6 Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Night photography is one of my favorite subjects to shoot.

There’s something magical about how the world looks after the sun goes down.

The colors are more vibrant, and the mood is always different.

One of the keys to successful night photography is understanding how to use long exposures.

It takes a little practice to master this art, but the results are worth it.

This article will brief me on the best camera for night photography under $500.

In my photography career, I’ve learned that the best night photos are often the ones that surprise you.

You never know what you’ll get until you see the finished product.

Which are the Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500:-

Nikon D5500: (Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500)

I remember the first time I tried night photography like it was yesterday.

I had just purchased my Nikon D5500 and was eager to test its features.

I choose this camera because it is the best for night photography under $500.

So, I headed out into the city with my tripod and on a busy street corner.

The city’s lights were so bright and colorful, and I couldn’t wait to see how they would look through my lens.

So, I adjusted my settings and snapped my first long exposure.

When I saw the finished product, I was blown away.

The way the lights had blurred together and created these beautiful streaks was nothing short of magical.

That was the moment I realized there’s no going back.

Features:

• Model: Nikon D5500
• Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
• Image sensor: APS-C
• ISO range: 100 – 25600
• Shutter speeds: 1/4000 seconds
• Storage:  SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Image stabilizer: No
• Dimension: 124mm*97mm*70mm
• Weight: 420g

ISO/Shutter Speed:

The versatility of the ISO and shutter speed settings impressed me.

I started with a relatively low ISO, around 800, and a long shutter speed of about 30 seconds.

The resulting photos were beautiful, with the city lights creating these incredible streaks and the stars appearing as little pinpricks of light in the sky.

Aperture/Field of View:

Another aspect I was impressed with on my first-night photography outing was the aperture and field of view.

I started by shooting with a relatively wide aperture, around f/2.8, which allowed a lot of light into the camera and gave me an excellent, shallow depth of field.

It allowed me to isolate my subject and create a sense of intimacy in my photos.

As I continued to experiment with the camera, I found that by closing down the aperture and increasing the f-stop, I could capture a greater depth of field and include more of the surroundings in my shots.

White Balance/Frame Rate:

One of the challenges of night photography is getting the white balance right, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well my camera handled this.

I set the white balance to “auto” and captured the city lights’ rich, warm tones without color casting.

It was beneficial when I was shooting in mixed lighting situations, where the color temperature of the light was changing rapidly.

Why is this the best camera?

As an experienced photographer, I can confidently say that it is one of the best cameras for night photography.

Its versatile ISO and shutter speed settings allow for a wide range of creative options, from capturing sharp, detailed images to creating beautiful light streaks.

The aperture and field of view also allowed me to isolate my subjects and capture sweeping vistas.

In addition, the white balance settings are reliable and will enable me to capture the true colors of my subjects.

Conclusion:

It is a powerful camera under the mentioned price and best suited for capturing the beauty of nightlife where you can play with the features to experience the actual colors in the black sky and the sweeping motions of nearby traffic.

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Fujifilm X-T20: (Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500)

I decided to take my night photography to the next level and headed to the mountains to capture the nightlife from above.

I knew I needed a camera capable of capturing the beauty and drama of the scene.

After researching, I settled on the Fujifilm X-T20, another best night photography cameras for under $500.

One of the best things about this camera was its large APS-C sensor, which allows for excellent low-light performance.

I also loved that it has a built-in viewfinder, making it easy to compose my shots in the dark.

Finally, as I started shooting, I was blown away by the quality of the images I was getting.

Features:

• Model: Fujifilm X-T20
• Effective Megapixel: 24.3 MP
• Image sensor: APS-C
• ISO range: 200-12800 expandable to 100-51200
• Shutter speeds: 1/4000 seconds
• Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Image stabilizer: No
• Dimension: 118.4mm*82.8mm*41.4mm
• Weight: 383g

ISO/Shutter Speed:

I set the ISO to 3200 and the shutter speed to 15 seconds.

