Best Street Photography Camera 2023: 12 Top Picks
- By Sebastiaan van 't Hoog
- Updated 8 december 2023
Street photography is one of the most fun types of photography, in my opinion. However, it can be difficult to take beautiful photos without the right camera. The right street camera is not necessarily the most expensive, in fact, I do not recommend the most expensive camera.
With years of experience as a professional photographer, I have photographed many streets and I have had many cameras. I know exactly what to look for if you want to buy the best camera for street photography.
In this article, I will tell you exactly what the best street photography camera is, and not only that, I will also show you the best price. This way you can get into the historic cities as quickly as possible to take beautiful photos.
The best cameras listed
- Nikon ZF | Mirrorless
- Fujifilm X-S10 | Budget
- Ricoh GR III | Compact
- Canon AE-1 | Film
- Canon R50 | Beginner
- Fujifilm X100V | Hybrid
- Panasonic FZ300 | Under $500
- Sony A6700 | Sony
- Sony RX100 VII | Reach
- Canon G7X III | Canon
- Fujifilm X-T5 | Film simulation
- Sony RX10 IV | Bridge
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. You can support me without any additional fees. I used some of the products mentioned, not all.
What is the best street photography camera?
When I wanted to buy my first camera years ago, I found it quite difficult, I didn’t know what to look for and everyone on the internet said something different. After years of visiting different cities, I know exactly what to look for.
My goal is for you to find the right streep photography camera, that doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive or newest camera. I don’t want you to buy a camera that lacks features or has unnecessary features.
You have to pay attention to important aspects such as the sensor and resolution, often a 24 MP sensor is good enough for street photography. Other aspects also caught my attention, here is the list of important points to pay attention to.
A camera alone won’t get you very far, we all know that. That’s why I recommend a number of lenses for each camera, this way you can find everything here.
Let’s take a quick look at the first camera!
Best mirrorless camera for street photography
Nikon Zf
Sebas' take
I’ve got many cameras to cover, but I want to tell you which is the best for street photography. The Nikon Zf is by far the best camera, with a nice retro look, a full-frame sensor, incredible autofocus, and many more features.
I like the old looks of the Nikon film cameras, this is a reinterpretation of the Nikon FE, a really old camera. Nikon changed a thing or two, the Zf not a film camera anymore. I will explain why it’s the best street photography camera in a moment.
All in all, I think the Nikon Zf is the best mirrorless camera for street photography.
Outstanding features
- 25 MP full-frame sensor
- 4K60p video
- 14fps burst (RAW)
- 30fps burst (JPEG)
- Pre-burst mode
- 8-stop stabilization
- Retro design
What I like/dislike about the Nikon Zf
Like
- Let’s talk about the most inspiring thing about the Nikon Zf, which is the beautiful design. I know, the buttons are not the most practical, and you might want to buy a grip for it, but overall, I can appreciate the fact that Nikon has made a camera to which there is no competitor.
- Secondly, the image quality is an important aspect. The resolution is perfect for street photography, I wouldn’t want any higher as you don’t need 50 MP. Images are sharp and show vivid colors. If you shoot RAW, you can alter the images to your liking in post-processing.
- Everything internally is just perfect, with a full-frame sensor it stands out from all the other cameras on the list and I haven’t talked about the autofocus yet. It is fast, accurate, and reliable, everything you would expect from the best street photography camera.
Dislike
- I don’t have many things to dislike about the Nikon Zf, I mean, I could think of one. It is immensely popular, so I would have to wait a long time before I could get my hands on one. I just wish it was less popular, but that’s just my two cents.
The best lenses for street photography
There are lots of good lenses for street photography, but the Nikon Zf is a special camera which needs a special lens. The lenses below with ‘SE’ behind it are special edition, made for the Nikon Zf. You can put other lenses on it, but I the SE lenses are the best for street photography.
The very best lens for street photography is the Nikon Z 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. For the most matching lenses, you need the Nikon Z 28mm SE and Nikon Z 40mm SE, which are specially made for Nikon ZF.
Best budget camera for street photography
Fujifilm XS10
Sebas' take
Next up, I want to share the best budget camera with you. It is the Fujifilm X-S10, a small and lightweight camera with film simulations. It costs under $1000 and if I were looking for a camera, this would probably be my choice.
