Use These Best Cameras for Long Exposure for Amazing Shots
Long exposure photography can be a lot of fun whenever you are fully aware of what you are doing and with this photography style, you cannot go wrong as it requires patience and enough prep time that anyone can do it.
However, finding the right camera for long exposure photography can be tricky as not every camera is made the same way and this should not come as a surprise to anyone, at this point. If you are searching for the best camera for a long exposure then we have got you covered.
Disclaimer: The image samples shown for every camera are reflective of the camera’s overall performance and not the type of photography itself.
Best Cameras for Long Exposure
The roundup is dedicated to these cameras that will excel in long exposure but are good enough that they can take care of all the other photography needs, too. So you know that you are getting something that is good. If you want one camera with long exposure that can do everything, then simply pick up the…
Editor’s Pick
Sony A7III – Best Overall Camera
The SonyIf you want something solid, go for this as it is perhaps the best camera for long exposure for night photography or any other tasks that you throw at it.
When Sony came out with the A7III, no one knew that this entry-level mirrorless camera is going to end up becoming the most popular camera that Sony has ever made. Sure, there have been other cameras that Sony released, technically superior cameras but they never managed to attain the same fame and popularity as the A7III.
This entry-level mirrorless, at the time of release, and even today, manages to give a top-notch performance, and that too, without breaking a sweat. The 24-megapixel full-frame BSI sensor is excellent and you are getting 10 frames per second shooting with tracking.
The camera also allows uncropped HDR video, silent shooting, a tilting touch screen, and dual SD card slots. Sony has also worked really hard on ensuring a solid battery life. You are also getting amazing flat profiles and the focus joystick which allows you to use the camera the way you want to. The excellent shutter speed is another thing that makes this an excellent camera for long exposure photography or night photography, for that matter.
The best thing about this camera, however, is the fact that you are getting 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which is one thing that you can never really overlook and that is excellent.
With a list of amazing things about this camera, it is easy to overlook some of the downsides that are there but are not glaring. For starters, the screen does not have enough mobility. You are only getting one card slot which is UHS-II. The menu system can easily overwhelm the most experienced users as well.
Overall, I would easily say that the Sony A7III is definitely one of the best cameras that are available in the market. If you want something solid, go for this as it is perhaps the best camera for long exposure night photography or any other tasks that you throw at it.
Sony A7RIII – Best High-Res Camera for Long Exposure
Sony A7RIII is the right choice as you will not be let down by how well it performs. This is easily one of the best long exposure mirrorless cameras in the market.
Before Sony released the A7III, the A7RIII was the camera that was ruling the market and honestly, this camera is still holding up even after so many years for anyone who is looking for solid performance, you are getting an excellent camera that will not let you down at all.
With that said, the Sony A7RIII is dedicated to high-res shooting; if you are looking for lots of megapixels, this is the camera that you should be getting. With its massive 42-megapixel full frame sensor, you are not going to get any compromises on the quality.
However, that is not at all. You are also getting an improved processor and a better overall autofocusing system. Sony’s legendary tracking returns with 10fps image capture. The silent shooting option is always a welcomed addition, and tilting LCD is always fun.
You are getting a dual card slot, and a better overall battery, as well. This ensures that the shooting experience is not going to be hindered.
The highlight of this camera is, of course, the massive 42-megapixel sensor. I get, that this camera is not meant for video but if you are looking to take really high-res images without any compromise, this is the one that you should be going with as it will not disappoint you.
Although I have loved this camera for some time. I do have to say that there are a few downsides that I would like to mention. For starters, there is only one slot that has UHS-II support. You cannot start the video until you clear the image buffer and the menu system can be confusing at best.
Overall, if you are looking for a camera that does not compromise on the overall image quality, then going for the Sony A7RIII is perhaps the right choice as you will not be let down by how good it performs, and well, that is what we all want. This is easily one of the best long exposure mirrorless cameras in the market.
Canon EOS M50 – Best Entry Level Camera for Long Exposure
Canon EOS M50 makes a strong case for itself as it still remains one of the better cameras in the market for the price you are paying.
It should not come as a surprise that we are all aware of Canon’s prowess when it comes to affordable cameras and while I am not saying that their expensive cameras are not good enough, Canon does have a pretty good influence when you are looking at all the entry-level tech, as well.
With that said, the Canon EOS M50 is perhaps one of the best cameras for anyone who is still in the process of beginner photography and the best part is that you are looking at something that will result in some amazing pictures, too. If you want something that is good, this is the way to go.
This is one of the most compact cameras available in the market, to be honest. Even by modern mirrorless standards, you are looking at a small camera. However, it does house an impressive 24-megapixel APS-C sensor which makes the entire picture taking process a lot better.
You also have access to 10 frames per second burst, and 7.4 frames per second tracking, which is always nice. Not to forget, the vari-angle touch LCD is always convenient for proper composition and added ease of access. The microphone input, EVF, and Wi-Fi are included making this camera experience a lot better.
The one thing that I do love a lot about this camera is the wide focus coverage area which makes everything easier for people who are looking for a good photography experience.
Sure, there are a few quirks here that you should know. For starters, the 4K video is heavily cropped and the autofocusing system is not as fast in 4K. Another thing is that the shots are rather limited whenever you are shooting RAW bursts.
