Best camera for concerts that security will allow? Also, best P&S camera with in-camera HDR?

[TimmyD11]

I know U2 doesn't like it, but they are only half right...you should enjoy the show...but fans also like the idea of getting fantastic pictures of their favorite band. There has to be a balance.

The Sony RX100 III through V is on my list for landscapes but the short zoom does me no good for concert photography. The Panasonic Lumix ZS100 is small, has a 1" sensor and a zoom that goes to 250mm...I'm considering that and looking for an even better alternative in the price range.

 

[vintagesnaps]

Good point Nerwin. I agree with Gary, do your homework.

And why is U2 only half right? People aren't necessarily getting good pictures, they usually just have phone in hand and want to slap a picture on social media. You can probably only do so much from the area where concert goers are seated/standing. Just enjoy the show and if cameras are allowed at this concert, take some pictures just for fun.

 

[jaomul]

Not sure guys, some people like landscapes, some portraits, some macro. Telling someone to enjoy the concert when they might want to take concert photos seems a bit off to me

 

[TimmyD11]

I only like a few bands, and I love even less. When I see U2 I don't mess around. I get floor tickets and put the time in to be among the first or second people against the stage. If I can get a compact camera with a 1" sensor and a 250mm zoom built in I am probably getting printable images that might be one small shade below professional quality. At least incredible amateur images. Just take a ton and bracket away. I am pretty sure there would be some very worthwhile results.

Then again I could be wrong, hence I'm asking you guys.

 

[table1349]

I know U2 doesn't like it, but they are only half right...you should enjoy the show...but fans also like the idea of getting fantastic pictures of their favorite band. There has to be a balance.

The Sony RX100 III through V is on my list for landscapes but the short zoom does me no good for concert photography. The Panasonic Lumix ZS100 is small, has a 1" sensor and a zoom that goes to 250mm...I'm considering that and looking for an even better alternative in the price range.

Why does there have to be a balance? Where do you get the idea that you have the right to go take photos at a concert. The ticket you purchased is to go enjoy the concert that the performers put on. It is not a ticket to do what you think you want to do.

If you want to take event/concert photos then become an event/concert photographer, if you want to be a fan then be a fan. U2 has the right to present their show as THEY SEE Fit. If you don't like the way a particular band or venue handles their shows don't give them your money.

 

[TimmyD11]

Jesus Christ. I AM a fan. A HUGE fan. That is why I want photos. And if it's allowed I am going to try to get some of the best pictures that I can.

 

[benhasajeep]

Jesus Christ. I AM a fan. A HUGE fan. That is why I want photos. And if it's allowed I am going to try to get some of the best pictures that I can.

The thing is, now a days they want you to buy the video or pictures. They don't want people selling high quality of pictures competing against them. They lease the arena, so it's their party, and their rules. Some acts don't mind at all. Free publicity of people posting their pics. But for the most part. Well established acts, don't want people taking high quality pictures of them. I know this from 2 years of doing concert security at Pontiac Silverdome, Palace of Auburn Hills, and Joe Louis Arena. My fraternity used to do concert security as a fund raiser through security companies. This was over 20 years ago but I am sure same goes now. Security gets briefed on what the act allows. Back then it was normally interchangeable lens cameras were a no no. Point and shoots, instant, etc were allowed. Like others have said, it is normally posted now, what is and is not allowed per the act.

Might try a bridge camera. They have those wonder lenses that goes way out. And yet it's not interchangeable lens. But still dealing with a small cramped pixel sensor. My last one was a Nikon Coolpix 8700. I still have it, but the monitor is starting to go on it. Was a good compact digital camera. And for the time. A pretty wide / long lens.

 

[Gary A.]

I only like a few bands, and I love even less. When I see U2 I don't mess around. I get floor tickets and put the time in to be among the first or second people against the stage. If I can get a compact camera with a 1" sensor and a 250mm zoom built in I am probably getting printable images that might be one small shade below professional quality. At least incredible amateur images. Just take a ton and bracket away. I am pretty sure there would be some very worthwhile results.

Then again I could be wrong, hence I'm asking you guys.

Being that close to the stage with a decent camera and 250mm will/should give you some very nice results. Use the spot meter on the faces, (if the camera has a spot meter), or max zoom on the faces and meter. Shoot in manual and chimp a lot.

Some Jazz stuff from a few different events, all from the front of the stage, outdoor lighting:

Oly EM5, MFT sensor, @162mm, ISO 1600

XPro1 - APS-C sensor w/Fujinon 50-200 @ 200mm, ISO 1600

XPro1 - APS-C sensor w/Fujinon 50-200 @ 55mm, ISO 3200

Oly EM5 MFT sensor @ 300mm, ISO 1600

Oly EM5 MFT sensor, @ 75mm, ISO 1600

 

[TimmyD11]

Nice pictures!

I went to Adorama in NYC last night. A bridge camera is too SLR looking so I did not risk it. I went with the Panasonic ZS100. 1" sensor, compact, zoom to 250mm. I think I will get it through security and take pretty darn good pictures with it!