It is also a perfect beginner option, as you practically don’t have to edit the photos. They look crispy and sharp straight out of the camera and I like a lot of the film simulations that Fuji has added.
All in all, the XS10 is the best budget camera for street photography.
Outstanding features
- 26 MP sensor
- 4K60p video
- 20 fps burst mode
- Fast autofocus
- Built-in stabilization
- Traditional design
What I like/dislike about the Fuji XS10
Like
- Again, lots of great points to mention about the XS10. It has a film simulation mode, with which you will shoot JPEGs. You don’t need any editing and the photos look good straight out of the camera. I think it is perfect for beginners, as you can take the XS10 and start shooting right away.
- The autofocus is quick too, as it can recognize eyes and focus within milliseconds. You don’t have to worry about out-of-focus images, as long as you press the focus button. It keeps you from standing out of the crowd!
- The last thing, it is a small and lightweight body. It fits into my camera bag without any problem and even with a lens like the 35mm F1.4, it is lightweight. That is a perfect combination for street photography, by the way, just saying. The grip is big, but my pinky doesn’t hold the camera. It isn’t too big of a problem, but something to keep in mind.
Dislike
- There are some downsides to the XS10 for street photography. Firstly, the battery is not too good. If you’re going to shoot for a few hours, make sure to take 2 or 3 batteries with you.
- The XS10 has an articulating screen, I prefer a tilt screen for street photography, the flip-out screen takes away the stealth of the XS10 and it takes more time to take s shot.
The best lenses for street photography
I made a selection of the best street photography lenses, especially for Fujifilm cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for street photography is the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less generous, the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm is also fantastic. The quality is slightly less good, but that does not make it any less capable. Finally, the Fujifilm XF 35mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
View all Fujifilm XF lenses on Amazon, B&H Photo, or Adorama.
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Best compact camera for street photography
Ricoh GR III
Sebas' take
If the cameras above are too big, I will recommend a small and compact camera. It is the Ricoh GR III, one of the best compact cameras with a 28mm F2.8 lens. That means that you can take photos with blurry background.
It even has film simulations, kind of like the Fujifilm cameras. The autofocus isn’t the best, but for street photography I think it works fine. Ricoh’s GR III is focused on the street photographer, so for that reason, it is the best compact camera for street photography.
Outstanding features
- 24 MP APS-C sensor
- 1080p video mode
- Build-in nd-filter
- Double exposure mode
- 28mm F2.8 lens
What I like/dislike about the Ricoh GR III
Like
- First of all, the GR III is a small and compact camera. I like the fact that there is a small grip, normally you don’t see that on compact cameras. It feels comfortable and you have all the buttons you need.
- With a lens like the 28mm F2.8, you will be able to shoot photos with great depth of field. Having an APS-C sensor, the image quality is also great, considering it’s so small.
- Although the autofocus isn’t the fastest, with a mode called ‘snap mode’, the camera will focus on a set distance. You can set the distance to 2, 2.5, or 3 meters if you like, that will help tremendously for street photography.
- Surprisingly, the Ricoh has film simulations, somewhat comparable to Fujifilm’s simulations. You don’t have to edit all the photos, so it’s perfect for a beginner. I still suggest editing the photos yourself, so you can make it your own style.
Dislike
- With the camera being so small, it does have a few downsides. First of all, it does not have a flip screen, which can be a deal breaker. If you’re close to the ground you can’t see the screen.
- The battery is also not good, you can take about 98 photos per battery. Fortunately, you get two in the box and I think it adds to the experience. You can’t just shoot without thinking about the shot, just like 50 years ago.
Best film camera for street photography
Canon AE-1
Sebas' take
A completely different kind of camera, the Canon AE-1. It’s from the 70s and I mean, it’s just stunning. I think it’s one of the most beautiful cameras Canon has produced. I actually held the one from my grandfather a few weeks ago.
It feels tough, is easy to use (even as a beginner) and the images are just like you want them to be. The old school way of taking photos, you have to think before clicking the shutter button, something I am not used to anymore.
All in all, the Canon AE-1 is the best film camera for street photography.
On Amazon
Outstanding features
- 35mm film
- Pretty affordable
- Old-style SLR camera
- Good ergonomics
- Feels great in my hand
What I like/dislike about the Canon AE-1
Like
- So this is a film camera from the 70s and for a beginner, I think it’s perfect. Putting in the 35mm film-roll is easy and with a few tutorials on YouTube, you will be able to use it.
