Ask Engadget: What's the best small camera for getting into venues?

Any avid concert goer will confess -- security can be a royal pain in the arse when trying to sneak your point-and-shoot in for a few Facebook-bound memories. 'Tis a shame a few morons who can't deactivate their flash has to ruin it for everyone else, but rather than ramble on, we'll let Latrell take it from here:

"I'm tired of security confiscating my point-and-shoot at concerts. I'm just looking to snap a few good shots without the flash, but it seems they always find my camera on the way in. What's the slimmest, most discrete camera out there that can still muster decent images. I'm not looking to buy a new cellphone with a robust camera, either. Help a man a need, please."

We can say from personal experience that we feel this guy's pain, and after you've done your part to make a viable suggestion, you can send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com.

[zldaphreek @ Oct 16th 2008 10:07PM]

I've been to the Alstate Arena in Chicago for several concerts and have never had trouble bringing in cameras. I even brought my DSLR for the Foo Fighters this past Feb.

[Pete @ Oct 16th 2008 10:24PM]

And this answers the question how?

[zldaphreek @ Oct 16th 2008 10:34PM]

Anyone in the Chicago-land area now knows they don't have to worry about it. Pete, the world doesn't center around you, ok? No need to be critical of my experience that I'm offering up to help others.

[Pete @ Oct 16th 2008 10:38PM]

No, it doesn't center around me. But, if you wanted to help, how about you answer the question?

[Alex @ Oct 16th 2008 10:40PM]

You're seriously arguing over this?

[Tomek @ Oct 16th 2008 10:45PM]

holy shit! I just had the greatest idea. take the little wrist strap attatched to most point and shoots and loop it around the belt loop of your pants (if you have belt loops), then put the camera inside your pants (this ones tough for the tight pants, alternative-emo-psychadelic-punk-techno crowd) and waltz on in. I would recommend doing this with a casio exilim, or the sony T series (I THINK) of cameras. Seriously the guy that said to go into a shop and pick something out in real life is right, but those two sets of cameras make sense as of this moment.

[Seth @ Oct 16th 2008 11:04PM]

@Tomek

Just make sure you turn the camera off. Those would be some interesting photos that would be hard to explain to your girlfriend.

[zldaphreek @ Oct 16th 2008 11:07PM]

Ok, some example of cameras I've gotten into shows:
Nikon D-70 with an 18-200mm lense
Canon Powershot A720 is
an older Casio Exilim (I don't remember the model number, but it was back in the day of ebay shot-modes and crappy image quality)
and most recently a Canon Powershot SD1100

I think that covers a wide enough range of cameras

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Oct 16th 2008 11:13PM]

Hands down, the best small camera for (sneaking) getting into venues is the same camera that the CIA used (and still uses) to spy on foreign nations: A Minox C micro camera.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minox
http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/minox_e.htm
http://www.minox.com/index.php?L=1

[saccrant @ Oct 16th 2008 11:54PM]

I have found putting it in a hoodie does the trick pretty well.

[John @ Oct 17th 2008 12:00AM]

(Scroll down the page)

John @ Oct 16th 2008 10:20PM
What I do is loop the camera strap around one of the front-most belt loops on my pants and then shove the camera down my pants.

Tomek @ Oct 16th 2008 10:45PM
holy shit! I just had the greatest idea. take the little wrist strap attatched to most point and shoots and loop it around the belt loop of your pants (if you have belt loops), then put the camera inside your pants

What the hell.

[abbas350 @ Oct 17th 2008 12:27AM]

more like "boo" fighters

[somewhatboxes @ Oct 17th 2008 1:19AM]

@Tomek:

I feel like we're on the exact same wavelength... sort of. 2 years ago I went to my first concert, a Bloc Party event in San Francisco. I was so excited that I brought my camera, but being the fool that I was I didn't realize that I'd have to hide it.

After a few minutes of quick thinking, I tied the camera up exactly as you described and hung it on the inside of my pants. A little embarrassing? Sure. Effective? Heck yes.

I got in without any trouble. I wouldn't suggest that technique with a DSLR though.

[Ebzy @ Oct 17th 2008 4:58AM]

So what you are basically saying is that you have a well hung point and shoot

[farfisa @ Oct 17th 2008 8:56AM]

Wayne Jarvis: (showing him the pictures) Michael, this is a close-up satellite photograph of the Iraqi countryside. (points with a pointer) See this little series of hills around that stream? Those are bunkers. We believe that those bunkers contain weapons of mass destruction. We also think that your father was building on that land to hide them, which is why that photograph was on his e-mail.

Barry: (looks at pictures) Those are balls.

Wayne Jarvis: What?

Barry: Yeah.
Flashback to the bathroom scene. Tobias takes pictures...

Narrator: Barry was right. Tobias had inadvertently photographed himself while learning to use his camera phone.
Back to the present.

Barry: (looking at a picture he’s picked up) This close, they always look like landscape. Nope, you’re looking at balls.

