Concert advice

amyj

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Amy
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Hey,

Wanted some general advice...i go to a lot of gigs - mainly foo fighters, and recently bought a panasonic tz5 and was wondering if peeps could offer me advice on getting the best out of it? Im kinda regreating not getting a dsrl now :( as think this would be better for what i need! Also do peeps know what type of restrictions for gigs on dsrl's as i want to invest in one in the future

Ta!
 
You are not allowed to take DSLR's to gigs full stop so I wouldn't try taking one or you will be turned away at the door.

Couldn't advise on the TZ5 but i'm sure someone will be along soon to help.
 
Thanks for clearing that up for me one of the reasons i didnt get a dsrl was the size and went for the tz5 as it has a good zoom on it just want to make sure i can get half decent pics. I guess thats a drawback of going to gigs like i do its hard to get lots of good pics cos of the movement and low light!
 
certainly for many bigger concerts gate security will confiscate or refuse entry to people with a 'professional camera' - and they regard any camera with a removable lens as being professional.
 
any camera with a removable lens as being professional.

SLR Defined
SLR is an acronym: it stands for Single Lens Reflex.

Now you know what SLR stands for but that doesn't really help answer the question, does it? Let's define further:

With an SLR camera, you see exactly what the lens sees
You can change the lens on a digital SLR
Digital SLRs have large image sensors that produce high-quality photos
An SLR has a near-zero lag time, and is ideal for action photography
 
Keep an eye on the "For Sale" forum here, there's quite often a 350D popping up for very sensible money.
 
SLR Defined
SLR is an acronym: it stands for Single Lens Reflex.

Now you know what SLR stands for but that doesn't really help answer the question, does it? Let's define further:

With an SLR camera, you see exactly what the lens sees
You can change the lens on a digital SLR
Digital SLRs have large image sensors that produce high-quality photos
An SLR has a near-zero lag time, and is ideal for action photography


I know what SLR stands for! I'm was simply stating how gate monkeys define as a professional camera. They are the people who decide who gets in and who doesn't!
 
I know what SLR stands for! I'm was simply stating how gate monkeys define as a professional camera. They are the people who decide who gets in and who doesn't!

This was aimed at "AMYJ" as she was asking what DSLR would be suitable for concerts. ;)

Taking into account both our commets, it was to highlight that DSLR's are not allowed into concerts due to the removable lenses.
 
The problem with gig photopraphy (as I see it) is you have to compromise so many different things.

Firstly, you need to be close to the front (in which case you dont want too big a camera because it will get in the way/could get damaged etc), or you need a decent zoom.
Then you need it to take good low light pictures because gigs are dark (so you need fast glass), but there are also quite bright lights, so you need some manual overides on things and manual or reasonable ISO range.
Then if you're using a big zoom, in low light at the best aperture you've got, you'll probably still need a bit of image stabilisation because you'll be jostled by the dancing next to you, but that wont help if the subject is being dynamic on stage (i.e. bouncing around).

Basically, with the TZ4, you've probably got as good as you can get and can quite easily get in the door. Remember, you're there to enjoy the music as much as take photos, so accept that they might not be NME cover shots, but they'll mean something to you.

If you want to take a better camera with you, check the terms and conditions on the big gigs (as most wont allow dslrs through the door) or start on small local gigs to 'refine your art' where you can get up close and personal with the bands and get some contacts with bigger venues. Oh and chose your spots, it makes a big difference to the pictures and dont use flash as all you'll get it highlighted heads.arms from the people in front of you.

Btw, I use a Panny FZ5 as my gig camera, as if it got broken I'd be upset, but not as much as if I lost my 400d. It gives OK pictures:

Not the best, but great for memories...
Pepper_IOW1_2007_122sml21.jpg


Pepper_IOW1_2007_117sml2.jpg
 
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