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Having the best camera for night photography definitely makes it easier to get awesome shots, but there’s a lot more to this art than just having the right gear.
Nighttime photography used to have a very high barrier to entry. It could cost you thousands of dollars to buy a camera capable of working well at high ISO and having a wide enough aperture.
The good news is that quickly advancing technology is making these cameras more affordable and more accessible to you than ever before.
They’re becoming easier to use and don’t require such huge investments. There is so much information on the internet on how to set your camera up for night photography and to learn the skills that make professional night photography possible for the average enthusiast.
This isn’t to say that having high-quality gear isn’t important – but skill matters more than ever now. With the right setup, a good tripod, and some experience, you’ll be able to shoot amazing nighttime stills while using mid-range gear.
Our night photography camera reviews go deeper into the best cameras to help you take your night photography to the next level. Each camera we look at has its strengths and weaknesses that need to be considered and weighed.
We’ve taken the time to go through tons of options and have handpicked the cameras that offer the best balance between price, real-world performance, durability, and useful features.
You’ll also find information on how what it takes to get great results.
Let’s get into the night photography camera reviews.
Comparison of 5 Best Camera for Night Photography in 2023
| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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Canon SX420 Digital Camera |
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Canon SX530 Digital Camera |
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Nikon D3500 DX-Format DLSR Camera |
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Nikon D850 FX-Format DSLR Camera |
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Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR Camera |
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Here Is the Best Camera for Night Photography of 2023
1 Canon SX420 Digital Camera
- Weight: 11.5 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.1 x 2.7 inches
- Resolution: 20.0MP
- Sensor Type: CCD
- Focal Range: 24-1008mm
- ISO Range: 100 – 1600
- Aperture: f/3.5 – f/6.6
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This is by no means a professional camera, but you do get some manual control over your settings.
The ISO can be taken up to 1600. This is generally the lower end of the effective ISO ranges for night time photography.
It’s a fantastic camera to get started on and it’s good value for money. It’s perfect for you to build your skills while getting some decent-quality night photos.
You don’t have direct control over the shutter speed, but you can indirectly increase it through the camera’s native settings, along with the ISO.
Overall, it’s a solid camera for night photography if you’re getting started and need to practice.
Key Features:
- A very affordable entry-level camera
- ISO of up to 1600
- 42x optical zoom
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy transferring
- 0-inch LCD display
- Very low price for a camera that can produce good night photos
- ISO goes high enough for night shooting
- 42x optical zoom can be useful in the right hands
- Very easy to use and great for beginners
- You don’t have manual control over the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed
- Image stabilization isn’t great – use a tripod
2 Canon SX530 Digital Camera – [Editor’s Choice Best Camera for Night Photography]
- Weight: 15.5 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.6 x 3.2 inches
- Resolution: 16MP
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Focal Range: 24 – 1200mm
- ISO Range: 100 – 1600
- Aperture: f/3.4 – f/6.5
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This is another fantastic entry-level camera if you’re looking to work on your basics and get more into night photography.
The lens that comes with the camera isn’t interchangeable, although it’s versatile enough to satisfy most beginners.
You also have up to ISO1600 which is enough to get some awesome night photos – you’ll need to slow the shutter speed right down and make sure you have a decent tripod.
This model is a little more expensive than the SX420 we just reviewed, but it gives you quite a bit of extra value.
The build is sturdier and you have more manual control over the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. It still doesn’t have top-end specs, but it’s enough to give you decent results and develop your skills quickly.
Key Features:
- 15s minimum shutter speed
- 50x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom
- 0MP CMOS sensor
- Compatible with Canon Connect Station
- The zoom is very deep and clear
- Better manual control over ISO and shutter speed
- CMOS sensor gives you pretty good image quality
- The autofocus is pretty fast
- A very affordable entry-level camera
- Battery life isn’t fantastic
- Image stabilization is a slight letdown
3. Nikon D3500 DX-Format – Easy Use Night Photography Camera
- Weight: 13.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.8 x 3.8 inches
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS
- Focal Range: 18-55mm
- ISO Range: 100 – 25,600
- Aperture: f/3.5 – f/5.6
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The D3500 takes amazing pictures for such a small and lightweight camera. The ISO range is more than enough for almost all-night photography.
This camera is probably the best model to get started in night photography and can give you professional results. At this price point, it’s hard to find a better camera. You’re getting very good value for money.
The 24MP CMOS sensor gives you high-resolution images that are good enough to be blown up on a large screen or printed out.
A good external flash and a decent tripod are both essential when you’re choosing the best accessories for the D3500.
