Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Taking great pictures at concerts is tricky because you’re often far away from the stage, and the lighting can be terrible.It’s frustrating when your photos turn out blurry or dark, especially when all your friends post amazing shots on social media.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best cameras for concert photography to help you take stunning photos at your next show. Our picks are based on portability, low-light performance, and price.
Overall Best Camera for Concert Photography
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is equipped with a 20. 1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and a newly designed low pass filter for high image quality in both stills and video. This means you can capture crisp, clear images of your subject even when shooting in low-light conditions. The camera also offers a wide ISO range of 100 to 102400 (expandable to 50 to 819200*), making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects like those found at concerts.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III comes equipped with the new DIGIC X image processor, which offers improved performance over its predecessor and helps you capture sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions. With its expandable ISO range of 100 to 102400 (expandable to 50 to 819200), you can be sure that you won’t miss a shot even when shooting in dimly lit venues such as clubs or bars.
Another feature that makes the EOS-1D X Mark III great for concert photography is its new 191-point autofocus system, capable of tracking the subject’s head and face using deep learning technology. This means you can be sure your shots will stay focused on your subject, even if they’re moving around onstage or interacting with other performers during their performance.
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Like:
- Revolutionary, Intelligent, Smart Controller
- Crafted with durability in mind, this product is designed to stand the test of time.
- Deep-learning autofocus
- Seemingly boundless buffer
Dislike:
- No image stabilization
- Lacks tilting LCD display
- Expensive
What Consumers Are Saying
“If you can afford the best that Canon offers. Don’t be shy, but she’s no toy.”
“The best camera money can buy! Incredible low-light performance and an autofocus that’s second to none. I could not be happier with my purchase!”
“This is a serious piece of equipment, perfect for those looking to take their concert photography to the next level.”
Best Budget Camera for Concert Photography
Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50’s 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor can capture high-quality images in low light settings and handle fast action shots with its 11 fps shooting speed. The EXPEED 6 Image Processor also effectively ensures that all your photos come out sharp and clear, no matter the conditions or speed of the action you are trying to capture. This combination makes it ideal for capturing concerts, as you can capture excellent images even in dark venues where lighting might not be optimal.
The Nikon Z50 also has UHD 4K and Full HD video recording capabilities. You can easily record your favorite performances without issues or lag from the camera itself. This is great for those who want to create videos of their concerts or use them as references when choosing which photos they want to print from their collection after the night is over. The 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder helps make it easier to frame up shots quickly so that you don’t miss any critical moments of the performance while adjusting your settings between takes.
The Nikon Z50 also comes with a 209-Point Hybrid AF system that works together with Eye Detection technology to ensure that your subject stays focused no matter how fast they move or how crowded the venue gets during a show. This ensures that all your photos will be crisp and clear, even if you are shooting from far away or in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. It also helps alleviate stress by manually adjusting your focus during a performance. You can trust that the camera will automatically stay focused on your subject regardless of whatever else happens around them on stage.
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon Z50
Like:
- Light and compact
- Speedy response
- 11fps continuous drive
- Built-in flash
Dislike:
- Touch features could be more robust
- Subject tracking is not as good as competitors
What Consumers Are Saying
“Nice small, lightweight camera to complement my D800e and D850. Great for carrying around when I don’t feel like lugging the big boy’s around.”
“It is a great camera for the money – perfect for concert photography!”
“The Nikon Z50 has been an excellent choice if you want to add a quality camera to your collection but don’t want to spend too much money.”
Runner Up Best Camera for Concert Photography
Sony Alpha a7R V
The Sony Alpha a7R V comes with an impressive 61 MP full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor that is ideal for capturing sharp, detailed images in low-light settings such as concerts. This sensor can capture amazing photos with minimal noise, even when shooting in dark environments. Additionally, it offers a 14-stop dynamic range to capture even subtle gradations of color and light.
The Sony Alpha a7R V has an advanced BIONZ XR & AI processing unit that allows you to process large files quickly and efficiently while maintaining image quality and detail. This processing unit also helps reduce battery consumption so you can take more photos without worrying about running out of battery power mid-shoot.
The camera also features an AI-based real-time tracking AF system that makes it easy to track moving subjects like performers on stage or audience members in the crowd. This system ensures that your photos are always sharp and well-focused, no matter how fast your subject moves or how chaotic the scene may be. Plus, with 425 phase-detection points covering 84% of the image area, you’ll never miss another shot due to poor focus again!
