Night photography used to be the domain of professional cameras, but today’s smartphones have leveled the playing field. With improved sensors, advanced AI processing, and features like Night Mode, anyone can take breathtaking photos even in low light. Whether you’re capturing a city skyline, a starry sky, or a cozy evening with friends, a few adjustments can make your photos go from grainy to gorgeous.

1. Keep Your Hands Steady

Low light requires longer exposure times, meaning any shake can turn your photo blurry. To fix this:

• Use both hands when holding your phone.
• Lean against a wall, railing, or even place your phone on a stable surface.
• If possible, use a tripod or a simple phone stand—small investments that make a big difference.

💡 Pro tip: Many phones allow you to trigger the shutter using a timer or your earbuds’ volume button, reducing camera shake even more.

2. Make the Most of Night Mode

Most modern smartphones now include Night Mode, which uses AI and multiple exposures to brighten dark scenes without losing detail.

• Hold still while the phone processes the image.
• Try different compositions since Night Mode often reveals more than you can see with your eyes.
• Don’t overuse it—sometimes natural shadows add mood and depth.

3. Find Available Light

Instead of relying solely on your phone’s flash (which can flatten your subject), look for existing light sources:

• Street lamps, neon signs, and shop windows make creative lighting options.
• Move your subject closer to the light source for better clarity.
• Use reflections from puddles, glass, or metal surfaces to add drama.

4. Adjust Your Exposure Manually

Most camera apps let you tap and hold to lock focus and exposure.

• Slide your finger up or down to adjust brightness.
• Underexposing slightly (making the photo darker) often preserves detail and avoids washed-out highlights.
• Experiment—sometimes the best night shots come from creative under-lighting.

5. Shoot in RAW (If Available)

Many smartphones now support RAW photo capture. Shooting in RAW retains more data, making editing apps like Lightroom or Snapseed more powerful for fixing colors and details.

6. Experiment with Editing Apps

Don’t hesitate to polish your photos after shooting:

• Increase brightness and contrast carefully.
• Reduce noise for a cleaner look.
• Boost highlights or shadows depending on your style.

Artificial intelligence has gone from being a futuristic concept to an everyday study companion. For students, AI isn’t just about chatbots—it’s now a set of free tools that can help with research, writing, organization, and even staying focused. The best part? Many of these platforms don’t cost a cent, making them perfect for anyone on a student budget.

Here’s a closer look at some of the top free AI tools in 2025 that can make studying smarter, faster, and more efficient.

1. ChatGPT (Free Tier)

OpenAI’s ChatGPT remains one of the most popular AI tools for students. Even on the free plan, it can explain difficult concepts, summarize study materials, and generate practice questions. Students often use it as a virtual tutor to clarify lessons they didn’t fully grasp in class.

• Best for: Quick explanations, essay brainstorming, and Q&A support.
• Why it helps students: Saves time when revising and makes learning interactive.

2. Grammarly

Writing assignments can be stressful, but Grammarly’s free version is still a must-have in 2025. It goes beyond basic spellcheck to catch grammar mistakes, improve clarity, and suggest better word choices.

• Best for: Essays, research papers, and professional emails.
• Why it helps students: Builds stronger writing skills while polishing assignments.

3. Notion AI (Free Plan)

Notion has become a favorite productivity app for students, and its built-in AI is a bonus. Even in the free version, students can generate summaries, draft notes, and organize tasks seamlessly in one place.

• Best for: Organizing study schedules, project collaboration, and note-taking.
• Why it helps students: Keeps everything in one hub, from assignments to to-do lists.

4. Quizlet AI

Quizlet uses AI to generate practice tests, flashcards, and personalized study plans. In 2025, its free tier still offers plenty of value, especially for students preparing for exams.

• Best for: Memorizing terms, exam prep, and quick study sessions.
• Why it helps students: Reinforces learning through active recall and repetition.

5. Perplexity AI

Perplexity is gaining traction among students as an AI-powered search engine that provides direct answers with sources. Unlike traditional search engines, it gives concise, cited explanations—perfect for research.

• Best for: Research, fact-checking, and finding reliable sources quickly.
• Why it helps students: Cuts down on wasted time scrolling through irrelevant results.

6. Otter.ai

For students attending lectures, Otter.ai is a lifesaver. It automatically transcribes audio into notes, making sure nothing important is missed. Its free plan still covers plenty of hours for regular class use.

• Best for: Lecture transcriptions and group study notes.
• Why it helps students: Lets you focus on listening instead of scrambling to take notes.

Why AI Tools Are Changing Student Life

What makes these free AI tools so impactful is how they free up time. Instead of getting stuck on repetitive tasks, students can spend more energy on understanding, analyzing, and creating. From writing essays to preparing for exams, these tools are no longer just “extras”—they’re becoming part of the standard study toolkit.

Mirrorless cameras have become the go-to choice for new photographers. They’re lighter than DSLRs, easier to handle, and still deliver professional-quality photos and videos. If you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend a fortune, you don’t need to compromise. Many brands now offer excellent entry-level mirrorless models under $700—perfect for hobbyists, students, and anyone wanting to level up from smartphone photography.

Here are some of the best beginner-friendly mirrorless cameras you can buy in 2025 without breaking your budget.

1. Canon EOS R100

The Canon EOS R100 is one of the most affordable cameras in Canon’s EOS R lineup, designed with beginners in mind. It’s compact, lightweight, and works seamlessly with Canon’s growing range of RF lenses.

• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS
• Video: 4K recording at 24fps
• Why it’s great for beginners: Easy-to-use interface and Canon’s reliable autofocus system make learning photography stress-free.

2. Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Sony’s ZV-E10 is technically marketed for vloggers, but it doubles as an excellent beginner photography camera. Its flip-out screen and fast autofocus make it ideal for both content creators and casual shooters.

• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
• Video: 4K video with advanced stabilization
• Why it’s great for beginners: A versatile hybrid camera that balances video and photo features at an affordable price.

3. Nikon Z30

The Nikon Z30 is a small but powerful mirrorless option aimed at entry-level users. While it’s video-first, it’s also an excellent photography tool for beginners thanks to Nikon’s color science and intuitive controls.

• Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS
• Video: 4K UHD without crop
• Why it’s great for beginners: Compact body and intuitive controls that won’t overwhelm new users.

4. Fujifilm X-T200 (Refreshed Model in 2025)

Fujifilm has always been loved by creative shooters, and the X-T200 continues that tradition. It has stylish retro design, strong photo features, and Fuji’s legendary film simulation modes, perfect for those who want artistic results straight out of the camera.

• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
• Video: 4K UHD at 30fps
• Why it’s great for beginners: Film simulation presets make learning color grading effortless, while the touchscreen interface keeps things simple.

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The Olympus E-M10 Mark IV is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that’s lightweight and very beginner-friendly. With built-in stabilization and a portable design, it’s a great travel companion.

• Sensor: 20.3MP Live MOS
• Video: 4K UHD recording
• Why it’s great for beginners: Excellent in-body stabilization makes it easier to shoot sharp photos and smooth handheld videos.

Why These Cameras Are Ideal for Beginners

All of these cameras under $700 strike a balance between affordability and performance. They’re light enough to carry anywhere, packed with modern autofocus systems, and versatile enough to grow with you as your skills improve. Whether your goal is snapping family photos, creating YouTube content, or experimenting with street photography, these cameras offer a strong starting point without overwhelming features—or overwhelming prices.