Looking for a camera for shooting concerts...

[jonnyjon]

Hi everyone, I just recently started looked into getting a nicer digital camera and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I am looking for a digital camera for use when I shoot photography at concerts at mostly small clubs and venues. It is always very dark and I want something that can capture the lighting affects without blurring (higher ISO, image stablilizing, etc.) with as little film noise as possible. I need a good shutter response to capture just the right moments and I was hoping to spend between $300-$400. I would like something with plenty of manual settings as well. I am currently using a Sony Cybershot DSC-S40 and it just doesn't cut it. There are so many reviews out there, I am just looking for some direction from anyone who can give it.

My biggest question is, can I get color like this:

for only $400 or will i have to spend more than that? The above photo was taken by a local photographer named tom (www.thomaskrap.com) and the color is just so much more vibrant than in my photo of the same person, on the same stage. This is what my pictures look like as of now:

Any input would be helpful, thanks in advance!

[Photo-John]

Looking at both of these photos I think the issue is more of experience and image setup. A better camera can help. But from the looks of Thomas Krap's Web site, he's been doing this for quite some time and is probably using some pretty serious equipment. You can't hope to match that with a $300-400 camera.

So you want to match the color of the one image? There's more to that image than just color. His exposure is much better than yours. Yours is dark and blocked up in the shadows and his is spot on. That's probably the difference between manual exposure and auto. And he's probably done some post-processing, too. I also notice the out-of-focus background, which makes the subject stand out better. That's from using an SLR with a telephoto lens and a large aperture.

Do you see what I mean about it not just being the camera? Although a different camera might help, you will benefit more from understanding your camera, light, and basic photography priniciples. Learning what your camera is capable of and getting the most out of it will go a long way. Eeven if you bought a new camera, it wouldn't just deliver the same type of photos that Thomas Krap is shooting. Experience is the key.

Ok, hope that wasn't too preachy. And now that it's over with I can answer your question. You would benefit most from a camera with a longer lens and manual controls. So take a look at the digital super zooms. If you want to stay with Sony you should take a look at the H-series cameras. They have long, image stabilized zoom lenses and offer full manual controls. The DSC-F828 is a very powerful camera with almost an SLR feel. I'm not sure what they're going for now. But that would be a nice option. If you want to look at non-Sony cameras, the Canon S3 IS, The Kodak P880, or the Panasonic super zooms will all do the job.

Here are links to some of those cameras in the reviews here:

Canon S3 IS >>
Sony DSC-F828 >>
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 >>
Kodak EasyShare P880 >>
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 >>

But my actual recommendation is to buy an inexpensive 35mm SLR. You'll have to pay for film and processing, but it's the real deal. You'll be able to use good lenses and you'll have absolute control. If you buy a used 35mm SLR, you can probably get setup within the budget you've set for yourself. Plus, you'll be investing in an SLR system and you'll probably be able to use the lenses with a digital SLR down the road.

Does that help? Remember - it's not the camera. The camera helps. But it's the photographer that takes the pictures. Let us know if you have more questions. We're here to help!