Best Pocket Camera for Gigs?

I own a 5d2 with some L lenses but when I go to concerts there are normally restrictions on taking bulky/pro camera gear inside.

So I normally take my p&s Panny lumix with a 10x zoom. It has given me some decent shots but only really when I have been lucky enough to have great seats so I am close to the band.

Any suggestions on the best pocket camera with a really long zoom and great low light IQ?

Would prefer Canon but since it won't fit my lenses it is not essential.

Get a photo pass camera....

There are a few micro 4/3s out there that are fairly portable and offer decent high aperture lenses. Only issue is they will not have a great zoom on them, so you better be close.

I shot these a few weeks ago with a S95. I liked how they turned out but I wish the zoom was a little longer:

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1161882

A friend was at the same show with a G11. Was about the same distance from the stage as me but he got much better shots. I say get a G12 or G1X.

Only joking, magwai

You wont get a pocket cam that has good reach an a fast lens. Just like with SLRs, the longer and faster the lens, the bigger and heavier it will be.

With that said, there are a few cameras that fit the bill as long as you are not that far away.

Canon s95/s100
Canon G12/G1x
Panasonic Lx5

All of these have pretty fast lenses. The G series is a little slower but has a slightly longer zoom.

I'd go with a Fujifilm X100. It looks like a point and shoot but it's so much more.

brokensocial wrote in post #14224977
I'd go with a Fujifilm X100. It looks like a point and shoot but it's so much more.

With a fixed 23mm lens? Unless he plans on being in the front row for every show, then the X100 wouldn't be that useful. The Fuji X10 would probably make more sense.

Norkusa wrote in post #14225371
With a fixed 23mm lens? Unless he plans on being in the front row for every show, then the X100 wouldn't be that useful. The Fuji X10 would probably make more sense.

Yup, it does depend on where you're located.

400dabuser wrote in post #14198645
Only joking, magwai

I wish I could

I am talking about big commercial gigs, not bands in pubs. Anything with less than 10x zoom is not worth getting out of your pocket.

There seem to be some people on the board who feel that a fast prime answers all questions

It really depends on what you deem a "pocket" camera.

magwai wrote in post #14248839
I am talking about big commercial gigs, not bands in pubs. Anything with less than 10x zoom is not worth getting out of your pocket.

There seem to be some people on the board who feel that a fast prime answers all questions

My G12 at Springsteen did okay. Izod Center. Not on the floor but 20 rows off the floor. Nothing publishable.

Both Cropped

HTTP response: 400 | MIME changed to 'text/html'

HTTP response: 400 | MIME changed to 'text/html'

Norkusa wrote in post #14225371
With a fixed 23mm lens? Unless he plans on being in the front row for every show, then the X100 wouldn't be that useful. The Fuji X10 would probably make more sense.

+1 I love my X10.

Nice shots CosmoKid!