I tested many cameras and found Sony A7 III to be the best concert photography camera.
Concert photography is the art of capturing a vibrant atmosphere. You must capture the electricity and excitement in your images. That’s why it’s essential to have the best cameras for concert photography.
The Sony A7 III stands out as the best concert photography companion because of
- a 24.2MP CMOS sensor
- BIONZ X image processor
- and awe-inspiring burst frame rate of 10fps
These features, with others, are the main reasons this camera makes it to the top.
12 Best Cameras for Concert Photography
However, other noteworthy concert photography cameras require special mention, including:
- Overall best camera for concert photography: Sony A7 III
- Best budget camera for concert photography: Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
- Best point-and-shoot camera for concert photography: Panasonic Lumix LX10
- Best full-frame camera for concert photography: Sony a7S II
- Best DSLR camera for concert photography: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- Best beginner camera for concert photography: Fujifilm X-T10
- Best camera for an amateur photographer for concert photography: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Best professional camera for concert photography: Nikon D5
- Best Sony camera for concert photography: Sony Alpha 7R IV
- Best Nikon camera for concert photography: Nikon Z6 ii
- Best canon camera for concert photography: Canon EOS r6
- Best Olympus camera for concert photography: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
This article outlines my picks for the best cameras for shooting concerts. Read on and find out more about each camera on the list above.
Reviews of the Best Cameras for Concert Photography
After testing the cameras on the market, here’s a list of the 12 best cameras for concert photography.
Sony A7 III—Overall Best Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Weight: 650g
- Extended ISO range: 50 to 204,800
The Sony A7 III is a capable full-frame camera that offers more than its “basic” model competitors.
Users get a good mix of speed, resolution, and features at a pocket-friendly price point. This all-around camera has a high-resolution sensor, reliable autofocus, and a good dynamic range.
The first thing I love about Sony A7 III is its Eye Autofocus technology that makes shooting pictures and videos easier.
The camera detects the eye in a scene and locks on it using continuous autofocus and tracking it around the frame.
With that, I can track the eye of performers as they walk around the stage. This allows me to deliver in-focus quality images with little effort. Also, this feature is critical for event shooting.
Sony A7 III can shoot 4K video up to 30 frames per second or 1080p up to 60 frames per second, which allows me to get the best video quality. I can record videos in different profiles, which makes editing footage post-production better and easier.
The camera also has an external microphone and headphone ports for simple sound recording. I love this feature because its audio quality always matches its corresponding high-quality visuals
The Sony A7 III is small, making it an excellent option for travel or concert photography. This is especially true when you include a smaller lens.
Another aspect I love about this perfect camera is that it includes four official custom buttons, but I can customize up to 13 to suit my preferences and needs. This feature allows me to take photos conveniently.
A flip-out screen is a great help when shooting from above eye level, but it’s not fully articulating.
The touchscreen LCD functions like a joystick to move the focus point while shooting with the A7 III using the EVF. I find this feature incredibly helpful because its intuitive design always ensures my photos are in perfect focus.
The camera includes an NP-FZ100 battery with a rating of about 710 images on a single charge. There’s nothing worse than dealing with a dead battery while trying to capture memories, so the long battery life is an essential factor for me.
Dual SD memory card slots offer flexible file handling and saving; one is UHS-II-rated.
The Micro-USB port offers faster, reliable tethering for file transfer to my computer.
The USB Type-C connection allows charging the camera from a host power source. I love this feature because I can easily charge my camera in different locations.
Moreover, built-in Wi-Fi offers instant image sharing with mobile devices, while Near Field Communication (NFC) support allows for one-touch connection with compatible mobile devices. This feature is incredibly useful because I don’t need to worry about lugging around wires to share media.
Pros
- The 24.2M full-frame BSI sensor
- 5-axis stabilization
- A tilting touch LCD
- The 710-shot battery life
- 10fps with tracking
- 4K HDR video
- Dual SD slots
- A focus joystick
Cons
- Only one SD card slot is UHS-II compatible
- The lack of a vari-angle screen prevents shooting from unusual angles
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III—Best Budget Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Point-and-shoot (compact camera)
- Megapixels: 20.1MP with 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor
- Weight: 304g
- ISO range: 125 to 12,800
The Canon PowershotShot G7X Mark III is one of the best cameras for concert if you’re looking for a budget-friendly companion. This camera makes your concert photography game well above a smartphone’s limitations.
