Do you have aspirations of photographing famous bands and singers in their natural environments? BEST CAMERAS FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY Then you will undoubtedly require the best cameras for concert photography, one that has excellent autofocus and a quick multi-shot mode. Not to worry if your budget is limited because today I will review ten excellent concert photography cameras that will undoubtedly meet your needs. Read on to learn more.
What Is the Best Cameras for Concert Photography?
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Starting with the most important specifications that the best cameras for concert photography should have, let’s go over the rest of the list. The device should perform admirably in low light conditions. Continuous shooting necessitates the use of a camera with quick autofocus. It will enable you to take stunning photographs. Then you should look for a suitable lens or even a number of lenses. Personally, I recommend 24–70mm and 70–200mm lenses with a 2.8 aperture for portraiture and landscape photography. They will assist you in taking high-quality photographs of musicians, fans, and other decorations, among other things. So, continue reading to learn more about the 10 best concert photography cameras available at any price.
In this blog post, I’d like to explain what kind of camera equipment you’ll need if you’re just starting out in concert photography. You’ve probably seen music photographers walking around with two camera bodies and a slew of massive lenses around their necks. It is not necessary to have this expensive equipment when you are just starting out, despite the fact that it is standard working equipment for professional concert photographers. Continue reading to find out my recommendations for the essential equipment you’ll need to launch your new career as a concert photographer.
Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera
So, here it is: this is the camera system in which you should make an investment. I’d like to introduce you to the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera system, also known as a digital single lens reflex camera system. The light travels through the lens and onto a mirror, which can be switched between sending the image to the viewfinder and sending it to the image sensor in a digital SLR camera. This is the camera type that the majority of professionals will be using, and it is the only camera system that makes sense to use in concert photography at the moment, according to the experts (which might change in the near future).
The advantage of this system is that you can purchase a variety of lenses with a variety of focal lengths and apertures to suit your needs. You can get ultra wide angle lenses, which are great for when you’re right in front of a small stage, and you can get 500mm lenses, which are great for when you’re 30 metres away from The Rolling Stones in a stadium and shooting them from behind the scenes. The only drawback is the high price tag that comes with these cameras. They range in price from a few hundred dollars to several tens of thousands of dollars per item. Nikon and Canon are still the market leaders, and both companies offer a wide range of lenses, so it’s best to stick with one of these two manufacturers. Nikon is my camera of choice, whereas Canon is the camera of choice for others. Make certain to select the brand with which you are most familiar. Take a look at the various camera bodies available, as well as the lens options and accessories. Which brands do your photographer friends use when they are on the job? While they may not have lenses available to loan when starting out, they may be able to provide guidance if you have any questions about the process. Once you’ve made the decision to invest in a system, stick with it. A system switch will cost you a lot of money, money that you could use more wisely in other areas of your life.
Your First Digital Camera For Concert Photography
You should get a good DSLR camera and stop thinking about it if you want to get to a concert as quickly as possible. Whatever brand you choose, the results will be identical. Nikon is my camera of choice; others prefer Canon, and there are those who prefer Sony. Nikon and Canon are the two largest players in the market, and they both offer a wide range of lenses to choose from. Simply visit your local photography store, examine a variety of camera bodies, and choose the one that feels the most comfortable in your hands. (Another option is to start with a point-and-shoot camera, which is less expensive.)
The Crop Sensor Camera
When you first start out, you’ll want to invest in a DSLR camera with a crop sensor. It was common for me to hear the terms crop sensor and full-frame sensor in connection with digital photography when I first started out in the industry. For some reason, it took me a while to figure it out. If you’re feeling similarly befuddled by the maze of technical camera jargon, allow me to attempt to explain.