- It has a built-in light meter, you can change the ISO on a dial and when you look through the viewfinder you will see what aperture to use. Changing the ISO will only change the light meter, if you want to have a higher ISO, you should buy a new roll of film.
- The AE-1 feels though, a few weeks ago I had the one from my grandfather in my hands and I was surprised about the ergonomics. Of course, it isn’t a new camera with optimized buttons, but it works perfectly.
Dislike
- There are a few downsides, as with every camera. It needs a battery to use, and that part breaks often. Luckily, a new one is cheap so I don’t think it is too much of a problem.
- As it’s an old camera, you have to service it once in a while, refresh the rubbers, oil it, and make sure it keeps working like it’s meant to.
The best lenses for street photography
Now, I can’t recommend the new RF lenses for the Canon AE-1, so I will share some of the best FD lenses with you. First of all, the Canon FD 50mm F1.4 is the best lens for street photography. It comes with most cameras, as it is the kit lens.
Secondly, the Canon FD 28mm F2.8 is also beautiful, it is much wider than the 50mm, which is perfect for my liking. Last but not least, the Canon FD 85mm F1.2 is my favorite. It has a buttery smooth bokeh and the quality is great.
Today's best deal
Best beginner camera for street photography
Canon R50
Sebas' take
Now onto a more modern kind of camera, the Canon R50. Although the AE-1 is good for a beginner, I think the R50 would fit a lot more people. Considering the user interface and beginner-friendly layout.
The image quality is great and the autofocus is the best on the list. It’s also small and lightweight, an important aspect for us street photographers.
I think the R50 is the best beginner camera for street photography.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R50!
Outstanding features
- 24 MP sensor
- 4K30p oversampled video
- 15fps burst mode
- Deep learning autofocus
- Compact and lightweight
What I like/dislike about the Canon R50
Like
- Beginning with the user interface, it is designed for beginners. You get to see visuals on screen so you can better understand how the settings change the outcome.
- Image quality-wise, it is just as good as the other cameras on the list, if not better. Photos are sharp and crispy, with the colors looking vivid and natural, provided you focus correctly.
- Talking about focus, the autofocus of the R50 is great, to say the least. It does have AI-powered features, it recognizes people and cars, and even animals can’t escape the R50.
- Even though it is a mirrorless camera, the R50 is small, compact, and lightweight. I like the fact that I can put it in any bag and take it with me.
Dislike
- The R50 doesn’t have any film simulations, like the Fujifilm cameras, so you will need to retouch the photos later on. For most cameras, this is the way to go, but just keep it in mind.
- I said the size is a pro, and while it is, I dislike the fact that my pinky isn’t holding the camera. I like to have my entire hand on the camera, with the R50 that’s not possible.
The best lenses for street photography
So I’ve photographed quite a lot of streets myself and made a list of the best lenses for street photography. The lenses I recommend are all for Canon cameras, by the way.
The very best lens for street photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 85mm is also fantastic. The quality is a little less good here, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also great, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R50 Review, Tests & Comparisons
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Best hybrid camera for street photography
Fujifilm X100V
Sebas' take
Yet another Fujifilm camera, yes, the Fujifilm X100V. It is the most popular camera by far, in 2023. With it being sold out everywhere, it is hard to get your hands on one. But if you do, you have the best hybrid camera for street photography.
With a 26 MP APS-C sensor, you can take great images. Having a 23mm lens, it is the full-frame equivalent of 35mm, which is perfect for street photography. All in all, the best hybrid street photography camera.
Outstanding features
- 26 MP APS-C sensor
- 23mm F2.8 lens
- Built-in ND filter
- Photos look like film
What I like/dislike about the Fuji X100V
Like
- Sharpness is great, even at F2.8 wide open. The corner sharpness is also great, much better than the older versions of the camera. The colors look great, and with film simulation, you can get good results straight out of the camera.
- It is a small and lightweight camera, so people won’t notice you taking photos unless you are directly in their eyesight. You can basically take it anywhere with you!
- Also, the X100V is weather-sealed which is great as a street photography camera. You can shoot in the rain, but the lens focus mechanism isn’t sealed. You have to use an adapter of 28mm or 50mm to get it fully weather-sealed.
