Camera Recommendation for Concert Photography

[AbbeyD]

I’m a beginner in this field. What would be the best camera option for concert photography?

My friends recommended full frame camera, but gg said mirrorless is better. I’ve been looking into those two but didn’t see much of difference when shooting concert photo. 

My budget would be under $1000, used is fine. I know it’s hard to grab good lenses under that budget too so any rcm?

[jrhoffman75]

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@AbbeyD wrote:

I’m a beginner in this field. What would be the best camera option for concert photography?

My friends recommended full frame camera, but gg said mirrorless is better. I’ve been looking into those two but didn’t see much of difference when shooting concert photo. 

My budget would be under $1000, used is fine. I know it’s hard to grab good lenses under that budget too so any rcm?

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Full frame refers to sensor size. Mirrorless refers to camera design. There are full frame mirrorless and mirror (DSLR) cameras and crop sensor mirrorless and DSLR cameras. 
$1000 is likely to be a challenge. 

[rs-eos · Accepted solution]

Agreed that $1000 will likely be limiting.

For the concerts you'll be attending, are they outdoors with lots of light? Or indoors with dark atmospheres? Will you be at different distances or always very close to the performers?

If you have lots of light available, a lens capable of f/4 should be enough. Whereas in darker environments, at least f/2.8 would be ideal.

If you'll be at different distances, a zoom lens would be desirable. If mostly/always near the performers though, you could consider a prime lens (e.g. 50mm f/1.8). That would let in much more light and such a lens is very inexpensive.

Notes on the camera itself. Full frame cameras have better low-light performance than crop-sensor cameras. Meaning at the same higher ISO values (e.g. ISO 6400), they'll be far less noise in the images captured by a full frame camera vs crop-sensor camera. While sometimes you have no choice but to use high ISO values, having a lens that allows in more light will really help.

In summary, it will really come down to where you are located in the venue and what the lighting conditions will be.

[AbbeyD]

It’s more indoor and dark lightning. I haven’t bought the ticket but it’s likely that I’ll be far away from the stage. The concert I’m going to it’s more like performance, so there will be fast movement that I’d need to capture them

[rs-eos]

Another option if this will be a one-off event for you would be consider renting a camera and lens. Though if you plan to go to over similar events in the near future, purchasing will likely be cheaper in the long run.

[shadowsports]

Greetings @AbbeyD,

I'm afraid I don't know what GG refers to?

From a future proof standpoint mirrorless would be sound investment strategy.  Full frame could be helpful taking photos in lower light venues where flash is not an option.  Your budget will definitely be a limiting factor.  Even if you went used or refurbished.  Its going to be difficult for you to get started given the demands you may encounter shooting at distance in darker venues. You don't always get to be front row. 😃

Lenses are your real investment in photography.  Two bodys you may want to consider if you go DSLR would be the 5D Mark IV or the 6D Mark II.  An inexpensive lens option might be a EF50 mm f1.8.  Note this is a fixed focal length lens so your feet act as your zoom.  If you're stuck in one location there isn't much you can do.  

If you wanted to go mirrorless I'd look at the R50 with a sigma 18-50 F 2.8.  It's unlikely you would use this lens at it's wide end at a concert, but you're not always going to be using your camera indoors..  The same 50mm lens in an RF mount would give an equivalent field of view of about 85 mm which could be awkward depending on the distance to your subject or stage.  This is because of the different format aps-c vs. full frame.  Note we are trying to make recommendations that would give you the best chance of success at an indoor venue on a limited budget.  

In some regards photography (camera and lenses) are an investment.  DSLR's are capable and often less expensive but are also end of life.  So inevitably any investment there will lead more quickly to a diminishing return.  Thus, going used is a good idea.

Both cameras types DSLR or mirrorless come in full frame or aps-c formats.  This article will help you understand the differences.

https://www.canon-europe.com/get-inspired/tips-and-techniques/aps-c-vs-full-frame/

Mirrorless bodies offer a higher return on investment and in general are more capable due to their newer technology.  This includes their light gathering capability, focus acquisition and subjet tracking.  Don't get me wrong DSLR's still offer excellent value.  However development ceased years ago in favor of mirrorless.  

We would all suggest that you do as much research as possible before making a decision.  We're here to help answer questions and give you guidance.