Need a good concert camera (consumer) at DVinfo.net

Jason Lowe · May 25th, 2010, 01:32 PM

Going to several concerts this summer/fall, and since bands have finally lightened up on in-concert photography, I'd like to get a small point-and-shoot pocket rocket to take concert pics. The iPhone is completely worthless for this purpose, giving me a yield of exactly one good pic per show so far.

I'd like one of those really thin cameras that would slip into a shirt pocket. Manual controls aren't necessarily, but I would imagine low light and image stabilization would be prime.

I'd like to take pics like this:

Trans Siberian Orchestra on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I've seen several different pics on flickr with different cameras, many of which are older and out of production. I thought this group might have some good suggestions.

Robert Lane · May 25th, 2010, 02:17 PM

I've used and recommend the Canon G11; great low-light/low noise characteristics. The articulated LCD also makes over-the-head shots a breeze.

The S90 uses the same chip/imaging engine but lacks the swiveling LCD and loses some manual functions.

Also pricey but makes amazing images is the Sigma DP2s; far and away the Foveon sensor makes for superior images to every other digi-cam out there, unfortunately it's slower than the Canon and lacks a zoom lens but is one of the most under-rated pocket-cams ever.

Outside of those two it's a crap-shoot; any other camera/brand will have nearly exacting specs and performance within it's category/price-range.

Don Blish · June 22nd, 2013, 04:20 PM

I've replaced carrying DSLR and videocam with these tiny mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras. With kit lens its very inconspicuous. With power zoom and voice coil Vibration Reduction, the 10-100 PD lens is fantastic for regular use, hand held or on tripod/monopod. I just fitted the FT1 adaptor to use Nikon F glass and the small 55-300 gives a full-frame equiv of 150-810mm. Focus is the fastest on the planet with on-chip phase detect autofocus.

Dave Blackhurst · June 29th, 2013, 06:33 PM

Might be worth a look at the Sony RX100 and the just announced RX100 MkII - really IS a shirt pocket camera, but a powerhouse for it's size. Expensive, and somewhat limited in zoom range (although the clear zoom will get you to 200mm equiv) but the image quality is there.

May 25th, 2010, 01:32 PM	#1
Jason Lowe Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Smithfield, Pennsylvania Posts: 226	Need a good concert camera (consumer) Going to several concerts this summer/fall, and since bands have finally lightened up on in-concert photography, I'd like to get a small point-and-shoot pocket rocket to take concert pics. The iPhone is completely worthless for this purpose, giving me a yield of exactly one good pic per show so far. I'd like one of those really thin cameras that would slip into a shirt pocket. Manual controls aren't necessarily, but I would imagine low light and image stabilization would be prime. I'd like to take pics like this: Trans Siberian Orchestra on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I've seen several different pics on flickr with different cameras, many of which are older and out of production. I thought this group might have some good suggestions.

June 22nd, 2013, 04:20 PM	#3
Don Blish Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland OR Posts: 227	Consider Nikon V1 or V2 I've replaced carrying DSLR and videocam with these tiny mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras. With kit lens its very inconspicuous. With power zoom and voice coil Vibration Reduction, the 10-100 PD lens is fantastic for regular use, hand held or on tripod/monopod. I just fitted the FT1 adaptor to use Nikon F glass and the small 55-300 gives a full-frame equiv of 150-810mm. Focus is the fastest on the planet with on-chip phase detect autofocus.

June 29th, 2013, 06:33 PM	#4
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Re: Need a good concert camera (consumer) Might be worth a look at the Sony RX100 and the just announced RX100 MkII - really IS a shirt pocket camera, but a powerhouse for it's size. Expensive, and somewhat limited in zoom range (although the clear zoom will get you to 200mm equiv) but the image quality is there.

May 25th, 2010, 02:17 PM	#2
Robert Lane Go Go Godzilla Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA Posts: 2,823 Images: 15	I've used and recommend the Canon G11; great low-light/low noise characteristics. The articulated LCD also makes over-the-head shots a breeze. The S90 uses the same chip/imaging engine but lacks the swiveling LCD and loses some manual functions. Also pricey but makes amazing images is the Sigma DP2s; far and away the Foveon sensor makes for superior images to every other digi-cam out there, unfortunately it's slower than the Canon and lacks a zoom lens but is one of the most under-rated pocket-cams ever. Outside of those two it's a crap-shoot; any other camera/brand will have nearly exacting specs and performance within it's category/price-range.