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15 Best Cameras for Concert Photography in 2024

Author
Last Update: January 5, 2024

The art of concert photography captures the vibrant atmosphere. The photographer has to demonstrate the excitement and electricity in their images. That’s why it’s important to have the best camera for concert photography.

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Nikon D7500

Nikon D7500

A serious all-rounder DSLR for beginners and enthusiasts ready to step up their photography game!

Concert Photography is a tricky business. It’s hard to capture the energy, power and subtleties of a live performance. Without the right gear and knowledge, concert photos can feel flat and lifeless.

Firstly, musicians and singers never stay still for long. Then you have lights that are often dim and constantly changing. And sometimes, you might not be very close to the stage.

These are the things you need to consider when looking for best cameras for concert photography. You need to think about your focusing system. And you need to know your camera can deal with low light situations. ISO and shutter speed are very important factors.

What is the Best Camera for Concert Photography?

When it comes to cameras for concert photography, you need to think about what is best for you. What type of concerts are you shooting? A rock concert has different conditions than a symphony. And you have to think about your budget.

We’ll help you find exactly what you need. Here are our top picks for the best camera for concert photography in 2022:

Our Top Choice
Nikon D7500
Nikon D7500
  • Great value for money
  • Smaller, compact DSLR body
  • Easy to handle and hold
  • Long battery life
Best Canon Mirrorless
Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R5
  • Large 45MP sensor
  • A high frame rate of 20fps
  • 8K/30p Ultra-HD video
  • In-body image stabilization
Best Sony Choice
Sony a7S II
Sony a7S II
  • 4K video up to 120p
  • ISO range expandable to 40-409600
  • Unbelievable low-light performance
Best Fujifilm Choice
Fujifilm X-T4
Fujifilm X-T4
  • Nice frame rate of 15fps
  • 6.5 stops of image stabilization
  • 4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60p and added features
Best Canon DSLR
Canon EOS 90D
Canon EOS 90D
  • Excellent 32.5 MP Sensor
  • Decent frame rate of 10 fps
  • 4K / 30p Ultra HD video
  • 1,300-shot battery life
Highly Recommended
Nikon D500
Nikon D500
  • Great low-light performance
  • Weather-sealed
  • 4K video with ports for external sound recording
Best Panasonic
Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Image stabilization for camera shake
  • Dual memory card slots
Highly Recommended
Sony a6000
Sony a6000
  • Unbeatable price
  • Superb JPEG image quality straight out of the camera
  • Built-in Wi-Fi to transfer files
Best Pentax Choice
Pentax KP
Pentax KP
  • Fantastic ISO range and low-light performance
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • Robust, weather-sealed body
Highly Recommended
Sony a7 III
Sony a7 III
  • Quick and accurate 693-point AF
  • Lightweight for portability
  • Reduced image noise with high ISO sensitivity
Best Olympus Choice
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
  • Multi-shot, handheld, high-res mode
  • 7 stops of image stabilization
  • Excellent video options
Highly Recommended
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • Fantastic image quality
  • Impressive 45-point AF system
  • Built well and nice to handle
  • Handy built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Highly Recommended
Fujifilm X-T30
Fujifilm X-T30
  • Superb 26 MP APS-C sensor
  • 4K / 30 fps and Full HD / 120 fps video
  • Fast AF system with broad coverage
Highly Recommended
Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9
Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9
  • Great value for price point
  • Lightweight, compact body with stylish retro design
  • Best-in-class Dual Pixel autofocus
Highly Recommended
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
  • Affordable and beginner-friendly
  • Built-in image stabilization for video and low light
  • Excellent 4K video features

15 Best Cameras for Concert Photography (in Detail!)

1. Nikon D7500

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Nikon D7500
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
20.9 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
15.7 x 23.5 mm
Frame Rate
8 fps
Autofocus Points
51
Pros
  • Great value for money
  • Smaller, compact DSLR body
  • Easy to handle and hold
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Images not as sharp as other cameras
  • Limited to crop sensor (DX) lenses
  • No USB charging
  • Just one memory card slot

The Nikon D7500 is at the top of our list for concert photography cameras. It’s a DSLR camera equipped with everything you’ll need to capture fantastic concert photos.

