As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Night photography or astrophotography is a favorite among photographers of all kinds, be they novices or professionals, those who adopted it as a hobby or a profession. It seems almost magical to be able to capture the Milky Way or constellations, and that is possible if you choose the right camera. Below, we have the top picks of cameras best suited to night photography.
Contents
Review of the Best Cameras For Night Photography
Now that we have discussed some general features and what people usually look for in cameras for night photography, here are some of our top picks.
Best Overall: Nikon D750
PROS
- 24.3 MP full-frame sensor for great image quality
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy transfer of photos
- Powerful autofocus with up to 51 points and continuous shooting of 6.5fps
- ISO range of 100 to 12800, which is expandable up to 50 to 51200 for great low light results
- Continuous compressed and uncompressed video recording in full HD with 1080p resolution
CONS
- Some people received a defective product
- Underexposed pictures as a result at times
What Recent Buyers Report
People who have recently bought and used Nikon D750 243MP product have been really satisfied with its performance. The features, durability, and connectivity options all make it a great catch in terms of DSLRs, especially for night time photography.
Why it Stands Out to Us
ISO is a very important feature in the case of night time photography, and Nikon has remembered that. The range on this is amazing, and not only that, but it is also expandable, which makes it the perfect night time photography tool.
Who Will Use This Most
Those who want to become or are professional photographers, or are into it as a hobby can use this product. The Nikon D750 is especially for those who are going to mainly focus on night time photography as this is one of the best ones out in the market.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a top of the line camera with the promise of Nikon’s standards. It has a ton of features, is durable and reliable in the long run, and is perfect for all kinds of photographers. Do give this one a try if you are interested in taking up night time photography.
- Full frame 243 megapixel CMOS image sensor and expeed 4 image processor
- Full HD 60/50/30/25/24p video
- Built in Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the WT 5a plus UT 1 communication unit
Runner-up: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
PROS
- DCI standard 4K video recording with up to 30fps
- 30.4 MP full-frame sensor for pictures with great clarity and detail
- LCD has a full touchscreen interface, including a selection of AF points
- Great ISO range of 100 to 32000, expandable up to 50 to 102400, for amazing low light results
- Fast dual pixel CMOS autofocus system with up to 61 points and continuous shooting of up to 7fps
CONS
- Video quality is not that great after a few uses
What Recent Buyers Report
The Canon EOS 30.4MP product received mixed complaints. Complains about the removal of the low path filter have been received as it prevents a sharp image from being captured. Other than that, the people who have bought it have been quite happy with its performance, saying that the filter isn’t a problem.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Having a full-screen touch interface is no small feat, but this camera takes it to another level by even allowing the user to manually choose the focus points of the object to be captured, which is beyond amazing.
Who Will Use This Most
Photographers of all kinds are welcome to try this out. It will most likely give you the results you want without even a single hitch. It is especially recommended for night time photography, which makes it all the more special.
Bottom Line
Great reviews from users really give proof the Canon 5D Mark IV’s performance. It has become a favorite among the photography community, with its long list of features and being evolved from previous models and all that.
- New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range...
- 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab of 4K...
- Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or live view shooting; LCD...
Best for the Money: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
PROS
- 4K Full HD time-lapse video recording and viewing
- ISO range of 100 to 40000 for amazing low light results
- 26.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor for great quality photos
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability for easy image transfer
- Superfast wide-area 45 point autofocus with continuous shooting
CONS
- Freezes at times while shooting
- Focus points are in a poor place
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II 26.2MP reviews are positive, as it is a Canon camera. But, some negative reviews have been given, and they have one thing in common. They complain about the frame freezing suddenly during continuous shots, which is a problem that they hadn’t countered before.
Apart from that, they love the image quality and the results the 6D Mark II provides, and deem it to be a great investment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Canon is, without a doubt, one of the top dogs of the camera industry, and is the pioneer of DSLRs. This camera meets their mark, with its standout feature being the 4K HD video recording. Nowadays, 4K resolution is becoming more common in technology, so this is a great model.
Who Will Use This Most
Astrophotography or night photography enthusiasts will love this, as this is one of the top products in the market that is geared specifically towards them. Great image results are a guarantee when you use this camera.
Bottom Line
Perfect for use by amateurs and professionals alike, this is a great addition to your camera collection. With a long list of features that meet the mark, great durability, and sturdy build, this is one that will be with you even in rough times.
- 26.2 Megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
- Optical viewfinder with a 45 point all cross type AF system. Compatible lenses: Canon EF lenses...
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with phase detection & Full HD 60p
4. Sony a7R III
PROS
- Great 4K HDR video recording with editing and viewing
- Great low light results with an ISO range from 100 to 32000
- Ultra-fast autofocus with up to 10fps with continuous tracking
- 42.4 MP sensor for amazing photos with great clarity and detail
- Fast image processing with a BIONZ X processing engine that boosts speed up to 1.8x
CONS
- No touch capture
- Defective sensor in some products
What Recent Buyers Report
The removal of the touch capture feature has baffled some buyers, saying that it was the best feature of Sony a7R III cameras. But most people either disagree or do not have a problem with it. The overall performance of the camera has been loved nonetheless.