Key Features:
- ISO100 – 25,600 range for great night photography
- 2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Ability to shoot in RAW
- Compact and lightweight
- Compact and lightweight – especially when using the collapsible lens
- High-resolution and good-quality images
- High ISO values
- Easy for beginners, it’s intuitive and ergonomic
- Great value for money
- The internal flash isn’t good
- In-camera stabilization isn’t good enough for very sharp night photos
Also Read: Best Slow Motion Camera
4 Nikon D850 FX-Format – Best Night Photography Camera for Beginner
- Weight: 2.02 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.1 x 4.9 inches
- Resolution: 45.7MP
- Sensor Type: BSI CMOS Full Frame
- Focal Range: Depends on Lens
- ISO Range: 64 – 25,600
- Aperture: Depends on Lens
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The D850 is a high-end camera. It’s expensive, but it gives you the best of the best. It’s one of the best cameras that can take pictures of the night sky.
This isn’t a beginner’s camera and there are no auto-control setups. This doesn’t mean that you can’t learn how to use it – but expect the learning curve to be steep.
You have to make sure you have a very firm grasp of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and how to manipulate them for the best results.
With the D850, you have the ability to take consistent professional-grade night photos. The 4K and 8K time-lapse gives you awesome opportunities to shoot the stars moving and get many other creative night shots. It’s probably the best camera for night photography in this review.
Overall, this camera is the perfect choice if you’re looking to bridge the gap between being an enthusiast photographer and becoming a well-renowned professional.
Key Features:
- Tilting touch screen
- 64 – 25,600 ISO range (expandable to ISO 32)
- 7MP sensor
- 4K and 8K time-lapse (great for night photography)
- Up to 9 shots per second
- Professional-level specs and build
- Very versatile and capable of vastly more than just night photography
- Huge 45.7MP resolution for extremely clean and clear images
- Titling touchscreen and complete manual controls of all the settings
- The autofocus is laser fast and relentlessly accurate
- It’s expensive and a big financial commitment to this level of quality
- Absolutely not designed for beginners – no auto settings
5 Canon EOS Rebel T7i – Professional Night Photography Camera
- Weight: 1.18 pounds
- Dimensions: 3 x 5.2 x 3.9 inches
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS
- Focal Range: Depends on Lens
- ISO Range: 100 – 25,600
- Aperture: Depends on Lens
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This is a fantastic mid-range DSLR. It’s lightweight and easy to use once you’ve left the beginner stages of photography. It’s also a good choice for a beginner who is looking to get serious and build up their skillset as quickly as possible.
The build quality is durable and has a solid feel to it. The ISO gets high enough for you to capture some awesome night shots with a decent dynamic range – so long as you understand shutter speed and have a tripod. It’s a great camera for night photography.
The autofocus is fast and accurate. Using the manual focus will help you build your skills faster. It’s not a full-frame sensor, so you’ll be forced into thinking carefully about composition more – quite a good skill to develop.
Key Features:
- 2MP sensor for sharp images
- Minimum ISO of 100
- Compatible with all EF and EF-S Canon lenses
- Touch and manual autofocus
- Smaller than most DSLRs
- 45 AF points for fast-tracking and detection
- Compatible with a wide range of Sony lenses
- Great dynamic range at the lower ISO values
- Great build quality
- The internal flash is not good – get an external flash
- Edging relatively close to the cost of the lower priced full frame cameras
6. Canon EOS Rebel T6 – Best Camera to Take Pictures at Night
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.4 x 6.6 inches
- Resolution: 18MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS
- Focal Range: 18-55
- ISO Range: 100 – 12,800
- Aperture: f/3.5 – f/5.6
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This is an excellent starter camera if you’re looking to give your photos a more professional feel and better image quality.
It performs well at night thanks to the expandable ISO 12,800. The frame is large enough to make it one of the better night-shot cameras.
There are a couple of choices when you buy this camera. You can choose the slightly more costly double-lens pack or the single-lens option if you’re trying to be a little frugal.
The double lens option will give you a pretty decent telephoto lens that can come in handy when you’re taking night photos. Just make sure you mount up a reliable tripod and use a remote shutter for sharp images.
Key Features:
- ISO6400 (expandable up to 12,800)
- DIGIC 4+ image processor
- The optical viewfinder is helped quick and accurate focusing
- 18MP sensor is enough for high-quality night shots
- High ISO for great night photography
- The excellent night picture quality when mounted
- Very easy to use and great for skill development
- Good balance between cost and quality
- Battery life could be better
- Autofocus isn’t as good as some of the competing models
7 Nikon D3400 – Best Cheap Camera for Night Sky Photography
- Weight: 15.7 ounces
- Dimensions: 3 x 4.9 x 3.9 inches
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Sensor Type: CMOS DX-format
- Focal Range: 70-300mm
- ISO Range: 100 – 25,600
- Aperture: f/4.5 – f/6.3
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The D3400 brought some useful updates to the hugely popular D3300. The images are even sharper than before and can compete with cameras that cost double what this camera costs.
It’s a fantastic model for entering into DSLR photography. It’s a camera that can help you improve your skill quickly while still keeping you motivated by taking professional images that are extremely sharp and clear.
It’s affordable enough to be considered a serious option for enthusiasts and professionals. It comes with the ultra-versatile 18-55mm lens that does great in low light.
