I've been toying with the idea of upgrading my video camera. I record non stealth small shows at bars and clubs. Often with the bands prior approval.
I currently use a Sony camcorder, HDR CX260. It's okay but I'm looking for an alternative. I've been thinking about the Canon G20, but I can't find much in the way of concert samples that have been captures with that camcorder.
My investigation of the G20/25 when they came out led me toward other cameras. One of the knocks on the G20 is poor low light response. Which I'm thinking you might actually need. If that's true, you'll probably get better results from a camera with a larger sensor. Bigger sensor -> bigger photosites -> better sensitivity -> better low light performance. In general.
A lot of the better footage I see seems to have been captured with a DSLR. I have no experience using these, as I'm not too much into still photography. I'm wondering if there are any good mid priced options that are tried and tested as far as concert recording goes?
I'm hoping you mean vidoe only. None of the DSLR-ish cameras have acceptable audio. Even the ones with a headphone jack (they spent an extra $1.25 (no, I don't know any exact number, but you get my point) for the jack, the DAC chip, the wiring, and the assembly) which might lead you to believe they are "serious" about audio. Don't believe them. They are not at all serious about audio. Well, they are serious about getting their cameras used for YouTube vids, and that's where it ends.
From a video standpoint, you want one that can run for the length of your concert without stopping. The fact that many DSLRs stop after 20-30 minutes of video isn't just about file system issues. It's also about heat issues.
I like the idea of unofficial firmware updates to counter the 20 minute limit on some of them, this would probably be a must.
Firmware updates will not help with mechanical heat dissipation. And the fact that some of these cameras may not have temperature sensors on the imaging chip can lead to a messy place. Best to find a camera that does what you need without requiring third party add ons. Just sayin'.