Concert Photography: Camera Settings

Question

Hi,

I recently tried out concert photography for the first time. I wasn't sure of which setting to use on my camera (Nikon D70), so I just kept the setting on P. I found that a lot of the pictures came out blurred (unless I used flash, which I didn't like, since I was up close).

I know now that I needed a faster shutter speed, but I just wanted to ask if anyone could tell me the correct settings for the best outcome for concert photography. This would help me a lot!

Thanks very much.

Answer 1

Change the ISO up as high as you can. Use a flash, a mono/tripod if you can. F/number as low as possible, to get as fast as shutter speed as possible...

Answer 2

P is sort of like using a P&S camera ... all automatic

Next time set your camera to aperture priority and at the highest ISO.  While there may be some noise, at least the images will not blur.

When I shoot concerts, I usually get a meter reading of the stage and then shoot manually at the same f/stop and shutter speed throughout the concert.

Answer 3

Uh, there are no "correct settings". Each situation might call for different settings. If you're going to be doing this often, invest in a Speedlight; if you don't want to use flash, you'll have to get a faster lens or one with Vibration Reduction. You can also bump up the ISO rating, too. Or adjust the exposure compensation. Or all of the above.

Answer 4

There are various ways to do this. One is to figure what's the slowest shutter speed you can reliably use, and use shutter-speed priority (TV) to keep above that point. Another is to use aperture priority (AV) to set the lens wide open to keep the shutter speed as fast as possible. In either case, you probably also want to set a higher ISO.

Beyond the settings, there are various strategies for increasing camera stability. If allowed, you can use a tripod or monopod. You may also be able to rest the camera against something (seat back, e.g.) to steady it. With a little practice, you can learn some techniques for keeping the camera steadier in hand-held shots, and there are also image stabilization lenses available. None of this will eliminate motion blur from a moving subject, of course; for that, you just have to time your shots to catch your subject standing still.