8 Best Low Light Video Cameras And Camcorders
Most cameras and camcorders today can take impressive photos & videos in normal lighting conditions. But for crisp, clear nighttime footage, you need a low-light video camera that performs well despite poor lighting conditions. Shooting video when there’s limited light can be tricky and adjusting your video camera according to it takes time and practice.
But if you use the best low light camcorder you can record videos in low light without much effort. However, purchasing a new low light camcorder requires up-to-date knowledge of the latest features and an understanding of tried and tested technology.
A good low light camcorder is expected to achieve beautiful colors and very minimal noise. With that being said, there are lots of options available in the market and choosing the best one is a tiresome job. To make the task more comfortable for you, I have compiled a list of the eight best camcorder for low light available in the market. Now let's move on to the list.
In a hurry?! here are my top picks
8 BEST LOW LIGHT CAMCORDERS REVIEW
1. CANON VIXIA HF G50 - BEST 4K LOW LIGHT CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS
Are you a Canon lover? I, for sure a great fan of this brand. You will fall in love with this Canon Vixia G50 camcorder after taking a peep into its features.
This best low light 4k video camera improves everything you capture more intensely and dramatically. The wide-angle view and the telephoto power given by the 15X optical zoom lens give an ultimate low light shooting experience.
When I tried filming, like most of the light video cameras, this Canon video recorder allows us to record slow and fast motion, including interval recording for both 4K and full HD. Also, an impressive 5-axis image stabilization provides you with a clear focus for your recordings.
To your attention, a sensor type of 35mm equivalent is the gold standard among professionals who want the highest-quality images even in low lights. This is a bonus! Also, Canon's DIGIC DV 6 image processor also contributes in 4k UHD recording and you get excellent image quality.
Speaking about this low light video camera's design, it is compact both in size and weight(2.1 lbs) with a 1"UHD CMOS sensor. It includes a touch and track feature for user-friendly operation.
The 9-bladed circular aperture reduces the starburst effect usually found in camcorders with non-circular apertures. It has five assignable buttons, lens ring and a joystick that enhances creative control. It supports both slow and fast motion effect that helps you to record different effects easily.
The video quality, dual SD card slots, tiltable electronic viewfinder and many more amazing features make it a great choice for the best camcorder for low light. If you are serious about owning a Professional Canon camcorder for your low light photography or videography, then I highly recommend this one.
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2. PANASONIC HC-VX991K - BEST NIGHT VISION CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS
First, let me start the list of best low-light video cameras with Panasonic. But before getting to know about the Panasonic HC-VX991K camcorder, let me give a brief history of its predecessors Panasonic HC-VX981K and HC-VX870.
The VX870 camcorder, a tough competitor in 2015, was much appreciated by users because of its supreme features. This low-light HD video camera included 4K HD video recording, high zoom range, hybrid image stabilization, a wide-aperture lens of f/1.8, 1/2.3'' MOS sensor, and various other features.
The HC-V981K HD camcorder, which was released as a successor model of HC-VX870K in 2016, is one of the most popular camcorders that photographers will love to have their hands-on.
Then came our Panasonic HC-VX991K video camera, which has improved features than that of the HC-VX981K. Yes, the HC-VX981 doesn't have a second lens in its flip-out screen, whereas the HC-VX991K has that. Also, this improvised model has a .24" 1,555,200 Dots EVF which is also nice!
And It's hard to believe that this wonderful product comes at an affordable price and is lightweight.
Now let's see what makes people still a fan of this low-light video cam. I've tested this video camera in low light and it performed really well. This low light video cam has a BSI Sensor (Back Side Illumination) (1/2.3-Inch - sensor size) that easily suppresses the noise, especially when shot in low light conditions. Like its predecessor, this Panasonic 991K, low light video cam also allows 4K Ultra HD video image resolution. It also has an in-camera editing function to convert your 4K footage into 1080p.
So you can crop, pan, zoom the images and the video within the camcorder itself. This is an incredible feature because you can perform various functions in one video camera. There is also a built-in LED light to assist your low-light shooting.
Another improved function includes the ability to connect your video camera and smartphone to a Wi-fi source using the Panasonic Image app.
An optical stabilizer which is much needed to realize HD videos is ensured here by using a 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization control. You need not worry about the high-contrast look that gets into your image or video captured anymore. This is because this low light 4k video camera comes with a high dynamic range mode.