Let’s go back to the good old analogue days for a moment. Photographic negatives of the size 24x36mm are produced by an analogue camera that uses 35mm film (the small film rolls, like the ones your parents used to take your family vacation photos). Due to the opening that allows light to pass through the camera and strike the film, this size has been determined. The dimensions of 24x36mm correspond to the size of the sensor on a full-frame digital camera. Crop sensor cameras have a smaller sensor size, which is referred to as cropping. Because I’m only going to talk about camera gear for beginners on a tight budget in this article, I’ll limit myself to crop sensor cameras for the time being. (I don’t anticipate that you’ll be looking to spend $5,000 on camera equipment right now.)
Advantages:
- Crop sensor cameras is cheapest and you get a camera body with a lens for a few hundred bucks.
- Lenses for crop sensor cameras are cheaper
- Camera bodies are lighter and smaller in size
Disadvantage:
- Due to the little sensors, noise is extra dominant in the image and the available ISO values are smaller.
Because the ISO capability of your camera is critical in concert photography, I recommend that you purchase a crop sensor DSLR camera with a maximum ISO setting of at least ISO 6400 to begin with. You will be working in low lighting conditions on stage, and as a result, you will require the ability to use high ISO settings. The higher the ISO setting on your camera, the warmer the camera sensor will become, which will result in higher levels of noise in your photographs as a result. Most of the time, you’ll find yourself increasing your ISO setting to at least 1600 in order to obtain a reasonable shutter speed when photographing concerts in low light. It is possible to reduce noise in post-production, but the goal is to keep the ISO as low as possible when taking photographs.
REVIEWS BEST VIDEO CAMERAS FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
1. Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Because of its outstanding characteristics, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is considered to be one of the best cameras for concert photography. The device provides perfect image destabilization as well as high image precision. Aside from that, it has a wider ISO range of 100-256000 and 61-Point High-Density Reticular Autofocus (AF), which makes it an excellent choice for concert photography. The inability to capture the rapid movements of musicians on your own is not a reason to give up. This is something that the Canon EOS 5D Mark III can handle.
- If you’re just getting started in photography, take a look at my list of recommended cameras for amateur photographers, which includes models that are both affordable and capable of producing stunning images.
The camera also has good video performance, and it can shoot at 60 frames per second in 1920 x 1080 resolution at 60 frames per second (Full HD). The device, on the other hand, does not support 4K. Despite this, you will be able to capture images and video footage of unrivaled quality with your camera. It is also necessary to mention the device’s fast performance as well as its comprehensive set of additional features (from HDR to the built-in level).
Recommended camera lens:
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Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
This is the fastest 135mm telephoto lens on the market, and it features an Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) that ensures flawless focusing. In addition, you can manually adjust the focus even when the camera is in automatic mode. Observe More Photographs taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark iii.
2. Nikon D5 – best nikon camera for concert photography
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Pros
- Continuous shooting up to 12 fps with autofocus
- Full HD with 60fps
- A large buffer: up to 200 shots in RAW
- Excellent ergonomics
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
- Lacks Log Gamma profiles
This full-frame SLR is an excellent choice for this type of photography, and it may prove useful in a variety of other situations as well. Nikon D5 has a full-frame CMOS sensor with 20.8 megapixels in FX format and an EXPEED 5 image processor, which distinguishes it from other high-tech cameras. A wide range of ISO settings enables photographers to capture stunning images in any lighting conditions. It is especially important when photographing concerts and other live events.
- Read on to learn more about the best low-light cameras you can buy to capture high-quality images even in complete darkness. If you plan to record concert videos, learn more about the best low-light video cameras by visiting this site.
I’d also like to draw your attention to the possibility of recording in 4K. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys watching LIVE videos. Finally, keep in mind that this device will not let you down regardless of the weather conditions, which is especially important when shooting concerts in the open air.
Recommended camera lens:
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
A compact zoom lens with high-quality optics in a small package. It is compatible with Nikon DX-format SLR cameras that have a 5.8x zoom lens, making it suitable for a variety of shooting situations.
