6 Best Cheap DSLR for Night Photography: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Sharon Advik

The Milky Way, star trails, and other nighttime sights may all be captured in stunning detail with the appropriate camera.

We’ve gathered a list of the top budget DSLR cameras for low-light photography to help you get the most out of your night photography.

These cameras provide excellent image quality, low noise levels, and fast shutter speeds, all at an affordable price.

They are perfect for capturing the beauty of the night sky.

Which is the Best Cheap DSLR for Night Photography?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best Cheap DSLR for Night Photography:-

Canon EOS 90D: (best cheap DSLR for night photography)

My friends’ paths in photography began after we had our degrees.

From the beginning, my friends and I were avid photographers, so after receiving our degrees, we opened our studio.

Our first endeavor was a night party and a concert scheduled on the same date but in separate places.

I decided to use Canon EOS 90D, a powerful and versatile DSLR camera that allows you to take stunning photos and videos.

With its robust design and advanced features, this camera is ideal for photographers of all levels.

I covered the concert with 4 of my friends, and this camera gave me the best results; I clicked terrific pictures with this camera in the dark, and all the images I clicked were crystal clear.

Let me tell you about its features.

Features

  • Model Name: Canon 90D BODY
  • Form Factor: DSLR
  • Effective Still Resolution: 32.5 MP
  • Unique Feature: Live View
  • Color: Black
  • Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
  • Screen Size: 3 Inches
  • Photo Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Flash Memory Type: Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)

Shutter Speed/ ISO

It has a shutter speed range of 30 seconds to 1/8000 of a second, allowing you to capture dramatic action shots without blurring or distortion.

It also has an extended ISO range of 100-25,600, giving you the flexibility to shoot in low-light conditions with high image quality.

For night photography of a concert with a Canon EOS 90D, I would recommend using a shutter speed of around 1/125s, ISO 1600 because I used these settings to cover the whole concert, and I got amazing pictures.

This will allow you to capture the concert atmosphere without introducing too much noise.

Aperture/ Depth of field

It has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, a 9-point autofocus system, and a wide AF area of 45 points with f/2.8 or brighter lenses.

This allows for a greater depth of field and more control over what is in focus.

For covering the concert, I used a wide aperture to maximize the amount of light coming into the camera, and I set the Depth of Field to a shallow setting.

This gave me a brighter, cleaner image, with the background being out of focus.

Try experimenting with different apertures and shutter speeds to get the effect you’re looking for.

White balance/ Frame rate

It offers a range of white balance settings, including Auto, Custom, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, and Fluorescent.

The Canon EOS 90D has a frame rate of up to 10 frames per second (fps) in Live View mode and up to 11 fps in viewfinder mode.

I decided to set the white balance on Auto, and as I was taking the photos of the stage, everyone on stage was moving very fast, so I set the frame rate at 60 frames per second as it is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects such as a concert.

Why is this camera best?

It is a great camera for photographers who want excellent image quality, fast performance, and impressive features.

Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is quick and dependable for taking precise pictures and movies.

Its 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor record amazingly detailed images and videos.

Its 10fps continuous shooting capability and 45-point all-cross-type autofocus system make it great for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Its high ISO range of 100-25600 makes it suitable for low-light situations.

According to me, it is the best cheap DSLR for night photography.

Conclusion

It is an excellent camera for a wide range of photographers.

It offers a powerful combination of features, performance, and image quality at an affordable price.

It is ideal for those who want to take their photography to the professional level, whether a beginner, enthusiast, or professional.

With its impressive autofocus system, high-quality imaging capabilities, and excellent build quality, this camera is a great choice for photographers of all skill levels.

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Pros
  • New 32.5MP image sensor.
  • 10fps capture with its tracking.
  • Vari-angle LCD.
  • Some dust and splash protection.
  • Optical viewfinder.
  • Mirrorless-quality autofocus for 4K video.
Cons
  • Cramped rear dial.
  • Single memory card slot.

Nikon D5600: (best cheap DSLR for night photography)

It is a 24.2-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera with an APS-C-sized image sensor.

As three of us were covering a concert and the other three were covering a nighttime party, one of my concert-going pals using a D5600 informed me that it was the most excellent, inexpensive DSLR for nighttime photography.

He clicked terrific pictures of the audience and the singer as well.

Let’s talk about the features of this camera.