 

[vintagesnaps]

If allowed to bring in a camera, that one or any decent quality p&s should be fine for taking photos as a fan. Having a decent camera and 'prayin' and sprayin' isn't necessarily going to get pro or similar to pro quality results.

Buying a ticket means agreeing to follow policies of the venue, promoter, team, etc. Trying to sneak something in (camera/telephoto lens, umbrella, bottled water etc.) is taking a chance of the prohibited items being confiscated or being escorted out. Seems disrespectful to the performer not to follow the rules and policies set for their concert. Things are much stricter than it used to be but it seems to depend on the place.

 

[table1349]

If allowed to bring in a camera, that one or any decent quality p&s should be fine for taking photos as a fan. Having a decent camera and 'prayin' and sprayin' isn't necessarily going to get pro or similar to pro quality results.

Buying a ticket means agreeing to follow policies of the venue, promoter, team, etc. Trying to sneak something in (camera/telephoto lens, umbrella, bottled water etc.) is taking a chance of the prohibited items being confiscated or being escorted out. Seems disrespectful to the performer not to follow the rules and policies set for their concert. Things are much stricter than it used to be but it seems to depend on the place.

But... But.... But..................As the OP said: "Jesus Christ. I AM a fan. A HUGE fan. That is why I want photos."

"Seems disrespectful to the performer not to follow the rules and policies set for their concert." Like that means anything these days? I suspect that if the concert goers were respectful there wouldn't be all of the rules, policies etc. that there are.

Sadly Sharon, we are just showing our age with such thinking. It does make me laugh though. The last time the Rolling Stones were here a couple of years ago it was a very enthusiastic but respectful crowd. Of course a large part of the crowd was from my generation, because 1. we bought up the tickets first & 2. we could afford all the good seats. Aside from some of the old time heads and probably a few new ones passing around a few joints it was a very respectable crowd witnessing an outstanding concert. But then if there weren't a few heads passing around some weed, there is no way it could be a good concert or a good band.

I do miss the old days though. The first time I saw the stones it was in The Municipal Stadium in KC. That was before Kaufman stadium or Arrowhead stadium was built. No assigned seating and thousands in attendance. The worse problem there was for guys like me that had their girlfriends on their shoulders for 3+ hours. But I did come away with a drum stick when Charlie Watts tossed a set into the crowd.

 

[TCampbell]

I'd recommend either the p and s idea. Something like a set of m43 cams, 2 fast primes and a zoom. This might not be as expensive as you think. Add the filters and stuff in computer later if you want

Quite a few concert venues will not allow any camera with a "removable" lens. This means the micro four-thirds with a couple of primes wouldn't be permitted (at least not without a photo pass). With this aside, I've seen people bring full size DSLRs into concerts... but they'd just have a single lens and they'd claim the lens wasn't removable and if the security screening person doesn't know any better.... but of course this is a gamble. If you want to be a bit more confident that you won't have a problem, bring in a camera that doesn't have a removable lens. I had one concert venue whose rules stated you couldn't have any lens longer than 6"... but you could have removable lens cameras. That seemed to be the exception... most venues just say no "removable" lens cameras.

I picked up an advanced point & shoot specifically for concerts because it doesn't have a removable lens. There are several advanced point & shoots that do well in low-light concert photography conditions and would give you a bit of zoom.

 

[The Barbarian]

I'm thinking a Pentax Q with a Pentax auto 110 70mm lens with an adapter would be great. You can pocket that, and still get the stage from the back row. You get a 2.8 lens that's a bit longer than 500mm 35mm equivalent.

Here's what it does:

 

[TimmyD11]

Thought I mentioned it already. I decided on the Panasonic ZS100. Compact, 1" sensor, 25 to 250mm fixed lens. I think it will be much better than security thinks and small enough to not even have them give it a second look.

I'm now looking for what will primarily be my landscape while hiking / backpacking / canoe camping camera, which, if not another premium point and shoot, then a DSLR or mirrorless camera...overwhelmed with choices.

And this can also be my better camera for concerts for venues and events that allow better cameras in.

 

[benhasajeep]

Thought I mentioned it already. I decided on the Panasonic ZS100. Compact, 1" sensor, 25 to 250mm fixed lens. I think it will be much better than security thinks and small enough to not even have them give it a second look.

I'm now looking for what will primarily be my landscape while hiking / backpacking / canoe camping camera, which, if not another premium point and shoot, then a DSLR or mirrorless camera...overwhelmed with choices.

And this can also be my better camera for concerts for venues and events that allow better cameras in.

I see no issue with that Panasonic and security. In your pocket they may not even notice it. If your hiking / backpacking / canoeing you probably don't want a big heavy dslr bag weighing you down / taking up room. To save weight you might consider an all in one lens. But if your going to do that. Might as well carry a compact camera. I don't see why your new camera would not suffice for that as well. Maybe buying a second one with a longer reach lens. But your current Panasonic should be just fine for a light weight do all camera for outdoor trips. I would use it and get to know it. Then if you run into some failings. Then you will know more what to look for in a replacement.