The 20.9MP resolution may not sound mind-blowing, but the DX-Format sensor is at the forefront of Nikon sensor technology. You don’t need to worry about image quality.

You get a high ISO range from 100 to 51,200, which gives you plenty of room to work with. You can also push the ISO up to 1,640,00. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to, but it’s an option.

You get a solid burst speed of 8fps, which is great for action shots from the stage. But the feature that will stick out to concert photographers is the autofocus system. It uses 51 focus points that can track your subject, even in low light.

2. Canon EOS R5

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Canon EOS R5
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
45 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.9 x 35.9 mm
Frame Rate
20 fps
Autofocus Points
1,053
Pros
  • Large 45 MP sensor
  • High frame rate of 20 fps
  • In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
  • Body, face, eye, and animal tracking
  • 8K/30p Ultra HD video
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Complicated autofocus setup
  • Noise reduction applied to RAW files
  • Hard to customize
  • Overheats shooting video

You won’t find many cameras better suited to shooting concerts than the Canon EOS R5. It’s a professional standard camera with a professional standard price tag.

This full-frame camera packs a punch with an incredible 45MP. But the camera isn’t just about high-quality photos—it captures stunning videos too. You can record concert footage in cinema-quality 8K.

The high resolution means image quality stays high, even when you push the ISO to its limit. You’ll experience very little digital noise until you hit the top.

The continuous shooting mode is another standout feature for concert photography. The mechanical shutter gives you 12fps, which isn’t bad. But you can get 20fps if you switch to the electronic shutter. This is perfect for high-energy performances.

3. Sony A7S II

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Sony a7S III
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
12.1 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Frame Rate
10 fps
Autofocus Points
759
Pros
  • Unbelievable low-light performance
  • Excellent ISO range
  • Fantastic AF system
  • Impressive high-resolution EVF
  • Microphone and headphone ports
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Low 12.2 MP resolution for photos
  • Poor battery performance
  • No 8K video

Don’t be fooled by this camera’s seemingly low resolution. The Sony A7S II is one of the most light-sensitive mirrorless cameras on the market. And it has other functions that make it one of the best cameras for concert photography.

The sensor megapixel count may only be 12.2, but the Sony Exmor CMOS sensor uses bigger pixels. It means the sensor needs fewer pixels. And the pixels can absorb more light, making it a good option for low light photography.

The native ISO range is impressive, giving you anything between 100 and 102,400. You’ll only experience noise at the very top of that range. And the camera has excellent dynamic range options.

A major selling point for concert photographers is the 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system. It can compensate for camera shake or blur from a moving subject. And it works with the 4K video too. It can capture even the most frenetic concerts in crisp detail.

4. Fujifilm X-T4

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Fujifilm X-T4
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
26 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
Frame Rate
20 fps
Autofocus Points
425
Pros
  • Decent APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
  • A great frame rate of 15 fps
  • 6.5 stops of image stabilization
  • 4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
  • A fully articulating rear touchscreen
  • 12 Film Simulation modes
Cons
  • Expensive for an APS-C camera
  • Autofocus speed and accuracy depends on the lens and the subject
  • Unreliable face and eye detection
  • No external battery charger provided
  • Limited video recording time
  • No subject tracking in video mode

If you’re looking for a crop sensor camera, the Fujifilm X-T4 is the perfect model for a keen concert photographer. The X-Trans CMOS sensor has excellent sensitivity to light, making it great when light is low or changing.

The ISO range is strong, from 100 to 51,200. And the ISO has an automatic setting so you can snap your concert shots without returning to the settings menu. The 15fps burst mode is rapid, helping you get some dynamic performance shots on stage.

The 5-axis in-body stabilisation system assures a high-quality image. With 6.5 stops of stabilisation, you can shoot from the middle of the mosh pit, and you’ll still get stunning images.