Features

  • Model Name: Nikon D5600
  • Form Factor: DSLR
  • Effective Still Resolution: 24.2 MP
  • Special Feature: EXPEED 4 Image Processor
  • Built-In Flash; Multi-CAM 4800DX 39-Point AF Sensor
  • Time-Lapse Movie Recording
  • Optical Zoom: 3.1 x
  • Color: Black
  • Connectivity Technology: HDMI C (Mini), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0)
  • Screen Size: 3.2 Inches
  • Photo Sensor Size: APS-C

Shutter Speed/ ISO

It has a shutter speed range of 30 seconds to 1/4000 second and a bulb mode, allowing you to capture various creative effects.

To fine-tune your exposure, you can adjust the shutter speed in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV (Exposure Value).

This camera has an ISO range of 100 to 25,600 and can be expanded to 51,200, allowing you to capture images in low light conditions with less noise.

He used a longer shutter speed and a higher ISO.

A good starting point would be a shutter speed of 1-2 seconds and an ISO of 1600.

You may need to adjust these settings depending on the light available at the concert.

Aperture/ Depth of field

: The aperture of this camera is adjustable, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and a minimum of f/22.

The depth of focus of a photograph is influenced by the aperture, which regulates the quantity of light that goes through the lens and onto the sensor.

A larger aperture will create a shallower depth of field, while a smaller aperture will create a deeper depth of field.

I used a wide aperture such as f/2.8 or f/4.

This allowed me to get more light to reach the sensor, giving me an excellent field depth with a blurred background.

White balance/ Frame rate

White balance is an essential feature of digital cameras as it helps to adjust the colors in an image to appear more natural.

This camera has three white balance settings: Auto, Preset, and Manual.

It has a maximum frame rate of 5 frames per second for continuous shooting.

He used the auto setting of white balance and frame rate of 30 fps to get unique smooth clicks.

Why is this camera best?

It offers a great combination of features for any level of photographer.

It has a 24 MP DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low pass filter, allowing it to capture images with sharp details and accurate colors.

It also has an EXPEED 4 image processor, which provides fast performance and exceptional image quality.

The D5600 is an excellent choice for advanced amateurs and hobbyists looking for an affordable camera with various features.

Conclusion

For those looking to advance their photography, it is a fantastic option.

It features a 24.2-megapixel sensor, a vari-angle LCD, and a large selection of features that make it an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts.

It also offers superb image quality and excellent performance for a reasonable price.

It is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable and powerful camera.

My friend says it is the best cheap DSLR for night photography.

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Pros
  • 24MP image sensor with no OLPF.
  • Excellent image quality.
  • 39-point AF system.
  • 5fps continuous shooting.
  • Speedy operation.
  • 1080p60 video capture.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication.
  • External mic support.
Cons
  • Cramped controls.
  • Pentamirror viewfinder.

Canon EOS Rebel T8i: (best cheap DSLR for night photography)

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a powerful entry-level DSLR camera with advanced features and controls to help you capture stunning photos and videos.

The 3rd friend used this camera, taking pictures of the management.

He took amazing pictures of the management while they were enjoying and dancing in the concert.

He said the T8i was so smooth and is the best cheap DSLR for night photography.

Feature

  • Model Name: Canon EOS Rebel T8i
  • Form Factor: DSLR
  • Effective Still Resolution: 24.1 MP
  • Unique Feature: DIGIC 8 Image Processor
  • Built-In Flash; 45-Point All Cross-Type Phase-Detect AF
  • Color: Black
  • Connectivity Technology: HDMI
  • Screen Size: 3 Inches
  • Photo Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Flash Memory Type: Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC

Shutter Speed/ ISO

It has a shutter speed range of 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. and Bulb (time) mode.

The ISO range is 100-25600. He set the shutter speed to 1/125 and the ISO to 1600, and by this setting, he captured some beautiful moments in the concert, like the picture of people dancing.

This will ensure that you get a good balance of light and motion blur in your photos while also ensuring that your photos are not overexposed.

Aperture/ Depth of field

has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, giving it a decent depth of field.

The depth of field of this camera depends on the lens used, as well as the aperture and focal length.

The depth of field will be shallower the bigger the aperture and the shorter the focal length.

According to him, It is an excellent camera for night concert photography, and If you want to capture the energy and excitement of the show, you’ll want to make sure you have the correct settings to get the job done.

He kept the aperture wide open, usually at f/2.8 or lower, and with night concert photography, he held the depth of field shallow.

This means setting your aperture to a higher number, such as f/4 or f/5.6.

You will be able to obscure the backdrop and concentrate on your topic by doing this to assist you in achieving a shallow depth of field.

White balance/ Frame rate

It offers Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature Setting, and 5 Color Custom WB settings.