The device offers a full range of customizable, manual, and automated options guaranteed to improve your creative output.
One big benefit I get from this professional camera is it includes a large 20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor. With this feature, this device offers noticeably better imaging performance at high speeds.
The processor and stacked sensor design allow fast focusing speeds, UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p video recording, and up to 20fps continuous shooting. I find this feature essential because I can worry less about focusing my camera and more about the object and image I’m trying to capture.
Another aspect I love about this camera is that it takes one-shot concert selfies using the 180-degree upward tiltable screen.
The bright zoom lens is also something else to look forward to when I want to focus on the stage. Further, fast focus and burst rate are excellent for concert photography.
The Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III features an exposure compensation dial and physical control rings. It also has control dials for accessible direct control over multiple shooting settings. I love these features because they help easily control the camera and its settings to how I prefer to shoot quality images.
Use the USB port for in-camera battery charging from an outlet, computer, or power bank. This feature meets my needs because I have the flexibility to charge my camera in multiple locations.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities allow wireless image transfers to mobile devices and remote control through the Canon Camera Connect app. Moving images to different places is important to me, so the ease with which this camera allows me to do that is particularly convenient.
The G7X Mark III comes in at 2.4 inches high by 4.1 inches wide by 1.6 inches deep and only 304g. It’s small enough to slip into your pocket comfortably, making the Canon model suitable for
- concert photographers
- travelers and similar kinds of people
Many concert photographers purchased the camera in silver or black, each with a black leatherette wrap for protection. These features are great because I can choose the color that best fits my personality, and I know they are well-protected.
Pros
- A pocket-friendly price
- Captures high quality images at 20.1MP resolution and 4K videos at 30fps
- The neat and compact design
- A responsive and clear touchscreen
- Effective image stabilization
- A 180-degree tiltable screen
- Multiple shooting modes
- A powerful image processor of DIGIC 8
Cons
- 4K is not available in all modes
- Face detection doesn’t work during burst shooting
- No built-in viewfinder
Panasonic Lumix LX10—Best Point-and-Shoot Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Point-and-shoot (compact camera)
- Megapixels: 20.1MP with 1-inch MOS sensor
- Weight: 310g
- ISO range: Max 12,800 and extendable to 25,600
The Panasonic Lumix LX10 is a large-sensor 20MP compact unit capable of being a pocket camera. It has a fast LEICA lens that allows you to create the highest quality images.
The device offers video specifications and clever video-based features. These factors help back up its still photo capabilities for concert photography.
The first thing I love about this digital camera is its tiltable 3-inch touchscreen for self-recording and selfies.
Plus, built-in 4K recording abilities and a focal length of 24 to 72mm make the LX10 an excellent point-and-shoot camera.
The next feature I appreciate about this camera is its 20MP Live MOS sensor. It helps maintain high image quality even when shooting a moving object because of in-body mechanical stabilization.
Users get a broad set of customizable filters plus stop-motion animation. Multiple 4K-resolution modes and time laps to extract stills from a video also help round out its list of impressive features. These are vital because I have complete control over the customization of my work.
The device incorporates Panasonic’s Post Focus mode with an on and off direct-access button. With that, I can set up two focus areas using the touchscreen, and the LX10 automatically shifts focus from one subject to the other during recording. This makes taking pictures convenient.
Another feature that makes me love this camera is a 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S + advanced image stabilization system that helps minimize blurs when shooting a one-handed video.
The technology corrects five camera shakes likely to affect video quality during recording. I love this feature because even when I don’t have a completely steady, stable images, the camera helps make up for it.
The next feature I like about this camera is its built-in Wi-Fi. It allows pairing the LX10 with compatible tablets or smartphones running the Panasonic Image App for remote camera control and wireless image transfer. Moving media files around is important to me, so I love this feature because it makes that process extremely effortless.
The Panasonic Lumix LX10 is affordable, making it a brilliant choice for beginners.
