Best Camera For This Situation
Jan 16, 2019 14:06:34 #
Hello,
I am Jim and I love to take pictures of people, places, and things. I am looking for a camera that can take the best pictures of people under this situation.
> What is the best camera to use in taking pictures at a concert where a
> flash cannot be used? These pictures would be taken probably from the
> front row, and the camera used would need to not use a visible light
> to focus on the subject and is not noisy? This could be in a venue or outside at night. Is there a camera with an automatic focus that
> would be great in this situation?
>
I am Jim and I love to take pictures of people, places, and things. I am looking for a camera that can take the best pictures of people under this situation.
> What is the best camera to use in taking pictures at a concert where a
> flash cannot be used? These pictures would be taken probably from the
> front row, and the camera used would need to not use a visible light
> to focus on the subject and is not noisy? This could be in a venue or outside at night. Is there a camera with an automatic focus that
> would be great in this situation?
>
Jan 16, 2019 14:21:35 #
First & foremost, it's increasingly becoming more and more difficult to actually carry in a DSLR or otherwise. You may have to go through clearance in order to take all the gear that you want. Second, it's not the camera what's important, but the lens or lenses used and one would need the correct aperture setting as to allow enough light as not to allow for a flash attachment. I can bet that as soon as your flash goes off.. you maybe escorted off the premises. Respectively, an 85mm with a f/1.8 or better would be suggested.
Jan 16, 2019 14:23:41 #
There are several that would handle this job. The D850 is the one that comes to mind. It has a "quiet" mode, is good in low light and with higher ISO's. Could be focused manually with very fast lenses available.
Jan 16, 2019 14:27:40 #
Welcome to the forums.
There are cameras that are ok for this.
I use Olympus M4/3 cameras (two bodies) for shooting classical music concerts.
You will need fast to very fast lenses. Also you need to turn the focus assist light off and turn the focus confirmation beep off.
You may be able to use the silent shutter if the subjcts are not moving.
Do you have permission to shoot at the concert?
There are cameras that are ok for this.
I use Olympus M4/3 cameras (two bodies) for shooting classical music concerts.
You will need fast to very fast lenses. Also you need to turn the focus assist light off and turn the focus confirmation beep off.
You may be able to use the silent shutter if the subjcts are not moving.
Do you have permission to shoot at the concert?
Jan 16, 2019 14:35:09 #
Assuming, I know about assuming, that you are permitted to photograph as you stated, I'd suggest the Nikon D850 with a 17~35 f/2.8 Nikkor lens. I'm assuming that you'd want to be able to cover all, or as much, of the stage as possible. This is a pretty pricy solution but would work for you.
The reason I recommend this particular camera is that its low light capabilities are superb, it can also work, like the helicopter in 'Blue Thunder', in whisper mode. This eliminates the usual DSLR noise.
--Bob
The reason I recommend this particular camera is that its low light capabilities are superb, it can also work, like the helicopter in 'Blue Thunder', in whisper mode. This eliminates the usual DSLR noise.
--Bob
mpdallen wrote:
Hello, br br I am Jim and I love to take pictures... (show quote)
Jan 16, 2019 14:37:02 #
Thank you for this good information. I will check it out before I decide what is best for me.
Jan 16, 2019 14:48:11 #
mpdallen wrote:
Thank you for this good information. I will check it out before I decide what is best for me.
If you need low light friendly gear, the Sony A7s mark2 is the king. Not the Nikon d850.
Good luck!
Jan 16, 2019 15:18:05 #
azphotobug
Loc: Scottsdale, Arizona
I use a bridge camera for concerts. It's the Panasonic Lumix FZ300. It has a Leica lens and shoots 2.8 aperture throughout the zoom (600 mm equivalent). It shoots in all modes more than a point and shoot. It's not considered pro camera so you can bring into most venues. I never use flash. I shoot from my seat and 99% of the time I have good seats but not front row or the pit. Concerts are challenging as far as the changing lights and movement of the artists. The camera does a great job considering it's not a true DSLR but it costs about $400 from B & H Photo and if you live outside of NY and NJ, there is NO sales tax and shipping is free for items over $50. Video is quite good too. The greatest drawback is the sensor is smaller than a DSLR. Trade offs!
Jan 16, 2019 16:01:00 #
mpdallen wrote:
Hello, br br I am Jim and I love to take pictures... (show quote)
The camera does not take pictures. The camera is simply a recording device. It is up to the nut behind the lens to take the picture. ;)
As for the recording device, unless you have a press pass it is unlikely that a concert venue will allow you to take pictures with anything other than a cell phone camera. In fact a good cell phone camera will meet all the criteria you specify above.
Jan 16, 2019 16:39:23 #
azphotobug
Loc: Scottsdale, Arizona
Cell Phone cameras are okay if you're close. Even the Panny FZ300 camera takes far better pics than a cell phone. I load to LR and since I shoot in RAW, I can correct the image much more than with a cell phone. It depends what your purpose in shooting concerts: for publication in a book, putting on IG or FB. I guess a photo is a way of commemorating the event so shoot with what you have. Just my 2 cents.
Jan 16, 2019 23:48:29 #
As others have said, the lens you use will likely be more important than the model of the camera, if using a DSLR. A lens with a wide aperture, 2.8 or larger would be ideal. The newer APSC crop sensor cameras, such as the Canon 80D (or 77D) and the Nikon D7200, have improved low light function, and should do just fine with the right lens. A full frame camera will provide even better low light capability. If the venue does not allow you to use a DSLR with a zoom lens, an advanced point and shoot with a 10X zoom, wide aperture, and a 1 inch sensor, such as the Sony RX10 Mark VI might be your best bet. If sitting in the front row, the 10X zoom should be sufficient.
Jan 17, 2019 06:27:55 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
mpdallen wrote:
Hello, br br I am Jim and I love to take pictures... (show quote)
The Nikon D750 is great in low light. The D500 is also good. The D850 would allow for a much larger image to work with and produce less noise. The D5 would also be great but is expensive.
Jan 17, 2019 06:55:48 #
mpdallen wrote:
Hello, br br I am Jim and I love to take pictures... (show quote)
I shoot mostly stage plays where a flash can't be used. I use a Sony RX10 Model IV. It has a 2.8 lens and high ISO. It is expensive for a point and shoot camera, but you don't need anything else. Cost is currently $1,695 and may be available as refurbished. Good luck.
Jan 17, 2019 07:06:05 #
" What is the best camera to use in taking pictures at a concert where a > flash cannot be used? "
The BEST camera is the camera in use at the time of shooting the subject. For the conditions you mentioned a fast lens is more important than the camera.
The BEST camera is the camera in use at the time of shooting the subject. For the conditions you mentioned a fast lens is more important than the camera.
Jan 17, 2019 07:06:06 #
jdub82 wrote:
As others have said, the lens you use will likely ... (show quote)
Correction: I meant to suggest the Sony RX100 VI compact camera as an option if there are restrictions on DSLR, or DSLR-like cameras in the concert venues, not the larger RX 10 bridge camera. However, one post since has recommended the RX10 IV.
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