An additional feature that concert photographers might enjoy is the film simulation modes. You can give your images a retro film photo finish without the hassle of using 35mm.

5. Canon EOS 90D

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Canon EOS 90D
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
33 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
22.3 x 14.9 mm
Frame Rate
10 fps
Autofocus Points
45
Pros
  • Excellent 32.5 MP APS-C sensor
  • Dual Pixel AF with eye detection
  • Decent frame rate of 10 fps
  • Good, 1,300-shot battery life
  • Live View and 4K/30p Ultra HD video
Cons
  • Unreliable autofocus when using the optical viewfinder
  • 4K video has a soft focus
  • No in-body image stabilization
  • Limited video codecs and frame rates

The Canon EOS 90D is a DSLR that makes a great concert camera. The camera body is compact and lightweight. And the crop ASP-C Sensor has real power, with a resolution of 32MP.

The ISO range is good but not great. But, the other features of the EOS 90D ensure you don’t have to push the ISO beyond its limits. The quality of the sensor helps with this.

The 4K video is beautifully clear and smooth. The 10fps burst mode will capture action shots, but the autofocus makes this one of the best cameras for concert photography.

The AF uses a 45-point cross-type system that can track and hold moving subjects. And it also has eye detection capabilities, which can help when you’re shooting energetic band performances.

6. Nikon D500

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Nikon D500
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
20.9 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
15.7 x 23.5 mm
Frame Rate
10 fps
Autofocus Points
153
Pros
  • Excellent low-light performance
  • 10 fps RAW burst with 200-image limit
  • Weather-sealed body
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • 4K video with ports for external sound recording
Cons
  • Low resolution for an APS-C Sensor
  • No advanced bird or animal AF
  • Slow AF in Live View
  • Heavy DSLR body
  • 4K video is cropped

The Nikon D500 is a low-light specialist camera. And that makes it one of the best cameras for concert photography. The sensor has an image resolution of 20.9MP. But that’s from a Nikon DX-Format sensor, so it’s more powerful than it may first appear.

You get a wide ISO range, as you can extend the top end from 51,200 to 1,640,000. You might not need it that high. But if you do, you’ll get the shots you want no matter what happens.

The 4K video quality is fantastic. And the burst mode gives you 10fps for up to 200 frames, meaning you won’t miss a beat.

The Nikon D500 also boasts an excellent autofocus system, which uses a 153-point grid to track moving subjects. It keeps your images sharp whether you’re shooting stills or video.

7. Panasonic Lumix S5

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Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24.2 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Frame Rate
7 fps
Autofocus Points
225
Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Image stabilization to prevent camera shake
  • Dual memory card slots
  • Great 4K video capabilities
Cons
  • Slow-burst shooting
  • Short battery life
  • Poor autofocus within camera class
  • Limited L-mount lens range

Panasonic is a lesser-known camera brand, but the Lumix S5 is a great all-rounder. It has many features that are perfect for concert shooting. For a start, the image quality for stills and video footage is excellent. If you are also interested in shooting music videos you can consider this one too!

The Lumix S5 has a stand-out autofocus system. It’s super quick and precise. And it can detect faces and eyes, keeping the correct parts of the image in focus. Sharpness is never in doubt, as the S5 combines 5-axis in-body stabilisation with 2-axis optical stabilisation in the lens.

With a dust and splash-proof camera body, the rugged design makes the S5 a solid concert photography camera.

8. Sony a6000

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Sony a6000
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24.3 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
15.6 x 23.5 mm
Frame Rate
11 fps
Autofocus Points
179
Pros
  • Unbeatable price
  • Superb JPEG image quality straight out of the camera
  • Small and lightweight design
  • USB charging
  • Built-in Wi-Fi to transfer files
Cons
  • Lags on startup
  • No 4K video
  • No touchscreen
  • No silent shutter
  • No in-body stabilization to counter camera shake

This Sony a6000 digital camera has been on the market for a while now. But the features still hold up, making it an excellent concert photography camera.

