8 Best camera for low light sports photography: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Sports photography is a thrilling and challenging genre that requires a camera that can keep up with the fast-paced action and capture stunning images in any lighting conditions.

When it comes to low-light sports photography, the stakes are even higher.

A camera performing well in these challenging environments can distinguish between capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment or missing it entirely.

This blog post will dive deep into low-light sports photography and uncover the best cameras for the job.

Whether you’re a professional sports photographer or an amateur looking to capture the perfect shot of your child’s little league game, we’ve got you covered.

So, get ready to take your sports photography to the next level and learn which camera will help you capture the winning moment.

Which is the Best camera for low light sports photography?

Here are my recommended top 8 Best camera for low light sports photography:-

Canon EOS R7: (best camera for low-light sports photography)

It was a chilly night in December, and I was standing in the middle of a dimly lit boxing ring.

I had been allowed to photograph a local amateur boxing match and was determined to make the most of it.

As I looked around, I saw the fighters warming up in the corners, the crowd filing into their seats, and the bright lights illuminating the ring.

I knew this would be a challenging shoot, but I was excited to see what I could capture.

I had my trusty camera, Canon EOS R7, in hand, a full-frame camera known for its low-light capabilities.

I had spent hours researching and preparing for this shoot, ensuring I had the right lenses and settings to capture the fast-paced action in the dim lighting.

As the first match began, I felt my adrenaline start to pump.

The fighters were moving quickly, throwing punches and dodging blows.

I quickly realized I would have to anticipate the action to get the shots I wanted.

I focused on the fighters’ expressions and movements, trying to capture the raw emotion of the moment.

Features:

• Model: Canon EOS R7
• Sensor: 32.5MP APS-C CMOS
• Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system
• Video resolution: 4K60 10-bit Video,
• Viewfinder: 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF viewfinder
• Monitor: 1.6m-dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD monitor
• Image stabilization: 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Effective pixels: 32.5MP
• ISO: 100-32,000
• Shutter type: electronic, mechanical
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec mechanical, 1/16000 to electronic

ISO/ Shutter speed:

A good starting point for this lightning condition would be to set my ISO to around 800 and shutter speed to at least 1/500th of a second.

This will give me the right balance of light and motion to capture the punches, footwork, and expressions of the boxers in the ring.

Aperture/ Depth of field:

A low aperture number such as f/2.8 or f/4 will allow more light into the camera and create a shallow depth of field, which will blur the background and keep the focus on the boxers in the ring.

This can create a more dramatic and dynamic image.

I also used a zoom lens to get closer to the action and capture more details of the fighters.

White balance/ frame rate:

For this boxing match, I set the white balance to “tungsten” or “indoor,” which will help to capture the warm tones of the lights in the ring.

For frame rate, I set it to at least 60 frames per second (fps) to ensure that I can capture the fast movements of the boxers.

This gave me a smooth and fluid video that dynamically captured the action.

Why is this camera the best?

Due to its advanced features and capabilities, the Canon EOS R7 is one of the best cameras for low-light sports photography.

Some reasons include the following: The EOS R7 has a full-frame sensor with a resolution of 45 megapixels, allowing high-quality images even in low light conditions.

The camera has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that allows fast and accurate autofocus, even in low-light conditions.

This is especially important for sports photography, where the subject constantly moves.

Conclusion:

High ISO performance: The EOS R7 has a wide ISO range of 102,400, allowing clean and noise-free images even in very low light conditions.

The camera has a 5-axis in-body image stabilization that helps to reduce camera shake and blur, which is especially important when shooting in low light.

The camera can shoot up to 12 frames per second with a mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with an electronic shutter, making it an excellent option for capturing fast-moving action of sports.

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Canon EOS R3: (best camera for low-light sports photography)

As the night went on, I captured some stunning moments.

I got a shot of one fighter landing a punch square on his opponent’s jaw, the impact frozen in time.

Another shot captured the intense focus on a boxer’s face as he prepared to deliver a punch.

But the most striking image came during the main event.

The ring was lit by a single spotlight, casting deep shadows and creating a dramatic atmosphere.