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony Alpha a7R V
Like:
- Excellent autofocus
- Impressive ISO handling
- Versatile 4-axis touchscreen
- Superb AI autofocus
Dislike:
- Significant rolling shutter
What Consumers Are Saying
“I upgraded from my A7RII to this mirrorless camera. The autofocus and the LCD screen are the top two reasons you want this camera.”
“Great camera for concert photography. It focuses quickly, has great image quality, and isn’t too heavy to carry around.”
“The Sony Alpha a7R V is an excellent choice for those looking for a top-of-the-line camera for concert photography. The impressive autofocus system makes capturing fleeting moments easy, crystalizing the pictures.”
Honorable Mentions
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 features a 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor, which allows you to capture stunning detail in your photos. This is especially helpful when shooting concerts; having a high-resolution sensor will significantly reduce noise and ensure that your images remain sharp even when there are low light conditions in the venue.
In addition to having an impressive sensor, the Canon EOS R5 also has an advanced DIGIC X image processor. The processor can record 8K 30P or 4K 120P video internally, allowing you to easily capture stunning footage from any case. The processor also enables fast performance; with 12 fps mechanical shutter and 20 fps electronic shutter options available, you’ll never miss a moment of action on stage!
Another great feature of the Canon EOS R5 is its sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilization system. This helps reduce blurriness due to camera shake and ensures that your photos come out sharp and crisp no matter how much movement there is during a show. It also makes it easier to manually focus while shooting in low light conditions since you don’t have to worry about camera shake as much as before.
The Canon EOS R5 features dual-pixel CMOS AF II with 1053 points for fast autofocus performance. This makes it easy to quickly focus on performers on stage without missing any shots due to slow autofocus speeds or inaccurate results. It also allows for smooth transitions between different subjects so you can keep up with all the action happening on stage without missing a beat!
What We Like/Dislike About the Canon EOS R5
Like:
- Immaculate image sharpness
- Excellent autofocus
- Amazing IBIS
- Lightning-fast burst
Dislike:
- Recording limitations
What Consumers Are Saying
“Easy to use, comfortable to hold for long periods, and capable of taking amazing pictures!!”
“The best camera I’ve ever used. Superb autofocus and an impressive burst mode.”
“The Canon EOS R5 is great if you need a top-of-the-line camera for shooting.”
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
The 24.2MP resolution on the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H allows you to capture every detail in your concert photos with stunning clarity and sharpness. Additionally, its ISO range of 100 to 51200 allows you to take pictures in low light without adding noise or losing image quality – making it perfect for capturing those amazing shots of your favorite artists in action!
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H has a breakneck shooting speed of up to 9 fps – perfect for capturing those split-second moments during live concerts when everyone around you is singing along or dancing energetically! Its Contrast-Detect 225 Area DFD AF system also ensures that your photographs will be perfectly focused so that each shot comes out crystal clear – even if your subject is moving quickly across the stage!
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H features 5 Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization which helps reduce camera shake and blur even when taking pictures from far away or in dimly lit venues – allowing you to capture crisp images without motion blur or blurring from handholding the camera too long! It also has a weather-sealed construction which makes it resistant to dust and moisture, meaning you don’t have to worry about damaging your equipment no matter how wild the crowd gets!
What We Like/Dislike About the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
Like:
- Incredible low-light capability
- Great ergonomics
- 5-axis in-body stabilization
- Flip-out rear display
- Excellent EVF
Dislike:
- Subpar burst-shooting speeds
- High price
What Consumers Are Saying
“This camera is one tough, high-quality camera, as it should for being Netflix approved!”
“It offers great image quality and autofocus, even in low light conditions.”
“The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H is the perfect choice if you need a reliable and powerful camera for shooting events!”
Nikon Z7 II
The Nikon Z7 II comes equipped with a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, making it capable of producing highly detailed shots with outstanding clarity and sharpness. This sensor allows you to enlarge your photos without sacrificing sharpness or quality, which can be especially beneficial when taking photos of large concerts or festivals. You can crop into your images all retain plenty of detail if needed. Furthermore, the Nikon Z7 II allows you to shoot in RAW format to have more flexibility when editing your photos later.
The Nikon Z7 II has an impressive 493-point phase detect autofocus system that makes it possible to quickly lock onto subjects in low light settings, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving performers on stage in dimly lit venues. This system also helps reduce motion blur and ensure that your shots are crisp and clear – just as they should be! Even if the lighting conditions aren’t perfect, this camera will ensure that all your shots remain sharp and vibrant.
