Last Updated on February 2, 2023
Concert photography is a high-energy, fast-paced genre that requires a camera that can keep up with the action. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply love capturing live music, finding the right camera is key to capturing stunning images that truly capture the essence of a concert. But with so many cameras on the market, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best cameras for concert photography and what to look for when choosing your gear. From high-speed autofocus to excellent low-light performance, we’ll highlight the key features that make a camera ideal for concert photography. Whether you’re shooting a sold-out stadium show or a intimate indie gig, this guide will help you find the camera that’s perfect for your needs. So let’s get ready to rock the shot!
Top Cameras for Concert Photographers
Canon EOS Rebel T6
This Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera bundle is ideal for photographers getting started in concert photography. The camera is capable of capturing professional quality still shots in low light and varied light conditions. The camera features 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor and a DIGIC 4+ image processor. This is an excellent starting point for concert environments. This camera can also capture high definition 1080p video at 30 fps with a nine point AF with center cross type point. This concert camera bundle comes with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens that is a great all around lens. It also comes with a Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens for portrait length shot perspectives. This camera is WiFi enabled allowing you to quickly and easily upload your images directly to the web. This concert camera bundle comes with tons of gear ideal for the starting concert photographer.
- Excellent bundle for the starting concert photographer
- Comes with two Canon lenses
- Capture professional quality images in difficult lighting
- Excellent value
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus Mark II is very popular with professional concert photographers. This camera is ideal for the serious photographer. This camera provides exceptional image quality and detail in varied light environments. This camera features 16 megapixels and a OLED EVF which makes capturing quality images easy as you can keep your eye on the concert action for accurate quality still shots. The screen is touch enabled for quick view and adjustments which is required in concert photography. The single AF is quick and responsive and the camera allows for ample customization and adjustment to capture the perfect shot. For a full list of features you will have to spend some time with the manual but once you get the hang of this camera it will provide you amazing quality images.
- Professional quality concert photography camera
- 16 megapixel
- Quick and responsive AF
- Excellent value
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the newer model of the Canon camera above and it is also a great camera for concert photography. It offers exceptional image detail and retention even in the tough lighting conditions of a concert. This camera features 24.1 megapixel APS C CMOS image sensor and the DIGIC 4+ image processor for reliably clear and detailed still shots. This camera really excels in the variable lighting conditions you find at concerts. You can also take professional quality video at full HD 1080p 30p video recording. The color and detail shines through in video and still shots.
This concert camera bundle comes with two lenses allowing you to easily adapt to the conditions. This camera kit comes with two SD memory cards, a quality camera case, a flash light, a high speed USB card reader, and a tripod. This is a great all in one concert photography camera kit.
- Excellent concert camera photography kit
- Comes with two Canon lenses
- Captures professional quality still shots and video
- Comes with lots of quality gear
- Excellent value
Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera
The Nikon D3500 is one of the best cameras for concert photography and this bundle is an excellent option for beginner and experienced photographers. This camera provides stunning image detail and quality with 24.2 megapixel DX Format CMOS image sensor and the Expeed image processor. The colors in your images will be vivid and crisp even in variable lighting environments. The full HD 1080p video captures professional level video as well. The FPS continuous shooting function and broad ISO range is 100-25,600. This camera features an 11 point autofocus system and a full frame AF that keeps your subject locked into focus even when on the move. This concert camera is WiFi and Bluetooth enabled for quick and simple uploading to the web and transferring to your other devices.
- Ideal for beginner and experienced concert photographers
- Capture images in crisp detail and vivid colors
- Performs well in poor lighting environments
- Excellent value
Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom
The Kodak PixPro Astro Zoom is an excellent camera option for the beginner to concert photography. Packed with great features and performance at a good price point this camera offers exceptional value. It features 16.1 megapixels and a CCD image sensor for great image detail and quality. This Kodak camera provides up to 42x optical zoom so no matter where you are positioned at a concert you can get great shots. Additional features include a panorama mode that allows a 180 degree wide picture range and room for one SD memory card. This is a great entry point camera for the beginner to concert photography.
- Ideal for the beginner concert photgrapher
- 42x optical zoom
- Capture images in detail
- Panorama mode
- Excellent value
Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Sony A7 III is a great mirrorless concert camera option. It offers excellent image quality and color contrast in multiple lighting conditions. This 24.2 megapixel camera offer an illuminated 35mm full frame image sensor. It features an impressive spec list including a 15 stop dynamic range and ISO from 50 to 204,800. This camera offers a silent mechanical shutter with AE/AF tracking and shoots at up to 10fps for still shots. This camera is excellent for concerts with 693 phase detection and 425 contrast autofocus points for a 93% total image coverage. This camera is equipped with a Exmor R CMOS sensor for exceptional image quality. This is a great concert camera for those looking for a mirrorless option.
