Topic: Best camera to record concerts? - no budget

[-jnl-]

Greetings!

I like to record my favorite bands from the rail.  Ive been doing it on my Huawei Mate 20 Pro, which is great for a phone, but I want even better.
Better video, more zoom (it has 3x optical zoom, 5x hybrid).  And better ability to zoom - the phone i have to pinch on the screen to zoom in/out and sometimes it lags and that makes the zooming choppy.
My favorite bands allow recording, tho the camera cant be "professional".  Venues also limit cameras to not looking professional.

What is the BEST cameras that venues would allow that will record great audio/video?

I want good sound from rail, right in front of the speakers (my current phone actually has pretty good audio).  i dont want to have to rely on merging a different audio source to my video.  i would be ok with a camera that can have a good mic plugged into it.
I am hoping to find one that can do 4k video that is not time limited.  Usually the shows I record are ~2 hours long.
I require minimum 5x optical zoom, and the more the better.
Must be good at low light.
Must be very fast so its not blurry
Multiple focus points so everything can be in focus not just one point.
Image stabilization so when the ground starts to shake it still looks decent.
Must be good at handling flashing lights going between dark and bright very quickly
I really want the ability to do widescreen.  My current phone can do 0.6x zoom widescreen which is great so I can get the whole stage in, or zoom out if the artist gets really close.
I want the ability to record the whole show without having to stop recording to change a battery.....so either it needs a big battery, or the ability for me to plug it into an external battery pack while in use.
Needs to handle smoke machines well...My fav band uses a lot of smoke.
Also, some of the shows i record they have a projector projecting stuff on stage and so that can go on the faces of the artist, which can confuse my phone sometimes.

I dont mind spending a couple thousand bucks.  I might consider spending more tho i doubt there would even be cameras small enough that venues allow that are over the 2k price range.

So what is the best out there??

[-jnl-]

(i am looking for a camera, not a phone)  phone is what i currently use and i want a camera that will do a better job than my phone. 

the sony AX100 is a camcorder, i highly doubt many venues would allow that in.....what is peoples experience with trying to use something like that??


thanks!

[xjsb125]

At best, most venues will only allow point and shoot style cameras. DSLR style cameras with removable lenses, or even cameras that have a large lens housing on the front, are generally not allowed for your standard concert goer. You're asking for a lot of professional grade features into a pocket sized device. Even though budget is no issue for you, you're probably not never ever going to find a device that's going to have all the things you've listed. If such a device was out there, we'd all be rocking it on our stealth missions. For what you are asking for, most of your expectations are unrealistic, especially for cramming them all into a pocket sized device. With that said, you'll need to do your homework to even remotely meet your expectations. This means everything from reading camera reviews, to learning tons of photo/video basics. Once you've settled on a camera, lots of practice and understanding how all of those manual controls work together and effect each other.

Audio is an entire other story. Even the best of cinematic cameras out there aren't designed to handle the sound pressure levels of concerts (and I'm assuming these are at minimum rock concerts) you're going to with their internal mics. For acoustic shows or classical/orchestral performances, there are probably some decent options out there.

You might take a look at Panasonic's Lumix, Sony's Cybershot, or even FujiFilm's FX10 series of cameras and see what you think of their body styles and your ability to get them into whatever venue. There are and infinite number of other things to learn about recording shows. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You might not always get the answer you hoped for, but we'll shoot straight. We're here because we love to document concerts, and if we can help you develop a love for it to it makes us a better community. Welcome aboard!

[guitard]

cameras that have a large lens housing on the front, are generally not allowed for your standard concert goer.

I have a buddy who shoots a lot of concert vids with a Panasonic FZ2500.  My first thought was it must really be a hassle with that camera because it looks so much like a DSLR.  He said on a couple of occasions, security at the door tried to deny him.  He asked to speak with the manager and showed that the lens was not detachable and pointed out that the venue's policy was to allow cameras with non-detachable lenses.  And he has always been successful in getting his camera in.  Of course, that's not to say you won't ever run into a security team that says they don't care what the policy is, and "You're not bringing that camera in."

Here's the Pany FZ2500:

[yug du nord]

I don't think that photo is the FZ2500.
Looks more like an interchangeable lens system.

[TheMetalist]

True. This is the FZ2500:

[Craig T]

I have a Panny FZ2500.  Takes wonderful video.  I've been denied by venues who have a "no detachable lens" policy.  Probably 50% success rate.

[guitard]

I don't think that photo is the FZ2500.
Looks more like an interchangeable lens system.

I just searched for a random FZ2500 pic and came up with that one.  It's from a website selling the FZ2500:

https://compareindia.news18.com/specification/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-fz2500/442833

[guitard]

I have a Panny FZ2500.  Takes wonderful video.  I've been denied by venues who have a "no detachable lens" policy.  Probably 50% success rate.

But what do they say when you show them that the lens isn't detachable?

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

One of those pics in not like the other.  Last pic is not correct.  I love my GH4 and GH5 and 3 GH3's.  But you need approval to run those cams generally.

I don't think that photo is the FZ2500.
Looks more like an interchangeable lens system.

I just searched for a random FZ2500 pic and came up with that one.  It's from a website selling the FZ2500:

https://compareindia.news18.com/specification/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-fz2500/442833

[TheMetalist]

One of those pics in not like the other.  Last pic is not correct.

What? Last pic is correct. Here's another pic from the side with the FZ2500 turned off (lens is inside).

[Craig T]

I have a Panny FZ2500.  Takes wonderful video.  I've been denied by venues who have a "no detachable lens" policy.  Probably 50% success rate.

But what do they say when you show them that the lens isn't detachable?

"sorry, no" is a common response.

[noahbickart]

“The policy is clearly stated, and I believe I am in compliance with it. May I please speak with your manager?”

I have a Panny FZ2500.  Takes wonderful video.  I've been denied by venues who have a "no detachable lens" policy.  Probably 50% success rate.

But what do they say when you show them that the lens isn't detachable?

"sorry, no" is a common response.

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

Seriously?  Last pic has a prime lens 12-60 MM f2.8.  The FZ2500 had an attached lens with 8.8-176 MM.  If you do not see that I am sorry.   Carry on.

One of those pics in not like the other.  Last pic is not correct.

What? Last pic is correct. Here's another pic from the side with the FZ2500 turned off (lens is inside).

[guitard]

The FZ2500 had an attached lens with 8.8-176 MM.  If you do not see that I am sorry.   Carry on.

According to DPReview (a very reputable camera review website), the FZ2500 is a fixed lens camera.

Fixed-lens filmmaking: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500/FZ2000 Review

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz2500-fz2000