6 Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Selenophile – the word that is enough to describe my personality.

But my love for the moon and stars isn’t limited to gazing.

I’ve loved capturing them, and Olympus cameras are known for their excellent low-light performance, which makes them a good choice for night photography.

They often have large sensors and fast image processors, which allow them to capture clear, detailed images even in dimly lit environments.

In addition, the advanced autofocus systems are perfect for low-light areas.

The high ISO sensitivity settings allow them to capture images with minimal noise and grain.

However, there are few that I can call the best Olympus camera for night photography.

Which is the Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography:-

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III: (Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography)

I’ve always been fond of New York’s nightlife.

And to follow my passion for nighttime photography, relocating here was the best decision.

The hustle and bustle of the New Yorkers compelled me to capture the flavor of the local nightlife.

For this, I found the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III the best camera for night photography.

Features:

  • Model: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
  • Effective Megapixel: 16 MP
  • Image sensor: 17.3 x 13mm CMOS
  • ISO range: 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 – 60 sec.
  • Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC
  • LCD: 3-inch, fully articulated LCD
  • Dimension: 124 x 85 x 45 mm
  • Weight: 469g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

The camera has a native ISO range of 200-25600 and can expand to 100-25600.

It allows the camera to perform well in various lighting conditions, especially at night, like low light.

The camera also has built-in image stabilization, which helps to reduce blur and camera shake when shooting at slower shutter speeds or with longer lenses.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

During an overnight stay in the park, I used a larger aperture.

It allows more light into the camera, which is ideal for nighttime photography.

As a result, my shutter speed increased, which helped capture sharp images in low light conditions.

I know that using a larger aperture will result in a shallower depth of field, so I was careful about what galaxies I wanted to focus on in my image.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

It has a maximum frame rate of 10 fps when using the electronic shutter and 5.5 fps when using the mechanical shutter.

I found these figures ideal for night photography purposes.

However, the fps did change when the subject’s lighting conditions changed.

I was shooting in a very low-light environment, so I adjusted camera settings to longer exposure times, which resulted in a lower frame rate.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera has a range of shooting modes and creative options, including advanced creative filters, multiple exposure modes, and time-lapse video.

Plus, it is relatively small and lightweight for a mirrorless camera, making it easy to carry

Conclusion:

Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a solid night photographer choice.

I wanted a compact camera capable of delivering high-quality images in various shooting situations – the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III proved perfect.

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Pros
  • Compact, all-weather body.
  • Stabilized image sensor.
  • Includes external flash.
  • Up to 30fps Raw capture.
  • Vari-angle LCD and OLED EVF.
  • Well-established lens system.
Cons
  • Tops out at 5.3fps when tracking.
  • Plastic exterior.
  • Charging port, not USB-C.

Olympus Tough TG-6: (Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography)

I’ve traveled to Berlin often, and the vibrant culture attracts me the most.

The city feels alive almost every hour of the day, and nighttime is my favorite.

Even though the historical landmarks look best during the day, the Olympus Tough TG-6 did justice with the photos even at night.

The striking photo quality and vibrant colors make it the best Olympus camera for night photography.

Features:

  • Model: Olympus Tough TG-6
  • Effective Megapixel: 12 MP
  • Image sensor: 6.17 x 4.55 mm BSI-CMOS
  • ISO range: 100 to 12800
  • Shutter speeds: 1/2 to 1/2000 sec
  • Storage: D/SDHC/SDXC card
  • LCD: 3.0-inch colour LCD
  • Dimension: 113 x 66 x 32 mm
  • Weight: 253 g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

This camera by Olympus has a native ISO range of 100-12800.

From the shutter speed range of ½ seconds to 1/2000th sec, I chose 1/15 seconds with a high ISO of 1600.

To capture photos way better than my eyes perceive, I switched the shooting modes for better pictures.

For steady shots, I used a tripod as well.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

The Tough TG-6 is famous for night photography due to its aperture.

It has the widest aperture of f/2, which is generally considered good for low-light and night photography.

In this scenario, a shallow depth of field worked best with manual focus mode, as I wanted a bokeh effect in the background.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

Night photography is a tricky job.

But thanks to this masterpiece by Olympus, my photos weren’t all black and dim.

The reason was selecting a lower frame rate.

Even though this camera can shoot up to 20 fps in High-Speed Sequential Shooting mode, I didn’t need it as lower figures also gave me smooth videos.

Why is this camera the best?

As the name says, The “Tough TG-6” is a waterproof, rugged digital camera designed to withstand rough handling and extreme environments.

It has a 12-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor and a TruePic VIII image processor.

All of these features, when combined, resulted in high-quality images.

Conclusion:

It was an overall treat to work with this camera.

The beautiful nightlife of the city became even better when I used a lower frame rate.

The final result was high-quality images and a wide range of focal lengths.

