.
- Silent shutter enables taking pictures quietly.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for easy connectivity and sharing.
- Accessible control features for beginners.
- Built-in flash for brighter pictures.
- Does not have weather resistant feature.
- The sensor is not so big.
Bottom Line
If you are okay with not having a weather-resistant feature on your camera, then this might be the best choice for you. With all the essential elements, this camera has gained a lot of positive reviews from users and experts which make it a great camera to have for low light photography.
5. Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder (Black)– Best low light mirrorless camcorder
Here is the Sony again in the 5th position of the list. But it is a camcorder and not a regular camera. Sony FDRAX53/B is one of the famous video recording camcorders hanging on maximum professionals’ hands.
Sony FDRAX53/B is a low light mirrorless camcorder. It comes with an Exmor R CMOS sensor that produces high-quality pictures without the usage of a mirror.
This supercam has a 20x zoom lens, like a telescope for memories. And if you want to get even closer its secret weapon, the 30x Clear Image Zoom, lets you see things from a squirrel’s perspective!
Low lighting got you worried? Worry not! This camcorder has a special night vision mode, letting you film cozy fireside chats or moonlit walks without blurry nightmares.
Its stabilization means balanced optical SteadyShot lets you take shake-free videos while you hold it in your hands. This camera’s manual ring empowers you to adjust focus and other settings like a pro, making your shots truly your own.
Capture memories in stunning detail with the Sony FDRAX53/B! This 4K camcorder shoots vibrant, crystal-clear videos with its 16.6MP Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, perfect for preserving life’s special moments.
The last thing, the 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD is your window to stunning clarity. Whether you’re framing the perfect shot or reviewing your masterpiece even in low light conditions, everything pops with rich colors and sharp focus. Not only that, it owns an electronic viewfinder that offers a clear and detailed view of your scene.
- 5-axis stabilization
- Modern and quick autofocus
- Manual control ring for professional photography
- Decent low light shot in wide lens(26.8mm) and 4K time-lapse capture
- Built-in zoom microphone
- Lightweight
- Not respond exceptionally in 4K video recording
- Touchscreen issues happen
- Difficult time focusing and the battery doesn’t last too long as expected
Bottom Line
Overall, it is another great camera from Sony that is very helpful in low light photography. It is mostly used for videos. Users and experts liked its video quality which makes it the best mirrorless camera for low light video.
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6. Panasonic DMC-G7KS – Next-generation mirrorless camera
Century-old brand Panasonic produces some of the best next-generation mirrorless cameras. You have heard about their cameras. Panasonic makes professional cameras for different kinds of photography. Panasonic DMC-G7KS is suitable for low light photography.
This camera can also be used for astrophotography but still needs a good source of light. The sensor can capture detailed images in any light conditions. The 4k burst mode allows taking many shots of a fast-moving object. Although the 4k pictures are good, the 4k video quality isn’t so high, as some professional users complained.
Another great thing about this camera is the autofocus. With new technology, Panasonic was able to provide excellent autofocus feature that allows the camera to focus on different subjects at once very quickly. But some of the users felt like the manual focus is better.
It is a very lightweight camera, as mirrorless cameras should be. This allows users to carry it anywhere easily. The camera can be expanded with microphones or flash to increase its ability. Overall, it is a perfect and lightweight camera suitable for beginners.
- The viewfinder is good-quality and assists with photography.
- Quick autofocus tracking enables taking clear pictures of fast-moving objects.
- Silent shooting mode reduces shutter noise.
- Good camera for Astrophotography on a moonlit night.
- It has an expandable feature that allows it to connect with flash and microphone.
- Wi-Fi connection allows fast file transfer.
- Video does not have the right stabilization.
- Autofocus isn’t so great; this is why the manual focus should be used.
Bottom Line
If you are a fan of Panasonic cameras and are looking for a camera for low light photography, this can be the right choice. By knowing the proper configuration, you’ll be able to capture great low light pictures. It can be a little hard for beginners, but it can be a gateway to professional photography.