- Last but not least, the X100V does have a tilting screen, which is my preferred type of screen for street photography. You can shoot over a crowd or close to the ground without a problem.
Dislike
- The lens has lots of flares when shooting in direct sunlight, which might be something to consider when you’re shooting a lot in bright lights.
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Best street photography camera under $500
Panasonic FZ300
Sebas' take
Now onto the cheapest camera for street photography, the Panasonic FZ300. It is a small compact camera, but not one like the cameras mentioned before. This one is different because you have a long zoom range unlike anything else.
A 24-600mm lens makes sure that you will capture all the harmonious moments on the street, even from a mile away. The image quality is great, which was a surprise to me as it costs less than $500.
All in all, the FZ300 is the best camera for street photography under $500.
Outstanding features
- 12 MP sensor
- 24-600mm lens
- Constant F2.8 aperture
- 4K30p video quality
- Lightweight
What I like/dislike about the Panasonic FZ300
Like
- Let’s start with the basics, the image quality. The sensor doesn’t have many megapixels, namely 12 million pixels. To my surprise, the quality provided is great and the colors seem to be vibrant.
- Ergonomically, the buttons are well placed and you won’t have trouble finding a button to change certain settings. You can also shoot on full auto mode or aperture priority, which makes it even easier.
- If you’re done with changing lenses all of the time, the FZ300 is perfect for you. I have to change the lens quite often and I must say that a camera like this might be the solution. The 24-600mm lens lets you shoot both wide-angle and telephoto, making it versatile.
Dislike
- Don’t expect the FZ300 to be of the same quality as the other cameras on the list. It’s cheap, and for the price, it performs excellent. Note that, in dark situations, the FZ300 won’t perform well, the sensor is too small for that.
Best Sony camera for street photography
Sony A6700
Sebas' take
Let’s talk about a different camera. I’ve said that sentence a few times now, but I want to cover all the different cameras for street photography. Coming up with the best Sony camera, the Sony A6700.
It is a relatively new model, but people seem to be really happy with it. Being able to capture 26 MP photos, and 4K120p video, and having the best autofocus mechanism, the A6700 is the best Sony camera for street photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Sony A6700!
Outstanding features
- 26 MP sensor
- 4K120p video
- Deep learning autofocus
- Small and compact design
- Built-in stabilization
What I like/dislike about the Sony A6700
Like
- With so many great points, I had to choose the most important ones. First, the size and weight stand out immediately. It is a small and compact camera, much smaller than the A7 series from Sony.
- Next up, the image quality is great. It has the same sensor as the Sony FX30, which is a cine camera. Now just imagine the quality it provides. The features are, too, almost identical to that camera.
- Autofocus is another subject on which the A6700 shines. It has a new AI chip, meaning the A6700 recognizes people and analyses their posture, quite impressive. The focus is nailed all of the time, an important aspect of street photography.
Dislike
- I hardly have anything bad to say about the A6700, besides the fact that it isn’t cheap. You could get a full-frame camera for that price, the Canon R8 for example costs the same amount.
The best lenses for street photography
I made a selection of the best street photography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for street photography is the Sony FE 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 85mm is also fantastic. The quality is a little less good here, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 28-70mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Best camera for street photography for reach
Sony RX100 VII
Sebas' take
Sony is a strong brand with some great cameras, not only their mirrorless cameras are great, their compact cameras are worth a look, too. The Sony RX100 VII is one of those, it has a 20 MP sensor and is extremely small.
Considering the size, weight and sensor, it provides great image quality, as we would expect from Sony. Ergonomically it’s not perfect, but you have every button within reach.
The Sony RX100 VII is the best street photography camera for reach.
Outstanding features
- 20 MP sensor
- 24-200mm
- F2.8-4.5 aperture
- Fast autofocus
- Small and lightweight
What I like/dislike about the Sony RX100 VII
Like
- Firstly, the RX100 has a 20fps burst mode. Now, you might think that’s overkill and you don’t need that but those speeds got me some great photos. The buffer is also not small, shooting up to 80 RAWs with the 20fps burst.
- Autofocus is the strongest point of this camera, with Sony being the best in the market, I expected that. It focuses quickly on the eyes of people and won’t let go. Even if someone turns around, the RX100 VII will focus.
- It has a tilting screen, which is a nice add-on. I don’t like the other screens for street photography, so this camera is perfect for the job.