Photo by Nikon D5
3. Panasonic Lumix LX10- Affordable Camera for Concert Photography
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Pros
- High image detailization
- Excellent shots even in low light
- Rotating touchscreen
Cons
- Short battery life
- Slippery handle
You should definitely pay attention to this Panasonic model if you are looking for the best point and shoot camera for concert photography. It is one of the best on the market. Because of its 1″ 20-megapixel sensor and LEICA lens, you will be able to produce the highest possible quality images with this point-and-shoot camera. With the warm tones predominating, you can capture images that are extremely sharp and clear.
- Find out more about my reviews of point and shoot cameras that can take high-resolution photos even while attending concerts if you are looking for the best cheap camera.
The Panasonic Lumix LX10 is an excellent choice for video operators. It has the ability to produce stunning videos. Notably, the Panasonic Lumix LX10 is an excellent camera for concerts due to the fact that it is both universal and portable due to its small size. There’s also the ability to shoot video in 4K format, in addition to a tilting touchscreen that will allow you to take a selfie at any concert you go to! Photograph was taken with a Panasonic Lumix LX10 camera.
4. Sony A7S II
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Pros
- Adjustable controls
- Excellent viewfinder
- Tilting display
- Built-in optical stabilizer
Cons
- Not very large image resolution
- Poor battery life
Another excellent camera for concerts is the Sony A7S II. The model has a higher ISO, a wider dynamic range, and a more accurate focusing system. While shooting, you will be able to take advantage of the high performance and accuracy. Furthermore, the A7S II is an excellent choice for LIVE shows. This device is capable of not only taking high-quality photos but also record videos in high-definition.
- Don’t want to spend a lot of money on expensive photography equipment, but still want to be on trend? More information can be found at 13 best mirrorless cameras under 1000 dollars.
I should also mention that I have a fantastic image stabilizer, which helps to minimize almost any camera shake during the concerts, resulting in a clear, sharp, and detailed photograph. By the way, thanks to the five-axis stabilization, it is now possible to shoot with long and super long exposures while still holding the camera in your hands.
Recommended camera lens:
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Sony Zeiss 50mm f/1.4
This representative of the ZEISS brand has a large maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for excellent resolution and contrast. Such a large aperture ensures excellent performance even in low light conditions, as well as stunning bokeh.
Photo by Sony a7S II
Read Also: Best Camera For Music Videos – New 2021 Guide
5. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
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Pros
- Brilliant color rendering
- Effective image stabilizer
- Excellent viewfinder with a customizable interface
- Fast continuous shooting
Cons
- Short battery life
- No built-in GPS module
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is a compact concert photography camera that is extremely portable. Furthermore, because of its compact design, it will be an excellent choice for those who enjoy taking landscape and street photography. Because of the device’s excellent autofocus and rapid continuous shooting capabilities, you will not miss any of the concert’s most interesting moments.
- You can learn more about the best Olympus cameras I recommend for beginning and experienced photographers at any price range if you are interested in this camera brand.
Because of its Auto Mode, even complete beginners will be able to take beautiful photographs. Personally, I can attest to the fact that it has never failed me. An additional advantage of this device is its fantastic tilting display, which is particularly useful for concert photography. You will be able to take shots from various angles and see what is in the frame as a result of these features. This is extremely beneficial, especially if there are a large number of fans in front of you.
Recommended camera lens:
Leica DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH
This lens is an excellent choice for capturing stunning images no matter where the subject is located. No matter if you choose to photograph outdoors or in a studio, at night or in the early hours of the morning, the results are always stunning.
Read Also: 4k camera under 500
Photo by Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark ii
6. Sony Alpha a6000
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Pros
- Convenient grip
- Fast work
- Customizable display menu
- High video and photo detailing
Cons
- No touch control
- Small display
If you are looking for a modern and attractive model best camera for concert photography under $1000, the Sony A6000 is the best Sony camera for concert photography. The Sony A6000 has a fairly wide dynamic range and can shoot at ISOs of up to 3200 or even higher. This mirrorless camera produces stunning images, has excellent video quality, and has a wide range of features. It is a great all-around device.