This camera can shoot up to 7 frames per second continuously.

He told me he used the auto white balance setting because this setting will adjust the white balance automatically to best match the lighting conditions.

He set the frame faster to get everyone’s every moment and dance move.

Why is this camera best?

It is the best DSLR camera for both beginner and experienced photographers, and it’s packed with features that make it an excellent choice.

It has a 24.1MP CMOS Sensor, 9-point Autofocus, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and a 3.0-inch Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD, making capturing sharp images and videos effortless.

Furthermore, it has a suite of creative filters and scene modes to help you create stunning shots.

Overall, it is an excellent choice for a great DSLR camera.

Conclusion

This excellent entry-level DSLR camera offers a tonne of functionality in a compact design.

Its image quality is excellent, and the autofocus system is fast and accurate.

It’s also easy to use and has various creative features to help you take better photos.

If you’re looking for an affordable DSLR with great features, the T8i is an excellent choice; according to me, it is the best cheap DSLR for night photography.

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Pros
  • Familiar design
  • Compatibility with Canon lenses and flashes
  • 24MP photos
  • Quick autofocus for stills and video
Cons
  • Optical viewfinder smaller than competing mirrorless EVFs
  • Limited focus area when using viewfinder

Nikon D7500: (Best cheap DSLR for night photography)

It was a night that I will never forget.

I had the opportunity to photograph a concert with my new Nikon D7500 camera, which was an incredible experience.

The crowd’s energy, the music’s power, and the lights’ beauty created an environment of pure joy and inspiration.

With the finest inexpensive DSLR for night photography, I could take incredible pictures and make lifelong memories.

Features

  • Brand: Nikon
  • Model Name: Nikon D7500
  • Form Factor: DSLR
  • Effective Still Resolution: 20.9 MP
  • Special Feature: Wireless
  • Optical Zoom: 1 x
  • Color: Black
  • Connectivity Technology: USB, HDMI
  • Screen Size: 3.2 Inches
  • Photo Sensor Size: APS-C

Shutter Speed/ ISO

I started taking pictures at a shutter speed of 1/1000 a second and an ISO 6400.

This allowed me to capture the vibrant colors and atmosphere of the room.

I then moved on to 1/100 of a second and ISO 3200, which enabled me to capture more detailed shots of the crowd and the performers.

ISO range of 100-51,200 gave me the flexibility to capture high-quality images in any lighting.

Aperture/ Depth of Field

The camera had incredible dynamic range, allowing me to capture the bright stage lights and the vibrant colors of the crowd.

By adjusting the aperture to f/2.8, I was able to get an excellent shallow depth of field, which allowed the performers to be in focus while the background was nicely blurred.

It was a great experience, and I’m so glad I captured the concert’s energy with this camera.

White Balance/ Frame Rate

According to the concert, the white balance was set to Auto, and the frame rate was set to 10 fps.

It was a fantastic experience capturing the crowd’s and performers’ energy on stage.

I managed to get some great shots with the camera, and I’m thrilled with the results.

Why is this camera best?

I was pleased with the results, and it was great to have this camera to capture some fantastic memories.

The camera’s 24MP DX-format sensor provided sharp and accurate results even in the low light of the concert venue.

The autofocus system was fast and accurate. This camera is the perfect choice for concert photography because of its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and low-light performance.

It was a great experience, and I’m sure I’ll be back for more concerts soon!

Conclusion

I had a wonderful experience photographing at the concert with this camera.

The camera was easy to use, and the photos came out great.

After the concert, I felt a sense of accomplishment and joy from capturing special moments from the show.

I’m now more excited than ever to keep exploring the world of photography with this camera.

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Pros
  • 20.9MP APS-C image sensor.
  • 8.1fps continuous shooting.
  • 50-shot Raw, 100-shot JPG buffer.
  • 51-point autofocus system.
  • Tilting touch LCD.
  • Weather-sealed body.
  • 4K video capture.
  • SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • 4K video is cropped.
  • Only one memory card slot.

Canon EOS Rebel T7i: (Best cheap DSLR for night photography)

I was always fascinated with photography, and when I heard about the chance to photograph a party, I jumped.

I had been using my best cheap DSLR for night photography for a while, but I decided to upgrade to the top-of-the-line Canon EOS Rebel T7i for this special occasion.

With its 24.2-megapixel resolution and sophisticated focusing technology, I was confident I could take some beautiful pictures.

