This is a guide covering the best cameras for concert photography.
As a rule of thumb whenever you are picking a camera for concert photography, you have to consider the fact that you are dealing with a low-light environment plus the fact that you are going to deal with an artist that’s most likely moving around to the stage to entertain the crowd.
The good news is that there are a lot of good cameras to choose from.
And since the best gear for concert photography boils down to your preference, we’ve come up with our list of 12 of the best cameras for concert photography.
If you need help determining how to choose the best camera for you, check out our video How to Choose the Right Camera in 4 Steps:
Click/tap on each camera name to jump to that section. At the end of each section, there is also a link to jump back to this table to make it easy for you!
In a hurry? Check out our top pick!
1. Nikon D7500
| • 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor • 3.2″ Touchscreen LCD • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps •Native ISO 51200, Expanded ISO 1,640,000 • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 
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| 1. Nikon D7500 BEST ALL-AROUND ⭐
| • 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor • 3.2″ Touchscreen LCD • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps • Native ISO 51200, Expanded ISO 1,640,000 • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
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| 2. Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K BEST BUDGET 💸 
| • 20.3MP 1/2.3″ MOS Sensor • 24-720mm (35mm Equivalent) • 3.0″ 1Touchscreen LCD • UHD 4K Video Recording at 30p • 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S. • ISO 6400 and Up to 10 fps Shooting • 4K Photo Modes
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| 3. Canon EOS 90D BEST BANG FOR BUCK 💥 
| • 32.5MP APS-C CMOS Sensor • UHD 4K30p & Full HD 120p Video Recording • 3″ Touchscreen LCD • 45-Point All Cross-Type AF System • ISO 100-25600 • Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
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4. Nikon D500
| • 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor • 3.2″ Touchscreen LCD • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps • Extend to ISO 1640000 • Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC • In-Camera Time Lapse, up to 9999 Frames
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5. Nikon D3300
| • 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor • No Optical Low-Pass Filter 3.0″ LCD Monitor • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps • Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF Sensor • Native ISO 12800, Extended to ISO 25600
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6. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
| • 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor • Full HD Video at 60 fps; Digital IS • 3″ Touchscreen LCD • Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400 • Time-Lapse & HDR Movie • Built-In GPS, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi with NFC • Dust and Water-Resistant; SD Card Slot
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7. Canon EOS 80D
| • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor • 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps • 45-Point All Cross-Type AF System • Expanded ISO 25600 • Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC
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8. Panasonic LUMIX G85
| • 16MP Live MOS Sensor • 3.0″ Swivel LCD Touchscreen • UHD 4K Video Recording at 30/24 fps • Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity • 5-Axis Image Stabilization, Dual I.S. • ISO 25600
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9. Panasonic LUMIX S5
| • 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor • UHD 4K60 Video,10-Bit Internal Recording • V-Log, HDR, and Dual Native ISO • 3.0″ Free-Angle Touchscreen Image Stabilization • ISO 100-51200 • 96MP High-Res Mode, Dual SD Card Slots
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10. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
| • 20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor • UHD 4K30p Video Recording • 3.0″ 180° Tilt Touchscreen • 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization • 121-Point Contrast-Detection AF • ISO 200-25600 • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
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11. Pentax KP
| • 24.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor • Full HD 1080p30 Video; 4K Interval Movie • ISO 819200 • 3.0″ LCD Monitor
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12. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
| • 20.4MP Live MOS Sensor • Micro Four Thirds System • 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen • DCI 4K/24p & UHD 4K/30p Video Recording • 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization • Expanded ISO 25600
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Table of Contents
12 Best Cameras for Concert Photography
What is the Best Camera for Concert Photography?
1. Nikon D7500
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 5568 x 3712
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: ISO 100 – 51200 (expandable to 50 – 1640000)
- Image stabilization: Digital only
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (Wired, wireless, smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
I believe the best overall camera for concert photography is the Nikon D7500.
Though it doesn’t have an alloy construction as the D500, the D7500 provides users with a great feel especially if you are looking to shoot portraits during concerts.
We believe that this is the best camera for concert photography for several reasons.
First, shooting in low light was never a problem with its high-ISO capability that can go up to ISO 1,640,000.