However, you don’t get Bluetooth or NFC, and the camera is heavy.
Pros
- A highly customizable interface
- A durable and small size
- 4K photo and UHD recording
- Includes a focus bracket and aperture for added creativity
- Post Focus feature for better image capture
- Easy-to-control camera lens for beginners
- Excellent night composition images
- Power O.I.S for image stabilization
- Powerful DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- A beautiful LEICA lens
Cons
- No viewfinder
- Spotty continuous autofocus performance
- Slow start-up time
Sony A7S II—Best Full Frame Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 12.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor
- Weight: 627g
- ISO range: 100 to 102,400, expandable from 50 to 409,600
The Sony A7S II is an impressive full-frame mirrorless camera with a processing engine providing better high ISO performance without fear of digital noise.
I love the image stabilization system, ultra-high sensitivity, and wide dynamic range. The unit is suitable for capturing video and stills in the challenging lighting conditions of concerts.
Another feature I love about this digital camera is its tilting 3-inch LCD screen that offers a resolution of 1,229k dots. The tilting screen provides more photography orientation and is up to the standards in the camera class.
However, the screen is not selfie-friendly.
The built-in electronic viewfinder makes it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in situations where viewing the LCD monitor is difficult.
The 100% viewfinder coverage ensures what I see matches what I get later, framing my shots perfectly to minimize cropping later.
Furthermore, A7S II has a high-speed mode that can capture video at 120fps, which is ideal for creating slow-motion videos.
I also like the built-in stereo and mono speakers that make playing back videos on the spot effortless.
External headphone and microphone ports allow me to connect peripheral devices with high-quality videography.
Another feature I like about this camera is its built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless connectivity with compatible devices.
You can also use your smartphone as a remote control for the camera to
- change settings
- view the LCD screen
- operate the release shutter,
- and transfer files via an app
USB 2.0 and HDMI ports connect the camera to compatible devices, making things convenient for me.
Pros
- A big, bright, and sharp Electronic ViewFinder (EVF)
- Excellent high ISO performance
- Facial recognition works well
- Built-in stereo microphone
- Works with about any camera lens
- A solid metal construction
- In-finder 3-axis level
- Two batteries included
- A powerful BIONZ X image processor
- A wide dynamic range
Cons
- Poor battery life
- A cluttered menu system
Canon EOS 6D Mark II—Best DSLR Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: DSLR
- Megapixels: 26.6MP CMOS sensor
- Weight: 765g
- ISO range: 40,000 expandable to 102,400
The EOS 6D Mark II from Canon is a major improvement from the original 6D, but with better
- performance,
- operational speed,
- and image quality.
This camera is an excellent all-rounder, making it the best DSLR unit for concert photography.
The first thing I appreciate about this camera is its auto white balance feature in the camera. It offers two options:
- The Ambient Priority mode offers slightly warm results to retain a scene’s overall ambiance.
- White Priority mode delivers neutral, clean results under artificial lighting common in events.
These features help me capture different tones and achieve various effects, which I love.
Another feature I appreciate about this camera is it has an excellent battery life of up to 1,200 shots per full charge. So, taking pictures of long hours doesn’t make me feel worried.
The 6D Mark II features a 45-point autofocus system, with the central point having a dual cross-type design. At 45 degrees is the second point to the conventional point for better precision. I also get a decent amount of customizing control over the AF setup with 16 tweak options, making things convenient.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is crafted from a mix of polycarbonate, aluminum alloy, and glass fiber. These rugged and sophisticated materials help make me more confident in its performance while knowing it’s built to last.
Included moisture and dust seals help the camera hold up to the elements.
Pros
- A bright, fully articulated screen
- Good build quality
- Good electric image stabilization
- Multiple connectivity options
- A comfortable, ergonomic grip
- Excellent live view focusing
- A great introductory camera to full-frame
- Fast dual pixel live view AF
- Powerful DIGIC 7 Image Processor
Cons
- No 4K video
- One card slot
- A bulky design with a heavy kit camera lens
Fujifilm X-T10—Best Beginner Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 16.3MP
- Weight: 380g
- ISO range: 200 to 6,400 expandable to 51,200
The Fujifilm X-T10 is one of the best cameras for beginner concert goers, shows. This camera is a landmark device with
- a high-resolution electronic viewfinder,
- a weather-sealed body,
- an engaging control system,
- and excellent image quality.
