Best Cameras for Low-Light Shooting

There are a lot of features that contribute to a camera's low-light performance, but two in particular can't be compromised if you want good shots in bad light. 
First is sensor size: Most compact digital cameras have sensors with a surface area of 28mm². You need more than that. 
All of the cameras below have at least 43.3mm² sensors. This means that your camera can take in more light at once, which is critical if you want great low-light photos. 
Second, you need a bright lens that can open wider, and let in more light to the image sensor. 
Many compact cameras open only to f/3.5, but the best low-light options open to f/2.0, or even f/1.8 (the lower the f-number, the larger and brighter the lens). 

Low-light Cameras Included in this Roundup:

Canon PowerShot S95

Price: $399.99
$339.00 at 42nd Street Photo If you must have a camera that fits in your pocket, the Canon PowerShot S95 is the best compact model you can buy—you'll get great photos even in the worst lighting conditions. Read the full review ››

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Olympus XZ-1

Price: $499.99
$329.00 at Unique Photo The Olympus XZ-1 dazzles when you compare it with other compact cameras, even in low-light (it shoots crisp photos up to ISO 1600), but its price and size pit it squarely against a class of cameras that can best its performance and quality. Read the full review ››

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Price: $499.99
$419.99 at Amazon Marketplace The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 performs as well as the best compact cameras on the market, and can shoot clean photos all the way up to ISO 1600, but it's a bit too expensive for a point-and-shoot model. Read the full review ››

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Samsung TL500

Price: $449
$387.85 at Amazon Marketplace Samsung's TL500 delivers beautiful images even in poor lighting, but for a pocket camera it has a big body and a big price tag—and it doesn't do HD video. Read the full review ››