I did it because I wanted to capture the movement of the clouds and the stars without introducing too much noise into the image.

As I experimented more with the camera, I pushed the ISO even higher, to 6400 and beyond, without losing quality.

Aperture/Field of View:

By shooting with a wide aperture, around f/2.8, I captured a shallow depth of field, and it isolated my subject.

I did it because I wanted to highlight a particular feature of the landscape, like a lone tree.

As I experimented with different apertures, I found that I could capture a greater depth of field and include more of the surroundings in my shots.

It is reasonable as I got it for 500$.

White Balance/Frame Rate:

I set the white balance to a cooler temperature to create a more dramatic, moody look, while a warmer white balance added a cozy, intimate feel to my shots.

The frame rate was also excellent, allowing me to capture fast-moving subjects and create beautiful light trails quickly.

Why is this the best camera?

Its large APS-C sensor and high ISO capabilities allow for excellent low-light performance and the ability to capture intricate details in the scene.

Overall, it is a reliable and powerful tool for capturing the beauty and drama of the night.

Conclusion:

The fast autofocus and continuous shooting mode allowed me to capture the clouds and stars’ movement easily.

I was impressed with its performance in the challenging conditions of the mountains at night.

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Fujifilm X-T100: (Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500)

This one time, I wasn’t sure about attending a party at night, but my friend convinced me to try it, and I’m glad I did.

I knew I needed a camera capable of capturing the energy and atmosphere of the event.

So I settled on the Fujifilm X-T100 as it fits my budget.

It has a compact size and lightweight design, so I was able to carry it around with me all night.

I also loved its flip-down touchscreen, making it easy to compose my shots from all angles.

As I started shooting, I was blown away by its performance.

Its fast autofocus and continuous shooting mode allowed me to capture the energy and movement of the partygoers with ease.

Features:

• Model: FujifilmX-T100
• Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
• Image sensor: APS-C
• ISO range: 200-12800 expandable to 100-51200
• Shutter speeds: 1/4000 seconds
• Storage:  SDXC
• Image stabilizer: No
• Dimension: 121mm*83mm*47mm
• Weight: 448g

ISO/Shutter Speed:

As I arrived at the night party, I couldn’t wait to try out the ISO and shutter speed of the camera.

I had heard that it was excellent in low-light situations, so I was eager to put it to the test.

So I set the ISO to 3200 and the shutter speed to 1/60.

Then, as the partygoers danced and mingled, I snapped shot after shot, marveling at the clarity and sharpness of the images.

Aperture/Field of View

As the night party raged on, I decided to play around with the aperture and field of view settings.

I started by setting the aperture to f/1.8 and the field of view to 50mm.

I snapped shot after shot, marveling at how the camera captured the energy and excitement of the party.

The wide aperture allowed me to achieve a beautifully shallow depth of field, while the 50mm field of view provided a realistic and immersive perspective.

White Balance/Frame Rate

As the party continued, I found myself drawn to the dance floor.

I set the White Balance to “Auto” to ensure that the camera would adjust to the changing lighting conditions of the room, and I put the Frame Rate to 60 frames per second to ensure that I wouldn’t miss a single moment of the action.

Why is this the best camera?

Its excellent ISO and shutter speed performance allows it to excel in low light situations, and its versatile aperture and field of view settings enable the creation of stunning depth of field effects.

In addition, the camera’s auto white balance and high frame rate capabilities make it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects in changing lighting conditions.

Conclusion

Fast autofocus and continuous shooting mode allow for quickly capturing the energy and movement of the partygoers.

And the high ISO capabilities mean I can capture all the delicate details.

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Nikon D3300: (Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500)

As I continued my journey in night photography, I decided to head out and capture the beauty of the city’s street lights and passing cars.

So I grabbed my trusty Nikon D3300 camera, knowing it would be the perfect companion for this low-light adventure.

It is a reliable and capable camera, especially for night photography.

