If strobism is not your thing, there's good news. Boosting your ISO is an effective way to capture images in low light—and many digital cameras are getting better at handling low light photography. Here are 15 top low-light high-ISO cameras.
A new generation of cameras, powered by the latest advances in imaging sensor technology as well as by more sophisticated software, have made it possible to shoot nearly flawless photos in low light. Even though more and more photographers are embracing the blow-em-out-of-the-water multiple-flash “strobist” approach, the tools are here now if you wish to completely eschew artificial light and still get great shots.
The great news is that high-performing low-light cameras need not cost thousands. In fact, according to sensor tests performed by DxOMark, some of the least expensive DSLRs on the market today are producing some of the best high ISO low light photos.
Some rules of physics remain true: The key one is that the larger the camera’s sensor, the less digital noise. It is also still true that more pixels on the same sized sensor will lead to greater image degradation at higher ISOs, while fewer pixels will, counter-intuitively, lead to improved overall image quality.
Not all sensors are made the same
That said, not all 14MP APS sensors (for example) will produce identical results, even under lab conditions. Variables in manufacture, sensor type (CCD or CMOS) and method of conversion of the signal from analog to digital can all affect image quality. Backside-illuminated sensors are proving, both in the lab and in the field that they can deliver better low-light images. That’s why DxOMark’s tests are such a valuable tool in helping to determine which cameras perform best in low light, which have the widest dynamic range, and so forth.
Enter DxOMark
DxOMark analyzes sensor information based on RAW image data. To determine each camera's best ISO low light image quality, DxOMark tested each camera's signal-to-noise ratio (which indicates how much digital noise will be produced), expressed as dB, and charted performance at each ISO setting.
DxOMark’s goal was to determine the highest ISO at which a signal-to-noise ratio of no more than 32dB could be attained. At the same time, they looked for a dynamic range of at least 9EVs (or 9 stops). Lower than 32dB indicates an unacceptable level of noise (decibels), while less than 9EVs means the dynamic range is too limited and gradations between shades and colors will not be smooth. Note that the Low Light ISO number might not fit squarely within any given camera's actual ISO settings. The nearest ISO setting is the highest one at which acceptable signal-to-noise ratio will be achieved.
Not sure how sensor size, pixel count and all that stuff works? Watch this AdoramaTV video, where Mark Wallace explains how sensor size and pixel density affect high ISO performance, dynamic range, and other things. (If you already get it, skip the video and scroll down.)
How we determine rankings
Using DxOMark’s data as a starting point, I looked at each currently-available camera’s low-light ISO (Sports) overall sensor scores (see chart, right), the camera’s overall score (which includes dynamic range, color depth, ISO accuracy and other criteria) and the camera’s SNR (signal-noise ratio) 18% chart to determine the highest ISO at which each camera could deliver acceptable images. This chart tells me the camera can produce good pictures at up to ISO 2290, but since the camera doesn't offer an ISO 2290, we go to the nearest ISO—3200—because according to that camera's ISO accuracy chart, the camera's ISO 3200 setting was measured to be ISO 2290! I took these issues into account when determining which cameras did best.
The Winners
So, which cameras did the best? I’ve divided the camera world by sensor size: Medium Format, Full Frame 35mm, APS, Four Thirds, and Small (i.e., pocket cameras, EVFs etc.) I’ll present the top three (or more, if there are ties) currently available cameras in each category. Of course, there are other factors besides overall image quality that must come into play when deciding on a camera. But if your focus is getting the best possible shots in low light, these cameras are all winners (prices and information accurate as of November 16, 2011):
Medium Format
Phase One P65 Plus
60 Megapixels
With a 60 megapixel 40.4x53.9mm CCD sensor and a 6-micron pixel pitch, the $40,000 Phase One P65 Plus produces an astonishing 48 dB signal to noise ratio at ISO 50 and never dips below 30dB throughout its range. While this camera is not designed for low light performance, it has a theoretical top ISO of 3200 and images are acceptable through IS0 1200. it also is the top performer when it comes to color depth and #5 overall when it comes to dynamic range.
