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What is the best camera for aerial photography at night that is $300 or less?

I am a private pilot and like to take a lot of aerial photos from my plane. I am looking a recommendation for a digital camera that would work well taking photos at night. Since I can not use a flash, my goal is to have enough light gathering capability to have clear images. Additionally, since I can not use a tripod, it will be necessary to use a fast shutter speed. Ideally, I would also like to avoid grainy images that are common with high speed film. Is this too much to ask? What would you recommend? Again, for under $300 or so. Thanks

Public Comments

1. Uh...if you're looking for a digital, you needed worry about "grainy images that are common with high speed film". Secondly, if you *are* a pilot, you'd know better than to look for a camera with those specs, and put a limit of $300. That's insane. Try again.
2. If you were to add another zero to your budget, it would be easier to recommend a camera and lens. You MIGHT be able to find a "bridge" (advanced P&S) camera that can do what you want, but they are closer to $450 range.
3. Have you tried this using the camera you have now? Have you noticed that it has to use long shutter speeds because it is trying to expose for the whole scene, not just the lights? You will need a fully adjustable camera (dSLR) and a fast lens (f/2.8 or faster). After some tests you will be able to get good shots of the city lights without blur caused by your ground speed and aircraft vibrations (using high shutter speeds) You will have to increase your budget for such a camera. A Nikon D3100 or Canon T1i/500D plus fast lens will cost in excess of $1,000. When compared to the cost of fuel and other ground services, that is NOT a lot of money
4. Very few DSLR models could do this well without very high-dollar lenses, let alone something in the $300 range... but it may be possible. I can't specify a model, but several of the newer Sony and Fuji point and shoots have a feature that takes multiple shots in rapid succession, then combines them into one image. This is for low-light shooting, so it may be of use to you. How well it works would depend on altitude and speed, and if you are trying to shoot the horizon or right under your aircraft. I'd prefer to have a high ISO shooter like the Nikon D700 and a 50mm f/1.4 or so... but that's just me.
5. Yes it is too much to ask. Your looking for a camera with a wide aperture lens. The lens alone will cost more than $300. You might get an older manual focusing 50mm f1.4 Pentax A series lens for around $250. Then you want a camera body with a sensor that works well at low light levels with little noise and at a high ISO to keep the shutter speed fast, probably the cheapest is the Pentax K5 which is virtually noiseless at 1600 ISO, and your pushing the spec of that model. Body only around $850. Chris
6. Yes - you are asking too much. For $300, all you can really purchase (brand new) is a compact camera. Their small sensors are not conducive to low light/night photography.