Its 24.2-megapixel sensor and wide ISO range allow me to capture crisp and clear shots, even in dimly lit environments.

Additionally, its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry around and take on the go.

Features

• Model: Nikon D3300
• Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
• Image sensor: APS-C, CMOS
• ISO range: 100-25600
• Shutter speeds: 1/4000 seconds
• Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Image stabilizer: No
• Dimension: 124mm*98mm*76mm
• Weight: 430g

ISO/Shutter Speed:

As I wandered the city streets, camera in hand, I carefully adjusted my ISO and shutter speed settings to ensure I captured the perfect shot.

First, I set the ISO to 3200, which gave me the sensitivity I needed to capture the scene in all its nocturnal glory.

Next, I turned my attention to the shutter speed.

I set it to 1/60th of a second, which allowed me to freeze the motion of the passing cars and streetlights while allowing enough light to reach the sensor.

Aperture/Field of View:

I set the aperture to f/2.8, which gave me a wide field of view and helped me to capture the entire street in all its glory.

I have been enjoying it and will surely you will like this as well.

White Balance/Frame Rate:

I accurately captured the street lamps’ warm yellowish light by adjusting the white balance to tungsten.

Then I adjusted the frame rate to 4 fps.

By doing so, I could freeze the action of passing cars and capture every detail of the scene.

Why is this the best camera?

I can conclude that it is one of the best cameras for night photography under $500 through both research and personal experience.

Its DX-format CMOS sensor and wide ISO range allow for capturing crisp, detailed images of street lights or nearby vendors in low-light conditions.

Its fast continuous shooting speed also came in handy for capturing fast-moving subjects like the passing cars nearby.

Conclusion:

After using this camera for several years, I can confidently say it is a top-notch camera for night photography.

Its performance in low light conditions has consistently impressed me and has never let me down when capturing fast-moving subjects.

Whether I’m shooting a busy street at night or a serene landscape under the stars, it has consistently delivered beautiful, high-quality images.

Its reliability and versatility make it a valuable tool in my photography kit.

I highly recommend it to any photographer looking to take their night photography to the next level.

I find it the best Camera for Night Photography for Under $500.

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Sony A6000: (Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500)

As a night photographer, I sought new tools and techniques to improve my work.

So when I heard about the Sony A6000, a mirrorless camera with impressive low-light performance, I decided to try it.

So, I headed out to the forest.

I wanted to test its capabilities in various lighting conditions, from the bright moonlight to the dimly lit trees.

As I set up my tripod and composed my shots, it quickly locked onto the birds resting in the trees and easily captured their every movement.

The stars and moon seemed to pop off the screen, each crisp and clear thanks to the camera’s 24.3 megapixel APS-C sensor.

Features:

• Model: Sony ALPHA A6000
• Effective Megapixel: 24.3 MP
• Image sensor: APS-C
• ISO range: 100-25600
• Shutter speeds: 1/4000 seconds
• Storage: SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
• Image stabilizer: No
• Dimension: 120mm*67mm*45mm
• Weight: 344g

ISO/Shutter Speed:

I wanted to capture the fast and fluid movement of bats swinging through the trees.

So I adjusted the ISO and shutter speed to match the dimly lit environment, and I was amazed by the results.

The camera could freeze the bats in mid-flight, capturing every detail of their wings as they flew through the air.

And when I used a slower shutter speed, I could capture the blur of the bats’ wings as they flew, adding a dynamic element to the images.

Aperture/Field of View:

Now I wanted to capture the stillness of trees in this vast field as they seemed to glow in the moonlight, and I wanted to capture the whole scene.

I adjusted the aperture to its widest setting.

It allowed me to pass as much light as possible, creating a shallow field depth.

At the same time, the wide field of view allowed me to fit the entire scene into the frame.

From the towering pines on the left to the smaller saplings on the right, I captured the full range of trees in a single shot.

