Capturing the perfect low-light image is a profoundly satisfying moment for every photographer. However, trying to pick the best point and shoot camera for low light photography is no simple task.
There are a number of factors to consider, that can get overwhelming all too quickly, especially if you are a beginner. This post will guide you through the fundamentals when it comes to picking out the best point and shoot cameras for low light photography.
See also:
Best Point and Shoot Camera for Low Light: Top Three
![Canon PowerShot Vlogging Camera [G7 X Mark III] 4K Video Streaming Camera, Vertical 4K Video Support with Wi-Fi, NFC and 3.0-inch Touch Tilt LCD, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HQyKaeTaL._SL160_.jpg)
Comparison Table: Best Point and Shoot Camera for Low Light
![Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF - Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ArYn43YbL._SL160_.jpg)
How to Choose the Best Point and Shoot Camera for Low Light
Wide Aperture: A crisp, well-lit image requires a camera to capture as much light as it can, in the shortest duration possible. The easiest way to achieve this is with a wide aperture. The bane of low-light photography is a blurry image. Quick shutter speeds enable sharper images to be shot, and wide apertures allow for faster shutter speeds. So, it is safe to say that the aperture of the lens plays a pivotal role in capturing the image.
Image Stabilization: Another excellent way to prevent a blurry and out-of-focus image is by using a camera that comes equipped with Optical Image Stabilization. This technology has revolutionized hand-held photography and is a boon for anyone looking to shoot a dimly lit subject.
High ISO: Increasing the size of the aperture is the go-to method for lowering the shutter speed. However, if you’ve already maxed out the aperture, the next option is to increase the ISO. Doubling it will double the shutter speed. This is a great way to get sharp images in low light.
Large Sensor: While a large sensor is expensive, it is one of the most important features to have in a camera for low-light photography. The sensor allows a large amount of light to enter the camera, making a huge impact on the final shot. Moreover, it reduces noise and graininess in the image. This is perfect because when you bump up the ISO level, images tend to become noisy.
Best Point and Shoot Camera for Low Light: Our Picks
Canon PowerShot SX620
Key features:
- Optical Zoom: 25x Optical Zoom (25–625mm)
- Image Stabilisation: Intelligent IS
- Sensor: 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- Image Processor: DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 4K
Key features
- Sensor: Large 1 inch 20.1MP MOS sensor
- Lens: Leica DC lens – 25 400 mm(16x) F2.8 4.0
- Image Stabilization: Hybrid O.I.S. + with 5 axis correction
- Auto Focus: Quick AF with LUMIX DFD Focus Technology
Sony RX100 Mark VI
Key features
- Auto Focus: World’s fastest (0.03 sec) hybrid AF system
- Battery life:Up to 330 shots / 165 minutes
- image stabilization: Optical IS
- Sensor Resolution: 20.1 megapixels
Canon PowerShot g7x mark III
![Canon PowerShot Vlogging Camera [G7 X Mark III] 4K Video Streaming Camera, Vertical 4K Video Support with Wi-Fi, NFC and 3.0-inch Touch Tilt LCD, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HQyKaeTaL.jpg)
Key Features
- Sensor: 20. 1 Megapixel 1. 0” stacked CMOS sensor
- Image Processor: DIGIC 8
- Optical Zoom: 4. 2x optical zoom (24-100mm f/1. 8-2. 8)
- Image Stabilisation: Optical IS
- ISO: 125–12800
Fujifilm X100F
Key Features
- Sensor: 24.3MP X Trans CMOS III APS C sensor
- ISO: Built-in ISO dial
- Image Processor: X Processor Pro
- Auto Focus: AF mode(single / Zone / wide tracking)
Sony RX1R Mark II
Key Features
- Sensor: 42.4MP Full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- Lens: 35mm F2.0 ZEISS Sonnar T lens
- ViewFinder: Retractable 2.4-million dot OLED Tru-Finder
- Auto Focus: Hybrid AF with 399 AF points
Canon PowerShot G5 X mark II
Key Features
- Sensor: 20.1 Megapixel 1.0 inches Stacked CMOS Sensor
- Image Processor: DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- Optical Zoom: 5x Optical Zoom
- Viewfinder: Built-in pop-up EVF
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200
Key Features
- Sensor: 20.1 Megapixels 1-inch large sensor
- Lens: LEICA DC 15x Lens (24-360mm)
- Image Stabilisation: 5 Axis Hybrid O.I.S.+
Canon EOS 80D
![Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF - Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ArYn43YbL.jpg)
Key Features
- Sensor: 24.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- Auto Focus: 45-point AF
- ISO: Wide range ISO for low-light photography
- Focus Ranking: Smooth transition between focus points in videos
Olympus Tough TG-6
Key Features
- Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, anti-fog
- Optical Zoom: 8x
- 5 underwater shooting modes
- Lens: High-resolution F2.0 lens
- Sensor: Back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
Conclusion
It is never easy picking out a camera that is suited for low-light photography. We hope this article has shed some light on the essentials and has helped you make an informed purchase decision.
Stefano Caioni is a photographer from Sydney, Australia. Founder and editor of Pixinfocus, his passion for photography helps him explore new places and live new adventures. Thanks to photography he reconnected with the outdoors and was able to travel the world and take photos of some of the most beautiful places on Earth.