Seeing your favorite band playing live is one of the most incredible experiences for music fans. While that unique moment doesn’t last forever, we can capture the memory and enjoy it time after time with the help of a video Camera. If you love going to concerts and want to film them to relive the energy and emotion that you felt, you need a video camera that is suitable for this purpose. There are different elements to consider before getting a video camera to film concerts. The decision will depend on what you want to shot, the accessories you may require and how much you can spend.

A camera that can handle lower light situations effectively is crucial to ensure that you get the best results. Sound is a challenging aspect when it comes to filming live concerts. In most cases, the bass is distorted so if you want to achieve the highest level of quality, you will need to get a cinema grade camera. Before we check the most convenient options to film concerts, we will take a look at the best way to get optimal Audio quality in your videos.

How to get good audio quality when filming concerts

If you want to get the best possible quality in terms of audio, you will need to consider getting a external recorder. While video cameras have a built-in microphone, most of them can’t capture audio with the exceptional results that music lovers aim for. An external audio recorder such as the Zoom H1 Handle Portable Digital Recorder or the Zoom H4N, will be better options to ensure the audio quality of your recordings. Just keep in mind that you would need to sync up your audio and video using software designed for this purpose. Usually this is not difficult and shouldn’t take a lot of time, so it may be a good option if you are focused on audio quality. If you get a DSLR camera, you can opt for the Rode VideoMic, an external microphone that can be conveniently attached to the top of the camera.

Top Video Cameras for Concerts

To choose the best video camera for filming concerts you will need to think about your budget, as well as features such as optical zoom capabilities that will enable you to film from any distance. DSLR cameras are generally recommended as they offer superior video quality and better performance than flip cameras and point-and-shoot. Here are some options that will suit different needs and budgets.

Kodak PlaySport

The portability and cool design of this Kodak model make it another great alternative for capturing videos at concerts. It can fit in your pocket and it resists shock, water and dust. You can use it to capture full 1080p HD videos or 7020p at 60 or 30fps and thanks to its built-in image stabilization, you will be able to film even while you are dancing. The camera also has a practical wrist strap that allows you to carry it and keep it handy whenever you need to start filming. While it only has 4x digital zoom, this would be more than enough in most cases. The PlaySport is a comprehensive, portable solution that lets you enjoy great video quality.

Sony HDR-CX230/B

The fact that this is an effective solution to film in low-light conditions, make the HDR-CX230/B stand out from other cameras in the same price range. It has a 2.7″ wide LCD display, 27x optical zoom and offers an impressive video quality of 1920×1080 full HD 60fps. The camera also comes with built-in stabilization to help you get good results even when you are in a jumping crowd. Although the internal microphone is not great, you can easily attach an external audio recorder. The video quality is exceptional and it is the main reason to choose this option, if your budget allows it.

GoPro Hero 3+ Black

The GoPro Hero 3+ has earned a top place in the world of point-of-view cameras. It is ideal for sports and it can also be a great option for filming at concerts. The low-light environment setting will ensure that you can capture video even at live performances that have poor light. While it can only record for a limited amount of time in cinema quality, it also gives you the possibility of capturing extended video at 1080p. The wide angled lens and the unique look make this camera stand apart and additional accessories like a mount, allow you to enjoy hands-free recording. The GoPro Hero 3+ is a practical top performing camera, but like in other cases, a external recording device would be advisable if you want better audio for your videos.

Zoom Q2HD

Many people rely on their smartphone or tablet, but if you want an option that is affordable and that offers good quality, the Zoom Q2HD can be the right choice. It features video resolution capacity of 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 60fps and a built-in condenser microphone. The camera can use 64GB SDXC cards and works with an AC adapter/USB or 2 AA batteries. The compact size makes it ideal for carrying it around you and it provides better video quality than mobile devices. The sound is not the strongest point but still provides decent results.

Panasonic Lumix ZS20

If you want a solid option that won’t break the bank, the Lumix ZS20 can be a good option. It features 20x optical zoom, full HD with stereo microphone, 24mm ultra wide angle lens and it is compatible with SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards. The good resolution, acceptable low light capture and optical zoom capabilities make it ideal for filming concerts.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

his is another Lumix camera that is perfect for capturing live performances. It features 3.0 ” LCD screen, ultra-wide-angle 24mm lens, 10.1 MP CCD and it can record video in HD. The camera is compatible with SD, SDHC memort cards and its practical size allows you to carry it in your pocket without any hassle. The bright lens give you the possibility of filming videos or taking photos under low light conditions and the microphone offers good audio quality in most cases.

Flip UltraHD

This is another highly portable solution that is great for capturing video at concerts. The UltraHD is convenient, easy to use and can record up to 2 hours of video. The 8GB built-in memory means that you won’t need additional cards and the files can be easily transferred to your computer using the camera’s USB arm plug. The software allows you to edit or share media through the camcorder. The video and sound quality are good and while they are not remarkable. overall the Flip UltraHD is a practical all-in-one camcorder that should be considered.

Nikon D5200

Although the price of this camera is high, if you can afford it, you will enjoy outstanding quality in all your videos. The 24.5 MP guarantees that you get excellent image and the camera supports 5 fps of continuous shooting with 16 scene modes. It can record video in full HD (1080p) and the vari-angle monitor is great for lenses. The low-light capabilities ensure that you get good results even in darker conditions and the microphone provides satisfactory audio quality. Additionally, the light sensitivity is another feature that ensures that you can capture great videos at concerts and festivals.

Canon EOS M

This is hands-down, one of the best DSLR cameras available as it combines great quality and a reasonable price that is in line with all the features that it offers. It can record in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps, 1280 x 720 at 60 fps and also standard definition, if you prefer it. It features 18.0 MP sensor and supports SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. Just keep in mind that if you record all the time in Full HD, you would only be able to capture around 20 minutes of video. DSLR cameras like the EOS M are top quality options but in order to get the bets in terms of sound, it would still be advisable to combine them with an external audio recording device.

Canon EOS Rebel T3

The EOS Rebel T3 provides incredible quality even in low-light conditions and it offers a good set of features that will allow you to film at concerts. Thanks to its 12.2 MP sensor it can provide remarkable image quality and it can record at high definition starting at 1280 x 720 at 30 fps. The camera also features dual-layer metering system for exposure purposes and the wide selection of ISO settings allow you to adjust to the light conditions of the environment. Since it is a DSLR camera, you can expect high quality overall.