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General discussion

Good camera for concert photography?

Nov 6, 2004 9:00AM PST

I was hoping that someone could suggest some good digital cameras for taking pictures at concerts with. I'm looking to buy a new camera and good concert photography is one of my highest priorities. Preferably someting under $1000. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Re: Good camera for concert photography?
Nov 7, 2004 12:27AM PST

It depends.....describe concert.

My first thought would be the Canon DSLR - Rebel

But there are factors that could alter that decision:

How well is the stage lit?
How far will you be from the stage?
Are cameras permitted at the concert?
(i.e. does the camera have to be unobtrusive?)


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Re: Good camera for concert photography?
Nov 7, 2004 1:50AM PST

I will mostly need it for local bands, usually really bad lighting. I will normally be pretty close, but I would like a good optical zoom on the camera I'm getting. Cameras are allowed, so there is no problem with that. I don't really know a lot about camera settings, so I would prefer a camera that is fairly easy to use. I need the photos mostly to put on websites, but I may need some shots that I need enlargements of.

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"usually really bad lighting "
Nov 7, 2004 3:05AM PST

Digital cameras are not that great in bad lighting. I'd look at film again and use a service to get a scan of the images.

Bob

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Re: Good camera for concert photography?
Nov 7, 2004 6:39AM PST

Bad lighting means that you need a camera with a "bright" lens. There are few such lenses in the digital world.

The digital camera with the best chance of doing what you want is the Canon G5 or the newer G6. It has an f2.0 lens and it is f3.0 when using zoom.

"Easy to use" is relative. Put it on automatic mode and fire away will give good results. A little knowledge and some manual settings will give even better results. This camera is one you can grow into.

The built-in flash on this camera can carry about 16 feet. So If you are further than that from the subjects, turn off the flash. It would be better to capture them with the available light (even if it is bad). You can get some "artsy" effects with such lighting.

I have seen some small band photos taken in dim light and they can turn out very good. Under dim lighting you can encounter "noise" in the darkest areas of the photo. It is similar to "grain" when using high speed film in film cameras. The "noise" can be removed with software. (free and inexpensive software).

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