I captured a boxer with his guard down, illuminated by the light, and with a look of determination.

As the night came to a close and the crowd filtered out of the arena, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

I used my camera to capture some truly stunning moments in a low light setting, and I couldn’t wait to share my photos with others.

It was a night I would never forget, and I was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

Features:

• Model: Canon EOS r3
• Sensor24MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS
• Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system
• video capacity: 6K60 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal
• viewfìnder: 5.76m-Dot EVF viewfinder
• screen: 3.2″ 4.2m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD monitor
• Image stabilization: 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• Connectivity: Wired LAN and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Support
• ISO: 100-102,400
• Shutter type: mechanical, electronic
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec mechanical, 1/64000 to 30-sec electronic shutter
• Effective pixels: 24.1 MP

ISO/ Shutter speed:

A good starting point would be to set the ISO to around 800 and the shutter speed to at least 1/1000th of a second.

This will allow a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the action and a high enough ISO to capture the intense moments in low light conditions.

Alternatively, I use a flash to freeze the action and have a lower ISO and shutter speed.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

I set the aperture to a low number for these candid moments, such as f/2.8 or f/4.

This gave me a shallow depth of field and blurred background, keeping the focus on the boxer and the punch.

Additionally, having a low aperture number will allow more light into the camera and can be helpful in low-light conditions.

White balance/ frame rate:

It’s essential to correctly set the camera’s white balance and frame rate to ensure accurate color representation and capture fast action.

So, I set the white balance to “indoor” to capture the warm tones of the lights in the ring.

For frame rate, I opt for at least 60 frames per second (fps) to ensure that I can capture the fast movements of the boxer and the punch.

Why is this camera the best?

The EOS R3 features a full-frame sensor with a resolution of at least 50 megapixels, allowing high-quality images even in low-light conditions.

The camera also features a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that allows fast and accurate autofocus, even in low-light conditions.

This is especially important for sports photography, where the subject constantly moves.

Conclusion:

The EOS R3 has a wide ISO range of up to at least 1,00,000, allowing clean and noise-free images even in very low light conditions.

The camera also features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization that helps to reduce camera shake and blur, which is especially important when shooting in low light.

The camera can shoot at high frame rates, such as 30fps, making it an excellent option for capturing fast-moving action.

So, all the combined features make this camera one of the best for low-light sports photography.

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Fujifilm X-T4: (best camera for low-light sports photography)

I had been looking forward to this hockey match for weeks.

As a sports photographer, there’s nothing like the thrill of capturing the fast-paced action on the ice.

I knew it would be a challenging shoot, as the rink is always dimly lit to create a better viewing experience for the fans.

But I was ready for the challenge.

As the game progressed, I was able to capture some incredible moments.

I got a shot of a player scoring the game-winning goal with the crowd in the background going wild.

Another shot captured the intense focus on a player’s face as he prepared to take a shot at goal.

But the most striking image came during the third period.

The game was tied, and the tension in the arena was palpable.

I captured a player flying through the air, mid-slapshot, the light illuminating him as he released the shot.

The image was so powerful that it was used as the cover photo for the local newspaper’s sports section the next day.

Features:

• Model: Fujifilm X-T4
• Sensor: 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS S
• Image processor: X-Processor 4 Image
• Image stabilization: 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
• video mode: DCI/UHD 4K at 60 fps
• Autofocus: Hybrid AF System
• Viewfinder: h3.69m-Dot 0.75x OLED EVF viewfinder
• Monitor: 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD monitor
• ISO range: 160-12800, up to 15-fps Shooting
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Shutter type: Mechanical, Electronic
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 900 sec
• Effective pixels: 26.1 MP

ISO/ Shutter:

It’s essential to set your camera’s ISO and shutter speed correctly.

I set ISO at around 1600 and shutter speed to at least 1/1000th of a second.

This allows for a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the action and a high enough ISO to capture the scene in low-light conditions.

Aperture/ Depth of field:

I set the aperture to f/2.8 or f/4.

These settings allow for a shallow depth of field, which will blur the background and keep the focus on the players.