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Pros
  • Tough, waterproof build.
  • Add-on lenses and macro lights are available.
  • Sharp rear LCD.
  • Wide aperture lens.
  • 4K video.
  • Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Not a touch screen.
  • LCD can pick up scuffs and scratches.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II: (Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography)

Astronomy has always been my favorite topic of discussion.

Everything that hangs in the glittering sky piqued my interest.

It led me to become a photographer interested in capturing nightlife worldwide.

Olympus has been my favorite camera for such a genre, and with OM-D E-M1 Mark II, I captured some of my best shots while on a London tour.

Features:

  • Model: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
  • Effective Megapixel: 20 MP
  • Image sensor: 17.4 x 13 mm CMOS
  • ISO range: 200-25600
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Storage: Dual SD, SDHC, and SDXC slots
  • LCD: 3-inch, fully articulated LCD
  • Dimension: 134 x 91 x 67 mm
  • Weight: 574 g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

The best thing about a glitzy city is that it made me capture everything I saw, from whooshing cars right across my face to a sky full of stars.

Of course, the surroundings weren’t bright, but they were calm.

So, I use a low ISO setting like 400 to reduce image noise and a long exposure time to capture as much light as possible.

I set it to remote shutter release mode for shutter speed to reduce camera shake.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

Compared to the Olympus Tough TG-6, this camera has a maximum aperture of f/4.

This wide aperture allowed more light to enter the frame.

Hence, my pictures were quite bright yet sharp with them.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

Before using this camera, I saw many tutorials and preferred settings for night photography.

That’s how I knew to set the white balance to “Tungsten.

“This added warm tones and colors of artificial lighting at night.

I also applied the “Custom” white balance setting, where plenty of colors existed in one frame.

It has a frame rate of up to 15 fps in continuous shooting mode, which I found suitable for capturing action in low light conditions.

It also has a high-speed sequential shooting mode that allows a maximum frame rate of 60 fps.

Why is this camera the best?

This camera produces high image quality with a 20-megapixel Live CMOS sensor.

I realized this camera is well-built after accidentally dropping it on a rocky road.

Plus, its compatibility with a wide range of lenses offered me flexibility in taking pictures.

Conclusion:

All in all, the camera gave me a pleasant time while working.

It is a versatile, high-performance camera suitable for various photography genres.

After considering every feature, it is the best Olympus camera for night photography.

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Pros
  • Up to 60fps Raw capture.
  • In-body stabilization.
  • Large, sharp EVF.
  • Vari-angle touch-screen display.
  • High-resolution capture mode.
  • Robust lens system.
  • Weather-sealed body.
  • 4K video support.
  • Optional vertical battery grip.
  • Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Only one SD slot supports UHS-II.
  • The tracking focus is ineffective at top speeds.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: (Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography)

I wasn’t prepared for a sudden night out with my friends and couldn’t go without a camera.

I decided to borrow my brother’s Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III.

It was my first time trying it out, and it didn’t disappoint me!

Even though it is slightly heavier than the other models, the photos were worth it.

Features:

  • Model: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
  • Effective Megapixel: 20.4 MP
  • Image sensor: 17.4 x 13 mm (Live MOS Sensor)
  • ISO range: 200-25600 (expands to 64-25600)
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Storage: Dual SD, SDHC, SDXC slots (UHS-II on the first slot)
  • LCD: 3-inch, fully articulated LCD
  • Dimension: 134 x 91 x 69 mm
  • Weight: 580 g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

I’ve tried many settings to find the best combination for every situation.

To capture the busy streets of my hometown at night, I kept the ISO at 400 with a shutter speed of 1/30 seconds to capture more light in every picture.

The camera also has various other features and settings for controlling ISO and shutter speed, including Auto ISO, Bulb mode, and different creative options for controlling exposure.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

It has the widest aperture of f/2.8.

Using this setting, I captured steady images with less noise.

As a result, I noticed a shallow depth of field in the overall picture.

Hence, my photos outside the busy NY nightclub appeared well-lit with optimal exposure.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

The camera has excellent capabilities to adjust the white balance manually or automatically.

Like with other models by Olympus, it also has multiple color shades to choose from.

I found “incandescent” appropriate for nighttime photography.

The E-M1 Mark III can also capture up to 60 fps with the electronic shutter.

The former one was ideal for shooting the never-sleeping NY Square.

Why is this camera the best?

It is a high-quality camera by Olympus.

It is well-suited for fast-moving subjects.

It has a 20.4 megapixel Live MOS sensor, fast autofocus, and continuous 60 fps shooting.

These make it the best Olympus camera for night photography.

Conclusion:

I needed to find a camera with good image stabilization and weather resistance as I usually shoot outdoors.

Hence, this camera deserves praise for its image quality, low-light performance, and overall handling.

I’d probably make it my “go-to camera” for every sudden night plan.

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Pros
  • Strong in-body stabilization
  • Vast Micro Four Thirds lens system
  • Raw capture at 15fps with mechanical shutter
  • Electronic shutter at up to 60fps
  • IP1X weather protection
  • Swing-out touch LCD
  • 4K video
Cons
  • Not the latest and greatest EVF
  • Menu system could use a refresh

Olympus OM-D E-M1: (Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography)

I’m sure you’ve heard of Barcelona, famous for plenty of nightlife attractions.