Pentax 645D
41 Megapixels
Among cameras sitting in the nosebleed section (price-wise) of digital camera-dom, the 41MP CCD-sensor-packing Pentax 645D offers amazing bang for your $10,000 medium format camera buck. A 43.9dB Signal Noise ratio is impressive and, like the Phase One, the camera never dips below 30 dB, even at ISO 1600. We can recommend this camera for outstanding image quality at all ISOs. Color depth and dynamic range are near the top of their competition as well.
Full Frame 35mm
Nikon D3s
12 Megapixels
Among currently available full-frame digital cameras, Nikon swept the top three positions, starting with the $5,200, 12MP D3s. First of all, there’s the eye-popping maximum ISO of 102,000. Yeah, signal to noise ratio at that setting is only 15.8, it still goes where no camera has gone before. While its overall image quality score is high, its low-light ISO rating, 3253, sets a new standard. With a signal to noise ratio that starts at 42.6 at ISO 200, the camera suppresses digital noise effectively through ISO 3200, and doesn’t dip below a 30 dB signal to noise ratio until it reaches 6400. With grain-reducing software, it is possible to get good-looking shots with this camera at ISO 25,600!
Nikon D3x
24 Megapixels
Next among the Nikon shut-out is the 2008-vintage, 24MP, $8,000 D3x. The camera offers an ISO range of 50-6400, with a signal to noise ratio of 43.9 dB at the lowest ISO; signal to noise ratio stays above 30db through ISO 1600, and it’s rated to provide acceptable image quality at ISO 2000.
Nikon D700
12 Megapixels
To prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to enter the mile-high ISO club, meet the Nikon D700, a $2,700, 12MP camera that can produce outstanding low-light images at over ISO 2000. Signal to noise ratio is a very reasonable 41.2 dB at ISO 200 and remains above 30 dB at 1600 and just barely below it at 3200 which, in plain English, means you can crank the ISO to 3200 and still get acceptable noise levels and usable photos in RAW.
Runners-up: The legendary 21MP Canon EOS 5D Mark II’s low-light performance is stellar, even if it falls slightly short of the three current Nikons, delivering a 43.2 dB signal noise ratio at ISO 100. It’s right at 30dB at ISO 1600 so you can get good results at that speed. What about the recently-announced Canon EOS-1D X? Its full-frame 18MP sensor and record-breaking top ISO of 204,800 is full of promise, but the camera won't arrive until March 2012; we'll post the results when DxOMark has 'em.
APS
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
16 Megapixels
The 16MP, $5,500 Canon EOS1D Mark IV is the first and only APS-sensor camera to claim a maximum ISO of 102,400, and has a recommended top ISO of 1320. It has a signal to noise ratio of 41.4 dB at ISO 100, and doesn’t dip below 30 dB until after ISO 1600. Digital noise is effectively suppressed up to ISO 1600, although overall image quality deteriorates rapidly by the time you reach ISO 12,800. Still, an amazing performance.
Nikon D5100
16MP
While the $650 Nikon D5100 is technically below the D7000 in category and price, it bests its older, and more prosumer-oriented sibling on image quality in low light and high ISO by a slight margin, despite the fact that they, along with the Pentax K-5, share the same 16MP Sony sensor. Signal-to-noise ratio remains above 30dB through ISO 800, and sits at 29.6dB at ISO 1600—an excellent result. Quality by the time it hits its top ISO of 25600 is only 16dB—not a pretty picture—but you can probably get a decent image at ISO 6400 with a little help from noise reduction software.
Pentax K-5 and Nikon D7000 (Tie)
16 Megapixels
The 16MP, $1,200 Pentax K-5 has the best overall image quality of any APS sensor camera, regardless of price, according to DxOMark. But just barely. As far as its DxO test results go, it’s in a virtual dead heat with the $1,200 Nikon D7000. While its ISO range “only” reaches 51,200, its signal to noise ratios virtually matches the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV at all speeds, and will deliver acceptable noise at ISO 1600. All this plus Pentax’s ruggedized body makes this camera well suited for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor shooting conditions.
