Concert photography is one of the most rewarding genres of image creation. However, not all cameras are created equal. Concerts require certain settings and abilities due to the low and variable lighting conditions. It is part action and part low-light photography.
Knowing what camera is best is a challenge. This guide overviews five solid cameras that will assist in creating the best concert photography. Catered to all budgets, this concise list is sure to offer any photographer a selection.
For tips on shooting at a concert, check out this post on how to best capture photo and video at a concert. And when you’re done, check out these 20 tips for editing concert photography.
5 Best Concert Photography Cameras
Canon G7Xiii
Cost: $749
This is a powerful camera for concert photography. Being a small camera, it is relatively light and small, so carrying it around all night will not be a hindrance. It’s an affordable camera that offers great low-light abilities with its night mode. Finally, this top 5 best camera for concert photography includes image stabilization. This means that in low light, the photographer can get away with a slower shutter speed and still have clear images.
Pros
- 20.1 Megapixel CMOS crop-sensor
- Optical Image Stabilizaton
- Touch Panel LCD Screen
- Face discovery focusing
- 4k 30p Video Capabilties
Cons
- Face discovery does not work with burst firing
- The lens is not as crisp as a DSLR or mirrorless camera
- No electric viewfinder
Nikon D7500
Cost: $996.95
One of my all-time favorite cameras and one that excels at concert photography is this Nikon model. It’s a great DSLR that has a fast processor and is not as big as other cameras. This kit comes with two lenses to cover a wide range of focal lengths. The ISO can be pushed to create stunning images in low light. This is an ideal DSLR camera for any type of concert photography.
Pros
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 20.9 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
- 51 Point Autofocus system
- Snapbridge APP Bluetooth/Wifi Image Transfer
Cons
- 4K Video is cropped
- Only one memory card niche
- No battery grip option
Nikon Z6ii
Cost: $1996.95
A mirrorless camera is a great choice for concert photography. Designed with low light in mind, this one has excellent in-body stabilization. Additionally, this camera has a high ISO ability allowing for extensive work at a concert. The increased resolution from the full-frame sensor, along with the high-speed frame rate, make this a great package for concert photography.
Pros
- 24.5 Megapixel full-frame Sensor
- 14 frames per second rate
- Electronic Viewfinder
- Dual EXPEED 6 Image Processor
- Phase Detection Autofocus system
Cons
- Limited third-party lens support
- Full-frame 4k limited to 30 fps
- Expensive
- Hard to come by due to supply chain issues
Sony A7iii
Cost: $1998
Sony has been in the mirrorless game the longest, and their cameras showcase this. They are well-designed and great for concert photography. Arguably, the Alpha series has the best in-camera image stabilization allowing this camera to be a beast in low-light conditions. The large sensor and high frame rate are ideal for creating stunning concert photography.
Pros
- 42.4 Megapixel full-frame sensor
- Expanded ISO 102400
- 399 point Autofocus system
- BIONZ X Processing Engine
- 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
Cons
- Expensive
- Only one card niche supports SD UHS-II
- Thick menu system
Sony A7R iv
Cost: $2998
This is probably the top of the line in terms of concert photography cameras. This package will set the photographer up for excellent imagery. If the cost is no barrier, it has a lot to offer. Notably, 61 megapixels of stellar image creation. Along with an advanced hybrid autofocus system, having this camera in hand, along with practice and experience, will help create some amazing concert photography.
Pros
- ISO range of 100 to 32000
- 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization
- Accurate color reproduction
- 4K video recording
- 5.76 million dod OLED view screen
Cons
- Most expensive camera kit
- High pixels are inferior for video recording
- Phase discovery does not extend to the edge of the frame
- Bulky