Suppose you need to capture multiple frames quickly. In that case, the Nikon Z7 II will cover you with its 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting capability. Whether you’re photographing dancers, singers, or an entire band on stage, this feature will help ensure that no moment goes uncaptured! It also helps reduce motion blur and ensures that all your images will come out crisp and clear regardless of how energetic the performance was on stage.
Finally, the Nikon Z7 II also comes with 5-axis vibration reduction technology that helps minimize camera shake during handheld shoots – allowing for sharper images even when shooting without a tripod or other stabilizing device like a monopod or gimbal rig. This feature is especially useful for concert photographers who may only sometimes have access to tripods or other stabilizing devices depending on their position within the venue. With this vibration reduction technology, handheld shots will still look sharp – eliminating any worries about shaky footage spoiling an otherwise great shot!
What We Like/Dislike About the Nikon Z7 II
Like:
- 5-axis IBIS
- 4K video at up to 60fps
- Tilting touch LCD
- robust build
- Legacy lens support via FTZ adapter
Dislike:
- Limited third-party lenses available
- Omits the multi-shot sampling mode
What Consumers Are Saying
“I have a Nikon D850 that I love, but it’s just too heavy to take on a hiking or backpacking trip. The Nikon Z7II is much lighter and smaller, with the same Megapixels. It also has customizable user modes (U1, U2, U3) and some added autofocus features.”
“The best part about this camera is its low-light performance. It can handle dark environments really well and produces great details.”
“The Nikon Z7 II is a reliable and powerful camera for photography. It features an impressive autofocus system, fast burst-shooting speeds, and excellent image quality that impress any photographer!”
Fujifilm GFX 50S II
The Fujifilm GFX 50S II has an impressive dynamic range of 16 stops, meaning you can easily capture details in bright highlights and deep shadows. This makes it perfect for capturing low-light scenes like those found at concerts—where lighting is often limited—without worrying about noise or image distortion caused by overexposure or underexposure. Additionally, the extended ISO range of 50-102400 ensures that your images stay sharp and detailed even in dimly lit environments without increasing your shutter speed too much.
The 117-point contrast-detection AF system on the Fujifilm GFX 50S II offers lightning-fast autofocus performance, so you can quickly lock onto your subject without missing a beat! This system also allows tracking moving objects, which is essential when shooting performers onstage who are constantly moving around or playing instruments. And with 3fps continuous shooting, you can capture multiple shots in rapid succession to ensure you don’t miss any critical moments during a performance.
Concerts don’t always occur in ideal conditions; sometimes, it’s raining or snowing outside, or there’s too much dust and dirt flying around the venue. Thankfully, this camera’s weather-sealed magnesium alloy body provides excellent protection from dust, moisture, and other environmental elements so that nothing stands between you and great photos! Plus, thanks to its relatively compact size—which makes it easier to maneuver around tight spaces—you don’t have to worry about carrying bulky equipment around while trying to get the perfect shot, either!
What We Like/Dislike About the Fujifilm GFX 50S II
Like:
- Relatively affordable
- Exemplary image quality
- Impressive image stabilization
Dislike:
- Only 3fps
What Consumers Are Saying
“I like the ergonomics (with an added baseplate), and it’s much easier to adjust SS and aperture without pulling the camera from my face.”
“The best part of using the Fujifilm GFX 50S II is that it captures many details even in low light conditions. I also love how small and lightweight it is!”
“The amazing autofocus system on this camera helps me capture sharp images every time.”
Sony Alpha A6600
The Sony Alpha A6600’s 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor provides high image quality and low light performance. With such a high-resolution sensor, you can easily capture incredible detail in your shots, even when working in dimly lit venues. This makes it easy to get sharp, vibrant images of your favorite performers without messing with ISO settings or other manual adjustments during the show.
The Sony Alpha A6600 also features a 4D Focus system with 425 phase-detection points that allow it to lock onto subjects quickly and accurately. This is especially useful when shooting concerts, as the lighting can often change rapidly from one moment to the next – making it difficult for cameras with less advanced auto-focus systems to keep up. The 4D Focus system on the A6600 helps ensure you never miss a shot due to slow or inaccurate focusing speeds.
Finally, the Sony Alpha A6600 also offers Real-Time Eye AF technology, allowing it to quickly and accurately track human eyes – even in motion! This means you won’t have any problems getting sharp, clear shots of your favorite performers, no matter how quickly they move around on stage. It’s also perfect for portrait photography as it ensures that all eyes will be perfectly focused every time, whether open or closed!
