MSmegan
Jan 23 2008, 11:12 AM
With all of the great pics that have been posted from this weekend, it got me to thinking - it would be cool to know what kind of cameras everyone is using at concerts, and if you are happy with the pics you get. I myself bought a Sony (dont know the model # right now, but is one of the bigger ones with a long zoom) thinking it would take good pics at concerts. I am not dissatisfied, it is definately better than the camera I had previously, but I do wish the concert pics were clearer. I think it might just be that I do not know the proper settings to use, as I am not a photographer!! The non concert pics that the camera takes are wonderful, just something about the dark,lighting,and smoke from smoke machines that I guess my camera does not like

Anyways, how 'bout the rest of you?!
Just Cheryl
Jan 23 2008, 12:31 PM
Well, I'm probably the wrong person to answer to this topic. Me and cameras don't seem to get along, I forgot the battery, memory card or the whole camera. I usually bring the small digital one, if I'm close enough can get ok pics with that. It's great too, for having along when they don't allow cameras with the extended lenses into certain venues. That one is just a Kodak digital couple hundred bucks maybe. I like it though. The other camera we use is new so not much practice on Gary pics yet but will work on that. It is a Canon something or another (I know, I'm a great help, huh?)and has a zoom lens to 300 I think so that will be fun for sports and concerts especially the outdoor ones where you are so far away. Can't wait to play with that one a bit more. It's fun! If you do any camera shopping, let them know that you like to take pics at concerts. They are darker and even with some of the great zoom lenses don't allow enough light in. Some have a larger opening and let more light in. Have fun with it!
can't quit him
Jan 23 2008, 12:49 PM
I just have a Cannon powershot. I think it takes really good pictures if you are fairly close. I don't have a long lens or anything for far away, but I'm spoiled I haven't had to be that far away yet to see Gary. You can find a link under my profile to check out my page with some of my pictures if you'd like.
Kerry
Jan 23 2008, 02:01 PM
I have a Kodak with 10x optical zoom. I mean I get good shots with it, but I have had it for 2-3 yrs now and still do not know how to work all the zoom stuff. Most of my pics turn out darker then i would like, but hey like i said i dont know how to use it that well. i am good and some electronics but some i dont.....and plus you have to hold it real still if not it goes blurry....
footmom
Jan 23 2008, 02:05 PM
I have one of the new Kodak 10megapixals. It sucks let me tell you. Horrible pictures from both concerts I went to. Horrible pictures of just us sitting around. Looking for a new one. Have to have something to fit in my pocket though. Would really like to know of any good ones.
rightwhereineedtob
Jan 23 2008, 06:00 PM
QUOTE (MSmegan @ Jan 23 2008, 09:47 AM)

With all of the great pics that have been posted from this weekend, it got me to thinking - it would be cool to know what kind of cameras everyone is using at concerts, and if you are happy with the pics you get. I myself bought a Sony (dont know the model # right now, but is one of the bigger ones with a long zoom) thinking it would take good pics at concerts. I am not dissatisfied, it is definately better than the camera I had previously, but I do wish the concert pics were clearer. I think it might just be that I do not know the proper settings to use, as I am not a photographer!! The non concert pics that the camera takes are wonderful, just something about the dark,lighting,and smoke from smoke machines that I guess my camera does not like

Anyways, how 'bout the rest of you?!
I'd be curious to know the model because I have a Sony H-7. This weekend was the first real test and I wasn't happy with it. The picture weren't clear at all, even close ups of people. I do love the 15x optical zoom on it.
Joe-Anna
Jan 23 2008, 07:04 PM
I use a Polaroid 8.0 12x 3.0...............whatever that means,and I LOVE it.It'll zoom pretty good,but so the pics don't turn out bad I use different flash settings....that might help,Mine has a ton........Also if you use the night sape setting it works well at concerts.Hope that helps!
MSmegan
Jan 23 2008, 08:03 PM
QUOTE (rightwhereineedtob @ Jan 23 2008, 06:35 PM)

I'd be curious to know the model because I have a Sony H-7. This weekend was the first real test and I wasn't happy with it. The picture weren't clear at all, even close ups of people. I do love the 15x optical zoom on it.
I am pretty sure mine is the H-7 also, I will have to check when I get home. I also love the zoom, but if the pics aren't clear there's reallly no point! it takes great regular pictures even when fully zoomed, but there is something with the darkness and stage lighting. I tried the auto feature, but it made the pics look really grey/white, so i ended up using the sports setting, which was better, but still not what I expected. I tried to adjust some of the manual settings, but I have no clue what those are or what they are supposed to do. So I said forget it, don't have time to figure this out, I have a concert to watch!! But I really do wish I could figure it out before the next one!!
gafan74
Jan 23 2008, 08:12 PM
I have a samsung s630 its a really good camera and it was only like $100 which is alot of money, but not really for a camera! I also bought the kodak value charger that came with 4 batteries, they last a LONG time! and a memory card for like $14 that holds like 600 pics. so its not the "TOP NOTCH" camera, but it works really well! It takes really good concert pics when the artist has some back lighting, but i went to see Dierks Bentley and he has very little, and i was in the BACK of the venue, and got some pretty decent pics.
sorry this was sooo long!!

lol. Hope that helps someone.
Vicki B.
Jan 23 2008, 10:12 PM
QUOTE (Just Cheryl @ Jan 23 2008, 01:06 PM)

