Night time / limited light options

As a PI, I often need to shoot people at night in very low light and occasionally no light. I set my 60D on high ISO which does a decent job most of the time, but I need more. I'm considering the 80D which doubles the ISO as the 60D and think it may help but uncertain if graininess will double as well. Graininess isn't a concern as long as a person is identifiable. Overall, I'm seeking suggestions how to approach better shots in limited light situations. Whether a new camera, new accessory/attachment, different camera setting, etc. Any suggestion to assist will be considered and tried.

Would also appreciate the same suggestion shooting video within these same situations.

Thank you

Full frame sensors will do better in low light. Upgrading to the 80D certainly will improve your low light performance, but not by a lot. You are still in that X0D level of consumer camera.

The 7D mark2 is another crop sensor camera, but a level up in terms of performance. I think you would see more difference making that upgrade. Better still- the 6D mark 2 brings you in to the full frame world. THAT's where you are more likely to see a big improvement.

Just my 2 cents...

Its expensive, but look at a 1dx or perhaps a 5D4. The iso performance on these cameras continue to amaze.

depending on the budget, an EOS R might work, especially if you've got a big line-up of EF-S lenses.
Someone might even suggest the EOS RP...

I have seen some amazing high ISO shots with the Sony mirrorless cameras that have been posted.

I'm not sure what you need price wise, but here is a great tool to compare camera's you want to check out

Camera Noise Compare

Thank you for the inputs.

I've heard good things about the Sony as well. A professional photographer friend of mine switched to Sony from Nikon. I wanted to stay with Canon since I have lenses, but have considered Sony knowing I can purchase an adapter.

Overall, I'd want to view the suggested cameras in action to determine what will work for me. The 5D4 looks amazing but damn, I was unaware of the 5 to 6 G price tag. I think that'll have to wait for awhile.

I'm weighing all options and appreciate all feedback.

ksbal wrote in post #18819103
I'm not sure what you need price wise, but here is a great tool to compare camera's you want to check out

Camera Noise Compare

I like that camera noise site. Doing a quick comparison between the 80D and the 5D IV, the 80D with it's highest ISO setting has significant noise compared to the 5D IV at it's highest ISO setting. I assume that's due to the smaller sensor in the 80D. That's telling me an option would be to go with a large sensor camera.

The 6d will work and is on sale at the Canon refurbished site for $900.

It is very close to the 5d4 performance at high ISO.

You have two issues to deal with: High ISO noise and low light AF capability.

There is a third many disregard, and that is in the digital darkroom where one can remove a stop of noise without impacting detail much. Things like Noiseware help here. I can show you 12800 7D2 shots (or higher) that you would not think was low light.

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If your budget allows it, the best option you have on a budget is the EOS RP. I still think the EF/EFS adapter is included with the purchase, it is basically the 6D2 in mirrorless, you can use EFS lenses with it to get more reach while getting the FF IQ, and, this is pretty big, you can AF at f11 with that camera which you are not with DSLRs. This means you can add a 1.4x or 2x to a long slower lens and still get autofocus.

All of these things, I would think, would be better for a PI. Small overall package, you can see the exact exposure your image will get directly in the viewfinder before the shot, you get great IQ, you have AF at 1200mm, and hardly any noise from a mirror to scare the two involved in an affair. etc.

If I wanted to be stealthy and shoot in low light/high ISO and wanted to use any lens in Canon's lineup, the RP would be it.