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Concert photography is unique because each concert only happens once. You get one chance to photograph moments that you may never experience again. You need the best camera for concert photography if you want to capture your memories – ones that you can look back on and reminisce about.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing the right camera – by rounding up the best point and shoot cameras for concert photography. You don’t want a camera that takes forever to capture what you want and makes you miss the moment.
We review the best cameras and compare them so that you can choose the camera that best suits your needs. We’ve also drafted up a table to make it even easier for you to choose once you know what you’re looking for.
Now, before wasting too much time, let’s take a look at some of the best concert photography cameras.
Comparison of 5 Best Camera for Concert Photography in 2023
| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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Sony A7 III Full FrameMirrorless |
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Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K |
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Nikon D3500 DX-Format |
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Sony Alpha A7IIK Mirrorless |
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Nikon D5600 DSLR |
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The 10 Best Cameras for Concert Photography
We’ve handpicked this list for you. These 10 cameras all pack the essential features you need to snap great quality photos in the shortest time possible.
These concert photography reviews will give you detailed information about each camera. We’ll discuss what we did and didn’t like about each camera, and what’s unique about them.
There is no one-size-fits-all concert photography camera; each model has its unique strengths and weaknesses. When you combine this information with your needs and style – you’ll know exactly which cameras play to your strengths and work well for you.
We haven’t ranked these cameras in any particular order, so feel free to use the comparison table to check out a more in-depth review of any camera you’d like to know more about.
1 Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera
- Weight: 1.44 lbs
- Dimensions: 5 x 3.88 x 3 in
- Max Resolution: 24.2MP
- Sensor: Full frame 35mm
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video Resolution: 4K UHD
- Optical Zoom: 1X
- Shots per second: 10
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The A7 boasts some seriously good low-light shooting – which is why it’s such as a good camera for concerts.
The auto-focus is fast and accurate; covering almost the entire frame, making the A7 one of the best point and shoot cameras for concert photography.
The battery life is great and will most likely give you at least 600 shots when using the viewfinder. From experience, this is plenty for concerts – unless you’re too trigger-happy.
Another valuable feature is a color smart 24MP lens for sharp photos – you won’t need much more than this for concert photography.
- Brilliant low-light concert photography.
- Great battery life.
- Auto-focus covers most of the frame.
- Ergonomics is better than the previous models.
- The touchscreen is limited. You can only use it for focusing.
- Steep learning curve, so it’s not great for beginners.
2 PANASONIC Lumix FZ80 4K – Best Camera for Concert Photography 2023
- Weight:1.36 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.69 x 5.13 x 3.71 in
- Max Resolution: 18.1MP
- Sensor: 1/2.3 inches
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p
- Optical Zoom:60X
- Shots per second: 30
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The FZ80 takes amazing point and shoot photos while using zoom.
This feature puts it up top with the best cameras for concert photography. You can crisply capture far-off images without having to move around a crowded venue.
The 18MP camera along with a 60X zoom and POWER O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilization) makes this camera like a rifle in the hands of a veteran sniper. This is one of the best compact cameras for concerts.
The 4K video lets you capture crisp and smooth video. With decent low light performance, both video and photos are going to be sharp and effortless.
- High resolution viewfinder.
- Powerful zoom – great macro photography.
- Good stabilization at the far end of the zoom.
- Compact and easy to handle.
- Capturing moving objects in low-light is sub-par.
- The focus can struggle when obstructed because there is no focus ring.
3 Nikon D3500 – Best Point And Shoot Camera For Concert Photography
- Weight: 1. 0.86 lb
- Dimensions: 4.88 x 2.76 x 3.82 in
- Max Resolution: 24.7MP
- Sensor: 1 inch
- Viewfinder: Optical
- Video Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Optical Zoom: 3X
- Shots per second: 8
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This is very easy to use DSLR. It doesn’t have a steep learning curve and is great if you’re looking for a quality point-and-shoot camera.
The design is compact and comfortable to hold. It’s a big bonus when you’re going to be holding it for a couple of hours while at a concert. Its lightweight body and small frame put it among the best compact cameras for concerts.
There is no touchscreen on this model. Touchscreens aren’t always better, and many pros prefer not to use one – and their battery life thanks to them.
The 24MP lens will give you very clear and crisp photos that won’t lose a lot of detail, even in low light.