It’s one of the best cameras to take pictures at night that you’ll find for this price. The zoom lens is excellent for macro and for getting unique night photos. Make sure you mount the camera on a tripod and use longer shutter speed.
Key Features:
- 70-300mm lens bundled with the camera
- Sharp low light photographs
- 2MP sensor and 1080p video resolution
- Wide ISO range for night shooting
- 300mm zoom lens with a narrow aperture
- Images are extremely sharp and clear
- Great build quality and lightweight
- Easy to use and great for skill building
- Autofocus is faster and more accurate than before
- Image stabilization could be a bit better
- White balance is hit or miss at times
Also Read: Best Camera for Concert Photography
8 Nikon D5600 DX-Format DSLR Camera
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.2 x 4.5 inches
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS
- Focal Range: 18-55mm
- ISO Range: 100 – 25,600
- Aperture: f/3.5 – f/5.6
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The D5600 is a brilliant upgrade from the D5500. It brings you more value at a justifiable price.
You’re getting very sharp images that are on par with ones taken by higher-end DSLR cameras.
The camera feels sturdy and it’s easy to hold. Using it is easy thanks to the intuitive menus and controls for easy and effortless navigation. It’s really simple for you to set up and get the right camera settings for night photography.
Overall, it’s a well-rounded DSLR that performs well at night and offers versatility and affordability.
Key Features:
- 2MP sensor
- Wide ISO range for versatile photography
- Touchscreen controls and an intuitive menu
- 39 points for autofocus
- Shoot 5 frames per second
- Trumps the D5500 is most ways while remaining cheap
- Intuitive menu and manual controls
- Broad ISO range for better overall image quality
- Good quality build and ergonomic grip
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Image stabilization is a little weak
- Battery life needs to be a little longer
9 Nikon D5300 DX-Format DSLR Camera
- Weight: 1.06 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 3 x 3.9 inches
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Sensor Type: DX-Format CMOS
- Focal Range: 18-55mm
- ISO Range: 100 – 25,600
- Aperture: f/3.5 – f/5.6
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There isn’t an anti-aliasing filter – which gives you better image quality – and the low light performance is better than many other brands’ similar models in the same price range.
It’s a small and comfortable DSLR that’s a good choice if you’re looking to take the plunge and get a DSLR to take your photography to the next level.
Once you get the settings right and learn how to get the most from the ISO, the D5300 becomes a great camera for night photography.
It’s quite easy to use and there’s a handy dedicated button on the camera that gives you quick access to your most frequently used settings. This can save you a lot of time when learning the ropes and trying to get more comfortable with your camera.
Key Features:
- 2MP CMOS sensor
- Broad ISO range
- 3D tracking and matrix metering for autofocus
- Dedicated button to access the most frequently used settings
- Dedicated button to access frequently used settings
- No anti-aliasing filter
- Great low-light performance
- Lightweight and ergonomic
- Great value and quality when compared to similarly priced cameras
- You’ll need a tripod for night photography as the image stabilization isn’t great
- The autofocus isn’t as good as many similarly priced cameras
10 Nikon D3400 DX-Format DSLR Camera
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 3 x 4.9 x 3.9 inches
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Sensor Type: DX-Format CMOS
- Focal Range: 18-55mm
- ISO Range: 100 – 25,600
- Aperture: f/3.5 – f/5.6
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This is the same model as the D3400 we reviewed a little earlier.
We added it as a separate review because the previous one came with a zoom lens and this model comes with an 18-55mm lens. The uses of these 2 lenses are quite different and we think they should be considered separately, even though they’re on the same camera.
The camera has the same specs as the D3400 reviewed earlier, but due to the different lens and aperture, this bundle is better for night photography.
It’s one of the better cameras that can take pictures of the night sky and can get more of the scene in one frame.
It’s up to you to decide which lens better suits your style and needs.
Key Features:
- 3 inch LCD that really bright
- Up to 25,600 ISO
- 18-55mm vibration reduction lens
- f/3.5 – f/5.6 aperture for good night photos
- better at night photography than many competing models
- excellent build quality and durability
- great value for money
- autofocus is very fast and accurate
- not particularly well-suited to beginners
- image stabilization needs help – mount up if possible – especially in low light
Frequently Asked Questions:
Our Final Thoughts
Now that we’re through our night photography camera reviews, you should have a really good idea of which camera best suits your needs.
Remember that most of the cameras in this review are very versatile and can be used proficiently in several other situations – not just for night photography.
It’s up to you to get out there and practice. You can be confident that you’ve made a smart choice about which camera to get. You should be quite well-informed if you read through this review.
All that’s left for you is to find a great location with low light pollution and try night photography out for yourself. Let’s experience and try different techniques to teach and guide you.
With the best camera for night photography in your hands and a little experience, you’ll be getting professional-grade photos in no time. Just remember to have fun, keep learning, and working on your skillset!
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