As a passionate photographer who loves capturing the beauty of the night sky through time lapse photography, finding the perfect DSLR camera for this specific purpose has always been a top priority for me. Over the years, I have tested various models and brands, but one camera has truly stood out as the best choice for night time lapse photography.
The Nikon D850 has been my go-to camera for capturing stunning night time lapses with exceptional clarity and detail. Its high resolution sensor, wide dynamic range, and excellent low-light performance make it the ideal companion for shooting the night sky in all its glory. The camera’s advanced features, such as long exposure noise reduction and interval timer shooting, have allowed me to create breathtaking time lapse sequences that showcase the beauty of the night.
If you are a night photography enthusiast like me and are in search of the best DSLR camera for capturing mesmerizing night time lapses, look no further than the Nikon D850. Its unmatched performance and versatility will take your night photography to new heights, allowing you to create stunning visuals that truly capture the magic of the night sky.
Best DSLR Camera for Night Time Lapse
When it comes to capturing stunning time-lapse photography at night, having the right DSLR camera can make all the difference. As a photography enthusiast who loves shooting nightscapes, I have extensively researched and tested various DSLR cameras to find the perfect one for night time lapse photography.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
One of the best DSLR cameras for night time lapse photography is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. This camera features a full-frame sensor that excels in low-light conditions, making it ideal for capturing the beauty of the night sky. With its advanced autofocus system and excellent noise performance, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II produces high-quality time-lapse sequences with stunning clarity and detail.
- Full-frame sensor for superior low-light performance
- Advanced autofocus system for precise focusing in the dark
- Excellent noise performance for clean images at high ISO settings
- High-resolution images for detailed time-lapse sequences
Understanding Night Time Lapse Photography
When delving into the realm of night time lapse photography, it’s essential to grasp the unique challenges and opportunities that come with capturing stunning time-lapse sequences in low-light conditions. The interplay of darkness, artificial lighting, and natural elements can create mesmerizing visuals that tell a story of the night.
One crucial aspect to consider is the choice of camera gear. Opting for a DSLR camera with excellent low-light performance and manual exposure settings is key to achieving high-quality night time lapse shots. These cameras allow for precise control over exposure settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, enabling you to capture the nuances of light and shadow in the night sky.
- Long Exposure: Night time lapse photography often involves long exposure times to capture the movement of stars, clouds, and other celestial phenomena. Using a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release can help minimize camera shake and ensure sharp, clear images.
- Light Painting: Experimenting with light painting techniques can add a dynamic element to your night time lapse sequences. By using handheld light sources or external flashes, you can illuminate specific areas of the scene to create captivating visual effects.
- Post-Processing: In the digital age, post-processing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop play a crucial role in enhancing and refining night time lapse images. Adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance can elevate the impact of your photos and bring out the intricate details of the night sky.
Key Features to Consider in a DSLR Camera for Night Time Lapse
When looking for a DSLR camera suitable for capturing night time lapse photography, there are several key features to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance in low light conditions.
First and foremost, consider the camera’s sensor size and pixel quality. A larger sensor with higher pixel quality will result in better image clarity and reduced noise when shooting in low light. Look for a camera with a full-frame sensor or a high-resolution APS-C sensor for superior night time lapse photography.
- High ISO Performance: Choose a DSLR camera with excellent high ISO performance to capture clear and detailed images in low light situations. Look for a camera with a wide ISO range and good noise reduction capabilities.
- Long Exposure Capabilities: Opt for a camera that allows for long exposure times to capture stunning light trails and star trails in your night time lapse sequences. Check the camera’s maximum shutter speed and bulb mode options.
- Intervalometer Functionality: Ensure the camera has built-in intervalometer functionality or compatibility with external intervalometers for easy programming of time lapse sequences. This feature is essential for creating smooth and seamless night time lapse videos.
- Manual Focus Control: Look for a DSLR camera that offers precise manual focus control for achieving sharp focus on distant subjects in low light conditions. A camera with focus peaking or magnification features can be particularly useful for night time lapse photography.
Best DSLR Cameras for Night Time Lapse
When it comes to capturing stunning night time lapse footage, having the right DSLR camera is essential. Here are some top choices that excel in low light conditions:
Nikon D850
- High ISO Performance: The Nikon D850 offers excellent low light performance, allowing you to capture clear and detailed images even in dark environments.
- Full Frame Sensor: With a full frame sensor, the D850 provides superior image quality and enhanced light sensitivity, perfect for night time lapse photography.
- Wide Dynamic Range: The camera’s wide dynamic range ensures that you can capture both bright highlights and deep shadows in your time lapse sequences.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Dual Pixel Autofocus: The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV features Dual Pixel Autofocus technology, allowing for quick and accurate focusing even in low light conditions.
- 4K Video Recording: Capture stunning 4K time lapse footage with the 5D Mark IV, delivering high resolution and sharp detail in your night time lapse videos.
- Built-in Intervalometer: With a built-in intervalometer, this camera makes it easy to set up and capture time lapse sequences without the need for external accessories.
My Experience with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Having used the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for night time lapse photography, I can confidently say that it is a powerful tool for capturing stunning images in low light conditions. The camera’s high ISO sensitivity allows for clear shots even in dark environments, making it ideal for capturing the beauty of the night sky.
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is its impressive dynamic range, which ensures that both bright and dark areas of the image are well-exposed. This is crucial for night time lapse photography, where capturing details in the shadows and highlights is essential for creating visually striking time lapses.
- The camera’s 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers sharp and detailed images, perfect for creating high-quality time lapses.
- The built-in intervalometer allows for easy setup of time lapse sequences, giving me the flexibility to capture long exposure shots over extended periods.
- The robust build quality of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV ensures durability and reliability, making it a dependable choice for night time lapse photography in various outdoor conditions.
Conclusion
The Nikon D850 is a top choice for capturing night time lapses thanks to its impressive low-light performance, high resolution, and advanced features. With its full-frame sensor, excellent ISO range, and long battery life, the D850 is a reliable and versatile camera for capturing stunning night time lapse videos.
Final Verdict
- Pros: Excellent low-light performance, high resolution sensor, advanced features.
- Cons: Pricey, bulky design.
Best dslr camera for night time lapse

