Concerts are cool, learn this here now and shooting them is even cooler. Flashing lights, smoke effects, and moody lighting result in scenes that are incredibly exciting if you can capture them right. And that’s the real challenge: finding a good camera for concerts that can adequately deal with challenging lighting and flashing strobes.
You need to look for concert cameras that can focus quickly in low light, has exceptional low-light performance, and has the ability to shoot through flicker while quickly adapting exposure settings to match the lighting.
While most cameras can take good photos, they will struggle in low light, and you need to know what to look for. learn this here now This is where I come in.
The cameras I’ve shortlisted for you have been tested in the field and vetted by experts to identify models that will suit your photography style, regardless of budget. These cameras will not let you down in a concert setting, no matter what you pick.
Best Cameras for Concert Photography in 2022
What you’ll find below is a list of the best cameras for recording concerts at various price points to slot into whatever budget you might have. learn this here now Each of these cameras is specifically chosen for having excellent low-light performance and extras like the ability to shoot through flicker.
1. Best Overall: Sony Alpha 7R IV
The Sony Alpha 7R IV is a large camera, but that also means it has a large, comfortable grip, which is exactly what you need on long shoots at concerts. The camera’s ergonomics are a step up from the a7R III and feature more tactile buttons and customizability.
Why is it suited for Concerts?
The 60.2MP BSI-CMOS sensor here is perfect for the challenging lighting conditions at concerts. Coupled with an impressive real-time tracking auto-focus system that has a special low-light mode, you’re not likely to miss a shot.
The camera also does a stellar job of tracking people in low light, learn this here now which is great if you’re trying to focus on, say, the DJ or friends.
Connectivity & Inputs
Sony’s covered this camera in ports. learn this here now You get the usual micro HDMI and USB-C (5 Gbps) ports, of course, but you also get a micro B port to help with accessories and charging, as well as dual 3.5 mm audio jacks and a flash sync port. Wi-Fi is rated at 802.11ac and is paired with Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC for seamless connectivity.
Battery Life
The NP-FZ100 batteries that Sony’s using here are powerful and help the camera survive for 670+ shoots. Shooting judiciously, a single battery could easily last an entire concert session, even if you’re shooting short video clips for social media.
Is this camera right for you?
The a7R IV is a large, comfortable camera with excellent image quality, superb AF tracking and packs in features optimised for low-light Gig photography. For professionals, this is the best concert photography camera to have by your side.
PROS
Low-light AF mode
High-resolution images
Large, comfortable body
Excellent lens selection
Superb subject tracking features
CONS
Huge file sizes
Compressed RAW quality isn’t grea
2. Best-in-Class Autofocus & IBIS: Canon EOS R6
Canon camera bodies tend to be comfortable and rugged, and the Canon EOS R6 is no exception. At 1.5 lb, it is slightly on the heavier side, but you’re also getting excellent weather sealing (you must save the camera from spills). The button layout could be improved, but you do get a lot of customization options.
Why is it suited for Concerts?
The R6 has two stand-out features that make it a good camera for concert photography: Dual Pixel II autofocus and 8 stops of image stabilization that help you capture sharp images at long exposures. The camera also shoots HDR photos in a 10-bit HEIF format, making concert images pop on HDR-ready displays.
Connectivity & Inputs
Connectivity isn’t a problem on this camera since you have access to a high-speed, 10 Gbps USB-C port as well as 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Dual audio jacks and a micro HDMI port allow monitoring, and dual UHS-II class SD card slots take care of any backup needs.
Battery Life
Despite using LP-E6NH batteries, battery life is a little below average at just 360 shots. CIPA ratings for battery life are usually very conservative, of course, but I’d still recommend getting a battery grip for longer concerts.
Is this camera right for you?
With best-in-class AF, IBIS, and class-leading video performance, the R6 is a no-brainer for concerts. It’ll track subjects in nearly any lighting, can shoot through flicker, and you’ll get some impressive long-exposure shots with that IBIS. You just can’t go wrong with an R6.
PROS
8 EV of IBIS with compatible lenses
Dual Pixel II AF is superb
Face and eye tracking
Low-light performance
10-bit video recording
CONS
Tends to overheat easily
Poor battery life
Also Read: Things To Consider Before Buying 3 Point Slinger For Camera