I know everyone is always wondering what kind of cameras people use when they get good pictures, so I figured I would start a thread so people can just stop by here and see who has what camera. And where they can get ideas on what camera they might want if they are looking for a new camera.


I have gone through a lot of cameras since I started going to shows, I usually always upgrade once a year.....sometimes more.

Currently I have the Sony DSC-H9 and the Nikon D60 (brand new, havent used it yet). Right before the Sony DSC-H9 I had the Canon S5 IS which I loved and would still have if it hadnt gotten stolen.


What do YOU have?

I have the Sony DSC-H7. Still trying to get the hang of it, even though I've had it almost a year.

I have Olympus film camera, zoom 90 and a Canon powershot SX100 10x optitcal zoom.

I have the same as Cindy Lee's above, the Canon, prior to that I had an Olympus which I loved.

I have the Nikon D-80...getting used to it and lovin' it I also have a Kodak easy share dx7630 that takes good pics and video.

I have almost the same one. I have a Sony DSC-H5 Super Steady Shot. I know what ya mean. I've had mine for over a year and I still haven't figured out how to use it.

Im glad to hear you like your Nikon D80....do you take it to most of the shows you go to and have no problem getting it in the venues? Its not much different than the Nikon D60 that I just purchased....so if you dont mind, when I get mine, could I send you a PM asking you about settings and stuff that you use so that I will be prepared when my next concerts come up?

I've got the Nikon CoolPix P80 and I love it. Still getting used to it, but for the most part I'm getting pretty good shots of Gary(he's sorta why I bought a new camera!) I like how it has the 18X zoom. And I've got great shots of my family and dogs.

I have been looking at that camera and am seriously considering getting it! Maybe for Christmas? Let me know how it works for Gary shots, my reason also for wanting a more powerful zoom!

I've been looking at cameras for awhile now. I have a good camera but am looking for one that takes more professional looking pics but easy to use. Is that possible???

Most cameras are similar in the way they are used....if you know the basics then you can pretty much use any camera. I have gone through all types of cameras and it never takes me more than 2 days to mess with it and get it all pretty much figured out.

Are you looking for an actual professional SLR camera or just a regular digital that takes really good pictures?

what camera do you have right now?

If you are looking for just a regular camera then I would suggest one of the Canon IS series....I used to have the Canon S5 IS and I loved it! It took great pictures and wasnt complicated to use at all. I have many friends that have the Canon S3 IS and a few others that also had the S5.....all of them are happy with the camera.

I have the S3 but I want a SLR camera!! Was loking at the Canon Rebel but keep hearing about the Nikons.......now I'm just confused! lol

I have a NIKON D-60 & used it for the first time @ CHILIFEST 2008. I had to keep it sheltered from beer slinging all day long. I like my camera but still getting used to it. I leave my settings on auto, most of the time. Need some serious 101 camera tips from Alicia & Kellie.
When I bought my camera I was deciding on the Canon or Nikon too!

Alicia can you please pm me some good picture taking tips?

Kellie too?

I just got the Nikon D60 and have been messing with it on every day situations to get used to it. I have already figured out the setting Im going to use for concerts to start with (the shutter setting and then tweek each individual element to fit the conditions)....but if they dont work, I will probably go to the auto settings. If its a daylight show...then Auto is always good to use. After Oct. 2nd- 4th I will let you know how I really feel about it....that will be my first concert trials with it.

There really isnt any good picture taking tips...if you know how to use your camera, thats the only big thing. Other than that, its just point and shoot and learn from your mistakes.

Kelli actually helped me choose the camera I got. Supposedly the Nikon's and Canons are almost exactly alike with a few exceptions on how the camera is actually set up (buttons, etc.). So if you go with a Nikon or Canon....either way, you are a winner....they are both the best brands of cameras.

THANKS, ALICIA I'll be looking forward to seeing your pictures after Oct. 2nd.- 4th!!! I am going to try & buy another LENS (Nikon NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lens) before my KINDER concert. SO, maybe this will help my situation, so I can get those really close up shots of GARY & the GUYS!!!