[p-diddy @ Oct 17th 2008 4:45PM]

People are all wrong - hiding the camera in your clothes is a bad idea. What do security guards always ask you to do? Raise your arms so they can pat you down. Where are their eyes? Not on your hands.

I have palmed my camera - just a simple panasonic - more times than I can count because I'm raising it above where they are looking.

It's all about misdirection.

[Funke, Tobias Dr. @ Oct 18th 2008 2:12AM]

Perchance I might be able to borrow your cellular telephone?

[Shinigami @ Oct 16th 2008 10:08PM]

Casio makes slim cameras, take a look at their models. Also there are few Sony models that are slim. I'd recommend going to a shop and looking what you like.

And don't joke with security. If they don't let you take pictures, they have a reason for that.

[patrick @ Oct 16th 2008 11:20PM]

"And don't joke with security. If they don't let you take pictures, they have a reason for that."

Yeah, it's called charging fans outrageous money for pictures of their favorite artist, athlete, etc...

Thankfully cameraphones are so prevalent now that most places don't even bother trying to stop people from getting into shows with cameras.

[lowdef @ Oct 16th 2008 10:14PM]

Casio Exilim
good picture quality
surprising speed.
really small

[ChuChu @ Oct 16th 2008 10:47PM]

"And don't joke with security. If they don't let you take pictures, they have a reason for that."

I don't know what that even means. This is event security we are talking about here, i.e. chump work for big people. Aside from various scams they may run on the side such as confiscating drugs then turning around and reselling them they do what they are told.

[Mr. Crimson @ Oct 17th 2008 9:48AM]

And what if the artist/performer really just doesn't want people to bring cameras? What makes it OK for someone to bring one anyways, even if they can sneak it in?

Is that just? I agree, tickets are often outlandishly priced, but hey, if they don't allow cameras, then vote your feelings by not going!

I'm not saying anyone is evil for bringing a camera, but I do wish the audience members were a little more willing to work within the system, rather than try to outsmart it, even if they deem it to be unfair. That is the only way to effect lasting change.

But maybe I'm just old fashioned. :)

[Chris Taylor @ Oct 18th 2008 4:17AM]

Its called I have an intrinsic right to MEMORIES of what I see hear and do. Its called I have the right to PUT that memory into a more permanent format such as a photograph or video.

I do not recognize the right of venues to tell me what I can and can not photo or video. I can understand flash (its worthless over 10 feet anyway)

It should be illegal for them to tell people they can not take pictures.

Thats one thing I loved about Cancun. you could photo or video ANYTHING you wanted. Any event ANY venue ANYTHING. They did not care. the only time they cared was "tripods" at parks (pyramids etc..) (thats only because they taxed it for professionals via a permit) but I almost never used a tripod on events like that its a pain and I have a very steady hand I can sometimes shoot 1 seconds exposures without blur.

[deyanimay @ Oct 16th 2008 10:09PM]

Nokia N85

[Peter @ Oct 16th 2008 10:18PM]

Did you even read the question? It clearly says: "I'm not looking to buy a new cellphone with a robust camera..."
I know reading just takes sooo much effort, but next time; read before you comment. And if you think this reading is hard; try reading Chaucer.

[James @ Oct 16th 2008 10:25PM]

I'm just glad ieye hasn't said iphone 3g yet.

[Cody @ Oct 16th 2008 10:32PM]

@James

Ocean already said it. A fanboy always has to say something.

[James @ Oct 16th 2008 10:38PM]

i wish there was a way to block certain users comments.

[Information Central @ Oct 17th 2008 6:05AM]

"i wish there was a way to block certain users comments."

...wish there WERE a way to block...

The Internet: clearinghouse of the illiterate and maladjusted.

[deyanimay @ Oct 17th 2008 7:03AM]

Yeah i just took a quick read through the article and didn't notice the part about him not wanting a cellphone. Then i looked at it again and thought oh shit I'm gonna get low ranked fast. Sorry.

[Keith Becker @ Oct 17th 2008 4:59PM]

"i wish there was a way to block certain users comments.

...wish there WERE a way to block...

The Internet: clearinghouse of the illiterate and maladjusted."

Actually, in common usage either was OR were is acceptable. Go here: http://www.englishforums.com/English/IWishIWasWereThere/bzvrw/post.htm

Educate thyself. If you're going to be arrogant and pompous enough to correct someone, at least know the facts.

And please, we're here to helpfully answer a man's questions about what camera is best for smuggling into concerts, not to nitpick about grammar.

[Alexandre Emond @ Oct 16th 2008 10:10PM]

I would definitely recommend PowerShot SD880 IS.
Hi ISO, long exposure and physical image stabilization is perfect for night shots. Large video at almost no light situation is amazingly good. Just make sure to remove flash, put Hi ISO, and most of all, shut the screen off and guess the zoom and the direction. I have a personal total satisfaction with this.

[Craig @ Oct 16th 2008 10:32PM]

Ditto on the SD880's excellent overall quality.

