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Question

What is a good compact cam for shooting concerts in a venue?

Dec 1, 2015 8:10AM PST

Hi. I know this question has been asked many times, but no answers really "answered" the question. In a few weeks I am attending a "the weeknd" show at an indoor venue. I would like to take about 20 pictures for memories. I've been reading some articles about specs needed to shoot good pictures @ at a concert. I need a small (non-pro looking camera) in order to get into the venue. I will be 10th row center so not much zoom is needed. The lighting will be relatively low but with blue/purple type of colored lighting. Sometimes just a spotlight. PLEASE someone help me w/ a 2014-2015 compact cam that would suit my needs. Vid would be nice, but not necessary. An article I read recommended the following "requirements" to shoot good concert pics, even with point and shoots.
-Manual mode, Aperature priority mode (low mode), fast shutter speed, ISO setting: 1600, spot metering,middle autofocus point,no flash (obviously), multi-shot mode. Now, I know realistically I probably won't get a compact digi cam with ALL these specs. I really need some advice and possibly a few camera examples. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Sincerely, Michelle A.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Let's say there is no such camera.
Dec 1, 2015 8:16AM PST

You did the research and found no answer. As this and other forums have kicked this around for a few decades the answer is there is no camera that can do much more than take what I'm going to call "good memory" pictures. That is, the quality is OK for your collection of events and memories but fall short of shots you see promoting the venue.

I have to ask if you know how those great shots are made. Do you know?
(I do.)

That said, what cameras and smart phones do you have now?

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I don't have one yet but I WILL purchase
Dec 1, 2015 8:55AM PST

Hi I recently read a good article on rocksubculture. But the article recommended 1,000 cameras. I want to spend 500 or less. Anyways, here are a few cameras that were recommended that I can afford. I don't expect high quality pro results but I want, like you said, memories.

-Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V 18.2 MP Exmor R CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD (Black) (2012 Model)

-Sony DSC-RX100/B 20.2 MP Exmor CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 3.6x Zoom

I would love to hear your recommendations. The venue doesn't allow DSLR's or super pro-looking cameras either. Please let me know what would be good. Also the lighting at the venue will be relatively low even though i'm in 10th row center. Also from vid footage I saw of the musician's concert, the lighting seems to change from spotlight on the one musician and purple/blue type lighting. There might be different lights but I know I saw the purplish blue lighting.

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Here I'm using my smart phone.
Dec 1, 2015 9:06AM PST
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I don't
Dec 1, 2015 9:19AM PST

Sigh I am about to give up. My LG stylo SUCKS. I would LOVE a new Samsung galaxy edge but I have metro and I can't give them 900 dollars right now. I am about to cry. I thought about getting one but they want TOO much. IPhone is no different. Concert is Dec. 17th and I have NOTHING. No descent smart phone, no digicam (yet). Also I'd rather get a digicam b/c I have a Youtube account that I need to record video. So are u saying there Is no such camera and I should just forget about taking any pics? it's too bad because I will be close to the stage and it's a VIP party package.

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I'm writing
Dec 1, 2015 9:37AM PST

That you laid the groundwork here. You read the prior discussions and didn't find any acceptable answer. So that means that nothing in the past decade or so answered your question.

To pull back to something today I shared my ideas about the pictures vs. quality. What you noted should do for memories. But expectations must be kept in check. Tips follow about how I greatly improve my shots.

1. Tripod. Without a stable platform, you end up with some to a lot of smear.
2. Take lots of shots. If you want 10 good shots, you may find you need to take about a 1000. Some try to get 1 shot, 1 great shot and the odds are against us.

It doesn't take much of a camera to catch something like http://imgur.com/gallery/Xdo8Je7

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Here's an owner LG Stylo camera review.
Dec 1, 2015 9:42AM PST


It looks like it's not a bad camera and in fact might be better than old point and shoot cameras. But that said, maybe between the two cameras you'll get some usable shots.
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No honestly it is terrible
Dec 2, 2015 3:57AM PST

I don't know. The LG g camera isn't good esp. for snapshots.

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Answer
re: good compact cam for shooting concerts
Dec 1, 2015 9:56PM PST

>"I know this question has been asked many times, but no answers really "answered" the question."

I beg to differ. I always give specific recommendations, and if the search function wasn't hosed ATM I'd include some links.

In any case, since you'll be in the 10th row, you may be able to get by with a Canon G7 X. But be aware it is also a bit over your $500 budget (from your post below).

I would also strongly recommend against Aperture Priority mode because, in low light, it will likely use too slow a shutter speed to freeze the action. i.e. you'll have motion blur.

Personally, I use Manual mode, shutter 1/125, ISO800, aperture wide open (f2.Cool, white balance "Fluorescent". And I shoot RAW so I can make further adjustments in post.

Also note that the HX20V you asked about has a much darker lens (not good in low light) and the RX100 has either a shorter lens (less zoom, not ideal even from the 10th row) or darker lens (not good in low light) depending on which model you were referring to.

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Great advice, anymore?
Dec 2, 2015 4:09AM PST

Thanks for your advice. I found a few Canon G7 X's for under 500 which is nice. Do you recommend any other cameras from 2014 to 2015 (preferably with HD vid?) I like that u took the time to write me back. Do u think I should do what R. Profitt says and chuck out the $850 for a new Samsung galaxy s6?

Also I definitely need a manual mode (like the Canon G7 x). Do u know of any good cameras 400 and under? As long as it's around 500.

Also do u have any tips on how to shoot good concert vid footage with the Canon G7 x?

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Answer
This just in. Some venues are locking down on any camera.
Dec 4, 2015 8:42AM PST