Furthermore, it has a nice electronic viewfinder as well as a more customizable control panel with more options. This model, which includes redesigned buttons and a quick access menu, is an excellent tool for bringing your imaginative ideas to life. The absence of a touch screen, on the other hand, maybe a disappointment because you will have to spend more time manually selecting focus points. However, I continue to believe that it is the best device for shooting concerts, live shows, and other similar events where high detail and fantastic color rendering are required, such as sports.
Recommended camera lens:
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Sony 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS E-Mount NEX
While zooming in on photos and videos, this excellent 3.8 zoom maintains excellent clarity. Furthermore, users can capture beautiful images with blurred backgrounds. You can shoot with a camera in your hands and still be pleased with the outcome.
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Photo by Sony Alpha a6000
7. Nikon D500 – BEST CHEAP CAMERAS FOR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
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Pros
- Low level of digital noise
- A wide dynamic range
- Fast and convenient focusing in Live View
Cons
- SnapBridge works inaccurately
The Nikon D500 is without a doubt the best cameras for concert photography on the market. It will be an excellent choice for average-sized events with a large number of light sources. This device has a 20.9 megapixel CMOS DX-format matrix that is extremely accurate, making it one of the best for concerts of all types and sizes. By the way, the camera is excellent for people who work with telephoto lenses, as lenses attached to the Nikon D500 zoom in x1.5 times better than lenses attached to other cameras. That is precisely why I use this particular device when shooting in stadiums.
Recommended camera lens:
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Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM
The Sigma 18-35mm lens is a high-quality, all-purpose lens. Not every lens with an 18-35mm focal length can boast an f/1.8 aperture and a focal length of 18-35mm. It has both automatic and manual focusing capabilities, and it is extremely fast and virtually noiseless.
Photo by Nikon D500
8. Fujifilm X-T10-
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Pros
- Stylish design
- Tilting display
- Built-in Wi-Fi module
- Advanced automatic shooting mode
Cons
- Small buffer
- No dust and moisture protection
It has a retro design that I like. The device is equipped with an X-Trans-sensor, which is responsible for the reproduction of original colors. As well as having a comprehensive model of film imitation, the camera also has the ability to take excellent JPEG images.
This is the ideal option for conveying the atmosphere of both chamber events and concerts featuring world-renowned celebrities. Do you want the best beginner camera with a simple interface and a camera body that is easy to carry around? Learn more about the best mirrorless cameras for beginners available on the market today, and how to take incredible photographs at a reasonable price. Because of these characteristics, many experts consider it to be the best cameras for concert photography.
A tilted LCD, an advanced automatic mode with an intelligent selection of settings, as well as a built-in flash, are all you need for taking professional concert photos in low light conditions. Overall, this is a fantastic concert photography camera with a stylish design that may be of interest to both beginners and more experienced photographers alike.
Recommended camera lens:
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Fujinon XF 23mm F1.4 R
A wide gradation range and high resolution are among its distinguishing characteristics, as are excellent colour reproduction and light-tonal transitions. It has excellent interactivity with all concert cameras.
Photo by Fujifilm X-T10
9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
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Pros
- Fast autofocus
- Perfect image quality
- Tilting touch screen
- High-quality OLED viewfinder
Cons
- Average battery capacity
In mechanical shutter mode, the camera is extremely fast, and it can capture up to eight images per second, which is impressive. With the help of an electronic shutter and a 4K burst mode, the device is capable of producing 30 images per second.
The advanced autofocus system of this device enables photographers to capture the most detailed concert images with the least amount of effort possible. Furthermore, the DMC-G7 has three different pause modes as well as a 4K Ultra HD save function.