Buuut, it's not really that discreet...it's definitely noticeable in even the biggest pockets.

If you really want to ensure that you don't get your cam confiscated, I'd suggest the Leica M3 (expensive, but teensy) or, even more hidable, get one of those digital camera pens or lighters. The image quality isn't great, but you're pretty much guaranteed to walk out with some pics.

[Craig @ Oct 16th 2008 10:34PM]

Oops...actually, I meant to laud the Canon SD870...I assume the 880 is as good, if not better.

[Menwuur @ Oct 16th 2008 10:11PM]

The best way to get cameras in is to have a girl with u to put em in their bra cuz thats the one spot they dont pat down for the most part.

[L.M.L.Y.P @ Oct 16th 2008 10:16PM]

yep. slide a camera down some wimmenz bra works everytime. o in your or her crotch.. works with flasks too :D!

[jeff @ Oct 16th 2008 10:25PM]

dude, it's Engadget... if there were a girl involved he'd have to be stupid rich and could just buy the pro shots they sell at the concert.

[HunterXI @ Oct 16th 2008 10:29PM]

Just wrap any ol' camera in a plastic bag and shove it down your pants. Problem solved.

[ED @ Oct 16th 2008 10:41PM]

Is that a camera in your pants, or are you happy to be here?

[K-Canuck @ Oct 16th 2008 10:13PM]

I use a Fuji F10. It's been known to have some of the best low-light non-flash pictures of any point and shoot. However, it's still a point and shoot, and if security wants to find it, they will.

If you want to impress facelessbook friends, just photochop an image :D

[Jesse S @ Oct 16th 2008 10:14PM]

...It has nothing to do with the flash, and everything to do with the artists and record labels wanting to make more money by selling their own posters and preserving their image and whatnot.

[kevin @ Oct 17th 2008 7:47AM]

While that's often true, it's not 100% right. I have been to a number of shows where artists have allowed cameras, but requested no flash photography. During one set, between songs he light-heartedly asked if the crowd "had gotten the memo about not using flash". Followed up with "we don't have any problem with you taking pictures, but the flashes make it hard for us to see your beautiful faces."

By the way, I was waaaaay in the back at that show. Definitely wasn't talking about my face.

[L. @ Oct 17th 2008 9:24AM]

I don't know that you can state it being due to the artists wanting to make money off of pictures. Unless they're a big act with a complete monopoly over their image as a whole, they're probably barely getting paid for albums sold, let alone anything else.

I've talked to bands that find it really off-putting to look out into a crowd and see a sea of cameras, most of which haven't had the flash turned off. In a smaller club, it can be really distracting to a musician if people are contorting around to take pictures constantly and making it hard for people around them to see. I've seen people in the front with cameras get "the boot" where the musician positions their foot in front of the camera to block the flash because it's been so annoying while they were playing.

That said, there's nothing wrong with getting a few pictures at a show if you're respectful about it. I have to agree with the people who suggest putting it somewhere security is unlikely to pat down. I've had the benefit of being female to aid me in smuggling one in.

[OCEAN 'CLAK' 20th @ Oct 16th 2008 10:14PM]

i normally take my iphone, knowone notices it, when im taking picture at events, its has a big screen too, just make sure knowone runs of with it, as some people are mean and cruel in this world

or u could use a big zoom paparazi camera just say ur taking pictures for a magazine that always works

[SNP @ Oct 16th 2008 10:14PM]

The Fuji F100FD has one of the best mix of function and size, 5X zoom, face recognition, anti-shake, lots of special indoor shooting modes, a decent flash.

[Joshua Susmarski @ Oct 16th 2008 10:15PM]

I would recommend a Sony simply because they make the best slim digital cameras. There are a few things to take into consideration here though; extremely small cameras, no matter how well made, aren't going to be great in low light conditions (especially without a flash) because of the physical limitation of the size of the lens, and the pictures will be made even worse since you will be forced to use the highest ISO to compensate for the lighting, which generates tons of noise on these tiny CCD sensors. Assuming that you aren't in an open, daylight venue, I would simply recommend leaving the picture taking to the pros; I can't remember being in at a concert where I couldn't get a video or pictures if I wanted to.

[Evan @ Oct 16th 2008 10:17PM]

I disagree.
I would go Canon all the way. SD870!

[Shane @ Oct 16th 2008 11:00PM]

Yep Sony T Series all the way..

[Ming @ Oct 16th 2008 10:16PM]

This one is easy. As an avid fan of live music, I always manage to snag a few pictures and a large amount of video wherever I go. And I am well too familiar with security at the door checking for cameras and even going so far as to "hold" items for pickup when you leave. For a male, the best place to hide the goods is where your other goods are located: next to jimmy.

[Ming @ Oct 16th 2008 10:18PM]

I just realized I didn't even answer your question really. I have a Canon Powershot SD850 IS. It's not the slimmest camera out there but if you hide it where the sun don't shine, then you should be ok. If not, then at least you'll have a higher chance of picking up some chicks outside.