The Best Camera For Street Photography May Surprise You
Photo by Airam Dato-on
The best camera for street photography is a hot topic. Small and compact cameras tend to steal the spotlight, however I’ve witnessed some street photographers use large DSLRs with a telephoto lens. If you’re unsure which system to use for your street photography practice, stick with us as this article is sure to help you.
Key takeaways
Although the Fujifilm X100 and Ricoh GR lines are popular, neither of them are without their flaws.
Several street photographers have had successful careers by making images with a smartphone camera.
Many pro street photographers use cameras that were released over 30 years ago.
What is the best camera for street photography?
Photo by Michael Koneckiy
The best camera for street photography is the one you enjoy using the most. Photographers can tell you to use one camera or another, but it all boils down to what makes you happy. The best option isn’t always the most popular either.
For example, the Fujifilm X100VI may look beautiful, but there are several reasons a street photographer should look elsewhere. Its fixed lens is limiting, and the price point is way above what it should be when you consider what you’re getting in return.
Another camera that has cult-like status is the Ricoh GR III. It’s true it has beautiful image quality for a point and shoot, and it’s very practical for those who want to fit a camera in their pocket. However, its lack of viewfinder makes it cumbersome to use for those who don’t enjoy working with an LCD screen for street photography.
I don’t disapprove of either of these cameras. The point I am making is that when you research the best cameras for street photography, these options will always come up. Sadly, most articles are generic lists that appeal to the latest trends, rather than giving you a fair overview of what to expect.
Why compacts are the best cameras for street photography
Photo by Matt Hardy
The argument for using small compact cameras makes perfect sense. You want something that can blend in easily with the array of smartphone cameras you see on the streets. You also want something that can support a full day of walking and won’t be too heavy in the hand or around the neck.
I personally use the Fujifilm XT3. It’s not a traditional compact camera, and its interchangeable lens functionality means it’s not a point and shoot. However, because it’s a mirrorless camera it’s in a small body in comparison to the DSLRs of yesteryear. I love the functionality too as I can use the dials to change my exposure, and the aperture ring on my 35mm f2 lens.
That said, I have a friend who uses Leica systems. They make wonderful street photographs with the Lecia SL2, a much heavier and larger system – I would have more chance of flying to the moon than converting them to Fujifilm cameras.
The point here is that neither of us are right or wrong. You can’t tell either of us that the other has the best street photography camera. As far as we’re concerned we both have the best system for us, and that’s what’s the most important.
Smartphone cameras for street photography
Photo by Efrem Efre
Before their current resurgence, point and shoot cameras were almost obsolete thanks to smartphone photography. Objectively speaking, the image quality on a smartphone is inferior in comparison to dedicated cameras. Yet, several photographers have made world-class street photography with an iPhone or Android device.
Take a look at the work of Dimpy Bhalotia. Her street photography career sprung to life thanks to the incredible work she creates with an iPhone. Her work bagged her the Grand Prize Award at the 2020 IPP Awards. Could we convince Bhalotia that her “inferior” iPhone wasn’t one of the best cameras for street photography?
If you’re thinking of investing thousands of dollars into a dedicated camera, you may want to hold off. There’s no shame in using smartphone cameras, especially in the modern age. The camera you keep in your pocket is evidently enough to potentially create award winning street photography images.
Opinions on Reddit
I recently included Reddit in my selection of the best social media for photographers. It’s a great community and you can obtain great insight into all things photography. Of course, Redditors have had their say on what they feel are the best cameras.
Below are some of the best cameras for street photography according to Reddit.
Olympus Pen-F
Panasonic Lumix GX85
Nikon Zfc
Sony A6x00
Canon EOS M50
iPhone 15
Canon G7X
Sony RX100 series
As you can see, that's a diverse set of systems. The common denominator is they’re all pretty lightweight and compact. However, there’s not one dominating system that overpowers the rest of the competition. It’s clear the best system heavily depends on who you ask.
What the pros use
Photo by Marcello Sokal
It’s always useful to know what cameras experienced, successful street photographers use for their work. Below is a selection of highly-regarded street photographers and their camera of choice.
Matt Stuart: Leica M
Melissa O'Shaughnessy: Sony A1
Daniel Arnold: Contax G2
Six Street Under: Fujifilm X100V
Polly Rusyn: Fujifilm XT-3
Linda Wisdom: Panasonic Lumix G9
Andre D. Wagner: Leica M6
Phil Penman: Leica SL2
Singing off
The best camera for street photography doesn’t exist. It’s your relationship with your camera that’s the most important. The simple answer is that today’s cameras are all capable of helping you create strong street photographs.
My advice is don’t get sucked in by the generic round ups that only want you to purchase what they throw your way. Sure, they can be helpful, but their motive isn’t to encourage you to do what’s right for you.
Rent some cameras you’re curious about and see how they feel. There’s no need to rush and get the latest system either.
As you can see, several prominent street photographers are using film cameras from over 30 years ago. It’s your skillet that will get you the images you want, not the so-called best camera for street photography.
Did you find the article useful? What camera do you use for street photography? What is your dream camera? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
FAQs
What camera do street photographers use?
For street photographers, popular cameras tend to come from Fujifilm, Leica and Ricoh. The X100, M and GR lines are the most popular for each respective manufacturer.
Which camera mode is best for street photography?
Aperture priority allows you to work with your camera and get fast accurate exposures. This is useful for street photography as it allows you to quickly adapt to constant changes in lighting conditions.
Are DSLR cameras good for street photography?
Yes, DSLR cameras can help you produce high-quality street photographs. Keep in mind they tend to be bigger and heavier than today’s modern cameras, which isn’t ideal for long days of street photography.
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