I can get up to 8fps continuous shooting and full HD 1080p video recording. This feature is essential to me because I know I will not miss out on the action when recording.
I like this camera’s proprietary X-Trans sensor from Fujifilm to bypass resolution-reducing optical low-pass filters for clear and sharp images. So, I can expect the best quality images from Fujifilm X-T10.
The operation is simple via a direct shutter speed, exposure compensation, and drive dials. When I’m trying to place most of my attention on what I’m shooting, the ease of controls makes operating this camera like second nature.
An EXR Processor in the X-T10 offers excellent low-light performance while increasing the entire system’s operations.
Another feature I appreciate about this camera is it takes only 0.5 seconds to start the camera with a 0.005-second shutter lag. This feature makes the camera more user-friendly and convenient to operate as well.
Furthermore, an advanced intelligent Hybrid AF system uses phase and contrast-detection methods to improve autofocus performance to 0.06 seconds. When something incredible happens instantly, I know this camera will be up to the challenge of capturing it–I love that about it.
I also like the autofocus system. It is used when shooting at 8fps using advanced subject motion prediction to maintain focus on moving subjects. I get six autofocus modes, offering more control over the image’s sharpness.
The X-T10 camera has analog exposure controls, intelligent automated systems, and a quick-select drive dial. These features make it easy to control
- the physical shutter speed,
- exposure compensation,
- and drive mode
using aluminum alloy dials
A dedicated Auto Mode Switch lever at the top enables choosing a fully automatic shooting mode without changing the exposure settings.
Another feature I love about this camera is its 3-inch dot LCD monitor. It offers access to
- extensive menu navigation,
- live view monitoring,
- and image review.
I love that I can easily track and adjust on the spot while shooting.
The tilting design offers better support when shooting concerts at low and high angles, making this camera very convenient to use.
Another aspect I love about this camera is its built-in pop-up flash for extra illumination when photographing low light images, making my shooting more convenient.
The top hot shoe can also pair the camera with an optional external flash to make my shooting more convenient.
Pros
- Excellent flash exposure with the built-in flash
- Good ergonomic camera body for anyone learning how to use the camera
- Undistorted and sharp images
- Durable construction using metal
- Good auto white balance in poor lighting
- The auto dynamic range holds highlights, no matter the conditions
- Excellent color rendition for events
Cons
- No USB charging
- Poor video options and quality
Canon EOS 5D Mark III—Best Camera for Amateur Photographers for Concert Photography
- Type: DSLR
- Megapixels: 22.3MP CMOS sensor
- Weight: 948g
- ISO range: 100—25,600, expandable to 102,400
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the best concert photography DSLR camera for amateurs. It lets you take clean, smooth, colorful, and outstanding images in any light.
While the resolution is slightly higher than its predecessor – the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, the Mark III offers several improvements.
The camera has a 22MP sensor for high-quality photography. A 61-point autofocus system lets me leverage all points or customize them to your liking, making things more convenient.
Writing images on two disks saves me a lot of trouble down the road as a concert photographer.
The big benefit I get from this professional camera is that it offers dual card slots for shooting through hours of footage.
I also like the silent shutter mode, which is excellent for intimate moments that require some reverence, such as wedding ceremonies.
Gain control for external mics is a major plus because I don’t require an external audio recorder or field mixer.
Moreover, an on-screen color VU meter helps me monitor sound for peaking.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III has a big-enough grip for stability.
Furthermore, most controls are near the right thumb and index finger for easy access. I don’t have to dive into the menus to access
- white balance controls,
- ISO,
- shutter speed,
- and aperture.
