Best Low Light Point and Shoot Camera 2020 – Top 10 Picks

Since you have stumbled across this page, we’re going to go ahead and take a wild guess that you are looking to brush up on your photography skills.

Starting with a good camera is naturally the first step to understand the ins and outs of photography. Most photographers find it challenging to take pictures in low light or poorly lit settings, which is completely natural.

Luckily, a good camera can take care of that, so read on to find out about the best low light point and shoot camera for you!

Best Low Light Point and Shoot Camera in 2020

Photography is a widespread niche in itself; therefore, there are multitudes of cameras available in the market for all kinds of photographers.

Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, the sheer volume of these products can get overwhelming, making a choice much harder.

However, with our review and complete guide, you should have no trouble picking the camera that is just right for you; follow along to the following sections to find out more!

Comparison Table of Best Low Light Point and shoot camera

Our Top 10 Picks of the Best Low Light Point and Shoot Camera

Here are the top ten points and shoot cameras listed along with comprehensive product descriptions, as well as the pros and cons to make the reviews easier to follow.

1. Canon Digital SLR Body EOS 80D

Canon is truly the flagship brand when it comes to cameras. Therefore, you cannot do any better than this one. The new Canon EOS 80D is in a league of its own because it allows you to shoot in a variety of locations and yields good results.

For starters, it comes with an Intelligent Viewfinder that allows you to get the feel of every photograph you take. The viewfinder contains a myriad of information, including a scale, AF mode/points, etc. This allows you to spread out your pictures over all kinds of wide angles.

Now coming towards the light, the AF range is such that it works well under low light, which comes in handy in a variety of settings. For instance, if you find yourself needing to take pictures in unconventional or even poorly lit settings, you can count on the 80D.

This is largely because the maximum ISO available on the 80D is fairly steep, i.e., 16000 for pictures and 12800 for videos to be exact. This makes it great for shooting videos in low light as well, owing to the high ISO and frames available per second.

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Bottom Line 
All in all, you cannot go wrong with the Canon EOS 80D because it is up there when it comes to cameras, garnering it the top spot on our list as well!

2. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera mimics a regular SLR in many ways. For starters, it has a pretty similar design but is more lightweight than an actual digital SLR, the EOS 80D, for instance.

Moving on to the actual features, it has a fairly sensor that allows it to maintain a good picture resolution bordering on about 4096 x 2160 if we’re going to be specific. As for videos, it offers 4K video quality and allows you to record up to sixty frames per second, which is fairly up there in terms of shooting capability.

This camera gets its title from its namesake, the Black Magic operating system that is responsible for harboring all these features. The body of the camera itself has been manufactured from carbon fiber that maintains its sturdiness and durability.

It also has built-in microphones that ensure good sound quality in any videos that you record. There is also a five-inch LCD screen with Touch capabilities for ease of use. With the range that this camera offers in terms of video quality and ISO speed, it makes for a good choice for low light shooting as well.

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Bottom Line 
In conclusion, the Blackmagic camera is another reliable alternative to the more expensive DSLR’s out there, particularly if you are looking for exceptional video quality.

3. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 4K Point and Shoot Camera

The Panasonic Lumix is another no-fuss point and shoots a camera that you can count on. What stands out about the Panasonic Lumix is the quality and size of the sensor itself. The sensor is about a whole inch in size that offers about twenty megapixels in terms of picture quality.

Since it is so large, it allows more light to enter, which is good for shooting in low light because you want your camera to make the most of the available light.

Also, it allows for more depth of field and blurs the background as well, which makes the object stand out more. This is particularly great for portraits. In terms of video quality, you do get 4K video quality with about eight megapixels for video frames.

The Panasonic Lumix has the lens included, as well as a lens stabilizer feature that allows for clear and non-blurry pictures even without a tripod stand. Therefore, even handheld videos and pictures will turn out great!

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Bottom Line 
If you are starting as a photographer or videographer, you can do well with this camera because all the features make the job much easier on you so you can spend more time perfecting your art rather than worrying about image/video quality.

Read Also: Best Backup Camera With Sensors

4. Fujifilm X100F 24.3 MP APS-C Digital Camera

If you are looking for a more vintage point and shoot camera, then the Fujifilm X100F is the one for you. It is very lightweight and has a matte black finish for the body itself. It carries a great processor that allows for high resolution for pictures.

The sensor itself is quite sizable, which allows for good quality images to be shot in low light as well. For clearer images, the focus points have also been enhanced so you can put more focus on the object of the image, allowing for more depth of field.

The Fujifilm camera comes with a built-in ISO dial. You can use this dial to change the ISO settings according to the light that is available to you in a particular setting. The ISO can go up to 12800, which means that you can shoot in very low light too.

The ISO dial works with the shutter speed dial as well, so you will have to set that in accordance to get the best image. The camera does get a bit hard to work within certain temperatures or humid conditions, so you might want to keep a lookout for that.

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Bottom Line 
Overall, the Fujifilm has a fairly authentic vintage look and feel to it, and it does get the job done if you are working to take pictures in less than ideal lighting conditions.