- Very lightweight and compact – perfect for concerts
- The ergonomic grip is surprisingly comfortable
- Easy for beginners to use – point and shoot
- You can use the Nikon app to transfer photos and videos easily
- No microphone port – sometimes important at concerts
- Sometimes over-saturates the brighter colors
4 Sony Alpha a7IIK is Best Camera for Concert Video also
- Weight: 1.32 lbs
- Dimensions: 5 x 2.36 x 3.78 in
- Max Resolution: 24.7MP
- Sensor: APS-C
- Viewfinder: LCD
- Video Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Optical Zoom: 2X
- Shots per second: 5
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At its time of release, this camera had the world’s first 5-axis in-body image stabilization. You’ll be able to use your favorite lens without having to worry about blurred images.
The full-frame 24MP camera delivers stunningly sharp and colorful shots. For some people, this could be the best digital camera for concerts, depending on what you want to get from your concert photography.
- Even faster phase detection than before
- Razor sharp photographs
- Quick access to the menu through well-placed buttons, intuitive to use
- Very well-priced for the value it delivers
- Good for beginners
- Battery life isn’t as good as it should be.
- Quite a heavy camera – this matters for concert photography
- The control wheel is a little small for some people
5 Nikon D5600 DSLR – Best Digital Camera For Concerts
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 6 x 8.9 in
- Max Resolution: 24.2MP
- Sensor: APS-C
- Viewfinder: Optical
- Video Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Optical Zoom: 3X
- Shots per second: 5
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The 24MP CMOS sensor is efficient and consistent, with photos made even better by an EXPEED 4 image processor. What this means is that you’ll get balanced images that aren’t over-processed. This all comes together to make it one of the better concert photography cameras.
The first time you pick up the D5600, you’ll know it has a great build quality– though it’s on the heavy side.
The ISO performs much better than many of the competing models. This is a good all-around concert photography camera.
- Brilliant ISO range and low-light performance.
- Auto-focus is accurate and fast.
- The LCD screen is great and can be flipped to face you.
- Fantastic build quality.
- Not the easiest camera to use – takes some getting used to.
- Battery life is average.
- The weight and size can make it a little difficult to handle in some situations.
6 Canon PowerShot SX530 Digital Camera
- Weight: 0.97 lb
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.62 x 3.23 in
- Color: Black
- Max Resolution: 16MP
- Sensor: 1/2.3 inches
- Viewfinder: None
- Video Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Optical Zoom: 50X
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This is among the best digital cameras for concerts. It packs a whopping 50X optical zoom that will make your photography stand out. The 16MP camera will give you clear photos, even when zooming in.
Wireless sharing is simple and made even better if you use the Canon Connect Station. Sharing to your devices – or backup for safe storage – is much easier than many similar models.
The small size makes this a very versatile camera and easily portable. This is great when taking photos is tight and crowded concert venues.
- Powerful zoom gives you unique concert photographs
- Small, light, compact, and versatile
- Benefits of being compatible with the Canon Connect Station
- It’s a steal considering the value you get at this price
- Using the optical zoom without a tripod is shaky
- You cannot natively shoot panoramas
7 Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Weight: 0.63 lb
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 1.78 x 2.63 in
- Color: Black
- Max Resolution: 24MP
- Sensor: APS-C
- Viewfinder: LCD
- Video Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Optical Zoom: 3X
- Shots per second: 11
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This camera packs quality specs into half the size of a standard DSLR. An extremely fast auto-focus of 0.06s and the ability to shoot at 11 frames a second– make the Sony Alpha a strong contender for the best point-and-shoot camera for concert photography.
A 24MP APS-C sensor with good low-light performance means that you will be able to capture the full life of the concert; then quickly share it with your devices through Wi-Fi and NFC.
The viewfinder is accurate and the controls are easy to learn. Overall, this is a fantastic choice if you want the best digital camera for concerts.
- Many high-quality features are packed into a small portable camera
- Excellent auto-focus (179 AF points)
- The viewfinder accurately represents real-life
- It comes with essential attachments such as a lens hood and shoulder strap.
- Using the screen drains the battery really fast
- Not a fantastic lens selection
- Not the easiest camera to hold. It can be a little awkward at times.
Also Read: What’s the Best Camera for Music Videos
8 Canon PowerShot SX420 is The Best Camera For Concert Photography
- Weight: 0.72 lb
- Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.1 x 2.7 in
- Color: Black
- Max Resolution: 20MP
- Sensor: 1 inch CCD
- Viewfinder: Fixed LCD
- Video Resolution: 720p FHD
- Optical Zoom: 42X
- Shots per second: 6
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The powerful 42X optical zoom is balanced out by good OIS performance.
The sensor is 20MP with a DIGIC 4+ image processor that doesn’t over-process.