Additionally, having a low aperture number will allow more light into the camera and can be helpful in low-light conditions.

White balance/ frame rate:

Setting the camera’s white balance and frame rate correctly is essential.

A good starting point would be to set the white balance to “fluorescent” to capture the cool tones of the lights in the arena.

For frame rate, it’s recommended to set it to at least 60 frames per second (fps) to capture each action accurately.

Why is this camera the best?

Due to its advanced features and capabilities, the Fujifilm X-T4 is considered one of the best cameras for low-light sports photography.

This camera has a 26.1 MP APS-C sensor that allows for high-quality images even in low-light conditions.

The camera’s fast autofocus system allows me for fast and accurate autofocus, even in low light conditions.

Conclusion:

The camera has a wide ISO range of 51200, allowing clean and noise-free images even in very low light conditions.

The camera can shoot up to 15 frames per second with a mechanical shutter and up to 30 fps with an electronic shutter, making it an excellent option for capturing action in the field.

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Nikon Z9: (best camera for low-light sports photography)

It was a warm summer evening, and I was heading to the local beach volleyball club.

I had heard that they were hosting a tournament under the lights, and I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to practice my low-light photography skills.

The sun was beginning to set as I arrived, and the players were warming up on the court.

As the tournament began, I was drawn to candid moments off the court.

The players were laughing and joking with each other, their faces lit by the bright lights of the court.

I quickly realized I would have to move around to find the right angles to capture these moments.

Features:

• Model: Nikon Z9
• Sensor: 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS
• Image processor: EXPEED 7 Image Processor
• Video mode: 8K30p and 4K120p
• Autofocus: 493-Point AF and AI-Based Subject Detection
• Viewfinder: Blackout-Free Real Live
• Monitor: 3.2″ 4-axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD monitor
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS
• ISO: 64-25,600
• Shutter type: Electronic shutter
• Shutter speed: 1/32000 to 30 sec
• Effective pixels: 45.7 MP

ISO/ Shutter speed:

Since the match is in the evening, I set a higher ISO of 1200 to compensate for the lower light levels.

To freeze the motion, I set a fast shutter speed for action shots at 1/2000 second.

Aperture/ Depth of Field:

For action shots, I set a wide aperture (low f-stop number) of f/2.8 to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background.

This will help to draw attention to the players and make them stand out from the background.

White balance/ frame rate:

Since the match is in the evening, I set my white balance mode to custom settings and kept it at 5,200k for accurate color representation.

I want to set a high frame rate of 120fps for action shots to capture more frames per second.

This will give me more options when editing footage and help ensure I capture the best possible shot.

Why is this camera the best?

Nikon Z9 is a professional camera designed for professional photographers and videographers who require high-quality images and videos.

It has a high resolution of 45.7 Megapixels and 8K video recording capability, an advanced autofocus system, built-in image stabilization, and pro-level weather-sealing.

However, it is crucial to remember that the Z9 is a high-end, expensive camera, so some may have better options.

Conclusion:

To conclude, due to its features, I recommend this camera to anyone looking for the best for low-light sports photography.

It is widely used for sports photography due to its compact and easy-to-carry design.

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Nikon Z7ii: (best camera for low-light sports photography)

I walked around the court, looking for interesting perspectives.

I found myself drawn to the faces of the players, their expressions revealing the game’s intensity.

I captured a shot of a player high-fiving his teammate after a point; the celebration froze in time.

Another shot captured the moment a player took a sip of water, her face lit by the bright lights and her expression focused.

As the night went on, I also had the chance to capture some action shots from the game.

With the help of my camera’s fast frame rate and advanced autofocus system, I could freeze the action and capture the players diving, jumping, and hitting the ball.

Features:

• Model: Nikon z7ii
• Sensor: 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS
• Image processor: Dual EXPEED 6 Image Processors
• Video quality: UHD 4K60 Video
• ISO: 64-25600
• Autofocus: 493-Point Phase-Detect AF
• Viewfinder: 3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic
• Monitor: 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD monitor
• Image stabilization: yes, 5-Axis
• Shutter type: Electronic shutter
• Effective pixels: 45.7 MP

ISO/ Shutter speed:

To capture the players’ expressions and freeze the movements, I kept the ISO of the camera at 1200, a higher side, and the shutter speed at 1/2000.