Pros
- Compact design for a full-frame digital SLR
- A large optical viewfinder
- Fast autofocus
- Excellent high ISO performance
- A 22MP resolution
- The rear LCD is bright with a high resolution
- Continuous shooting tops at 6fps
- 1080p video recording
- Powerful DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
Cons
- The slow focus during the video and live view modes
- Incompatible with EF-S lenses
- Costly
- No flash built-in
Nikon D5—Best Professional Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: DSLR
- Megapixels: 20.8MP
- Weight: 1.4kg
- ISO range: 100 to 102,400 expendable to 3,280,000
Nikon D5 is the best concert camera for professional photographers. The D5 is Nikon’s flagship action-oriented DSLR with a 20MP full-frame sensor, double-grip chassis, and 153-point autofocus system. It boasts an overall design that enhances reliability and speed.
One aspect I love about the Nikon D5 is it has a large-capacity battery capable of long periods of 3,780 exposures between charges. However, the D5 is big, with enough room for an integrated vertical grip and card slots.
Another feature I love about this camera is its 153-point autofocus system with 99 points cross-type, which improves focusing speed on multiple subjects. The system is so accurate that it captures anything I frame crisply and sharply.
A single-shot, single-point mode, and advanced continuous AF mode with 3D tracking are included in the AF system. I like this feature because I can fine-tune everything from still-life shots to concert videos.
The control cluster on the top left has the Metering, Bracket, and Mode keys. A dial below lets me change the shooting mode and houses Continuous High (CH) mode. I love the convenience these features offer so I can pay more attention to my current task.
Close to the shutter button are controls for ISO, exposure compensation, and movie recording. The back controls on the D5 illuminate for easy visibility. I love these features because they help optimize my experience shooting in difficult lighting.
The Nikon D5 is also bulky because of a large optical viewfinder and a fixed 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen. USB 3 port allows fast image transfers, and studio shooters will be happy with the built-in Ethernet port. When things are happening fast, the ability to move media files around easily is a feature I could not live without.
Pros
- Quality and durable construction
- A long-life battery
- A fast 153-point autofocus system that is ideal for concert shooting.
- 4K video recording
- Excellent image quality
- A high ISO performance
- A faster EXPEED 5 image processor
Cons
- Bulky
- A loud shutter
- No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Expensive
Sony Alpha 7R IV—Best Sony Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 61MP
- Weight: 576g
- ISO range: 100—32,000, expendable to 102,400
This Sony Alpha 7R IV camera has a resolution that puts it well ahead of most full-frame mirrorless rivals for megapixels. Embedded features make it the right fit if you’re looking for the best Sony camera for concert photography.
One aspect I love about the A7R IV is it has a 61MP full-frame lens capable of shooting up to 10 continuous frames per second with both mechanical and electronic shutter. I can transform the camera into a 26MP device with the touch of a button. The level of convenience here is unmatched, and I love the control it offers me.
A lower resolution allows capturing 10FPS bursts with either the mechanical or electronic shutter for much longer with less buffering, which is ideal for shooting fast action.
The next feature I appreciate about this camera is the built-in Sony autofocus system which means the camera can detect faces and eyes. The system has 567 focal plane phase detection points for a near-faultless response when shooting a moving subject.
Further, the AF system can detect when someone is wearing sunglasses and switch to face tracking and back to eye tracking when the eyes are not visible. When an unforgettable image is at stake, the way this camera intuitively performs makes using it a joyful experience.
Purchasing this camera offers the highest resolution full-frame action from a 61MP device and 4K max video resolution. The Alpha 7R IV uses an FP-Z100 battery capable of offering up to 670 shots on the rear screen and 530 using the viewfinder. There are 11 customizable buttons with up to 100 different assignable options split into 27 categories. I love choosing from this wide range of features because it makes my photos more original and unique.
Pros
- Excellent image quality from the 61MP sensor
- Low shutter lag
- A working real-time eye autofocus system
- Up to 10fps burst speeds
- In-body image stabilization
- Improved touchscreen responsiveness
- A USB-C port for in-camera charging
- Good ISO performance and dynamic range
Cons
- Sluggish power-up
- The menu system is confusing
- The tilt-only LCD is not as versatile
Nikon Z6 ii—Best Nikon Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 24.5MP
- Weight: 616g
- ISO range: 100—51,200
This Nikon Z6 ii has two card slots compatible with multiple SD formats, including the fastest UHS-II variety. Two Expeed 6 processors provide double the processing grunt to create quality images from raw data and turn several static images into smooth video.