What We Like/Dislike About the Sony Alpha A6600
Like:
- Real-Time Tracking focus system
- Integrated EVF
- Stabilized image sensor
- Dust and splash protection
- 4K recording
Dislike:
- Single SD slot
- No flash
What Consumers Are Saying
“As expected, this camera has even more features than its predecessors. I bought it mainly for its built-in Steady Shot option, as not all of my lenses are optically stabilized.”
“The Sony Alpha A6600 delivers on all fronts. I get great quality images in lighting conditions, and the autofocus is fast and accurate.”
“The best part of using this camera is the real-time eye AF technology which helps me take sharp and clear portraits without fuss.”
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III features a 20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor capable of producing detailed images with accurate colors and minimal noise at high ISO settings, making it ideal for low light, indoor shooting scenarios like concerts and music festivals. This means you won’t have to worry about missing any shots due to poor lighting conditions or limited shutter speed range.
The autofocus system on the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is second to none, featuring 121 all cross-type AF points that are spread across almost the entire frame. This allows you to quickly acquire focus on your subject no matter where they are in the frame, making it easier than ever to capture fast-moving subjects such as performers on stage. You’ll also be able to easily track your subjects thanks to its impressive tracking performance and face detection capabilities.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III isn’t just great indoors; it can also easily handle outdoor conditions thanks to its weatherproof design. This means you don’t have to worry about rain or dust ruining your gear while shooting concerts in less-than-ideal conditions. Its 10 frames per second shooting rate also ensure you won’t miss any critical moments due to slow autofocus or burst rates!
What We Like/Dislike About the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Like:
- Compact, all-weather body
- Stabilized image sensor
- Vari-angle LCD and OLED EVF
Dislike:
- Plastic exterior
- Smaller image sensor
What Consumers Are Saying
“A super camera with plenty of bells and whistles and solidly built.”
“20 MP sensor, contrast, phase detection AF, external mic input, good video modes, great stills. Great compact camera with excellent ergonomics.”
“The best thing about this camera is its weatherproof design, which makes it perfect for shooting outdoors in any condition.”
Fujifilm X-T5
The Fujifilm X-T5 features an APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI sensor that provides top-tier image quality with its 40MP resolution. This allows you to capture even the most minute details in your photos while providing beautiful color and low noise levels in bright and low light settings. Additionally, the 7-stop in-body image stabilization system ensures that your photos remain razor sharp even when shooting handheld or in low light situations.
The 425 Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System is one of the most advanced autofocus systems available on any camera today. It utilizes phase detection technology to quickly lock focus on any subject without fail, making it perfect for quickly capturing fast-moving performers on stage. This is further complemented by its high-speed shooting capabilities; you can shoot up to 20 frames per second using an electronic shutter or 15 frames per second using a mechanical shutter.
What We Like/Dislike About the Fujifilm X-T5
Like:
- 40.2MP APS-C sensor
- Subject-tracking autofocus
- In-body image stabilization
Dislike:
- Limited buffer for burst shooting
What Consumers Are Saying
“I have owned every generation of Fuji XT series cameras since their inception, but the X-T5 is by far the fastest focusing version with the best face and eye detection.”
“The best feature of the Fujifilm X-T5 is its advanced autofocus system and dynamic range.”
“The electronic viewfinder is great, and overall the camera has an excellent construction.”
Conclusion: Best Concert Photography Cameras
There is no one-size-fits-all regarding the best cameras for concert photography. Each photographer needs to find the camera that will help them take the best images possible and make it easier to accomplish their creative goals. Cast your research net wide and try as many cameras as possible – old and new – to find the one that works for you! The only limit on how awesome your concert pictures can be is your own creativity, so don’t let anyone else or any piece of tech tell you otherwise. Most importantly, ensure you have a good time capturing these fleeting moments. After all, that’s what good concert photography should provide: memories of a fantastic show for years to come!
FAQ
How do you take professional photos at a concert?
Professional concert photography requires a good understanding of the best camera settings, lighting, and composition. You should also use fast lenses that can take advantage of the higher ISO sensitivities of modern cameras. Lastly, always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate any possible issues before they happen.
What is the best lens for concert photography?
The best lens for concert photography depends on the type of performance and distance from the stage. For large venues and long distances, a telephoto zoom lens is best. In smaller clubs, you can opt for a prime wide-angle lens or short telephoto lens to capture more of the atmosphere in your image.
What ISO should I use for concert photography?
The best ISO setting for concert photography depends on the lighting of the venue and your camera’s capability. If you are shooting in a well-lit venue, you can use a lower ISO, such as 400 or 800. However, if the lighting is low, you may need to increase the ISO to 2000 or higher to get an adequate shutter speed for sharp images.