Aperture/ Depth of field:

An aperture of f/12 was ideal for creating a mid-range of the depth of field and passing more light in the camera, which is the requirement of this situation.

White balance/ frame rate:

The court was primarily lit by artificial light.

I set the white balance to “indoor.” Next, I adjusted the framerate to 60 fps, the number of still frames captured per second.

A high frame rate will result in smooth, fluid motion in the Video, while a low frame rate may result in choppy or stuttered movement.

Why is this camera the best?

The Nikon Z7 II is a high-end mirrorless camera that is well-regarded for its excellent image quality, advanced features, and solid build quality.

Its key features include a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, a fast and accurate autofocus system, dual processors for fast performance, and in-body image stabilization.

Conclusion:

It’s also equipped with advanced video recording capabilities, including 4k resolution with full-pixel readout and no crop, 10-bit N-Log video, and support for external microphones and headphones.

It also has a robust weather-sealed body that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

This is considered one of the best cameras for low-light sports photography on the market and is a popular choice among professional photographers and videographers.

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Fujifilm X-H2S: (best camera for low-light sports photography)

It was a dark and humid evening in the small town of Herding.

The local cricket match was about to begin, and the excitement was palpable.

I had always been a photography enthusiast and wanted to capture the beauty of cricket in action.

So, I decided to take my camera to the match.

As I reached the ground, I saw the players warming up and the spectators trickling in.

I quickly set up my camera, adjusting the settings for the low light conditions.

I knew I only had one chance to capture the perfect shot, so I needed to be prepared.

Features:

• Model: Fujifilm X-H2S
• Sensor: 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans Stacked BSI
• Video mode: 4K 120p, 6.2K 30p, FHD 240p
• Image stabilization: 7-Stop In-Body Image Stabilization
• Viewfinder: 5.76m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• Monitor: 3″ 1.62m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD screen
• Autofocus: 425-Pt. Hybrid AF with AI Subject Detection
• ISO: 160-12,800
• Shutter type: Electronic shutter, mechanical shutter
• Effective pixels: 26.16 MP

ISO/ Shutter speed:

The light was low here, so I had to keep ISO at maximum without introducing grains in the final results.

So, I kept the ISO at 2000 as my camera allows me to go high, and for shutter speed, I kept it at 1/500 of a second to capture unforgettable moments.

Aperture/ Depth of field:

To capture the whole lot, I aimed for a wider depth of field that I could achieve by keeping it at a smaller side.

As you know, f16 would be great for capturing the beauty of the entire scene with a background.

White balance/ frame rate:

People often get confused when choosing white balance for nighttime photography.

Here, I recommend a 5000k, ideal for a cold effect without damaging natural colors in resulting images.

The frame rate of 60fps helped me to have high-resolution videos and images.

Why is this camera the best?

The Fujifilm X-H2S is known as the best camera for low-light sports photography.

Its 26.1MP APS-C stacked sensor helped me to detect my subject efficiently.

Its OLED Electronic Viewfinder helped me preview the scene before capturing it to ensure I was aiming the subject correctly.

Conclusion:

This camera is one of the best for low-light sports photography.

Anyone who wants to take their sports photography to the next level should try this one with its 425-pt.

Hybrid AF system, the camera accurately and automatically focuses the subjects even when the movements are fast and unpredictable.

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Sony A7siii: (best camera for low-light sports photography)

The players took to the field as the match began, and the crowd cheered.

I focused my lens on the players, capturing the intensity on their faces as they prepared to bat and bowl.

I was amazed at how the camera captured the intricate details of the players’ movements, from how they held the bat to how they bowled the ball. As the match progressed, the excitement reached a fever pitch.

The players were giving it their all, and the crowd was cheering louder and louder with each run scored.

I continued to snap away, capturing the crowd’s action and energy.

