Camera for concerts

azure

New member
My daughter is learning belle dancing. She will be a part of mnay upcoming concerts. Which Nikon SLR camera sgould I purchase that will click the best photgrpahs while she dances?
 

blueiron

New member
Go with a DSLR like a D40, not a PnS.

You need a telephoto lens, like the 80-200mm/2.8 to shoot indoors without flash. Expensive, yes, but the lens critically forms the image and the camera merely captures it.

Many venues do not allow flash photography because it can interrupt the performers, so check with the school or venue first.
 

zx7dave

Senior Member
See if you are able to get close enough with a 85mm 1.8 telephoto..you can get one for around $550 and unless you are quite a ways out it should do the trick...You could likely get a manual 105mm 1.8 manual lens cheaper ($400) and if she is far enough away which is likely then you can focus at infinity and then snap away...you need a camera that can cleanly go up to ISO of 3200 or better yet 6400. That way you won't have to be concerned with a flash. I would still use a bi-pod and play with the white balance for the right lighting...As far as the camera..most any DSLR will do...how much do you want to spend? For bodies only...D3000 $350, D5000 $500, D200 $550 (used), D300 $1200 (used), D300S $1650, D700 $2850 ...and on and on...
 

Snap Happy

Senior Member
Many venues do not allow flash photography because it can interrupt the performers, so check with the school or venue first.

This is so true. Many people find a flash going off ..... constantly..... during a performance to be intrusive and annoying and interrupting others privacy. You will need a good sensor with wonderful noise reduction at a ISO like.... 3200?

And as already mentioned a good fast lens. I have done a few shoots with stage lighting, it is situations like this were you have to use your camera on manual. Auto metering will be confused, I have found a lot of the background is dark, your camera will try to take everything back to 18% Grey. Use your spot meter on your camera to get a light reading, set your camera to manual. As much as the lighting may change, with a High ISO and your manual metering setting, you should be fine.

One last thing, privacy in regards to others on stage. Some schools and/or parents do not allow any cameras. If you are allowed be prepared for some..... disgruntled looks.

I am usually asked to events, so it is not a problem, the teachers and principal know I am there. I have heard some horror stories about misinformation in regards to people taking photos of kids at any type of event. Not trying to scare you off, but information and knowledge is power. :)
 

Ruidoso Bill

Senior Member
One last thing, privacy in regards to others on stage. Some schools and/or parents do not allow any cameras. If you are allowed be prepared for some..... disgruntled looks.

I am usually asked to events, so it is not a problem, the teachers and principal know I am there. I have heard some horror stories about misinformation in regards to people taking photos of kids at any type of event. Not trying to scare you off, but information and knowledge is power. :)

Snap Happy is so right when it comes to kids photos, I ran into it in of all places a church.
 
Top