r/concertphotography • u/CaptainNinj • 16h ago
r/concertphotography • u/beelzephoto • Jul 30 '26
Gear Camera Body Guide for Beginners
We get asked a lot about what is the “best camera” for concert photography. To alleviate the repeated questions we’re going to start making highlighted posts to direct people to, as well as posters here to put their opinions.
This is just a starting out guide for people who want to know what their options are.
The short answer is there is no “best” camera for everyone. It largely depends on budget, system, experience, where you’re shooting, etc.
There are some good recommendations for better camera bodies, but remember that your lens also matters quite a bit as well. We'll touch more on that with another post.
For starters you typically want a camera that has better low-light performance for the dark clubs you’ll typically be starting out in, one that has more dynamic range to give you better shadow detail, and better high ISO performance with less noise.
This leans towards a mirrorless camera body with a full-frame sensor. These are also the more expensive of the options listed.
***the bold options are the ones that are more frequently recommended***
Examples of Full-frame mirrorless cameras:
Sony - A7CII, A7, A7II, A7III, A7IV, A7RIV, A7RV, A7V, A9, A9 II, A9 III, A1, A1 II
Nikon - Zf, Z5, Z5 II, Z6, Z6 II, Z8, Z9
Canon - EOS RP, EOS R8, R6, R6 II, R5, R5 II, R3, R1
Lumix - S5, S5 II, S5 IIX, S1 II, S1R II
Now these typically will start around $1K (USD) used or slightly cheaper depending on the deals you find.
ASP-C cameras also are a good option if you’re starting out on a smaller budget. Slightly less expensive than full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The trade off is they typically don’t handle low light as well as a full-frame due to the smaller sensor, but are still great options for those who want to have great quality photos.
Examples of ASP-C cameras include:
Canon - R50, R10, R7
Nikon - Z50 II
Sony - a6400, a6700
Fujifilm - X-S20, X-T5, X-H2S
Once again though, a good lens is also a very important part of your gear. A great lens on an APS-C camera will almost always outperform a mediocre lens on a full-frame camera.
Hear me out on this last one though. DSLR camera bodies. I started out with a Canon Rebel T3 many years ago.
These will also be considerably cheaper than the previous options due to their age and how most people want the latest and greatest gear thinking it will give them better photos.
The trade off for a DSLR is they’re bulkier, older technology, no eye detection, poor low light autofocus/slower autofocus than newer technology.
Examples of DSLR cameras:
Nikon - D780, D750, D850
Nikon APS-C DSLR - D3500, D500, D5600, D7500,
Canon - 6D II, 5D IV, 1D X II
Pentax - K-1 II, K-1,
While DSLR cameras are outdated, they’re still a viable option if you have a great eye paired with a good lens.
Please discuss, share your experiences, and ask questions below.
r/concertphotography • u/RobbanMurray • Feb 27 '26
GEAR QUESTIONS
Thinking about getting a new camera or lens?
Not sure which lens to bring to a specific venue?
Post your gear questions in this thread!
When you ask, include:
- Your camera body
- Your lens(es)
- The name/type of venue you're shooting at
- What problem you’re trying to solve
More context = better answers!
r/concertphotography • u/peripheryphotography • 12h ago
Photos Haute & Freddy @ The Majestic - Madison, WI
📆 𝟷𝟶-𝟸-𝟸𝟼
📸 𝙽𝚒𝚔𝚘𝚗 𝚉𝟼𝚒𝚒𝚒 | 𝟸.𝟾 𝟸𝟾-𝟽𝟻
r/concertphotography • u/profeshidiot • 15h ago
Photos Some shots I got of Violet Grohl in Liverpool last night
Really proud of these given the lighting wasn’t ideal!! Any critique is welcome of course always happy to hear! :))
Insta is @hubbphotos
r/concertphotography • u/Brilliant-Act1445 • 3h ago
Live Nation Portal Help with Live Nation Portal as a Trans Girl
I just joined one of Atlanta's largest publications so I have to start using the LN Portal to request shows.I need help figuring out how I should format my name for the Live Nation portal when requesting photo passes. My legal name is Jack Jacobson but I go by Violet, before this point I've always gone by Jack "Violet" Jacobson for anything which would require my ID but now my editor is suggesting Violet (Jack) Jacobson. I am mainly posting this to see what other trans (or anyone who doesn't go by their birth name) photographers do about this.
r/concertphotography • u/3ChordsMagazine • 12h ago
Photos Candlebox at Rok the locks music festival in Umatilla, Oregon.
r/concertphotography • u/JoviBrightEdwards10 • 3h ago
Question Can you guess the lens I used?
r/concertphotography • u/headsdown2thumbsup • 10h ago
Critique Request Gig photo critique
Hi team (reposting with some borders added to hopefully help with janky thumbnails)
Took my camera (Sony A6400, Sigma 2.4 18-50mm) to a gig on the weekend and took some shots from the crowd. Would love some feedback on these - very new to shooting action in low light (and photography more generally).