Overall, the Canon EOS M50 makes a strong case for itself as it still remains one of the better cameras in the market for the price you are paying, and for the most part, the camera does deliver great performance. It is not just a good offering for long exposure shots but also really good for overall photography if you are looking for entry-level experience.
I reviewed the best lenses for Canon M50 which is a similar camera to Canon EOS. Do check them out.
Nikon Z50 – Best Budget Nikon Mirrorless Camera
Nikon Z50 is a camera that delivers on multiple fronts and you are not going to be let down, to be honest.
Although Nikon was a little late to the party of affordable mirrorless cameras, that does not mean that the impact that they have made has gone unnoticed. Quite the opposite, actually. If you are looking for something that is good and something that does not cost a lot of money, Nikon has you covered.
For starters, the nikon z50 long exposure is one of the best budget Nikon cameras in the market and does deliver some promising features and overall experience, too.
You are looking at a light and compact build that also feels sturdy. If you are looking for something that does deliver on all fronts, this is the camera that you should be looking into. The big and sharp EVF is amazing as it allows you to have a proper understanding of the image you are about to compose.
I am surprised by how speedy this camera is overall, and breezing through various menus is a treat that I simply cannot get over. You are also looking at 11 fps continuous drive, which is an impressive feature for a camera that costs this much.
If you are looking to shoot video, the best thing here is the strong 4K video quality as it delivers an excellent experience and you are not going to get any negative experience, either.
The built-in flash and compatibility with older Nikon lenses are excellent to have, and well, it is not something that you should be overlooking.
I honestly did not run into a lot of issues with this camera, but there are a few. The subject tracking is not as good, and touch features could use some more polishing. Another thing is that at 20.9-megapixel, this camera has the lowest resolution, and the touch screen design can be a bit awkward.
In conclusion, the Nikon Z50 is a camera that delivers on multiple fronts and you are not going to be let down, to be honest. If you want something that delivers and remains reliable, this is the one you need to get your hands on.
In my recent posts, I reviewed some of the best Nikon lenses for video. Budget lenses, beginners, and professionals. It’s all there.
Nikon Z6 – Best Nikon Camera for Long Exposure
You are getting dust and splash resistance, which just makes this camera so much better as compared to some of the other options that are on the market.
Nikon’s introduction of the Z6 was much awaited as this was Nikon finally bringing an entry-level full-frame camera and honestly, the performance on this camera is one of the best to a point that you are not going to be let down at all. If you want something that has a good performance, this camera delivers on all fronts and there is no letting down, that is what we can guarantee.
Now, the good news is that the Nikon Z6 is a success and has managed to hold up really well. It offers a 24-megapixel reworked sensor with 90 percent autofocus. You are getting an impressively fast 12fps continuous RAW shooting support and in-body image stabilization as well, which makes everything better and more useful.
If you want a tilting touch screen, Nikon has got you covered, and the 4K video on this camera looks sharp and excellent. You are also getting full compatibility with Nikon F mount lenses with the right adapter and all the wireless connectivity support.
Aside from the IBIS, my favorite thing about this camera is the fact that you are getting dust and splash resistance, which just makes this camera so much better as compared to some of the other options that are on the market.
There are a few quirks about these long exposure cameras that make little sense to us, however. For starters, you are looking at RAW adjustments that are already baked in. Not to forget, the lens control ring function is on the sensitive side, and the single memory card slot can be an issue. There is also no PC sync socket.
Overall, I would say that if you are a loyal Nikon shooter and you are looking for a good entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera, this is the one you should be going for.
Sony RX100 VII – Best Point and Shoot for Long Exposure
If you are in the market for a good point and shoot camera that can serve you some fantastic results, then the Sony RX100 VII is an excellent camera that will not let you down at all.
For the longest time, point and shoot cameras were looked down upon because people started thinking that they were not good enough. Then Sony decided to start releasing some really impressive cameras, and others followed the same footsteps, and now we have a whole market for excellent point and shot cameras that are great.
The sony rx100 vii long exposure is just an example and well, it is perhaps one of the best cameras that you can get whenever you are looking at a good overall camera and the performance that it delivers is great, too.
For starters, you are looking at one of the sharpest 8x zoom lenses. The electronic viewfinder is a blessing to have, and even for a point and shoot, you are looking at a 1-inch sensor that is excellent.
The most surprising feature about this camera is the fact that you are getting 20fps capture with subject tracking and if that is not impressive for a point and shoot, then I don’t know what is.
The camera also has eye detection for people and pets, a tilting touch screen, and has full support for 4K video with an external microphone port.
Although I do love the Sony RX100 VII, there are a few quirks that I would like to mention. For starters, you cannot start the video while images are being written on the card and the touch functionality is limited at best.
Overall, I would say that if you are in the market for a good point and shoot camera that can serve you some fantastic results, then the Sony RX100 VII is an excellent camera that will not let you down at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
It is safe to say that when we are talking about long exposure photography, a lot of the time, photographers tend to mess up. Especially if you are getting started because in such cases, you are not sure about the experience you are going to get and we want to change that, as well.
With that said, the purpose of this round up was to ensure that you are getting access to the best cameras for long exposure photography. Whether you are a beginner or you have been taking photos for as long as you can remember, the roundup caters to every type of photographer with various budgets as well.
