 BetterPhoto Member |
Concert Photography I wanted to know which camera is best to buy for concert photography. The Canon Digital Rebel The Canon D10 Or the new Canon Powershot pro1 8 megapixel? I am starting out doing concert photography and I have to upgrade to a better camera, one with a fast focus... which one should I buy and why? Thanks for your time.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Andy |
The Digital Rebel and 10D are very similar cameras both with 7 point AF while the Pro 1 has only 1 AF point. I think either the Digital Rebel or 10D will give you more options. The differences between the Digital Rebel and the 10D are the body construction (metal vs plastic) and a few features, like mirror-lockup, are missing on the Digital Rebel. You may pick the Digital Rebel and the coupld hundred dollars saved can be used to purchase a good lens. Different types of concert will have different lighting. Most of the time the lighting condition will not be ideal. AF may not be useful. You may have to switch to manual focus or pre-focus. Also depending on how far you are taking the photo and if you can use flash (I guess not most of the time), these are things you have to consider. Invest in a hight quality fast lens (with maximum aperture at or larger than f2.8). Use professional films because sometimes you may have to "push" the film. Hope this helps.
|
|
|
|
||
|
woody woodward |
quote-"You may have to switch to manual focus or pre-focus. " I'm rather new, I understand manual focus, but what is pre-focus? I have the Canon digital Rebel. Is this "pre-focus " available on the Rebel. Sorry to jump on the thread.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Andy |
There are two ways of pre-focus. One way is you set your focus at one point and then switch the auto focus off. Then wait for the performer to step into that point and then you press the shutter to take the picture. Another way is to make good use of the depth-of-field concept with the performer's estimated distance. It has to do with the lens aperture setting. You can get more information about depth-of-field and how to apply it on your lens at: http://dfleming.ameranet.com/dof_defined.html
|
|
|
|
||
|
woody woodward |
thank you so much Andy!
|
|
|
|
||
|
BetterPhoto Member |
Thanks for your help.....I am going to buy the Canon 10D because I know of other concert photographers and that's what they have. So I know I can't go wrong with it! Now I never asked about a lens or compact flash card and the man at the camera store wanted to sell me something...what kinda lens is the best? Anything specific to look for? And the flash card? Thanks for all your help Andy
|
|
|
|
||
|
Andy |
For your application, you probably need a "fast" lens (a maximum aperture at f/2 or f/2.8) and a combination of high ISO setting. Example: EF 100mm f/2 USM (~$380) Or you may ask the other photographers what lens they use. Hope this helps.
|
|
|
|
||
|
John A. Lind |
Andy mentions one of the potential drawbacks to using digital for "concert" photography. Stage lighting can vary wildly, not only during a concert, but between venues. Digital can get into trouble if there's not enough light. I shoot blues bands in small clubs that don't have much of a "stage" and lower lighting levels found on small stages using high speed film. My preferred film is Kodak TMax P3200 or Ilford Delta 3200, Push-1 at ISO 1600 (versus Push-2 at ISO 3200). Dropping down to ISO 1600 allows making 8x10 prints easily without objectionable grain and opens up their latitude. I've also used Fuji Press 1600 for color a few times when bands specifically wanted color work (I prefer B/W for blues bands). All three easily produce 8x10 prints without objectionable grain (less than ISO 400 Tri-X Pan). Lens most often used is a fast 85mm f/2 with typical aperture setting of f/2.8 and shutter speeds running at 1/30th or 1/60th second. Focus must be very exacting (apparent depth of field in 8x10 prints is often about 6-8 *inches* max). Under these lighting conditions a digital would choke in trying to produce reasonable print sizes (up to 8x10). There simply isn't enough light. Your shutter speed would either be so slow as to make hand held work impossible, or the ISO setting would be so high that there isn't sufficient resolution for making decent size prints. I mention this because you should evaluate the range of lighting levels you're most likely to be working with. Large, big name bands on brighter lit stages wouldn't be as much a problem . . . but lesser name bands on smaller stages not nearly so brightly lit can make using digital impossible, or very nearly so if you're planning on making prints (versus web use which doesn't require nearly the resolution). -- John Lind
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||