The a6000 is one of the most compact cameras you can find for concert photography. You get 24.2MP image resolution and up to 11fps in burst mode.

The native ISO level is 100-25,600, which will serve you well. But you can extend it up to 51,200 ISO should you need to. You’ll only experience some digital noise at the very top of the scale. And, being an older camera model, the Sony a6000 has a very agreeable price.

9. Pentax KP

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Pentax KP
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
24 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
Frame Rate
7 fps
Autofocus Points
27
Pros
  • Fantastic ISO range and low-light performance
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • Reactive face-recognition AF tracking
  • Robust, weather-sealed body
Cons
  • No 4K video
  • No touchscreen
  • Unreliable mobile app
  • Disappointing battery life

The Pentax KP has a robust camera body. It’s weather-resistant, so it’s great for festivals and outdoor concerts. Although, if you are concert shooting for a long time, you’ll need a spare battery.

The image resolution is 24.3MP, which is fantastic for a crop sensor camera. And the native ISO maxes out at 819,200. Low light situations are nothing to be afraid of with the Pentax KP.

You also get a 5-axis shake-reduction system built-in, compensating up to five shutter speed steps. It keeps your images crisp and clear, even when the crowd is going wild around you.

10. Sony a7 III

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Sony a7 III
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24.2 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Frame Rate
10 fps
Autofocus Points
693
Pros
  • Quick and accurate 693-point AF
  • Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
  • Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
  • Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities
Cons
  • Noise reduction can remove details
  • Front heavy with big lenses
  • Menu system is difficult to get used to

The Sony a7 III is the low-light specialist of Sony’s full-frame cameras. The Exmor sensor gives you high-quality images. And you also get a high ISO range, topping at 204,800.

The autofocus is one of the best you’ll find for concert photography, with a 693-point phase-detection system. It gives you 93% image coverage, so you’ll never lose your subject.

A stand out feature for concert photography is the 15 stop dynamic range controls. It can really help maximise image quality when there’s localised stage lighting.

11. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
20 MP
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Sensor Size
17.4 x 13 mm
Frame Rate
60 fps
Autofocus Points
121
Pros
  • Multi-shot, handheld, high-res mode
  • Compact and lightweight
  • 60 fps RAW and JPEG image capture
  • 7 stops of image stabilization
  • Simulated Live ND filters
  • Quick-and-easy Pro Capture (action) and Starry Sky AF modes
  • Excellent video options
Cons
  • Relatively low sensor resolution
  • Not the best when pushing the high ISO range
  • Unreliable subject tracking
  • No vehicle and train recognition AF modes like the E-M1X
  • Complicated menus
  • Relatively short 420-shot battery life

The Micro Four Thirds sensor of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II gives you one of the most compact concert cameras on the market.

Considering the sensor is smaller than full-frame and APS-C, 20.4MP is excellent image resolution. But the feature that makes it a concert camera is the burst mode. It gives you 18fps of continuous shooting with the autofocus.

When the crowd gets rowdy, the 5-axis image stabilisation will keep your images clear of camera shake and motion blur. The battery life is a bit of a letdown, especially when shooting in burst mode.

12. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Camera Type
DSLRDSLR
Megapixels
26.2 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
24 x 35.9 mm
Frame Rate
6.5 fps
Autofocus Points
45
Pros
  • Fantastic image quality
  • Impressive 45-point AF system
  • Built well and nice to handle
  • Handy built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Cons
  • Low dynamic range
  • Relatively limited video capabilities
  • Only one memory card slot
  • No USB charging

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II has many features that experienced photographers love when shooting concerts. Standard image quality is fantastic, but the low-light performance makes it one to consider.

It gives you high ISO settings, reaching 400,000. And the 45-point autofocus uses a phase-detection system with enhanced low-light sensitivity. It can hold and track your subjects down to EV -3.

The burst mode is slow at only 6.5fps. But the video has a respectable 4K quality, allowing you to capture video footage at the show.

