Camcorders at the shows?

We have taken our little point-and-shoot Panasonic that also shoots video to 8 shows going back to last year and haven't had any problems whatsoever. I have heard of issues at some shows, but I think it depends on the venue as well. I think if you were to shoot the whole show with professional quality gear you would need to seek permission, but with a camera as you described, no.

It really depends on the venue. I had photo passes at both the Green Bay and Milwaukee shows. In Green Bay, one little lady asked if my bag contained a video camera and when I said yes, she told me no video. I then showed her my photo pass band and was never bothered again for the rest of the night. I swear, I could have set up a tripod and recorded the whole show and nothing would have happened.

Just the opposite thing happened in Milwaukee at the Pabst Theater. In addition to be hassled at the doorway because I showed up over an hour early to hand out fliers for Joe, I was interrupted twice while filming songs even though I had a photo pass. Once they saw the wrist band, they backed off, but this is typical of the Pabst Organization. At Turner Hall this year, another Pabst Organization venue, I was taking video of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Half way through the second song a security guy told me to shut it off and if he saw me use it again, I would be forced to leave. That was at the same time, when everyone and their mother had their cell phones or small digital cameras held up in the air recording the same song! Nothing was said to anyone else!! By the way, my video camera is just a small, hand held Panasonic model, but it always seems to draw the security guys like flies on sh*t!

The next time I have a photo pass to a show, I'm going to tape a large sign on my back saying, "I Have a Photo Pass!!" Maybe they'll get the clue?

Roy

Several fans, including me, have opted for the new HD compact cameras. Very good results for a very fair price. Panasonic Lumix SZ7 is excellent for those not packing pro gear or a pro budget.
Rick

I'm so glad to see this post because while I know the issue of cameras at shows has been discussed, I cannot put my finger on the threads. I'll be seeing Joe at the Chicago Theatre in October. They have a no camera policy. While I'm ok not taking pics during the show (even though I'll be down in front), I really want the camera for after the show when I hope to have a Joe encounter on the sidewalk. My camera is just a small one but do I get the special pass anyway to prevent the venue from confiscating the camera? I don't do cell phone pics so that's not an option for me. I've been so worried about this. All I want is one pic! The forum's advice is appreciated!

BarbieD

Thanks, Rick! I'll get the pass.

Is that what you usually shoot with Rick? Your videos are always top notch. I have been looking into getting myself an HD camera. Or I can just continue to live vicariously through yours 

I have a ZS5 that I bought last year.  It is a great little compact camera but does have its limitations (don't forget I am comparing its use to a DSLR).  It works great in natural light, but for concert use (under lights) I have better luck using manual settings.  If you want to see some pictures from it go to my flickr page:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/24057301@N05/sets/

Look at the sets for Joe (and others) taken at Crossroads, and Grace Potter at House of Blues.  These were all taken with that camera.

I like it a lot for videos.  Most of my videos on youtube were shot with this.  It actually takes better videos indoors than still pictures sometimes.  The two drawbacks I find with it are that it is so small that it is sometimes hard to keep it steady, and be careful you don't put your finger over the microphone area or you will not get very good sound at all.  I know Lee uses one of these and loves it.  Lots of bang for the buck and I have never had a problem bringing it into a show.

Sandy