looking for compact or micro four thirds for concerts

[jexca]

I am looking for advice on a camera good for shooting at concerts(for my own personal photo collection-not for profit or portfolio). Most places we go are small and poorly lit so I'm looking for something that will perform well-and I know I'm not going to do wonders with a small camera-but just want something that will take great pics and isn't crazy large because you'll get kicked out of most places with a dslr or camera with a lens that extends beyond 3-4". I'm looking to spend between $250-$400(can go a bit higher if necessary) and I currently shoot Nikon products but that doesn't mean I'm not open to other brands. I appreciate if anyone has any recommendations!! thanks

[nemesis256]

I recommend the Olympus EPL2. Great little camera. You can use lenses made by both Olympus and Panasonic. There are a few fast primes available for low light situations.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by jexca

...I'm looking to spend between $250-$400(can go a bit higher if necessary) ...

My thought is you're probably budget-limited to looking at compacts. I'd suggest looking for a camera that has M mode, shoots RAW, and has a maximum aperture at the wide end of f/2 or wider. Those are probably the ones you're looking for. The Nikon P300, Canon S95, Olympus XZ-1, and Panasonic DMC-LX5 would be examples of the cameras to look at.

Originally Posted by nemesis256

I recommend the Olympus EPL2. Great little camera. You can use lenses made by both Olympus and Panasonic. There are a few fast primes available for low light situations.

Definitely better than a compact, but out of the budget. An EPL2 body is already about $450, and adding the Pany 20mm f/1.7 to it is another $380. And you really want the Panasonic 20 vs. the Oly 17/2.8. It's soooo much nicer. The 14-24 kit lens is an f/3.5-5.6 which won't be much good for low-light shooting of bands in venues.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by inkista

Those are probably the ones you're looking for. The Nikon P300, Canon S95, Olympus XZ-1, and Panasonic DMC-LX5 would be examples of the cameras to look at.

From experience: my choice is the Samsung EX-1. Believe it or not.