One thing I love about Z6 ii is it has a continuous shooting speed of 14fps, which allows buffering 200 JPEGs or 124 12-bit raw files.
The max video readout is 4K 30p, but a firmware update allows up to 4K 60p. I love that Nikon offers this because I can choose which option I prefer to use.
I also like the USB-C hot slot that can power the camera while in use for longer shots.
The Nikon Z6 ii has features that make it withstand the rigors of professional concert photography.
The frame is magnesium, while the ports and buttons have gaskets and internal seals to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside.
A comfortable grip offers easy handling even when using a heavy lens with enough clearance, so fingers are not cramped, making this camera very comfortable.
Frame my shots using the eye-level electronic viewfinder or tilting touch LCD, making things convenient for me. The viewfinder boasts a 3.7-million dot OLED and 0.8x magnification factor. The rear display is on a hinge for tilting up and down, which is useful for image capture from low or high angles.
Pros
- The 24MP full-frame image sensor
- Phase detection autofocus
- Dual memory card slots
- Improved burst shooting
- A compact form factor
- A 5-axis in-body stabilization system
- Up to 14fps continuous drive shooting
- Charges via USB-C
Cons
- Limited third-party camera lens support
- No articulating screen
- A short battery life
Canon EOS R6—Best Canon Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 20MP
- Weight: 680g
- ISO range: 100—102,400, expandable to 204,800
The Canon EOS R6 is one of the few cameras capable of functioning well in all shooting scenarios. A dual-pixel CMOS AF II offers enhanced auto-focusing ability and recognizes and tracks human eyes. The mechanical shutter shoots up to 12fps or 20fps electronically. These features are amazing because I don’t have to fiddle around with confusing controls when I’m trying to take quick shots.
One thing I love about the R6 is it can focus down to -6.5EV for auto-focusing in low-light environments for pin-sharp shots as you struggle to see. An ability to rate images on the camera speeds up workflow before even transferring images to an image editing software. I love that I can make quick adjustments on the spot because I don’t waste valuable time in the process.
Plus, I like the 20MP sensor on the Canon EOS R6 that allows UHD 4K video recording up to 60fps and Full HD at 120fps for slow-motion playback.
I appreciate this camera’s five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system helps compensate for up to eight camera shake stops. The system utilizes lens-based image stabilization for adapted EF and native RF lenses. Knowing my camera is working to counteract instability increases my confidence in performing when things are hectic, or the environment is on the more chaotic side.
I also love the Dual SD UHS-II memory card slots that offer flexible storage, while built-in Wi-Fi capability ensures fast transfer to mobile devices.
Bluetooth connectivity supports constant communication with the camera through the Canon Camera Connect app on a smartphone or tablet.
Canon handles digital noise in dark environments remarkably, making this model one of the best cameras for concert shooting.
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance
- High-Efficiency Image File (HEIF) format support
- Detailed and crisp stills
- Class-leading image stabilization
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
- Twin card slots
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavier than many alternatives
- Poor battery life
- Limitations with 4K video recording
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II—Best Olympus Camera for Concert Photography
- Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 16.1MP
- Weight: 469g
- ISO range: 100—25,600
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II lets concert photographers take creative and interesting concert photos much easier than other high tech cameras. This device is based on the Micro Four Third standards, so I have access to a wide range of native lenses for mirrorless systems.
Olympus boasts this model has the world’s best Image Stabilization (IS) system, which helps offer good low-light performance, fast autofocus, and compensation for rolling shakes.
The first thing I love about this camera is its five-axis Voice Coil Motor (VCM) system, which makes shooting sharp shots at shutter speeds as low as a quarter of a second.
Furthermore, a time-lapse photography mode in the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II allows for capturing images at up to 999 frames at my preferred intervals. You can instruct the camera when to start a sequence, which is handy for setting up in advance.
Plus, each image is saved in a format you choose for playback in-camera or uploading.