Price history for Dsoon Time Lapse Camera Outdoor Construction/Plant/Weather/Life 1080P, 2.4" HD TFT LCD, Waterproof Level IP66, 6 Month Battery Life, 32GB TF Card Included | |
---|---|
Latest updates:
|
|



Features
Part Number | 3000 |
Model | TL3000-DS |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Color | Black |
Size | Ultra Compact |

Price history for Dsoon Timelapse Camera, 4K FHD Time Lapse Camera Outdoor, Waterproof Level IP66, for Record Outdoor Construction, Weather, Plant, 6 Month Battery Life, 32GB TF Card Included (Black) | |
---|---|
Latest updates:
|
|

Features
Part Number | BCC300-M |
Model | BCC300-M |
Color | black |
Language | English |

Price history for Brinno Time Lapse Camera BCC300-M | Camera Outdoor Construction Jobsite, Plant, Weather Timelapse Camera | LCD Screen, Extended Battery Life, IPX4 Water-Resistant, Wall Mount | |
---|---|
Latest updates:
|
|

Features
Part Number | S2-4K-White |
Model | S2-4K-White |
Warranty | 1 year |
Color | White |
Size | Medium |

Price history for FUVISION Time Lapse Camera-Timelapse Camera 4K-Local WiFi-Not Waterproof-180 Day Standby Battery-Manual Focus-48MP Photos-No LCD Screen-Fill Light-Idea for Indoor Cooking, Plants, Drawing(White) | |
---|---|
Latest updates:
|
|

Features
Part Number | TL3000-U |
Model | TL3000 |
Warranty | 1 year |
Color | Black |

Price history for Time Lapse Camera for Outdoor Construction, Rechargeable Compact Timelapse Camera for Caputuring Photos or AVI Videos of Plant Growth, Cooking, Weather, Building Blocks(32GB TF Card Included) | |
---|---|
Latest updates:
|
|


Price history for ATLI 1080P Time Lapse Camera WiFi HDR APP Control Real-time Preview Timing Shooting Manual Focus Timelapse Video Camera for Indoor Flower Plants Weather Remote Access (Black) | |
---|---|
Latest updates:
|
|






Price history for Time Lapse Camera, 1080P 4K 32MP Full Color Macro Shooting Manual Focus Camera with 2.0in LCD Screen, for Outdoor Construction Plant Weather Life | |
---|---|
Latest updates:
|
|

Q&A:
What is the best DSLR camera for night time lapse photography?
One of the top choices for night time lapse photography is the Nikon D850. It has excellent low-light performance, high resolution, and advanced features that make it ideal for capturing stunning night scenes.
Which DSLR camera has great noise performance for night time lapse photography?
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is known for its impressive noise performance when shooting in low light conditions, making it a popular choice for night time lapse photography. Its full-frame sensor and advanced image processing capabilities help produce high-quality images even in the dark.
What features should I look for in a DSLR camera for night time lapse photography?
When choosing a DSLR camera for night time lapse photography, look for models with excellent low-light performance, high ISO capabilities, minimal noise at high ISO settings, and long exposure options. Cameras with a full-frame sensor tend to perform better in low light conditions.