The Nikon D7000’s test results are almost identical to the Pentax K-5. It, too, reaches ISO 51,200, and delivers acceptable noise at ISO 1600. Specs are only a few percentages apart from the K-5. This is not surprising, as both cameras apparently share the same Sony sensor, the one that can also be found in the Sony a55. Any differences in between the D7000 and K-5 test results can be attributed to normal variables in manufacture. (The only reason the Sony falls short is due to light lost as the image travels through that camera’s partly translucent mirror.), So, if both cameras offer near-identical performance in low light, what’s the advantage of the Nikon? The Nikon provides entrée into Nikon’s extensive array outstanding optics, and its smart i-TTL flash system.
Sony Alpha 580
The $750, 16.2MP Sony Alpha 580’s test results are virtually identical to the Pentax K-5 and Nikon D7000, although its ISO range tops out at 12,800 its signal-to-noise performance is identical to the D7000’s right up to it stop ISO. The slight difference in quality at ISO 1200 is made up for by the fact that the Sony costs several hundred dollars less than its competitors.
Runners up: Sony NEX-5N MILC, Sony A55, Pentax Kr, and Canon EOS 7D: All produced very admirable results in the signal-to-noise ratio range that put them within the same ballpark as our top four models.
Four Thirds
Panasonic DMC G3
16 Megapixels
At a virtual tie with its predecessor (see below), the $600 Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 stayed just north of 30dB through ISO 400 and ever-so-slightly below it by ISO 800. With a new autofocus system, new 16MP sensor and a touch-screen LCD, it's a winner while staying slightly ahead of its predecessor. Ironically, niether the G3 or GH2 could beat the low-light high-ISO performance of the discontinued first-generation Panasonic G1.
Panasonic Lumix GH2
16 Megapixels
Introduced in September 2010 the 16MP, $1,000 (with kit lens) GH2 claims an ISO range of 160-12,800. While it may offer greater light sensitivity, it didn’t test out as well as the GH1 in DxOMark lab tests. At ISO 160, signal to noise ratio is 35.9db, and it drops below 30 db at ISO 800. Image quality is poor by the time you reach 6400. The highest recommended ISO for this camera is 600. Blame that on the fact that Panasonic needed to use smaller pixels to squeeze another four million of them onto the same sized sensor.
Olympus E5
One of the few traditional DSLRs to use a Four Thirds sensor, the high-end, $1,600 Olympus E5 starts at ISO 200 with a signal-to-noise ratio of 36.1, although it falls below 30dB by ISO 1600. The top low-light recommended speed is ISO 800. The camera’s highest ISO is 6400 although interestingly, the actual ISO is nearly half the manufacturer’s spec—3870—based on lab tests of actual sensitivity. In fact, what Olympus says is ISO 800 is really ISO 486.
Small Sensor
Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 V1 (Tie)
With just a few points separating them, the 10MP Nikon 1 J1 ($650 with kit lens) and Nikon 1 V1 ($900 with kit lens) Nikon's first interchangeable-lens compact cameras, with their controversially small sensors, are the best small-sensor cameras in low light. Both offer acceptable signal-to-noise ratios of over 30dB up to ISO 400, and with noise reduction can deliver acceptable results at ISO 800, and perhaps even at ISO 1600. Add to that a revolutionary new hybrid contrast and focal plane phase detection AF system that is at least as fast as any high-end DSLR costing thousands more and the ability to create small long-range zooms for a powerful, low-light-friendly pair of compact cameras.
Canon PowerShot S95, G12, and Nikon P7100 (tie)
10 Megapixels
Among flagCanon’s two flagship compacts, the $470 G12 and $390 S95, share the same sensor, with virtually identical test results. Both have a signal to noise ratio at around 33 dB at ISO 100, and just below 30dB at ISO 200. So as highly regarded as these cameras may be, it is not advisable to shoot RAW images with either one at ISO 400 or higher. If you are shooting JPEGs, the cameras’ internal noise reduction may help you squeeze another couple of stops. The $495 Nikon P7100 had a virtually identical performance as the Nikons, making this a three-way tie for third—or first among small-sensor non-interchangeable lens cameras.
Runner-Up: Panasonic Lumix DMC LX5 stayed at or above 30db from ISO 80 through 200, and did marginally better than other cameras at higher speeds. Overall, it scored slightly lower than the Canon duo, although to the naked eye results are similar. Noise reduction may help users get acceptable images at ISO 400 or even 800.
All DxOMark lab test data courtesy DxOMark.com. Used with permission.