Though you will never go this far considering that there’s an obvious loss in detail as you spike your ISO, it just shows how much freedom users can have when shooting in a low light condition.
Plus, you also get a 51-point AF system that makes it easy to track the subject.
Though it is a bit odd to drop the 24MP sensor and have a 20.9MP sensor in the Nikon D7500, it does a good job capturing sharp images.
On top of that, you can also shoot videos in 4K in case your favorite band plays your favorite song.
My Pros With This Camera:
- High ISO capability
- Tracks the subject fast
- Takes 4K videos
My Cons With This Camera:
- Grainy when you spike the ISO too high
You can also find this camera on Walmart and Best Buy
2. Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:3, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400)
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen: size 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (microHDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
The best budget camera for concert photography is the Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K.
Not everyone wants a bulky pro camera to shoot some photos and videos in a concert.
The Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K fits this profile. It is a budget-friendly option for shooting photos.
The lens allows up to 30x zoom plus you can even flip the screen to see what you are trying to capture whenever you are shooting above the crowd.
The 20.3 MP sensor is also not bad. It takes high-quality shots, especially for a fixed lens camera.
However, the downside to the Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K is the fact that you can’t change the lens.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 30x zoom
- 20.3MP sensor
- Lightweight
- Flippable screen
My Cons With This Camera:
- You can’t change the lens
3. Canon EOS 90D
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6960 x 4640
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (Wired , wireless or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
We consider the Canon EOS 90D as the best gear for concert photography if you are after the best bang for your buck.
For starters, it has a 32.5 MP sensor that allows you to capture stunning photos.
Next, it can shoot up to 10fps with no lag allowing you to capture the moment as it happens. And on top of that, you get a 45-point All Cross-type AF system that can track your subject with ease.
Unfortunately, we find the shots to produce too much noise in low light.
We suggest that you use a wide aperture lens whenever you are using the EOS 90D.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon EOS 90D!
4. Nikon D500
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 5568 x 3712
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: ISO 100 – 51200 (expandable to 50 – 1640000)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3.2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (Optional, wired or wireless )
- Video formats:
- 720
- 1080
- 4K
The Nikon D500 DX-Format DSLR is a great option for those who are looking to shoot high-quality photos in low-light conditions.
The Nikon DX500 offers a 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS sensor that can provide you with stunning images.
It has a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD that not only accurately gives you a preview of your shots, but also allows you to navigate the settings of your camera without any problem.
Next, you can extend the ISO up to ISO 1640000 plus you can shoot for up to 10fps capturing every moment on stage.
So what’s not to like? If you are going to rely so much on ISO, there is considerable noise starting at around ISO 800. Plus, the focus is not exactly the best.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Nikon D500!
5. Nikon D3300
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600 (with boost)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: No
- Screen type: TFT LCD (160 degree viewing angle)
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Optional
- Remote control: Yes (Optional)
- Video formats:
- 640 x 424
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
Some individuals looking for the best cameras for concert photography prefer to have a sensor that goes above 20MP.
That’s when the Nikon D3300 comes in handy. It is a favorite even among pro photographers because of its powerful 24.2MP CMOS DX-format sensor capable of providing great shots.
For a pro-camera, it can only take up to 5fps. Though a bit slower than other DSLRs that we’ve featured, it is usually enough to give you great shots during a concert.
It also has a superb AF capable of making it one of the best cameras for concert pictures. Plus, you can ramp the ISO from ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (expandable up to ISO 25600).
My Pros With This Camera:
- 24.2MP sensor
- ISO can be expanded up to 25600
- Accurate AF
My Cons With This Camera:
- Small and dim viewfinder
You can also find this camera on Walmart
6. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6240 x 4160
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-40000 (expands to 50-102400)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (Mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired, wireless or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is usually a favorite by sports photographers. With 6.5fps it is possible to capture precious moments even with a moving subject.
This is also the reason why EOS6D Mark II is one of the best cameras for concert photography.
It also made use of a high-speed dual pixel CMOS AF that comes with phase detection that allows precise focus on your subject.
It also comes with a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor that gets you the best shots that you need if you are doing concert photography.
You even get a vari-angle touchscreen LCD that allows you to see your shots when you are holding your camera above your head.
Plus, it allows you to easily navigate and change the settings on your camera.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II.
