As a concert photographer, you might find it hard to capture good images and video footage during live performances. You’ll have to deal with excessive lighting, flashing lights, rapid movements, and other challenging elements. This is why looking for a concert camera with high-quality imaging capabilities is highly essential for getting great shots. You’ll also need your designated camera to be powerful and lightweight.
Fortunately, camera manufacturers are now offering great choices for concert cameras. These include DSLR and mirrorless cameras. So whether you’re a beginner or skilled pro or are shooting shows as a hobby, here are some of the best cameras for concert photography on the market today.
The Best DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras for Concerts
Sony Alpha a6000 ()
The a6000’s versatility makes it an ideal concert camera. Its 24.3-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor uses angled micro-lenses for optimal light gathering and delivers enhanced sensitivity in any shooting condition. The device features the BIONZ X image processor for clear photos with accurate textures, less blur, and controlled noise. Shooting natural and subtle images without using flash is possible as well, since this camera has a very high ISO range.
If you want to completely focus on the artists while they’re on stage, the a6000 lets you do so via its Fast Hybrid AF function. It helps you perfectly capture your subject by focusing scenes through phase detection. And if you love taking videos during performances, this mirrorless camera will let you capture film-like motion in Full HD video at 60p or 24p.
Key Specifications:
- 24.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 24.3 MP Stills / Full HD Video up to 60p
- ISO 100-25600
- Continuous Shooting up to 11 fps
- 3.0” 921k-Dot Xtra Fine Tilting LCD
Canon EOS Rebel T6 ()
If you’re a concert photography newbie looking for a user-friendly DSLR, this Canon EOS model is perfect for you. The Rebel T6 offers sensitivities up to ISO 6400, making it an ideal camera for concerts in low light conditions. It also achieves very bright and detailed images and videos through an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 4+ image processor.
You’ll also love how the Rebel T6 lets you take photos easily. The camera allows for simple image composition with its Scene Intelligent Auto mode. This mode simplifies exposure accuracy using various Canon technologies and gives helpful image analysis through the EOS Scene Analysis System. There’s even a Basic+ mode for simple effect creation and a Creative Auto mode if you want to take your skills to the next level.
Key Specifications:
- 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- 18 Megapixel Stills / Full HD Video at 30 fps
- ISO 100-6400 (Expandable to ISO 100-12800)
- Continuous Shooting up to 3 fps
- 3.0” 920k-Dot LCD Monitor
Sony Alpha a7III ()
The a7III is more than just a mirrorless concert camera: it combines excellent imaging and fast performance with a portable package. This Sony model reads data two times faster than the a7RII and features an increased processing rate with its 24.2-megapixel Exmor R sensor, BIONZ X engine, and front-end LSI. It also has an expanded ISO 100-51200 range and incorporates other Sony technologies for detailed images and less noise.
You’ll get more reliable autofocus in dim scenes with the a7III’s cutting-edge AF algorithms. These algorithms will give you high AF accuracy, even in EV-3 lighting. The camera also tracks subjects well in various shooting conditions with an A-mount lens, thanks to 693 phase-detection AF points.
Key Specifications:
- 24.2 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 24.2 MP Stills / UHD 4K30p Video
- ISO 100-51200 (Expandable to ISO 50-204800)
- Continuous Shooting up to 10 fps
- 3.0” 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Nikon D500 ()
When it comes to processing power and innovative imaging, the D500 is a real powerhouse. Its EXPEED 5 processor gives you high-quality photos and up to ISO 51200 sensitivity. You can even expand the camera’s native ISO range to Hi 5 (ISO 1640000) for low light concert shooting. The D500 also captures subjects well in various shooting conditions through its 153-point autofocus.
This Nikon DSLR camera makes capturing photos in concerts comfortable as well. The camera body is portable and light, giving you superb agility. It also features a tilting touchscreen LCD, which enables easier image capture and composition from low or high angles. These features make the D500 perfect for agile concert photographers.
Key Specifications:
- 20.9 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 20.9 MP Stills / 4K UHD Video at 30 fps
- ISO 100-51200 (Expandable to ISO 50-1640000)
- Continuous Shooting up to 10 fps
- 3.2” 2539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Canon EOS 6D Mark II ()
The 6D Mark II is another superb camera for concerts as it performs well in low-light situations and at extended sensitivities. This is all thanks to the camera’s 26.2-megapixel sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 7 image processor. The CMOS sensor boasts a wide ISO range of ISO 100-40000 (which extends to ISO 50-102400), while the DIGIC 7 processor helps deliver high-quality images and quick camera operation.
This Canon model provides precise tracking for fast-moving subjects through 45 cross-type AF points. It even gives you low brightness down to EV-3 for outstanding performance in dark scenes. And to top it all off, you can shoot clearly in the 6D Mark II’s Live View mode with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.
