I shoot exclusively in digital format, as I like to be able to see my results immediately. This allows me to get the settings right for each venue and situation.
The Canon 20D allows me to change lenses for different situations, it has low noise at high ISO ratings which allows for taking photos in low light situations, it also switches on very quickly which I like, and it produces high enough images for good size prints.
It's also big and professional looking so people let you stand in front of them at gigs ;-)
This zoom lens has a constant aperture of f2.8 which is good for taking photos in low light situations with out needing to use flash.
The zoom is ideal for being at the front of the stage in a medium size venue. It isn't wide enough to get the whole band on stage but is good for individual shots of band members.
This wide angle zoom doesn't have a constant aperture so isn't as good in low light situations, so unless the lighting is good, I have to use flash with this lens.
The wide angle zoom is ideal for small venues like pubs where you are very close to the band. It is some times possible to get a picture with the whole band in, using this lens.
This fixed lens has an aperture of f1.8 which is very good if it is just a bit too dark to use my other lens, but as it is fixed at 50mm it means I have to move around a lot to fill the frame. And is 50mm is not very wide it cannot be used in some smaller venues unless I am after head shots.
The fast prime lens is good for low light venues, but it can only be used in some venues as you need to get in the correct distance from your subject, which isn't always possible if the audience is where you need to be stood.
This lens is also very cheap, so is worth having in your collection.
This is a high speed card, so the images are transferred quickly which means I can take lots of pictures and I don't have to wait for them to transfer.
This is good if you are using the continuous shooting mode to take lots of pictures at once.
I use the 1GB cards, as I can get about 100 images on one card. I prefer to have a few 1GB cards rather than put all my images on a larger card, just incase I lose a card or if fails, I would still have some images from the gig.
Future Purchases
I am hoping to get the Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash so I can reduce the shadows behind the subject caused by using the built in camera flash.