Note: This HDR mode helps in reducing the high-contrast look caused by overexposed or underexposed shooting conditions.
The wireless twin camera feature allows you to connect your smartphone's video camera as a sub-camera to get a picture-in-picture video effect. Plus, A big thumbs for this low-light HD video camera!
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3. SONY FDRAX53/B - BEST SONY LOW LIGHT VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS
Want to make your low light shooting easy and dynamic? Well, here's an amazing product for you from the famous brand Sony.
The Sony low light video camera FDR-AX53 is the successor of the AX33 and the recent 4K model from the Sony manufacture. Though this low light video recorder equips common features, Sony has added punches to make this model unique.
It includes a balance optical steady shot feature to help produce smooth and stable footage throughout the zoom range. Another key feature is the high-speed recording ability - 1080p video footage at 120 fps(frames/sec). Adding to it, you can record 4K videos at 24 or 30 fps using Sony's XAVC S codec.
The best low light video camera combines a Zeiss 20x optical zoom lens and a high-sensitivity image sensor. And it has produced vibrant and ultra-high definition videos.
Further enhancements include 1.6x pixel size for enhanced performance in all conditions, particularly low light scenarios. Also, a lower-noise built-in microphone improved autofocus speed and accuracy.
You can also monitor your shots using the camcorder's 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen display with 921K resolution. Not only that, to support large-screen playback, an HDMI output port is provided for connecting your HDTV to a large screen.
For better connectivity and remote control, the FDR-AX53 is Wi-Fi and NFC-enabled. This allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to control the camcorder. And also, you can transfer files wirelessly to your mobile device and even stream live to Ustream.
Lastly, there is a 1,555K-dot resolution for the 0.24" OLED Electronic View Finder for accurate color reproduction. Isn't it a great buy?
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4. CANON VIXIA HF R800 - BEST CANON LOW LIGHT CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS
Do you want to possess a compact, low light shooting device? Then, check out this Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder.
It is versatile, compact(235 grams) with a video capture resolution of 1080p. Whether you're recording events, recitals, or home videos, the 57x Advanced Zoom enables you to get the perfect shot every time.
It is necessary to keep the image steady at longer focal lengths to achieve great outputs. This digital video camera achieves this as it features a Super-Range O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilization).
The HD videos are recorded to separately available SD cards in the MP4 format for smooth playback on numerous devices. MP4 files are also compatible with video hosting services and social media websites without format conversion.
Imagine your shooting for a wedding event. Will it be awful to see the light directly falling onto the bride's forehead? No right. So, to avoid this disaster by preserving the highlight detail, a Highlight Priority mode is included. Not only that, it also gives you the provision of fast- and slow-Motion Recording.
This low light video cam from Canon package includes a BP-727 high capacity intelligent battery pack, a 6' HDMI Male to Mini HDMI Male Cable (Ver. 1.3), a CA-110 Compact AC Power Adapter & Charger and an IFC-300PC Interface Cable.
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5. SONY HXRNX5R
PRODUCT DETAILS
The Sony HXRNX5R is the best low-light professional video camera that allows you to select from XAVC-S 50 Mb/s to AVCHD/DV recording. This NXCAM camcorder is suitable for documentaries, weddings, indoor sports, photojournalists, and related events where you don't have enough lighting.
Now I'll tell you how this video camera is excellent for low-light video conditions. Firstly there are three 1/2.8-inch CMOS Exmor sensors and a 20x optical zoom Sony G lens with 40x clear image zoom that helps produce sharp and clear images. Adding to it, It comes with a built-in LED light above the glass if you need more illumination.
NOTE: This in-built LED light has an integrated dimmer and snap-on diffuser.
Its built-in WiFi, NFC, and FTP wireless connections enable you to send footage to your editor from the camcorder while on location. It features a 3G-SDI output that supports Full HD 1920 x 1080p video at 59.94 FPS and 1080i, 720p, and 720x480i.
The best part is this video camera has 3 built-in ND (Neutral Density) filters (1/4, 1/16, and 1/64) , so you can work with different field-of-depth effects and iris control.
It features 2 XLR inputs that support mic, Line, and mic +48 (phantom power). The Slow & Quick Motion function allows 1080p recording at frame rates that you select. The Sony camcorder has two media card slots that support recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo or SDHC/SDXC media cards.