Key Specifications:
- 26.2 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 26.2 MP Stills / Full HD Video at 60 fps
- ISO 100-40000 (Expandable to ISO 50-102400)
- Continuous Shooting up to 6.5 fps
- 3” 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
Sony Alpha a7II ()
Combining stunning images with unparalleled shooting freedom, the a7II’s full-frame image quality and advanced stabilization system enables complete creative expression. Its 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X engine gives you breathtaking photos. The sensor offers 24.3 megapixels and a very broad dynamic range; it also produces images with less noise and subtle gradations. On the other hand, the BIONZ X processor delivers accurate texture and detail at fast processing speeds.
The a7II also features five-axis image stabilization, making it the first full-frame camera to include the system. This function offers clearer zooms, close-ups, and nighttime images. The camera delivers reliable autofocus and subject tracking as well through its Fast Hybrid AF system. With this feature, the a7II responds quicker, predicts focus accurately, and covers a wide area.
Key Specifications:
- 24.3 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 24.3 MP Stills / Full HD Video up to 60p
- ISO 100-25600 (Expandable to ISO 50-25600)
- Continuous Shooting up to 5 fps
- 3.0” 1,229k-Dot Tilting LCD
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II ()
The OM-D E-M5 Mark II delivers faster performance and less noise throughout its native ISO range with its 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic VII processor. The sensor offers high ISO sensitivities up to ISO 25600 and reproduces colors accurately through an extended dynamic range. You’ll get better-looking images in low light, thanks to the TruePic VII engine. The camera features enhanced five-axis VCM stabilization as well, giving you five-step camera shake compensation for stills.
When it comes to operability in different conditions, the OM-D E-M5 Mark II is now more reliable with a freeze-proof design. But the camera body is still dust and splash-proof. Olympus has also integrated the Zuiko lens system into the E-M5 Mark II. The 16-megapixel sensor, TruePic VII processor, and image stabilization system all help this system deliver high-quality images.
Key Specifications:
- 16.1 MP Micro Four-Thirds MOS Sensor
- TruePic VII Image Processor
- 16.1 MP Stills / Full HD 1080p Video at up to 60 fps
- ISO 200-3200 (Expandable to ISO 100-25600)
- Continuous Shooting up to 10 fps
- 3.0” Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
Fujifilm X-T3 ()
With an X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 engine, Fujifilm’s X-T3 resolves images and reproduces colors to the highest degree. It also processes data at faster rates. The X-Trans sensor has a 26.1-megapixel resolution with a special color filter array and a back-illuminated design, while the X-Processor 4 features improved data processing. On top of that, 2.16 million pixels for phase-detection AF is also present in the X-Trans sensor, now covering the full frame.
For easier viewing, you’ll find the X-T3’s electronic viewfinder useful with its 3.69-million-dot resolution and 0.75x magnification. It also has a 0.0005-second display time lag and a 100 fps refresh rate for showing smooth movement. Both features will help you recognize subject motion and focus position accurately. And if you’re capturing video, the X-T3 records 4K footage to your SD card.
Key Specifications:
- 26.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- X-Processor 4 Engine
- 26.1 MP Stills / UHD 4K Video at up to 60p
- ISO 160-12800 (Expandable to ISO 80-51200)
- Continuous Shooting up to 30 fps
- 3.0” 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Nikon D5 ()
If you’re a pro at concert shooting, the D5 might just become your new best friend. The FX-format sensor in this Nikon camera has 20.8 megapixels, delivering high-resolution images with vibrant tones and a better signal-to-noise ratio. These elements ultimately give you better image quality at high ISO sensitivities. And since we’re talking about sensitivity here, the D5’s native ISO range features sensitivity levels up to ISO 102400 (which you can extend up to ISO 328000).
The D5 also covers wider and denser areas through its very advanced autofocus, which features 153 AF points and 99 cross-type sensors. It even has the EXPEED 5 image processor for handling large amounts of image data. The engine uses a noise reduction function, offering crisp and less noisy photos at high sensitivities. All these powerful features make the D5 one of the best cameras for concert photography.
Key Specifications:
- 20.8 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 20.8 MP Stills / 4K UHD Video at 30 fps
- ISO 100-102400 (Expandable to ISO 50-328000)
- Continuous Shooting up to 12 fps
- 3.2” 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 ()
Last but definitely not the least, we’ve got the Lumix G7. Its mirrorless design gives you a more lightweight and portable body packed with various advanced technologies. From video to exposure, typical DSLR models usually don’t feature the technologies present in this Panasonic mirrorless camera.
The G7 has a 16-megapixel image sensor with the same function as a DSLR image sensor. It also gives you stills and videos without any undesirable elements through an intelligent processor. Capturing incredible low-light photos can be a reality with the G7 as it offers sensitivities up to ISO 25600. And with 4K UltraHD technology, this camera lets you turn your best shots into high-resolution images.
Key Specifications:
- 16 MP Micro Four Thirds MOS Sensor
- Venus Engine 9 Image Processor
- 16 MP Stills / 4K UHD Video at 30/24 fps
- ISO 200-25600 (Expandable to ISO 100-25600)
- Continuous Shooting up to 40 fps
- 3.0” 1.04m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen Display
Feature image via Shutterstock