Read Also: Best Wireless Backup Camera for iPhone

5. GR III Digital Compact Camera

If you are looking for a more compact camera without compromising on the picture quality, then the GR III Digital Compact Camera is a valid contender. It also for high-resolution images owing to the large sensor size.

The sensor allows for more light to enter into the lens, which means you can get good pictures, even in low lighting. The camera also has a stabilizing feature, which prevents blurry images that can result from a handshake. It provides about fourteen-bit image dimensions in RAW form, which allows for greater editing capabilities in post-production.

As for the display itself, you get a touch screen LCD that makes the camera far easier to use. You have menu handles along with the ability to control other features manually. These include shutter speed, release, etc.

The camera can be connected via USB cable to several computer systems so you can transfer your images elsewhere for editing and storage purposes. It can also be connected via LAN to certain smartphones, and it is good to go for recording videos as well, allowing for about sixty frames per second.

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Bottom Line 
The GR III is a great choice for a point and shoots camera if you are a beginner and feel slightly intimidated by the prospect of low light photography.

6. Canon PowerShot Digital Camera G7X Mark II

Another great contender from the flagship provider Canon is the PowerShot Digital Camera G7X Mark II. With a matte black finish, it is a very compact and slim camera with an inbuilt lens.

It has a large one-inch sensor that produces high-resolution images and allows more light to enter the lens. This way, you can make the most of the light that you have, making it suitable for shooting in low light as well.

Also, there are two different features about focus i.e., manual focus and autofocus, which gives you more control over the pictures that you take.

The ideal operating temperature for the Canon PowerShot Digital Camera lies between zero to forty degrees, which are standard for normal photography conditions but might not work well in humid/high heat or colder temperatures.

The camera has a zoom feature as well owing to the lens, of course, and this can be controlled via the three-inch touch screen LCD on the camera.

One of the drawbacks of the camera is that the batteries pack or strap isn’t included in the original package, so you will have to get those for an additional cost.

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Bottom Line 
The Canon PowerShot is a great choice for beginners looking to get started with some low light photography, however for professionals; you might want to look into some other alternatives such as the Canon EOS 80D.

Read Also: Top 9 GPS With Backup Camera

7. Sony DSCHX80/B High Zoom Point & Shoot Camera

We’re more than halfway through on this list, but that doesn’t mean that these following contenders are any less important. Take the Sony DSCHX80/B High Zoom Point & Shoot Camera, for instance. With a sleek body and a matte black finish, it is right up there with the likes of the Canon PowerShot camera.

Armed with a large sensor and zoom feature, it offered about eighteen megapixels in terms of image quality and produced good quality pictures, even in low light owing to the size of the sensor.

The viewfinder on the camera can be retractable at will, and the stabilizing feature on the camera prevents blurry pictures that can result from shaky hands or if you are shooting without a tripod.

It is also great for recording videos, offering multiple video formats that are compatible with other devices. You can also connect the camera to your smartphone or other devices via Wi-Fi to transfer files without the need for a USB cable or any other hassle of the sort.

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Bottom Line 
With this Sony point and shoot number, you do have to invest in several items separately; however, the image/video quality does fairly make up for that, so keep these factors in mind while making the purchase!

Read Also: 9 Best Camera For Night Sky Photography

8. Nikon COOLPIX B500 Optical Zoom Digital Camera

You might want to hold on to your socks for this one because Nikon, another great flagship camera provider, has kind of the perfect package any photographer could ask for. The star of the show is, of course, the Digital Camera with an optical zoom lens included in the kit.

The zoom and the sensor size allow for great image quality, even in low lit settings, and allow you to focus on objects from quite a distance. This comes in handy, especially if you are into nature photography.

As for video quality, it can shoot HD video bordering on about 1080p, which pretty much speaks for itself. Moving on, the package also includes a camera bag, a tripod, a memory card, battery pack, battery charger, memory card reader, along with several items in the kit that are used to clean the camera body and lens itself.

It is definitely is a great deal for your money, not to mention really convenient because you do not have to look for all these items separately. Lastly, you can also connect the camera to your smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for ease of transferring files, etc.

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Bottom Line 
The Nikon B500 camera and bundle is a great starter pack if you are in the market for your first digital camera, and it does yield some great images/videos in turn!

9. Underwater Camera FHD 2.7K Waterproof Digital Camera

If you are looking for a funky looking digital camera that has some additional defenses against certain factors i.e., water, then this one is for you. Yes, you guessed it; this particular camera is waterproof, so you too can take those fascinating under the pool images that you see on Instagram all the time.

It offers a great resolution for both images and videos, about forty-eight megapixels, which is rough, double to that of regular cameras. This results in much clearer and crisp images even while shooting underwater.

The camera has dual screens and has been secured for use underwater such that you can dive up to ten whole feet and take pictures. Naturally, when you are that deep underwater, there isn’t much light to work with. However, the sensor is such that it allows the entry of maximum light into the lens, which makes for good pictures even at that depth.

The features of this camera make it ideal for covering water sports or low key events as well, such as pool parties, etc. because you do not have to worry about getting water on the camera.

