Candle shot taken with Canon Powershot A75

Features to look for:

RAW via JPEG capture modes:

Most consumer compact digital cameras don’t support RAW format. But if your camera of choice supports RAW files, then you are about to experience some good times with your camera. RAW format lets you recompose your images after shooting and in post-processing. You can modify sharpness, saturation, contrast, exposure and color tones, and also reproduce the same image from that RAW file again. In this case, memory buffer is very important since it can affect the cameras performance and fast response.

Memory buffers:

The more memory buffer, the faster your camera is, especially in continuous and high-speed continuous shooting modes. Some compact digital cameras offer RAW formats, but lack of enough memory buffer results in RAW images with no EXIF data, which is a major draw back because you’ll lose your shooting details.

LCD:

Rotational LCD panels are a must nowadays with such a fast development in digital camera technologies. Rotational LCD helps you take pictures at low angles, which is most needed in low-light nature photography.

ISO range:

ISO range is one of the most important factors for digital night and low-light photography. Photography is the art of lighting and how to handle the light entering cameras lens. Introducing high ISO ranges is not always an advantage. High ISO with acceptable quality is the point. Try to test your digital camera of choice before purchasing, and read some reviews over the Internet. Make sure the camera you wish to buy can produce acceptable qualities at its highest ISO setting.

There are other settings that contribute to a digital night and low-light camera of choice, but they are not often found in compact digital cameras. If you are looking for a more robust camera and interested to invest a little more, then move forward to other categories below.

Flash system and accessories:

These cheaper cameras won’t support external lighting equipment like flashguns, and they are usually limited to a small, built-in flash.