Well, I'm probably the wrong person to answer to this topic. Me and cameras don't seem to get along, I forgot the battery, memory card or the whole camera. I usually bring the small digital one, if I'm close enough can get ok pics with that. It's great too, for having along when they don't allow cameras with the extended lenses into certain venues. That one is just a Kodak digital couple hundred bucks maybe. I like it though. The other camera we use is new so not much practice on Gary pics yet but will work on that. It is a Canon something or another (I know, I'm a great help, huh?)and has a zoom lens to 300 I think so that will be fun for sports and concerts especially the outdoor ones where you are so far away. Can't wait to play with that one a bit more. It's fun! If you do any camera shopping, let them know that you like to take pics at concerts. They are darker and even with some of the great zoom lenses don't allow enough light in. Some have a larger opening and let more light in. Have fun with it!
You can also use a faster film speed.
Vicki B.
Jan 23 2008, 10:18 PM
QUOTE (gafan74 @ Jan 23 2008, 08:47 PM)

I have a samsung s630 its a really good camera and it was only like $100 which is alot of money, but not really for a camera! I also bought the kodak value charger that came with 4 batteries, they last a LONG time! and a memory card for like $14 that holds like 600 pics. so its not the "TOP NOTCH" camera, but it works really well! It takes really good concert pics when the artist has some back lighting, but i went to see Dierks Bentley and he has very little, and i was in the BACK of the venue, and got some pretty decent pics.
sorry this was sooo long!!

lol. Hope that helps someone.

That's what I have and it takes some great concert pics if you have plenty of light. Sometimes I have to mess with it and get the settings right. As far as taking far off pics, it doesn't do too well in a concert situation for me, but I still am not sure about settings on it.
#1fanintexas
Jan 24 2008, 12:59 AM
I did research before Christmas - according to supposedly "non-biased" reviews on the internet - for the non-expert user (like me) - and best zoom, etc. and relatively low cost (for concerts, yes & for my nephew's football games) - I picked the Canon Power Shot SX100IS - 10x optical zoom and 8.0 megapixels. With rebate it was like $150 - $200. It's not as small as some of the others, & I'm pretty sure the focus issues are actually "operator" issues - otherwise - I've gotten some good ones.
SweetCaroline
Jan 23 2008, 10:30 PM
It sure can get confusing with so many options available. Then once you choose one, you have to become familiar with all its settings and just exactly 'what it can do'.
My advice is not to take a brand new camera to a concert and expect great shots. I think you need to experiment with it a bit before you try a concert. I mean, I have been to shows where people are so excited that they have their new camera, but have never used it to even know how to turn on/off the flash or use the zoom etc. It can be disappointing if you just expect to use the camera without reading the manual and trying to understand what it does. Make sense?
aliciatx
Jan 24 2008, 12:12 AM
I have the Canon S5 IS.....LOVE IT!! I had the Canon S2 IS for a year and never had any problems with it, I have many great pictures from all the shows I have been to as proof. I would recommend it to anyone. Though I would go for the Canon S3 IS....it is a little better than the S2 and cheaper than the S5 witch not that much of a difference. The S5 really is only different in the fact it has more megapixels which unless you are a person who likes to blow up your pictures for poster sizes or anything....its pretty useless. So I would go with the S3.
sandyinpa
Jan 24 2008, 01:13 PM
I was also going to suggest the use of the night setting, and sometimes I have to use the "sport" setting cuz Gary moves so much anymore!!! I have a Kodak 5.0 mega pix. Check out my pics(address) in my profile if you want to see them. Good luck!
MSmegan
Jan 24 2008, 02:28 PM
Thanks ladies for all of the tips...keep 'em comin, cause i can sure use all the help i can get

i guess i will have to find a concert to go to of someone that i'm not so interested in so i have time to experiment with my camera!!
#1fanintexas
Jan 24 2008, 02:37 PM
QUOTE (SweetCaroline @ Jan 23 2008, 11:05 PM)

It can be disappointing if you just expect to use the camera without reading the manual and trying to understand what it does. Make sense?

Perfectly! Guilty of exactly that:)
rightwhereineedtob
Jan 24 2008, 08:31 PM
QUOTE (SweetCaroline @ Jan 23 2008, 09:05 PM)

It sure can get confusing with so many options available. Then once you choose one, you have to become familiar with all its settings and just exactly 'what it can do'.
My advice is not to take a brand new camera to a concert and expect great shots. I think you need to experiment with it a bit before you try a concert. I mean, I have been to shows where people are so excited that they have their new camera, but have never used it to even know how to turn on/off the flash or use the zoom etc. It can be disappointing if you just expect to use the camera without reading the manual and trying to understand what it does. Make sense?

I played with it before hand. Directions aren't a help. I thought I could get away with just the Auto setting, but they came out worst on that. Think it's just operator error.QUOTE (MSmegan @ Jan 24 2008, 01:03 PM)

Thanks ladies for all of the tips...keep 'em comin, cause i can sure use all the help i can get

i guess i will have to find a concert to go to of someone that i'm not so interested in so i have time to experiment with my camera!!
That would be good or we need to hire Aliciatx to take our pics
MSmegan
Jan 24 2008, 08:48 PM
That would be good or we need to hire Aliciatx to take our pics
[/quote]
I'm liking that idea
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