- Last but not least, you have a viewfinder which is extendable. It is positioned in the camera and when you want to use it, it pops up. A handy feature that not every compact camera has.
Dislike
- There are a few downsides, first, the shutter button is sensitive. It takes photos before I want it to, and that can be annoying. There is no way to change this, so you just have to live with it.
- On an overcast day, the lens isn’t bright at 200mm. It has an aperture of F4.5, which is quite dark. You will have to bump up the ISO and the image quality won’t be as good.
Best Canon camera for street photography
Canon G7X III
Sebas' take
Next up, I will recommend a very similar camera as the RX100 VII. The Canon G7X III is also a compact camera, but with a different lens. With a 24-100mm lens, you have less reach but with a brighter aperture, the quality will be better.
It is practically the same size and weight, they fit into the same category. Video-wise, it is also strong, so as a vlogger the G7X III is a great option.
All in all, the Canon G7X III is the best Canon camera for street photography.
Outstanding features
- 20MP Sensor
- 24-100mm
- F1.8-2.8 aperture
- Stacked sensor
- 4K30p video
- Built-in ND filter
What I like/dislike about the Canon G7X III
Like
- There are a few things I like about the G7X III, first, the image quality is better than the RX100 VII. It has a much brighter lens, starting at F1.8 @ 24mm all the way to F2.8 @ 100mm. You won’t have problems on overcast days.
- The G7X III has a nice grip, something you don’t often see on compact cameras. It fits into my hand perfectly, although it is a small camera. It’s more comfortable than the RX100 VII.
- You have an exposure compensation dial which you can turn to make the image brighter or darker. Set the minimal shutter speed and start shooting without hassle.
Dislike
- The G7X III does not have a viewfinder, I like to use a viewfinder when there is a lot of sun. I don’t think it’s a dealbreaker, but rather something to keep in mind.
- The autofocus is fast but just not on the level of the Sony RX100 VII. It will struggle if the light isn’t optimal, because it is a contrast-based autofocus.
Best film simulation camera for street photography
Fujifilm XT5
Sebas' take
I’ve already covered some Fujifilm cameras before, and the reason I am sharing the Fujifilm XT5 with you is that I like this camera a lot. With the 40 MP sensor, it’s hard to beat. I don’t think there are many other APS-C cameras with that resolution.
Add to the fact that you have optimal ergonomics and all of Fuji’s film simulations, I just love the XT5. All in all, I think the XT5 is the best film simulation street photography camera.
Outstanding features
- 40 MP sensor
- 15fps burst mode
- 4K60p video
- Fast autofocus
- Film simulations
- Classic look and feel
What I like/dislike about the Fujifilm XT5
Like
- Let me start with the ergonomics, because these are almost perfect. It has a larger grip than the XS10 and X100V, which makes is more appealing to me. Controls and dials are where you want them to be, it’s the classic Fujifilm layout.
- Just as the other Fuji cameras, you get the film simulations. You don’t have to edit the images, they come straight out of camera, edited, and ready to go. Connect the camera with your phone and share the photos straight away.
- I found that the XT5 has the best dynamic range in any APS-C sized camera to date. You can push the limits from lowering the highlights to boosting the shadows. I didn’t have any problem in high-contrast scenarios.
- Autofocus is great for street photography. As long as you’re not shooting any crazy action, it will perform well. Sometimes it searches for focus, zooming in and out.
Dislike
- If you’re planning on shooting in dark environments, the XT5 isn’t the best. Due to the high resolution, a single pixel is much smaller than a 24 MP sensor. Therefore, the ISO performance is not too good.
The best lenses for street photography
I made a selection of the best street photography lenses, especially for Fujifilm cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for street photography is the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less generous, the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm is also fantastic. The quality is slightly less good, but that does not make it any less capable. Finally, the Fujifilm XF 35mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
View all Fujifilm XF lenses on Amazon, B&H Photo, or Adorama.
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Best bridge camera for street photography
Sony RX10 IV
Sebas' take
Even though I have covered some Sony cameras already, the Sony RX10 IV is one you have to consider. It’s a bridge camera, so it is not the smallest or biggest camera. With an incredible zoom range, I think you will take some great photos.
It has a 20 MP sensor, which might not seem like much but it’s more than enough for street photography. Now, the autofocus stands out again, just like all the other Sony cameras.