Features

  • 24MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 – 25600(expands to 51200)
  • 00″ Fully Articulated Screen
  • Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
  • 0fps continuous shooting
  • and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 131 x 100 x 76 mm

Shutter Speed/ ISO

The nighttime photographs’ high quality, rich hues, and astounding clarity astounded me.

I adjusted the shutter speed to 1/100 s and the ISO to 12800, allowing me to capture stunning photos in low light.

I was able to capture some fantastic moments that I will cherish forever.

Aperture/ Depth of Field

It was a fantastic experience, capturing all the energy and fun of the night with such a great camera.

The Rebel T7i captured shots with a wide range of Aperture/Depth of Field ranges, from f/3.5 to f/22.

The photos came out so clear and vibrant. I was delighted with the results.

White Balance/ Frame Rate

I was excited to take memorable photos of the festivities, and the camera’s white balance and frame rate helped capture the moment.

I took some fantastic shots of the people dancing and having fun, and the camera’s settings made it easy to select the correct settings for a perfect shot.

The white balance range was between 2500K and 10000K, and the frame rate range was 1-30 frames per second.

I experimented with different settings and got some great shots of the party.

It was a wonderful experience, and I’m looking forward to experimenting with other camera functions.

Why is this camera best?

I recently tried this camera at a night party and was impressed with the results.

The camera captured stunning photos in low-light conditions and excellent image quality.

Additionally, the camera includes a quick-focusing technology that makes it simple to catch those fleeting moments.

Additionally, the camera is portable and light, making it simple to carry it everywhere I go.

Conclusion

The night party was a great success, and I had a blast photographing the festivities.

The camera handled the low light conditions perfectly, and I captured terrific photos.

I’m happy with the results.

It was the right choice for a night party photography needs!

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Pros
  • 24MP APS-C image sensor.
  • 45-point cross-type autofocus system.
  • 6fps burst shooting.
  • Dual Pixel AF in Live View.
  • Vari-angle touch LCD.
  • Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Video limited to 1080p.
  • Pentamirror viewfinder.

Nikon D3500: (Best cheap DSLR for night photography)

It was a beautiful night, and I was out with friends at a party.

I had my Nikon D3500 and was eager to try my new photography skills.

I started snapping pictures of the festivities, capturing the night’s joyous atmosphere through my lens.

I was excited to see the results of my work and could not wait to share them with my friends.

Features

  • Brand: Nikon
  • Model Name: Nikon D3500
  • Form Factor: DSLR, compact
  • Effective Still Resolution: 24.2 MP
  • Optical Zoom: 3x
  • Color: Black
  • Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB, HDMI
  • Screen Size: 3 Inches
  • Photo Sensor Size: 1-inch

Shutter Speed/ ISO

I had the opportunity to photograph a night party using my best cheap DSLR for night photography.

It was a fantastic experience, and the camera captured the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

The camera’s shutter speed range is 1/4000 to 30 seconds, and the ISO range is 100 to 25600, allowing for a wide range of creative options.

I was able to capture some truly stunning images, and I was thrilled with the results.

Aperture/ Depth of Field

I had a great time playing with the aperture and depth of field.

With this camera, I could adjust the aperture to f/3.5 and f/22, and the depth of field ranged from very shallow to deep.

The experience was unique, and I loved capturing the energy of the party and the vibrant colors of the lights.

White Balance/ Frame Rate

The setting was beautiful, with a backdrop of twinkling stars and a warm summer breeze.

I adjusted the white balance to capture the vivid colors of the event and set the frame rate to capture the night’s energy.

I captured stunning images in a wide range of white balance settings (2500K-9900K) and frame rate settings (24p-60p).

Why is this camera best?

The camera has an excellent low-light performance, and I can take stunning pictures even in dimly lit rooms.

The 24.2-megapixel sensor allowed me to capture the details of the scene clearly and accurately.

The Guide Mode was also a great help in understanding the basics of photography and setting up the camera properly.

Conclusion

Looking around at the night party I was photographing, I could tell it would be a great event.

I was so excited to use this camera and could already tell the photos would turn out great.

The atmosphere was electric, and the energy of the people was palpable.

I was pretty pleased with the images I shot in the end.

I will never forget that night, and I was pleased to have documented such a wonderful one.

Click to buy:

Pros
  • Compact.
  • Affordable.
  • 24MP resolution.
  • 5fps continuous shooting.
  • Automatic image transfer via Bluetooth.
  • In-camera shooting guide for beginners.
Cons
  • Fixed LCD omits touch support.
  • There is no mic input.

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 Cheap DSLR for Night Photography?

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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