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Bottom Line 
This camera is truly one of a kind in its own niche, so it should be one of your top priorities, especially if you plan on working around water or similar settings.

Read Also: 9 Low Light Mirrorless Camera

10. Nikon COOLPIX A10

The Nikon COOLPIX A10 has a beautiful silver finish and a slim/sleek design that goes along with it. The sensor is about sixteen or so megapixels that make for some excellent photos. In terms of video quality, you can get up to 720p, which is pretty impressive for a point and shoot camera of this size.

The camera has a built-in lens that is dubbed as the NIKKOR (Nikon Mirror) glass lens that offers about five levels of optical zoom. This allows you to shoot at a distance as well, although it is best to skip the zoom for the best quality pictures.

The camera has a 2.7-inch QVGA LCD display, which is slightly smaller than other cameras of this size but convenient nonetheless. There are several battery options that you can use for the Nikon A10.

For starters, there is the standard lithium battery pack, the Nikon rechargeable batteries, as well as alkaline batteries. These battery packs are available to be sold separately along with certain other items such as the starter bundle and the memory card bundle.

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Bottom Line 
At the end of the day, the Nikon A10 will come through for you for some standard photography and videography. However, you might want to look at some other options if you are looking for something more professional. Additionally, you need to look out for the items that need to be bought separately in order to complete the kit.

Read Also: Best Slow Motion Camera

Buyer’s Guide

Before you settle on which digital camera to buy, there are a few different things that you need to consider. On the surface, every product can seem like the ideal choice. However, you really need to take your time to ensure that the camera you choose is the right one for you specifically.

1. Max ISO Settings

By now, maybe fairly familiar with the concept of ISO settings and dials, etc. Since the pretext for this guide is looking for cameras that will work well in low light, you need to look for a camera that offers a wide range of ISO settings.

Ideally, this can be anywhere around 12800 to 25600 at the top end. Naturally, the other two factors i.e., shutter speed and aperture, have to be compatible with this ISO, so keep a lookout for those as well.

2. Lens

For shooting in any setting, especially low light, you need a good quality lens. Most compact digital cameras come with a built-in optical zoom lens, while for DSLR’s you have more choices. Therefore, depending on your preferences, you need to invest in a suitable lens.

3. Image/Video Quality

This one is a given. However, we will mention it nonetheless. Keep in mind that the most expensive camera will not necessarily offer the best resolution for images and videos. Therefore keep your options open and check out every possible alternative before you reach a decision.

Read Also: Best High Speed Camera

 Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions and queries that riddle customers when looking for a suitable digital camera. We hope these satisfy some of your queries as well!

1. 1. Why do digital cameras not use film? 

Digital cameras have electrical equipment instead of the film that was used by older cameras. It is commonly referred to as an image sensor and converts light rays entering through the lens into electrical signals in order to capture an image.

1. 1. Why do digital cameras have ISO settings? 

ISO is quite simply the measure of how much light is entering through the camera lens at a particular time. A higher ISO means the lens is more open, so to say and ISO dials are integrated into digital cameras so you can change them depending on the setting i.e., high/low light.

1. 1. Why do digital cameras have shutters? 

Shutters are present in cameras in order to block the entry of light into the lens when it is not in use. When the shutter is open, it allows light to reach the sensor in order to capture an image.

1. 1. What does a sensor do? 

A sensor converts the optical image taken by the lens into an electronic signal. In this way, you get the digital image that eventually ends up on your screen.

1. 1. What is the lens aperture? 

Aperture is the measure of how much your lens is open. A low aperture means that it is wide open while a higher aperture means that there is a very small opening, hence very little light entering the lens. For low light photography, a low aperture is preferred.

1. 1. What are mirrorless digital cameras?

Mirrorless camera is much like your regular Digital SLR cameras. They come with a detachable lens which can be interchanged with similar compatible lenses. The range of lenses is limited as compared to actual DSLR’s. However, they are also far lighter and more compact.

1. 1. What are the different types of digital cameras? 

There are numerous types of digital cameras. However, the most well known as DSLR’s, mirrorless digital cameras, compact cameras, bridge cameras, etc. All of the aforementioned have varying features and are not to be confused with one another.

1. 1. What kind of battery do digital cameras use? 

Most digital cameras used rechargeable lithium batteries that are typically encased in a battery pack. Battery packs and chargers are usually sold separately and are not included in the cost of the camera itself.

1. 1. What kind of lens can you use with digital cameras?

Some digital cameras come with built-in lenses. Therefore, you have to work with those, but for mirrorless digital cameras or DSLRs, you have a standard kit lens along with a wide range of optical zoom and prime lenses that can be fitted with the body of the camera.

1. 1. Are lenses included with digital cameras? 

Some digital cameras have built-in lenses, while a DSLR usually only comes with a single kit lens. For a standard DSLR, that will be the 18-55 mm zoom lens. Other lenses are available as independent components and can be bought separately.

Wrapping Up

Clearly, there is a lot going on behind the scenes when choosing to buy a certain product, and a digital camera is no different. Hopefully, this review has made the job much easier for you, best of luck!