The image quality produced by this DSLM camera is exceptional. Wireless control makes it possible to manage recently captured images on the fly. Because of this combination of features, experts have dubbed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 the best cameras for concert photography. When you purchase this device, you will also receive a high-quality lens as well as a number of useful accessories.
Recommended camera lens:
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Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 II ASPH
The Panasonic 14-42 mm is lightweight and small in size, making it easy to transport when necessary. When you need to conceal the background and capture individual scenes as close-up shots, a lens with a variable focal length will be the most suitable option.
Photo by Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
10. Canon 6D
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Pros
- Low digital noise level
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS modules
- Fast and accurate autofocus system
- Built-in RAW file editor
Cons
- Disappointing burst speed of 4.5 fps
- No headphone jack
For amateur photographers, the Canon 6D is the best digital camera for concerts on the market. The ergonomics of the device, as well as the fact that all of the parts that come into contact with the user’s palms are rubberized, are popular among users. While photographing a concert, it prevents the camera from slipping from the photographer’s hands. When choosing the right shutter speed, a shutter speed of 1/250s is a good starting point from which to work your way up. Set the white balance to automatic and choose continuous focus over single point focus, which can assist you in tracking the subject. In addition, keep an eye out for the continuous shooting mode, which can also help to streamline your workflow.
Recommended camera lens:
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Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L ll USM
With superior optical quality throughout the entire focal length range, this is a fast zoom lens with a small footprint. Because of the constant maximum f/2.8 aperture, this lens is an excellent choice for working with cameras for concerts, even in low light conditions.
10 Best HD Cameras for Concert Photography
How to Choose the Best Camera for Concerts?
Remember to take these important considerations into account when selecting the best concert camera.
ISO Range
The most important characteristic of concert cameras is their ISO sensitivity. The lower the amount of digital noise produced at high ISO, the greater the number of options you have when photographing the event. In an ideal situation, your camera should perform admirably at ISOs ranging from 1250 to 2000.
Focus System
The accuracy with which the focus is achieved has a significant impact on the shooting speed. Furthermore, the number of focus areas on a reportage camera is an important characteristic to consider. The greater the number of focus areas available on a camera, the greater the accuracy with which you can focus on the desired part of the frame.
Frame Rate – what is considered a professional camera at a concert
Depending on the situation, you may be required to shoot 5-8 frames per second during the event. More importantly, the higher the number of frames per second (in RAW format) that your concert photography camera is capable of capturing, the better the expected image quality.
What Are the Best Settings for Concert Photography?
When it comes to this type of photography, many users want to know what settings are best to use. The most important settings to pay attention to when working with concert cameras in low light will be discussed in this tutorial.
- If you are interested in photographing celebrities, learn more about the camera settings for portraits that you should use in order to capture high-quality images in any light.
Camera Mode
When using the best cameras for concert photography, manual shooting gives you the greatest amount of control over the environment. Shoot with Aperture Value (AV), but keep in mind that the value you choose will be determined by the situation and conditions. Furthermore, by shooting with manual settings, you can gain more experience as a photographer and improve your photographic abilities.
White Balance
Because concert lights change colors frequently, it makes no sense to manually set a specific white balance for each performance. You should therefore use the auto mode and pay attention to other, more important parameters such as the shutter speed, the aperture, and the ISO range. By shooting your photos in RAW format rather than JPEG, you will have the ability to adjust the color temperature in the image editor during subsequent photo post-processing.
Aperture
Even the best concert video camera requires a high-quality lens to be effective. To work with this type of video, you’ll need a lens with a fast maximum aperture. A device with a minimum aperture value of f/1.2 – f/1.8 is what we’re talking about. It has the ability to transmit more light, allowing you to shoot at a slower shutter speed and with a lower ISO setting. Such lenses, on the other hand, are quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to purchase them. However, a 50mm lens with an f/1.8 aperture should be available to everyone. For beginners, it is a relatively inexpensive and highly effective option to consider.