7. Nikon Z6 – Nikon’s modern mirrorless camera
Nikon is well-known for its high-quality DSLR cameras. The brand also gained popularity by manufacturing one of the best mirrorless cameras in the market. Having century-old experience, Nikon has surely maintained its throne in business.
Nikon Z6 is a camera of its mirrorless Z series. The Z series uses the most modern technology that time can offer, which makes these cameras very high-quality.
What makes Nikon Z6 suitable for low light photography? The high-quality sensor and wide range of ISO. 24.5 MP sensor of Nikon Z6 ensures the quality of the picture and its color.
The Nikon Z6 has a very modern autofocus system. The 90℅ of the entire screen has focus points that let the users focus on any object on the screen quickly. This feature is essential for beginners who aren’t familiar with the manual focus system.
As we have said before, the wide range of ISO of this camera makes it a perfect choice for low light photography. The ISO can be adjusted from 100 to 5100, and this will help you with your photography.
- ISO 100 – 51200 allows high quality low light photos.
- A 55 mm full-frame mount enables users to use various sizes of lenses.
- Autofocus covers 90% of the entire frame to let the user focus on anything.
- 5-axis stabilization is present to capture images without using a tripod.
- Easy to hold and control.
- Provide 11 fps during burst shooting for high-speed photography.
- It has only one storage card slot.
- Battery life is average.
Bottom Line
Aside from the low battery life and fewer storage slots, it is a pretty good mirrorless camera that can be purchased by newbies or professionals for low light photographs. Critics have admired the Z series of Nikon’s mirrorless cameras which makes it worthy for our list.
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8. Fujifilm X-H1 – All-in-one mirrorless camera for low light photography
Fujifilm is not as famous as some of the leading camera brands like Sony, Nikon, Canon, or Panasonic, but their products are just as high quality as the famous brands’. Founded in 1934, they have gained a lot of experience and maintained consistency in their condition.
Fujifilm X-H1 camera is the best one in the X series. It has a lot of improvements that some of the X series cameras lack. It is surprising to see that this camera offers much more features than some of the best brands. But, of course, it has some bad sides too.
The first thing worth talking about this camera is the electronic viewfinder. It is big and bright, which helps to capture phenomenal shots in low light conditions.
It has few features that you cannot find in some Nikon or Canon cameras. Those things are two SD card slots, weather resistance feature, tilting LCD screen, etc.
But all these features come with a price, and that is, X-H1 is pretty big. We know that mirrorless cameras are smaller compared to DSLRs, and some people purchase DSLM to have easy carrying features.
- The body is durable and made of high-quality materials.
- Has a good-quality 5-axis stabilization feature.
- Has two SD card slots for giving more storage.
- Ninety-one focus points can be increased up to 325 points.
- Moisture and dust resistant feature.
- The rear LCD screen can be tilted in many ways for having different angles.
- Large in size.
- Battery drains fast.
Bottom Line
Overall, this camera goes head to head with famous brands by having a lot of features in just one piece. Most users only complained about its big size but were more than satisfied with all the abilities of this camera.
9. PANASONIC LUMIX G7 – Cheap mirrorless camera for low light photography
Panasonic Lumix’s G series is well-known for having high-quality mirrorless cameras. G7 is a cheap option in the G series. It has all the essential abilities to be a good camera for low light conditions.
The sensor of G7 is well made even though it’s not as great as previously mentioned cameras. It can capture decent pictures without a mirror. 16 MP resolution enables detailed images without any noise problem.
The autofocus is designed to track fast-moving objects quickly. With the burst mode and excellent autofocus, you can take pictures of fast-moving cars and other vehicles at night.
Even it is a very small camera, manual control is still existent for professional photographers. But if you are a newbie, you don’t have to know these controls right now. You can use its autofocus for learning the abilities.
High visibility viewfinder allows the user to take good quality shots. Viewfinder plays an excellent role in low light photography.
Most users had one complaint about this camera which is it cannot be connected with an external monitor while recording videos. It also has a wireless feature for quick file transfer.
- 16 megapixels high-quality sensors.
- Very small and light comparing to DSLR cameras.
- The OLED Live View Finder is high quality with a good ratio of contrast.