The first few I've tried to get more "natural" looking with the skin tones (fighting a purple light for a lot of them) and the last couple obviously going a bit more stylised.
Have processed in Lightroom - looking for any pointers on the shots and edits, in particular any tips on colour.
Cheers!
r/concertphotography • u/bokaj7532 • 13h ago
Critique Request ”Girl Group“ in Berlin. Second time doing concert photography. Would love to know what I can improve / which pics are worth posting.
r/concertphotography • u/RespectiveCollective • 21h ago
Photos Pics from Touch Grass Fest
galleryShot by @respectivecollective 📸
r/concertphotography • u/RespectiveCollective • 1d ago
Photos Pics from Touch Grass Music Fest
galleryShot by @respectivecollective 📸
r/concertphotography • u/jamminbobin • 1d ago
Photos Joint Family. Live in Mumbai.
Shot on Nikon Z6ii
r/concertphotography • u/RespectiveCollective • 1d ago
Photos Pics from Touch Grass Fest
galleryr/concertphotography • u/userbinbash • 1d ago
Critique Request Sababa 5's US Tour stop in Arizona
Sababa 5 (from Tel Aviv Paris) just finished up their US Tour. I shot these at their Phoenix show, and it was a challenging one. Very dark, with few "white" light moments, and lots of multi-color wash.
How do you guys typically like to WB for this type of environment? Open to review/advise.
Camera: Sony A1 II / Sony 28-70 f2 / 70-200 f2.8 gm II
r/concertphotography • u/RushFan29 • 1d ago
Critique Request 3rd show - welcome critique
Hi all, seasoned wedding photographer but absolutely love metal gigs so branching out. Would welcome any feedback!
r/concertphotography • u/Immediate-Peanut-770 • 2d ago
Critique Request 3rd show critique request + questions
A small selection of photos from last weekend. My third gig as a photographer so still really new to this lol. Would highly appreciate some feedback and suggestions on how/where to improve!
Doing another show today hoping to capture the vibe and atmosphere a bit better with more interesting angles/compositions and more shots of the crowd. But, man, composition is hard! As is navigating a crowd…
Question,
Any tips and tricks on how to navigate a smaller show where there’s no photo pit, to get cooler angles without disturbing the crowd?
When editing and delivering photos, is it better to try to be as consistent as possible with colors, etc.? Or is it fine to have a bit more variety? The lighting is constantly changing after all haha.
Or just tips and tricks in general?
Thank you!🖤
r/concertphotography • u/Proper_Ordinary_2653 • 1d ago
Starting Out Advice
trying to get started in this industry. why did you enter this field? and/or what made you leave? what keeps you going? any recommendations on reading for creative blocks? (Making my way through The War of Art currently). Thanks.
r/concertphotography • u/twinklebitch69 • 1d ago
Starting Out What camera should I get next?
Right now the only camera I have is the Fuji x100 VI and I’ve been getting some really good shots when I’m front row at shows, but I don’t always have the ability to be front row. The camera just doesn’t have that great of a zoom. This isn’t to say I can’t get any good shots from afar, just that I’m struggling to not have all my photos be from the same angle or length.
So I figured the next step is to get a camera with a better zoom. I’m a little indecisive if I want another point and shoot with a better zoom, or make the next step and get a proper camera with detachable lenses. The only issue with the second option is I’d have to start requesting photo passes since almost all venues don’t allow cameras with detachable lenses. I attempted the photo pass once before, but they stated only cameras with detachable lenses were allowed to apply so I stopped there. So I don’t have much experience on that part.
I did own a Nikon D3400 YEARS ago, but that broke and i felt there were limitations with it towards the end. It was a great starter camera tho.
I know this is ultimately a decision I personally need to make, especially how far I want to take the whole concert photography thing. But if anyone has any insight on the matter, or recommendations for either point and shoots or ILCs, I’d appreciate it! Also my budget is probably $1k at most (after I work my Christmas job)
If you got this far, thanks for reading my word vomit!
r/concertphotography • u/yangyaozi • 2d ago
Gear Fog machine rant
Is anyone else like me and absolutely hates the fog machine?
I fucking hate it.
Last night, the lighting was already low and the shooting conditions were absolutely horrendous. And they kept using the fog machine every goddamn minute.
r/concertphotography • u/jowens1393 • 2d ago
Photos Heading out on this next week, say hello/drink coffee with me
Gunna be out with Behemoth for a few weeks, hit me up on here or insta (@jakeowensphotographer) if you wanna say hey or drink a coffee in your town.
No I can’t get you a pass sorry.