Fuji X100S and Canon PowerShot G9: Together in the Backstage

Both “old” digital ladies still work perfectly in 2025 and are unrivalled. They even work on a sun-baked stage with temperatures above 37ºC degrees.

SWEAT. SWEAT. SWEAT.

Each camera works in its own way: both almost always with ISO set at 200 (or a bit higher). The blinding sun helps to overcome the bold shadows.

CCD  1/1.7″ (4.5x) sensor for Canon PowerShot G9. 

X-Trans CMOS II APS-C (1.5x) sensor for FujiFilm X100S.

The reproduced images are very “smooth” and “soft”. Very photographic. What I’ve always looked for during a tour with a band.

The Originals – the new Africa Unite and The Bluebeaters common musical project, which means a ten-piece Italian ska, rocksteady and reggae super-band – offer an infinite number of situations and subjects to portray.

Everywhere you turn, there’s a story to tell. During the moments preceding the show, during soundcheck, G9 and X100S become true black and white storytellers. A drummers’ talk. Roadies unravelling and connecting cables. Friends visiting musicians. Cooling breaks and real raw power “postcards” from the core of the stage.

G9 plays with its discreet zoom.

X100S roams all around with the sharp prime lens.

The first tells stories with its “fragile” and almost blurred black and white. The second lets BLACK do the talking.

G9 and X100S are fun to use.

Fun is the way to get shots worthy of the music being played on stage.

Recording what the public can’t usually see. Recording without any restrictions on stage and behind the stage. An “ALL AREAS” pass around the neck. Recording in touch with the musicians…chatting and joking… despite the oppressive heat of the NXT Fest stage in Bergamo.

I use one and let the other camera rest. The heat IS ON!

The old G9, in production in 2008-2009, wrapped in its black leather case, protects itself from the heat. The “younger” X100S, in production in 2013-2014, does the same in its brown leather case.

Musicians sometimes ask to see the photos I took: They like them. Possibly, they like the ones taken with the G9 more. Maybe it’s just a romantic suggestion. However, they also really like the shots taken with the X100S.

In the meantime, I continue to shoot. CLICK! Perspire! CLICK!

Canon or Fuji?

Whatever my choice, the band keeps playing.

Let’s talk for a moment about the advantage of using cameras like the G9 and X100S during soundcheck and in the backstage. Undoubtedly, a photographer “armed” with small cameras will be more ready to act & shoot.

All you need is a pair of compact cameras – one equipped with a zoom and one with a wider and brighter prime lens – one ALL AREAS pass and good interpersonal skills – this means TALKING WHILE SHOOTING.

You can set one camera to color and one camera to black and white, as Annie Leibovitz teaches. I prefer to play with both cameras in black and white.

For my X100S: B; NR +2; H Tone +1; S Tone +2; Sharp +2.

For G9: B&W with ND filter ON.

My advice is to always get close to the subject and avoid using the zoom as much as possible. Make use of all the physical space around you without tripping over wires or bumping into musicians and their instruments.

You need to hit a rhythm, girls & boys!

Follow the music!

But first, you have to find some good compact cameras on the second-hand market. Just please, don’t spend more than 350 Euros – this is how much I spent on my X100S… just 190 euros for the G9. Both with a one-year warranty!

And go and see some of Leibovitz’s books! She has been backstage and onstage more than anyone else.

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