Why it Stands Out to Us
BIONZ X processing engines are some of the best ones on the market when it comes to speed and power. This Sony a7R III makes the image processing go up to 1.8x faster than other cameras, which is outstanding.
Who Will Use This Most
Professional or beginner, you definitely need to try this camera out. It has a list of features a mile wide, and would surely meet all your photography wants and needs. While it is simple enough for beginners, it also has features that professionals love.
Bottom Line
Sony is the name of quality. People trust its products because they have shown to be reliable each and every time. And this one is no exception. Satisfied customers all around for the performance of this one.
- INCREDIBLE DETAIL: Shoot high-speed subjects at up to 10fps with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking
- OPTIMAL LIGHT: A back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with gapless on-chip lens collects more...
- FASTER IMAGE PROCESSING: An updated BIONZ X processing engine boosts processing speeds up to 1.8x
5. Panasonic LUMIX GH5
PROS
- Superfast autofocus with 179 AF points and 11fps
- ISO range of 100 to 25600 for great photos in low light
- Has Amazing 20.3 MP digital live sensor for incredible photos
- Great quality video recording with HD and 4K UHD with a resolution of 2160p
- Built to withstand the elements such as water, dust, freezing conditions, etc. and heavy use
CONS
- Some people received bad quality products
- Malfunctioning touchscreen after only a few uses
What Recent Buyers Report
Other than a few minor negative reviews for a few defective products, it was well-loved by customers. They praised the build Panasonic LUMIX GH5s , as well as quality and features, saying they take it with them often now as the controls are almost intuitive, and help to capture photos like a pro.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Panasonic is a well-known company in the electronics industry as one of the good ones. And this camera reinforces it. The stand out feature of this is its autofocus. With up to 175 focus points and a continuous shot speed of 11fps, it’s no wonder.
Who Will Use This Most
Nighttime photographers or people who are interested in capturing the magic of the stars in a single click will be able to make use of this product. It will fulfill their requirements and meet their needs with its great functionality.
Bottom Line
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a sturdy one built for the adventurers and for those who like to venture out into the night to capture the stars. This is a highly durable and reliable camera that comes with a lot of desirable features and will last you a long time.
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Panasonic LUMIX GH5s C4K Mirrorless Camera Body, Sony 64GB SD Card, Battery...
- DIGITAL LIVE MOS SENSOR: The LUMIX GH5s features Digital Live MOS sensor which offers 10.28MP and a...
- VENUS ENGINE BEAUTY: The marriage of a new Digital Live MOS sensor with the beautiful Venus Engine...
Comparison Chart of the Best Cameras For Night Photography
What Makes a Camera Great For Night Photography?
Some features that a great night photography camera should possess are as follows:
High ISO Range
Night photography is miles different than daytime photography; the most obvious difference is in the light. It is certainly more difficult to capture good photographs with detail and clarity in little light without the right camera.
But remember, a camera should always consist of a high ISO range as it means that your sensor is more sensitive to light and is able to capture details and give great results in low light conditions without slowing down the shutter speed or opening the aperture up more.
Good Quality Autofocus
Autofocus is one of the most essential settings of a camera as it keeps the picture in focus even if the camera moves a bit. It is important to have good quality autofocus to keep your image result from being blurry or unfocused, which is obviously not ideal.
Full Frame Sensors
Professionals agree that a full-frame DSLR is best for night time photography. The reason for this is that they are great for capturing wide angles. This is great in the case of astrophotography as it makes it easy to capture an image of stars or a high-level constellation with great clarity, and the image doesn’t become cropped.
People Also Ask
Now, although we have tried our best to give as much information about each product we listed, there could still be some confusion about the specifications or some general things people still want to be cleared up. So below, we have answered a few questions that may help our readers.
What Aperture to Use For Night Photography?
Typically, night photography includes a combination of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture for the perfect shot. For that, the aperture is recommended to be kept open, such as at f/2.8 or f/4.
Are Mirrorless Cameras Good For Night Photography?
Yes, mirrorless cameras are perfectly fine for night photography as they possess almost the same features as full-frame cameras, which, as stated, are considered best by professionals for great results.
Do You Use Flash For Night Photography?
It can be used if required with the proper settings pertaining to the certain camera. But it is mostly not needed. There is the benefit of automatically setting your aperture, ISO, and shutter speed with the use of flash in some cameras, though.
What Are the Best Settings For Night Photography?
Ideal settings for night photography consist of a high ISO, which starts from 1600, an open aperture with a setting of f/2.8 or f/4, and the longest possible shutter speed in relation to the 300 or 500 rule.
Can You Use UV Filter at Night?
A UV filter is first and foremost for the protection of the camera lens against UV rays. But it is not good to use it at night as it can negatively affect the image result.
Conclusion
All the products listed in this article are our own personal picks and have been chosen after reading reviews and doing thorough research. All of them are of the best quality with a lot of great features that make them definitely worth buying. If you are interested in any of them, do check them out.
