Best Cameras for Concert Photography: 2024 Guide
As a concert photographer, some of the most common questions we hear are, “Do I have to upgrade my camera?” “What is the best camera to start shooting concert photography?” and “What camera under my budget can I buy to get started?” I am personally a Sony user (currently using the A7R V), but I’ve tested several cameras over the years and talked to many other concert photographers. After combining insights from personal experience and other professionals, I’ve come up with this list of the best possible cameras for concert photography in 2024, catering to all budgets.
Best cameras under £1,000
Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 is a compact yet powerful APS-C camera that’s well-suited for photographers looking to get into concert photography. With its excellent low-light autofocus and interchangeable lens support, it’s a flexible option for various environments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great ergonomics and low-light autofocus performance | APS-C sensor limits full-frame lens capability |
| Interchangeable lenses and flexibility with Z mount system | No in-body stabilization |
| Good shadow detail and compact design | Lower resolution (20.9MP) compared to higher-end models |
Price: £820
Canon EOS R10
The Canon EOS R10 offers a superb autofocus system at a price point that’s hard to beat for concert photographers just starting. Its burst mode and good low-light performance make it ideal for fast-moving concert action.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent autofocus with 651-point coverage | Smaller APS-C sensor |
| Burst shooting at 23 fps, great for fast-moving subjects | No in-body image stabilization |
| Good low-light performance for its price | Limited RF lens options in the budget range |
Price: £879
Sony Alpha a6400
The Sony a6400, known for its impressive autofocus and low-light capabilities, is a solid choice for entry-level photographers. It offers versatile performance in both video and stills, making it a great budget option for concerts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast, accurate autofocus with real-time tracking | No in-body stabilization |
| Good low-light performance for concert settings | Fixed LCD screens can be limiting |
| Versatile for both photo and video work (4K support) | APS-C sensor with 1.5x crop factor |
Price: £900
Best cameras between £1,000 – £2,000
Sony a7C
The Sony a7C brings the full-frame experience in a smaller, more portable package. It’s a strong performer for concert photography, offering excellent low-light capabilities and video recording without the bulk of typical full-frame cameras.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full-frame sensor in a compact body | Smaller viewfinder compared to higher-end models |
| Great low-light performance and 4K video | Limited controls and ergonomics for a full-frame camera |
| Lightweight, perfect for travel and event photography | Battery life can be shorter than competitors |
Price: £1,250
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
For photographers looking for a balance between price and professional-grade performance, the Canon R6 Mark II is a powerhouse. It offers excellent autofocus and low-light performance with fast burst rates, making it ideal for capturing concert action.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding low-light autofocus (-6.5 EV) | No top display, unusual for cameras in this price range |
| 30 fps burst mode with RAW capture | Higher cost for RF lenses |
| In-body stabilization and excellent 4K video capabilities | 24.2MP resolution may be limiting for large prints |
Price: £1,750
Best cameras £2,000+
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is one of the most advanced cameras for concert photography in 2024, offering 45MP resolution, excellent dynamic range, and superb autofocus. Its 8K video and 4K slow-motion capabilities make it a versatile choice for both stills and video.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High 45MP resolution and incredible low-light autofocus | High price point, especially with lenses |
| 8K video and 4K at 120 fps | Tends to overheat during long 8K recordings |
| Excellent dynamic range for concert lighting | Large file sizes from 45MP and 8K output |
Price: £2,500
Sony a7R V
The Sony a7R V stands out with its 61MP sensor and AI-enhanced autofocus, making it ideal for concert photographers who need to capture high detail in low light. Its cutting-edge autofocus technology ensures you won’t miss a beat, whether photographing or filming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 61MP full-frame sensor for detailed imagery | Expensive both for the body and lenses |
| AI-enhanced autofocus for better subject tracking in concerts | High-resolution images take up large storage space |
| 8K video capability | Heavy investment in fast memory cards required for 8K video |
Price: £3,000
Nikon Z8
The Nikon Z8 is a top-tier option for professionals who need excellent low-light performance and dynamic range. With 8K video recording and a 45.7MP sensor, it’s a powerful camera for concert photographers wanting both high-resolution images and video capabilities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 45.7MP full-frame sensor with excellent low-light performance | High price point for both body and lenses |
| 8K video recording and robust build quality | Large body, less compact for event photography |
| Fantastic autofocus, even in low light | Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the complexity |
Price: £3,0000
Final Ratings Table
To give a better overall view, here’s a scoring table based on important aspects for concert photography, such as low-light performance, autofocus, features (for both video and still photography), ease of use, and price/value.
| Camera | Low-Light Performance | Autofocus | Features (Video/Still) | Ease of Use | Price/Value | Overall Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Z50 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Canon EOS R10 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Sony Alpha a6400 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Sony a7C | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Canon EOS R6 II | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Canon EOS R5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Sony a7R V | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Nikon Z8 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
Conclusion
Concert photography demands gear that can handle low light, fast-moving subjects, and challenging environments. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade, there’s a camera for every budget. These picks for 2024 will help you capture stunning shots at your next gig, from intimate venues to massive arenas.