WHAT KIND OF LENS DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR NIKON D60?

I have 2 lenses (SIGMA 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC & SIGMA 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO) ....and then I also got a wide angle lens attachment and a telephoto attachment.

The large zoom one is good for when they are far away but if they are close up you cant zoom out....so you cant get full body shots. Also, if they are too close with that large zoom it wont be able to focus on them....so you will only be able to get far away shots of them. Thats the only downside....good thing is at most shows you cant be RIGHT next to the stage so there is always a little distance between you and the artist....so the lens should work every time.

I like variety so Im actually going to be taking my normal digital to those shows too....just in case my Nikon is not giving me variety, I will switch over to the Sony and start shooting with it! I have to be able to get body shots, head shots, half body shots....etc.

You will love your Nikon!! Have fun with it...Can't wait to see your pics!!

Jacie, do you have a photobucket account where I can check out your pics that were taken with the Nikon D80? I want to see just how good Im expecting to get with the new camera!

Sent you a pm

I HAVE A SONY. IT TAKES GOOD PICS FROM UP CLOSE TO THE STAGE BUT I AM NOT SURE IF I HAVE IT SET RIGHT MOST OF THE TIME. I USUALLY LEAVE IT ON AUTO. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO FIND SOMETHING WITH A BETTER ZOOM ON IT JUST IN CASE I GET CRAPPY SEATS I CAN STILL GET GOOD PICTURES. PROBABLY WILL HAVE TO GO WITH AN SLR FOR THAT, HUH? USED TO HAVE AN SLR YEARS AGO. IN FACT, I USED TO DO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE SIDE, BUT MY CAMERA MESSED UP AND I NEVER BOUGHT ANOTHER ONE. MAY CHECK OUT SOME PAWN SHOPS TO SEE WHAT KIND OF DEALS I CAN FIND ON A GOOD EASY SLR! HAS ANYONE EVER BOUGHT A CAMERA AT A PAWN SHOP? JUST CURIOUS IF IT WORKED OUT FOR YOU. I AM AFRAID OF GETTING A LEMON!

I wouldnt buy a used camera from a pawn shop. If you want a new camera but for cheaper than retail price (maybe not a whole bunch cheaper but at least a little bit) check out ebay. Thats how I buy everything I get these days. Thats how I got my last 4 cameras (including my new SLR).

Depending on your Sony....it still might get good pictures from pretty far away.

I am a photographer, so I am all decked out when I go to Gary concerts.. some people just stare when I bring my "tools" out, but who cares!! I get some pretty great photo's!

Here is what is in my "toolbag" as a photographer!

Canon 40D(my baby and primary camera)DSLR

Canon Rebel XTI(my first baby)DSLR

Canon EF 28-135mm Lens

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens

Canon EF 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Lens

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens

Canon 430EX Speedlight

4 professional grade memory cards.


DSLR's are pretty easy once you learn them!

i ues a canon power shot S5IS i really like it

Awesome "tools" Robynn....I bet people do stare!

So if you are using this SLR camera with a 50-200mm lens, and sitting further than say 5 ft away, I would suggest a speedlight to attach to your camera... usually concerts are dark and the flash burst from just your camera won't be enough. When I go to concerts I do attach the flash and use a diffuser so it won't be so "bright".the flash burst on a speedlight is so different than a flash burst on just the auto setting. Another good thing is, and this is an expensive tip. is to buy a lends that has 1.4/f (this is the apeture opening for those who don't know)... (I have this lens)
They are very pricey but are made for low light situations perfect for nighttime weddings, churches that can't have a flash, or concerts hence the 1.4/f. This lens is essentially a fast shutter speed, but the apeture opening is so big it allows as much light in as possible in the low light situations. Its made for portraits having a shallow depth of field, or what I like to tell my clients that nice beautiful "blur". Since You Have the Nikon, I would look into
AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4D IF lens, like I said it is pricey but well worth it in the long run, especially if you plan on getting into photography!

Ok, now I just rambled on. Hope it helps a little, if not feel free to contact me anytime. I love talking about lens/cameras/photography!