- Autofocus can track very fast-moving objects.
- Expandable with flash and microphone.
- Wireless feature for easy file transfer.
- Can’t connect to external video monitor while recording.
- Indoor lighting has a bad effect on picture quality.
Bottom Line
This camera can be a decent choice for new photographers. Panasonic has good service providers which can help you with every step. Overall, it is an average quality camera that can be a great choice for newbies.
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Things to consider when buying the best low light mirrorless camera
When it comes to photography, there are many details to consider whether it’s large and small. Improvements in some critical features can make a camera one of the best. As low light photography is a special kind of photography, it necessarily needs some distinctive features.
We can talk about cameras for hours, but we will only describe some of the critical elements that make photography easy and beautiful. If you are a newbie, it is essential to know these. Here are some things to consider when buying cameras for low light environments:
Aperture
Aperture has a great role in low light photography. With perfect aperture, you will be able to click stunning pictures, whether its dark or bright. If you have tried to gain knowledge about cameras, you might know how greatly important it is to have a perfect aperture.
Basically, an aperture is a hole through which light goes into the camera sensor. We describe aperture by ‘f/number’. Essentially, you need a lot of light to pass through your camera for low light photography. This is why the aperture should be smaller than usual. Lower aperture means the opening of the camera is wider.
f/1.4 could be great for taking photos at night or any dark environment. It is also good for Astrophotography. You should always consider this before buying any camera.
ISO
Good cameras should have a wide range of ISO. The reason for having a big range of ISO is that it has a good impact on the picture in bright or dark environment. ISO is the sensitivity of the camera. More ISO means, the camera is more sensitive to light, and that helps to take phenomenal pictures in low light conditions. Best mirrorless camera for night photography should have a wide range of ISO.
You can use a minimum of 400 ISO for low light photography. You need to be able to adjust it to any light conditions which can help you to become a professional in photography.
Shutter speed
As the name of the term suggests, shutter speed is the speed of the closing of a camera’s shutter. This lets a limited amount of light to get inside the camera’s lens. By setting your camera’s shutter speed higher, you’ll be able to pick very still images in low night situations.
‘Motion blur’ happens when the shutter speed is slower than required. If you are taking a picture of fast-moving objects like cars, in order to have a blue-free and clear image, the shutter speed needs to be higher.
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Frequently asked questions
Cameras are complicated machinery. Only experts are able to capture a great view with their lens by having all the necessary knowledge. To help you with some confusions, we have included the web’s top ten frequently asked questions when it comes to purchasing the best low light mirrorless camera.
- What is the CMOS sensor?
CMOS sensors are used to convert light particles (photons) into a digital image.
- Should I use the camera automated or manual?
Professionals use manual settings, but if you are new to photography, automated settings can be a start.
- What is a mirrorless camera?
Mirrorless cameras don’t have a mirror and light directly passes through the lens and goes into the sensor.
- What’s the difference between mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras?
Mirrorless cameras are not as heavy as DSLR cameras and provide higher shooting speed. But DSLR cameras have a better lens and can provide better photos.
- Can I set the ISO as high as I want?
You shouldn’t. ISO can increase the noise of the picture so, and it is wise to have it corrected.
- What is the noise?
If you ever try to increase the brightness of a picture, you’ll be able to see pixels and the photo gets bad. This is known as noise.
- What does AF mean?
AF stands for autofocus. This feature is present in cameras for having the ability to focus on a subject automatically.
- What makes one the best mirrorless cameras for low light?
If a camera has the right aperture, ISO, sensor, shutter speed, etc., it can be counted as one of the best low light mirrorless cameras.
- How can I take blurry motion pictures of traffic?
By keeping your shutter speed low, you can create a blur effect.
- Are low light cameras usable for Astrophotography?
They can be used for such a field, but it is recommended to get some Astrophotography tools.
Wrapping up
Low light photography needs a unique type of camera that can get the job done. There are many more features of the cameras we have included that you can check on websites. We recommend that you make sure every detail is correct before buying a camera.
After purchasing, you will be able to get used to your camera and take marvellous shots. We wish you good luck in your photography career.
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