13. Fujifilm X-T30

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Fujifilm X-T30
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
26 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
Frame Rate
30 fps
Autofocus Points
425
Pros
  • Superb 26 MP APS-C sensor
  • 4K / 30 fps and Full HD / 120 fps video
  • Fast AF system with broad coverage
  • Articulating touchscreen
  • 20 fps burst with electronic shutter
Cons
  • No in-body image stabilization
  • Time limit on video recording
  • Body is not weather sealed
  • Slow buffering with RAW capture

The Fujifilm X-T30 is a super crop sensor camera, giving you excellent images. The low-light functions and fast AF system make it a contender as a concert camera. And it’s reasonably priced.

The ISO range is solid but not spectacular. But the autofocus system can fix and track subjects in light levels as low as EV -3. And the AF has 100% coverage of your shot, so it won’t lose focus when the subject is on the move.

8fps isn’t the fastest rate for continuous shooting, but it does keep its autofocus abilities when firing at that speed. You also get the cool film simulations from Fujifilm.

14. Panasonic Lumix GX9

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Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
20 MP
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Sensor Size
17.3 x 13 mm
Frame Rate
9 fps
Autofocus Points
49
Pros
  • Great value for price point
  • Two convenient control dials
  • Best-in-class Dual Pixel autofocus
  • Unique Film Simulation mode
  • Beautiful natural-looking image colors
  • Lightweight, compact body with stylish retro design
Cons
  • Awkward placement of quick-menu (Q) button
  • Not weather sealed
  • Limited 260-shot battery life
  • 4K video is cropped and rolling shutter is noticeable

The Panasonic Lumix GX9 is a compact mirrorless camera perfect for photographers getting started with concert photography.

The standard image quality is very good, but the pictures get rather noisy once you go beyond 1,600 ISO. Thankfully, the in-body image stabilisation system helps to keep the ISO settings low. It can compensate up to 4 stops of shutter speed.

The Lumix GX9 also has an excellent AF system, giving you 49-point focusing blocks you can select. Selecting an area of your frame can make focusing faster and more reliable.

15. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
20 MP
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Sensor Size
13 x 17.4 mm
Frame Rate
15 fps
Autofocus Points
121
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Very beginner-friendly
  • Excellent image quality
  • Built-in image stabilization for video and low light
  • Endless list of compatible lenses
  • Excellent 4K video features
Cons
  • Small sensor
  • AF has slow continuous shooting
  • Contrast-detection AF system is slower than phase-detection systems
  • No microphone and headphone jacks
  • Plastic body and isn't weather sealed

The Micro Four Thirds range from Olympus is an excellent source for compact cameras that pack a punch. The image quality is great, and it has plenty of features to appeal to avid concertgoers.

The ISO range is limited, and it can get noisy near the upper end. But the 5-axis image stabiliser keeps things clean and free of signs of shake. It compensates for up to 4.5 shutter stops, so you won’t need to push the ISO too high.

The autofocus is another selling point, working well in tough lighting conditions. The downsides are the slow burst mode and the unimpressive battery life.

Our Verdict

Concerts can be amazing experiences. But it’s not always easy to capture the electric atmosphere with your camera. That’s why you need the right gear if you want to take concert photography more seriously.

Badge
Nikon D7500

Nikon D7500

A serious all-rounder DSLR for beginners and enthusiasts ready to step up their photography game!

We’ve provided a list of the best cameras for concert photography in 2023. There are cameras for all skill levels and budgets. You just need to think about which camera is best for you!

Our best camera for concert photography Nikon D7500 on funky yellow pattern background
The Nikon D7500 is our top camera choice for concert photography

If you are still unsure which camera to go for, get inspired with these popular camera comparisons:

Canon EOS R5 vs R6 Comparison

Nikon Z5 vs Z6 Comparison

Sony a7 III vs a7C Comparison

Nikon D3500 vs D5600 Comparison

Canon EOS M50 vs M50 II Comparison

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