An intelligent feature of the SX420 is the Smart Auto Setting – it chooses the best settings for the camera based on situations that you predefined. You can set your camera settings for concerts beforehand, giving you more freedom when you need it.
You will quickly learn what the best camera settings for concert photography are, and you’ll know how to use them to get more out of your camera – it just takes a little practice.
- A great optical zoom that isn’t too shaky thanks to decent OIS performance
- Good image processing
- LCD has a wide viewing angle
- Smart Auto function is exceptionally useful
- You don’t have full control over shutter speed and aperture
- Not really a point-and-shoot camera. Needs good control and set-up to produce great results.
9 Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 1.65 x 2.4 x 4.15 in
- Max Resolution: 20.1MP
- Sensor: 1 inch CMOS
- Viewfinder: Flexible LCD
- Video Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Optical Zoom: 4.2X
- Shots per second: 8
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The concert photographs you take will have a great dynamic range thanks to the 20.1MP CMOS sensor. You’re going to be getting reliable photos and a fantastic video that’s sharp and stable.
You can operate in temperatures as low as zero degrees – meaning you can still use your camera at concerts, even in extreme conditions.
The auto-focus isn’t bad at all and can be controlled manually if you want greater control over it.
- Photo quality is extremely impressive – with great dynamic range and accurate color representation.
- High-resolution LCD monitor.
- You can shoot constantly up to 8 frames per second.
- Manual focus is very helpful, especially when there are lots of obstructions
- The bokeh isn’t as good as a DSLR
- The battery capability doesn’t support the full potential of what the camera can do
- Dust tends to get inside the lens – this could be an issue in crowded places. Make sure to get extra protection from dust and water.
10 Nikon D750 FX-format Best Digital SLR Camera
- Weight: 1.65 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.55 x 3.07 x 4.45 in
- Max Resolution: 24.3MP
- Sensor: Full frame 35mm
- Viewfinder: Optical (pentaprism)
- Video Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Optical Zoom: 1X
- Shots per second: 6.5
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This model is similar to the D5600 reviewed earlier. The main difference is the video performance. The D750 gives you more control over the fps settings as well as manual control over shutter speed, ISO, and aperture while recording.
This camera has great photography performance, good enough to make it to this top 10 list. Its video performance is the cherry on top and ads to the quality you get with this model.
The sensor is 24.3MP and delivers great colorful sharp shots.
- Compact, lightweight, and slim body
- Excellent video performance to match already great photo quality
- Manual control gives you the chance to capture what you want
- Great tracking for moving targets – essential for concert photography
- Not easy for beginners to learn to use
- Some people reported light flaring issues – but this won’t affect everyone
Some Final Tips to Help You Out
Now that we’re done reviewing our handpicked list of the best cameras for concert photography – you should have a good idea of what makes the best concert photography camera.
Remember to think about what kind of photos you’ll be taking, your style, and your needs when choosing the best camera to buy.
Below are some pointers to keep you moving in the right direction and improving your skills.
Learn How to Take Concert Photos
It seems obvious, doesn’t it? Concert photography has several unique aspects that can affect the results you get– if you don’t pay attention to them.
You’d be surprised how many photographers forget to keep improving at their craft and learning new tips and tricks from other photographers.
You should devote some of your time to experimenting with different styles and learning about things you may not know yet. Even the best photographers learn something new every day.
You need to give your attention to this – think hard about how to take better concert photos.
Now, get out there and put what you learn into practice, and keep improving!
Get Some Protection for your Camera
Concerts can be messy places. People are drinking and eating – and there are things happening up on stage like smoke and chalk being shot into the air. Another emerging problem is that powerful concert lasers can damage the lens of your camera. Many concerts use these powerful lasers, follow the link to learn more about what you can do.
Some cameras aren’t innately protected against this new problem.
Dust and moisture can get into the lens if you aren’t careful. You’ve invested a decent amount of money into your camera; it’s a good idea to splash a little extra to protect your investment and give yourself a sense of security.
Here are some great tips to protect your camera from damage and how to keep it clean.
Our Final Thoughts
Our last tip to you is to HAVE FUN!!!
Don’t be afraid to get creative.
A hobby can quickly become a passion when you enjoy doing it. Don’t get too caught up in technical details or stressing about having all the perfect gear.
A great photographer can work with anything. Keep building your skills and have a great time learning how to become a better concert photographer.
Now that you have the best camera for concert photography that matches your style and needs – you’re ready to get your camera out, get to a concert, and start taking some head-turning photos.
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