7. Canon EOS 80D
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-16000 (expands to 25600)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (Wired, wireless, or via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
The Canon EOS 80D is another favorite by pro-photographers. It is a dynamic DSLR that deserves to be mentioned as one of the best cameras for concert photography.
It comes with a powerful 24.2 MP sensor plus a wide ISO range that allows great performance even in low-light conditions.
It also has a dual pixel CMOS AF that allows smooth and fast AF.
And lastly, you have an LCD that can be flipped allowing users to shoot at awkward angles or when they have to get the camera above their head.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon EOS 80D.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Smooth and precise AF
- High-quality images
- Allows you to shoot in awkward angles
My Cons With This Camera:
- A bit heavy
You can also find this camera on Walmart
8. Panasonic LUMIX G85
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4592 x 3448
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to ISO 100)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via wired remote or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Now, let’s include mirrorless cameras on our list of best cameras for concert photography.
The Panasonic Lumix G85 is a lightweight micro four-thirds camera that can give you great results during concerns.
It has a 16MP sensor plus an ISO sensitivity of up to ISO 25600.
Apart from its performance in low-light conditions, the Panasonic Lumix G85 also has a robust weather-proof splashproof, and dustproof design.
The biggest downside is that it doesn’t focus well.
9. Panasonic LUMIX S5
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes (Power Delivery supported)
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
The Panasonic Lumix S5 is one of the best cameras for concert photography simply because it gives photographers the best of what DSLRs and micro four-thirds offer.
As a mirrorless full-frame camera, you get the capabilities of a DSLR but with the weight of a micro four-thirds camera.
It comes with a powerful 24.2 MP CMOS sensor plus it is typically a favorite of vloggers given its 4K/30p capability.
It also has a dual image stabilization that lessens blurry shots, not to mention a high precision AF.
10. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a lightweight and compact camera that comes with a 20MP sensor plus an in-body 5-axis image stabilization that can help you get more good shots.
It can compensate for up to 4.5 shutter speeds making it a handy tool especially when you have a moving subject.
It also has a flip-down monitor that allows you to see what you are shooting even at awkward angles.
For its weak points, we’d say that the AF is not exactly as good as other mirrorless cameras that we have mentioned here.
11. Pentax KP
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6016 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100-819200
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: No
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: No (requires adapter)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via remote cable or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
The Pentax KP is an underrated DSLR for concert photography. First, you get to enjoy weatherproof housing allowing you to take beautiful photos regardless if it is raining or not.
Next, it made use of a powerful 24.3 MP sensor and a 5-axis shake reduction system allowing you to get more from your shots.
And lastly, it has a tilting LCD that allows you to shoot regardless if it requires a high or low angle.
This is a good option, especially for hobbyists. However, you might want to add a battery grip if you really need this camera for a longer duration.
Unfortunately, the battery is kind of chunky.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Shake reduction system
- 24.3 MP sensor
- Tilting LCD
My Cons With This Camera:
- I wish the battery could last longer
12. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: 4:3
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 64)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (Micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
Last on our list is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. It is a 20.4MP resolution full-frame mirrorless camera not to mention the largest camera in the OM-D family.
It has a smaller sensor size, which is a disadvantage but it does the trick if you are looking to shoot during concerts.
It is best known for its 60fps feature allowing you to shoot at high-speed. It even has an all-phase-detection AF system that can match DSLRs.
However, as a mirrorless camera, you can expect this to be lighter.
The only downside is that it has a complex menu and control that might overwhelm users.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Fast AF system
- Shoots fast
- 20.4MP
- Compact and lighter than DSLR
My Cons With This Camera:
- Complicated controls
You can also find this camera on Walmart
Final Remarks
A lot of people are shooting photos during concerts or even during low-light conditions.
Hopefully, you will be able to find the right match for your needs with the list that we’ve provided.
Be sure that you are going to compare a few cameras on this list first before you make up your mind.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is an entrepreneur, growth marketer, and photographer and writes mostly on those topics. Nate used to run his own professional photography business called Nate Joaquin Photography but has since focused on the marketing and business aspect of photography although he still enjoys taking photos. Nate enjoys learning about new digital marketing strategy and new ways to think creatively. He is also a photography speaker and author on Photofocus.com.