Features:

• Model: Sony A7siii
• Sensor: 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS
• Video Mode: UHD 4K 120p Video
• Autofocus: 759-Point Fast Hybrid AF system
• Viewfinder type: 9.44m-Dot QXGA OLED EVF viewfinder
• Monitor: 3.0″ 1.44m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
• Image stabilization: 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• Extended ISO: 40-409600
• Effective pixels: 12.1 MP
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec

ISO/ Shutter speed:

Low-light sports photography demands high skills.

Choosing camera settings can benefit your resulting photos.

So, ISO at 500 and shutter speed at 1/500 of a second for a slightly darker effect in the image are ideal.

Aperture/ Depth of field:

I kept the aperture at a smaller side to have a wider depth of field and let my camera’s lens put more light in.

So, f/22 allowed me to create a wider depth of field to capture the lot.

White balance/ frame rate:

A white balance at 3000k is ideal for sharp images that will highlight the features and facial expressions of the subjects, and frame rates at 30fps were outstanding as this gave me the best results.

Why is this camera the best?

The Sony A7S III is a high-end mirrorless camera well-regarded for its exceptional low-light performance, advanced video recording capabilities, and solid build quality. Its key features include:

• A 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor.
• A fast and accurate autofocus system.
• Advanced Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals.
• In-body image stabilization.

Conclusion:

It’s also equipped with advanced video recording capabilities, including 4k resolution up to 120fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling, and support for external microphones and headphones.

It also has a robust weather-sealed body that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

This camera is considered one of the best cameras for low-light sports photography.

Click here to buy!

Sony A7riv: (best camera for low light sports photography)

The night was young, and the air was filled with excitement as I made my way to the local basketball court.

I had always been a big fan of the game and wanted to capture the thrill through my camera.

I decided to take my camera to the match and see what I could capture.

As I reached the court, I saw the players warming up and the crowd gathering.

I quickly set up my camera, adjusting the settings for the low light conditions.

I focused my lens on the players, capturing the intensity on their faces as they fought for the ball.

I was amazed at how the camera captured the players’ speed and agility as they jumped and soared.

Features:

• Model: Sony A7 riv
• Sensor: 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS
• Image processor: BIONZ X Image Processor
• Autofocus: 567-Point Phase-Detection AF
• Video Mode: UHD 4K30p Video
• Viewfinder: Gammas5.76m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF viewfinder
• Screen: 3.0″ 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD monitor
• ISO: 100-32000
• Image stabilization: Yes, 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
• Connectivity: Bluetooth & Wi-Fi

ISO/ Shutter speed:

The camera ISO should be higher for extremely low light conditions.

So the images will be more bright, which is not possible otherwise.

So, I chose an ISO of 1200 at shutter speed to freeze the action.

Aperture/ Depth of field:

A wider aperture of f/4 with my 35mm lens allows me to create a shallow depth of field and capture the player’s expressions while creating a bokeh effect.

White balance/ frame rate:

To set the white balance on a camera when capturing videos at a low-light basketball match, I put the white balance to “tungsten” to account for the artificial lights on the court.

This will help to reduce any color cast and produce more accurate colors in the footage.

Next, I adjust the frame rate to a high number to ensure smooth, fluid motion in the Video.

A standard frame rate for capturing sports is 60fps or higher.

This will ensure that the fast-paced movement of the players is captured smoothly and clearly, even in low-light conditions.

Why is this camera the best?

The Sony A7R IV is a high-end mirrorless camera that is well-regarded for its exceptional resolution, advanced features, and solid build quality.

Its key features include:

• A 61-megapixel full-frame sensor.
• An advanced autofocus system.
• A fast and accurate autofocus system.
• In-body image stabilization.

It’s also equipped with advanced video recording capabilities, including 4K resolution and full-pixel readout, 10-bit color depth, and support for external microphones and headphones.

Conclusion:

It also has a robust weather-sealed body that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

This camera is considered one of the best low-light sports photography cameras for high-resolution photography and is a popular choice among professional photographers and enthusiasts.

Click here to buy!

 

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best camera for low light sports photography?

Is there a camera I didn’t mention in this article that you love using for Sports Photography?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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