White Balance/Frame Rate

Now with the help of white balance and frame rate, I captured the brightness of the moon and the twinkling of stars in all their glory.

I adjusted the white balance on the camera to match the cool, blue tones of the night sky.

It made the moon and stars appear bright and vibrant rather than washed out or dull.

At the same time, its high frame rate of 60 fps allowed me to capture the stars as they twinkled in the sky.

By taking multiple shots in quick succession, I captured the subtle changes in the brightness of the stars over time.

Why is this the best camera?

Its impressive low-light performance, flexible ISO and shutter speed settings, wide aperture and field of view, and accurate white balance make it a versatile and reliable tool for various photography situations.

Conclusion:

Whether I’m shooting fast-moving subjects in dimly lit environments or capturing the subtle nuances of the night sky, this camera consistently delivers beautiful, high-quality results.

In addition, its compact size and lightweight design make it a convenient choice for on-the-go shooting.

Overall, it is a top-notch camera that has become a go-to choice for professional photographers.

Its exceptional performance and versatility make it a valuable addition to any photography kit.

It is one of the best Cameras for Night Photography for Under $500.

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Nikon D3500: (Best Camera for Night Photography Under $500)

As I was always looking for new tools to add to my kit, I thought to give Nikon D3500 a try.

One clear night, I headed to the city with it.

I wanted to test its performance in various lighting conditions, from the bright neon signs to the dimly lit streets.

The D3500 didn’t disappoint.

Its 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor and wide ISO range allowed me to capture crisp, detailed images even in the darkest environments.

Its fast continuous shooting speed also came in handy for capturing the fast-moving traffic on busy streets.

Features:

• Model: D3500 W/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
• Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
• Image sensor: 1-inch
• ISO range: 100-25600
• Shutter speeds: 1/4000 seconds
• Storage: SDXC
• Image stabilizer: No
• Dimension: 124mm*97mm*70mm
• Weight: 365g

ISO/Shutter Speed:

I’ve come to rely on the flexibility of my camera’s ISO and shutter speed settings to capture the mood and atmosphere of my shots.

One of my favorite memories was of a trip to the city at night.

I wanted to capture the energy and movement of the busy streets, so I adjusted the ISO to a higher setting to compensate for the low light conditions.

I also set the shutter speed to 1/4000 of a second to a faster setting to freeze the fast-moving traffic.

The results were stunning.

Aperture/Field of View

I often find myself drawn to the beauty and mystery of the world after dark.

And with this camera, I’ve captured those fleeting, magical moments thanks to the camera’s impressive aperture and field of view.

I wanted to capture the stillness and serenity of the trees under the moonlight, so I adjusted the aperture to its widest setting to let in as much light as possible.

At the same time, the wide field of view allowed me to fit the entire scene into the frame.

From the towering pines on the left to the smaller saplings on the right, I captured the full range of trees in a single shot.

White Balance/Frame Rate

Whether I’m shooting the vibrant neon lights of the city or the peaceful beauty of the stars, these settings have proven to be invaluable tools for creating stunning images.

Once I wanted to capture the beauty of the stars reflected in the water, I set the white balance to a more fantastic setting to match the blue tones of the night sky.

It allowed the camera to accurately reproduce the colors in my shots, making the stars appear bright and vibrant. It can shoot at 60, 50, 30, 25, and 24 frames per second (fps) for all of you.

Why is this the best camera?

Its 24.2-MP DX-format CMOS sensor, wide ISO range, fast continuous shooting speed, adjustable aperture and field of view, accurate white balance, and high frame rate make it a versatile and reliable tool for capturing beautiful, high-quality images in low light conditions.

Conclusion

It is a powerful, reliable camera that is well-suited for night photography.

In addition, its impressive low-light capabilities and fast shooting speed made it a valuable addition to my photography kit.

I find it the best Camera for Night Photography for Under $500.

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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 Night Photography Under $500?

Is there a camera you love to use for night photography that I didn’t mention in this article?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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