With one attraction after every 7km, I knew I wanted to get Barcelona off my bucket list.

Thanks to my Olympus, OM-D E-M1 was my best friend as the best Olympic camera for night photography throughout the trip.

Keep reading to find out more about it:

Features:

  • Model: Olympus OM-D E-M1
  • Effective Megapixel: 16MP
  • Image sensor: 17.4 x 13 mm (Live MOS Sensor)
  • ISO range: 100-25600
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • LCD: 3-inch, fully articulated LCD
  • Dimension: 134 x 94 x 63 mm
  • Weight: 479 g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

Like most Olympus cameras, this model also has ISO between 100-25600.

The maximum mechanical shutter speed of the camera is 1/8000 sec.

As this model was new to me, I opted for the basic settings for nighttime photography.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

The maximum aperture with this camera is f/2.8.

With full-frame, the aperture opens till f/5.6.

I shot all my photos at f/2.8.

As a result, there was a shallow depth of field.

Even though the surroundings were dimly lit, the pictures came out bright and sharp.

Throughout my trip, I kept the aperture setting the same, and the overall nighttime lighting in Barcelona was the same everywhere.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

I only had to set the white balance when I took it to a restaurant with low light.

To give my photos a warm effect, I chose Kelvin 3200.

It did pretty well to eliminate orange hues from the picture.

The best part is that it can record videos at 30 fps in 4k, which worked well for most outings.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera has 121 autofocus points, allowing quick and accurate focusing on moving subjects.

Its weather-sealed body makes it resistant to dust and other harsh environments.

The pictures were highly stabilized even though it was shot inside a speedy car.

It was because of a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system that reduces camera shake and blur.

It gave my pictures an aesthetic look!

Conclusion:

The image quality, autofocus, build, and video capabilities resulted in a camera as good as the Olympus OM-D E-M1.

I’m glad I took it with me on the trip, which was close to my heart.

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Pros
  • Impressive image quality, even at high ISO settings.
  • Dust-proof, splash-proof design.
  • Solid build quality.
  • Excellent ergonomics.
  • Best-in-class EVF.
  • Wi-Fi.
  • In-camera art filters and color control.
  • Robust time-lapse feature.
  • Quick autofocus.
  • 10.5fps burst shooting.
  • In-camera image stabilization.
  • Sharp, tilting touch screen.
Cons
  • No built-in flash.
  • No support for 60fps video.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III: (Best Olympus Camera for Night Photography)

I am not a pro at night photography, but I chose the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III in the learning stage.

I’ve grown fond of this camera series after watching my elder brother use it for nighttime photography.

It’s easy to use and has no fancy features that make photography easy for me.

It is a lightweight mirrorless camera that didn’t cramp my arms while taking pictures of the glittering sky at night.

Look at what made me call it the best camera for night photography.

Features:

  • Model: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
  • Effective Megapixel: 20.4 MP
  • Image sensor: 17.4 x 13 mm (Live MOS Sensor)
  • ISO range: 200-25600 (expands to 64-25600)
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Storage: Dual SD, SDHC, and SDXC slots
  • LCD: 3-inch, fully articulated LCD
  • Dimension: 134 x 91 x 69 mm
  • Weight: 580 g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

This camera’s ISO sensitivity allowed me to adjust it manually or automatically.

I kept ISO in between them. 800.

It helped me capture photos with optimal light.

For shutter speed, 1/30 the sec was perfect and gave me sharp enough photos.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

Like every other Olympus camera, its aperture can also go to f/2.8.

For nighttime, the f/4 aperture was perfect for optimal depth of field for focusing the foreground and background.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

Most of the time, I manually set the white balance.

But, with this model, I let the camera do the job.

Hence, I chose the AWB setting with an fps 30 for smooth video shots.

This frame rate produces the crispiest and smoothest images when combined with the appropriate ISO and shutter speed.

Why is this camera the best?

One of the standout features of the E-M10 Mark III is its 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, which delivers sharp and detailed images with excellent dynamic range.

The camera also has a 5-axis image stabilization system, which helps to reduce camera shake and makes me fall in love with my nighttime photography.

Conclusion:

The overall feel of this camera is nothing less than a high-end camera.

The images that came out made me go down memory lane while scrolling through them.

I highly recommend this gadget to anybody looking for a handy camera for nighttime photography.

As a newbie, it proved to help capture night shots like a pro.

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Pros
  • Compact, solid design.
  • Built-in EVF and flash.
  • Tilting touch LCD.
  • 8.8fps burst shooting.
  • In-body stabilization.
  • Raw and JPG capture.
  • In-camera art filters.
  • Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Tracking focus slows speed to 4fps.
  • 4K video is not easily accessible.
  • No Bluetooth or NFC.

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 Olympus Camera 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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