- Top mirrorless concert camera
- Excellent image quality
- Great autofocus performance
- Excellent value
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera
This concert camera is great for those who want a point and shoot mirrorless model. It is equipped with a 24 megapixel APS C CMOS sensor for excellent image quality. This camera offers ISO 100 to 25600 and is compatible with all Sony E mount lenses. The hybrid autofocus performs very well with 179 point focal plane phase detection along with 25 contrast points. This concert camera offers up to 11fps continuous shooting for great still shot quality. At a reasonable price point, this is a great value camera for shooting concerts.
- Great performance at a lower price point
- 24MP APS C CMOS sensor
- Excellent image quality
- Great value
Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera
This is a great camera for those just beginning shooting concerts. The D5600 offers exceptional performance in a great and easy to use package. Rich with features this camera is one of the best for those just getting started. It comes with a versatile NIKKOR lens kit, a large high resolution sensor and a broad ISO range perfect for shooting music shows. It performs great in all light conditions meaning you can take great shots even when the lights are low. This camera is compatible with tons of Nikon lenses making it incredibly versatile and allowing you to grow as an artist without having to quickly upgrade to a higher end model. You can easily upload images directly from your camera as well. The autofocus works flawlessly making it easier to capture professional quality images. This camera can shoot at ISO 25,600 with an expandable ISO sensitivity to 6,400 for great low light pictures. This is an exceptional concert camera for beginners and intermediate skill level photographers.
- Top concert camera for beginners and intermediate photographers
- Excellent image quality
- Great shots even in low light conditions
- Excellent value
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera
This is another great option for photographers looking for a full frame camera option. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a true high performer. It offers incredible performance and high quality, professional images. It is equipped with Canon’s CMOS image sensor and the DIGIC 7 image processor. The autofocus system works great offering fast and smooth focusing. The touch screen monitor makes changing settings and framing your shots a breeze as well. This camera is equipped with Wifi and Bluetooth so you can upload or transfer all your concert shots fast and simply. This is an excellent full frame camera option for those looking to get into concert photography.
- Top full frame concert camera
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast and smooth autofocus
- Excellent value
What to Look For In A Concert Photography camera
If you are just getting started in concert photography I recommend you go with one of the DSLR camera options. A DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera allows light to travel through the lens and then a mirror in the camera sends the image to the image sensor or to the viewfinder. DSLR cameras are very popular with professional concert photographers do to their performance in challenging lighting conditions.
DSLR cameras offer the advantage of using multiple lenses allowing for changing up your focal length and aperture. This way you can use an ultra wide angle lens when shooting from near the stage or a telephoto lens when you are shooting from the nosebleed seats.
DSLR cameras require an investment but it is well worth the cost if you are serious about taking professional quality images of the concerts you shoot. Prices range from a few hundred dollars up to over a thousand bucks. Nikon and Canon are the two biggest players in the DSLR camera market and they offer some exceptional cameras.
Other makes such as Sony and Kodak also make some great cameras you may like (see the recommendations above). When deciding on your camera consider performance and features first and when all else is equal, go for the camera that feels best in your hands.
Most Canon and Nikon cameras are great for shooting long concerts and I have used many of both brands and they all offer ergonomic designs. Unless you plan to be a gear head (which I am) plan to pick one and stick with it as you will be investing in multiple lenses as well as the camera body.
Using a Crop Sensor Camera for Concerts
Crop sensor DSLR cameras are the best choice for beginner concert photographers. A full frame is chosen by many photographers but for the beginner a crop sensor is the way to go.
These cameras tend to cost less making them an easier investment for the beginner (a full frame is an amazing investment if you want to dive in head first though).
A crop sensor camera offers a smaller sized image sensor allowing for smaller and lighter camera bodies.
The downside to a crop sensor camera is that they have more noise than full frame cameras. A crop sensor camera with an ISO of at least 6400 will allow you to shoot in the common low light conditions found at concerts.
Remember that the goal is to keep your ISO as low as possible when shooting in these low light conditions.
No matter which way you go, full frame or crop sensor, any of the recommended concert cameras above will help you take fantastic quality concert pictures.
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