If you wish to add external accessories to this video camera, you can very well get that done as this Sony HXRNX5R also features a MI (Mult-Interface shoe). Overall, it is one of the best low-light video cameras, which a professional must not miss.
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6. AITECHNY - BEST BUDGET LOW LIGHT CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS
Are you a vlogger? Then the next is for you. This is an interesting 4K camcorder which can be used for vlogging. Since it comes with a 4K video capture resolution you can record videos with good image quality. The Wifi option allows you to share whatever you have captured with anyone easily.
It can also act as webcam. All you need is to connect the video cam to your PC or laptop using a USB cable and then select PC camera mode. Once this mode works, you will be able to live stream on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.
The notable part is that it comes with 1 month free replacement or refund and 1 year warranty. So you claim your money if you feel this one is for you. Check out the product features given below
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7. LINNSE - LOW LIGHT CAMCORDER WITH EXTERNAL MICROPHONE
PRODUCT DETAILS:
If you are looking for an affordable video camera, then take a look at this one. Linnse 4k camcorder is the cheapest one in this list of the best low light camcorders. It comes with an upgraded version 4k ultra HD and 30MP.
If you are a YouTuber, you must choose this one for its 18x digital zoom, a maximum resolution of 4k with 30FPS and 30 MP. These features help you to record excellent quality videos. It also comes with a webcam facility using which you can stream live videos on social media platforms.
The best part is that it comes with an external mic that can easily pick even small sounds. Though the features are good, the build quality is not up to the mark, but we can't expect more for this budget. So, I wouldn't recommend this to professionals.
However, when compared to the other best low light video cameras that is good and appropriate for beginner-level photographers.
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8. ZOHULU - BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR LOW LIGHT
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Video Resolutions: 3840*2160(UHD24fps), 2560*1440(QHD 30fps),1920x1080 (FHD 60fps),1280x720 (HD 120fps),640x480 (VGA 30fps).
- JPEG still pictures up to 24MP image resolution
- 30X Enhanced Digital zoom
- 3.1" IPS touch screen with 270 degree rotation.
- Built-in Ultra Bright Infrared light
- It has image stabilization.
- 2 in 1 HD 72mm l 0.39x wide angle lens
Rounding off the list of best low light camcorders comes the ZOHULU Wi Fi Ultra HD vlog video cam for YouTube.
Since 4k quality is 4 times clearer than the 1080p, this 4k camcorder promises high quality video footage The Sony's sensor treat the complex light more sensitively.
You can view and download files from your video recorder camera to your smart phone using Wi-fi connection. The handheld stabilizer allows you to carry and handle the it in a more efficient way.
Lastly, this video camera for low light uses a new unzip and restore technology which compresses files when saving it and also restores 4k resolution when playing. The price of this video cam is only $250, so grab one soon!
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BUYING GUIDE FOR BEST LOW LIGHT CAMCORDER
There are many essential features that you should be looking for while choosing the best low light video camera.
FAQ
1. What makes a video camera suitable for low light?
A camcorder will perform best in low-light when it has a bigger sensor size, increased ISO sensitivity, wide-aperture lens (f-stop), fast shutter speeds, noise reduction even in low light and an image stabilization system.
2. What is the best ISO for low light shooting conditions?
Camcorders, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have a “Native ISO” or “Optimal ISO” setting. For shooting videos in low-lights, an ISO of 800 will be useful. Using a higher ISO above 1000 might give rise to grainy footage. So, 800 ISO value will be optimal according to me.
3. What is a low light camcorder useful for?
Using a low light camcorder, you can shoot high-definition videos even in the dark and other challenging conditions. Some low light video cameras also have an IR night vision facility.
4. What is the best f stop for shooting low light videos?
Aperture <f/2.8 is the best for getting the maximum light in low light shooting conditions. Wider the lens opening more, the light will enter the lens, making your dim footage brighter.
CONCLUSION
These are eight best low light video cameras and camcorders currently available in the market. You’ll notice that I have taken into account all the points that I mentioned earlier. I have also provided a list of all the features of each product, so you can make an informed decision. So choose any one from the above list and start shooting videos in low light without much effort.
I hope you have found your best one out the hundreds of low light video cameras in the market. Happy recording 🙂