I also love the built-in Wi-Fi that allows iOS and Android devices wireless connectivity via the O.I. Share app. The app offers easy image sharing, editing photos, and adding GPS information to shots. I love that I can adjust shutter settings, exposure compensation, shooting modes, and ISO settings. This helps me create and develop the style of image I want.
Pros
- Excellent dynamic range and color for images
- Customizable and extensive external controls
- Impressive image stabilization
- A clip-on flash that’s rotatable and bounced
- A high-resolution viewfinder
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- A fully articulating screen
- A comprehensive but complex in-camera Raw conversion process
Cons
- Default autofocus settings limit performance
- The video output is not detailed
Three Types of Cameras for Concert Photography
We have different options for concert photography cameras. The types are many, but we simplify it to the top three.
1. DSLR Cameras
DSLR cameras are popular for their overall video and picture quality and ability to switch lenses easily. “Advanced” DSLR cameras can be affordable, but lenses can get costly if you need more than a few.
DSLRs are the largest cameras in this guide. Yet, they still fit in the hand. Choose another option if portability or versatility is critical. Carrying a camera around your neck at a concert can be annoying.
2. Mirrorless Cameras
The cameras don’t have a mirror-like internal build, which speeds up the processing system while improving the autofocus. Mirrorless cameras are a bit more expensive compared to DSLRs, but you can find an affordable unit.
These cameras are small enough to fit in a pocket and work with interchangeable lenses, too.
3. Point-and-Shoot (Compact Cameras)
A point-and-shoot camera is the best option if you’re concerned about going to a concert and are allowed entry with an SLR. These cameras fit in a pocket and look like the classic digital units of years past.
However, point and shoot cameras don’t offer advanced features, and images might be of exceptional quality. Some can film in 4K and provide feasible photos and videos if you’re looking to spend less on concert cameras.
6 Things to Consider When Buying Cameras for Concert Photography
Choosing your first concert photography camera is a long-term investment, so it’s worth taking time and thinking about the specifics that work best for you.
Here are six critical aspects you should keep in mind.
1. Price (Your Budget)
Modern-day camera equipment is expensive, but you can still get many entry-level units at affordable prices.
Decide on your budget and limit your search to that range. It’s not a deal breaker if you cannot afford a favorite mode, especially when you can upgrade later.
2. Camera Types
Point-and-shoot and mirrorless cameras are great for snapshots and traveling light.
DSLRs, on the other hand, are heavy and much larger.
Consider starting with the basic point-and-shoot before upgrading.
3. Weight and Size
A larger, heavier camera is inconvenient if you move around frequently, which may discourage you from using it at a busy concert.
Further, larger cameras might attract unwanted attention.
Aim for the smallest unit that fits your requirements and is within your budget.
4. ISO Range + Low Light Performance
Concerts will often be dark. ISO is the most important characteristic of concert cameras, which allows you to capture some brilliant shots in dark or low-light situations. For this reason, the first step to looking for the best digital camera for concert photography is its capability to ramp up light sensitivity—a measure outlined in the ISO range.
Units with higher ISO sensitivity are better at capturing well-exposed images in low-light environments but also bring more digital noise that may distort the output.
A camera with a full-frame sensor is your best bet for capturing low light images.
5. Autofocus Ability and Performance
Modern cameras have prominent selling points for autofocus (AF) accuracy and speed.
In some instances, you can rely almost entirely on autofocus, and many entry-level units have fast AF but lower tracking capabilities.
The AF performance is not a problem for photos of subjects near you, but it becomes obvious for professional concert shooting.
6. Continuous Shooting (Frames per Second)
The continuous shooting mode lets you capture the action on the stage by taking multiple images at once.
A slow shutter speed increases the risk of blurry images, but continuous shooting makes it possible to get many versions of the same frame, so you choose a picture with the most detail.
Conclusion – Best Cameras for Concert Photography
Having reviewed the best cameras for concert photography that are perfect for you, we are sure this will be an enjoyable experience for you.
The Sony A7 III is the best camera for concert photography. However, the camera does not come cheap and boasts some high-quality specs.
Remember to study its features and consider the photos you’ll take with the camera.
If you’re looking for the best cameras for concert photography, and the A7 III fills your requirements, click here to buy.