All in all, the RX10 IV is the best bridge camera for street photography.
Outstanding features
- 20 MP sensor
- 24fps burst
- 4K30p video
- Stabilization
- Fast autofocus
What I like/dislike about the Sony RX10 IV
Like
- I’ve mentioned the FZ300 earlier in this article, and the RX10 IV is much like that camera. With the same 24-600mm zoom range, you will have more than enough room to play with in all environments.
- It has a F2.4-4 aperture, which is brighter than most lenses. Most lenses on full-frame cameras are F2.8 or higher, so the F2.4 is quite impressive. You won’t have many problems on overcast days.
- The autofocus is the stand-out spec of the RX10 IV, with Sony’s system, all photos will be sharp. Just tap the screen and the camera will follow the subject, perfect for street photography.
Dislike
- One downside is the fact that it is not the lightest or smallest camera. It can be heavy if you’re walking with it for hours. You can’t put it in your pocket, which is something I like to do when I am shooting streets.
What should you look for in a street photography camera?
Size & Weight
Anyone who has ever done street photography knows that you often have to walk around for a long time to shoot the perfect pictures. Large, heavy cameras with large lenses are not always handy.
Look especially at light and small cameras such as the Ricoh GR and Fujifilm X100V. These are small, compact, and lightweight.
There is a difference in image quality between the small, compact cameras and the larger cameras, which I will explain in a moment.
Speed & Responsiveness
I’ve done a lot of street photography myself, especially in big cities that’s a lot of fun. It is often busy and the beautiful moments are not long in coming. A camera that can react quickly is therefore extremely important.
I know that fast autofocus and a high burst speed are in demand, which is why I paid extra attention to this when choosing street photography cameras. Every camera on this list is extremely good at focusing and has a burst mode that is fast enough.
It is of course useful if the camera can recognize people, cars, and other subjects, but that is not necessary. It does make your work a lot easier and more enjoyable!
Image quality
A very important point is the image quality, something we really can’t forget. The image quality is determined by the resolution, type of sensor, and the glass in front of the sensor.
A higher resolution is very nice because it allows you to zoom digitally without much loss of quality, but that does have one drawback. The ISO performance is less good with high-resolution cameras. If you shoot a lot in the dark, you would prefer to avoid the 45 MP cameras.
The type of sensor is also important. A full-frame sensor is a lot better in dark light and has better image quality than an APS-C sensor. That’s because each pixel is bigger. Cameras such as the Nikon Zf have a full-frame sensor that delivers the best image quality.
Inconspicuousness
As street photographers, we prefer not to stand out in order to capture spontaneous images. A large camera with a huge telephoto lens is therefore not the first choice.
A small camera with a small lens is therefore often a better choice, such as the Canon R50 or Fujifilm X-S10.
Functions such as a silent shutter can also help you to remain unobtrusive, so most new system cameras also have this function.
Older DSLR cameras are actually the least useful for this. These are large and make a noise when photographing.
Flexibility of lenses
As I just said, large telephoto lenses are often not the best option when it comes to street photography, you stand out much faster.
With the advent of system cameras, brands such as Canon and Nikon can make much smaller and more compact lenses. Consider, for example, the Nikon 16-50mm lens and the Canon 18-45mm lens.
Prime lenses are also very popular with street photography, due to the blurred background that is created.
Image stabilization
As a street photographer, I almost never use a tripod. Packing my backpack as lightly as possible is important to me. That’s why I only take pictures by hand.
Built-in stabilization is really a game-changer to take photos that are as sharp as possible. You can use much slower shutter speeds, and you will notice a difference, especially with a telephoto lens.
Intuitive operation
As I just said, candid moments are not there for the taking, so both you and the camera need to be able to act quickly. If you first have to look for a button or dial, you miss the moment.
That is why a large camera is useful, you can immediately access the correct settings because these cameras have more buttons and dials. A camera like the Canon R5 or Nikon Z8 is perfect for this kind of situation.
Best street photography camera FAQ
What type of camera is best for street photography?
The best type of camera for street photography is a small and compact camera. For most situations, a bit and heavy DSLR camera is not ideal, so a compact camera might be the better option. The camera should have great autofocus and zoom range.
Is a 50mm lens good for street photography?
I like the 50mm lens for street photography because it is the most natural to our eyes. You can capture flattering moments in time with a 50mm lens and get a beautiful bokeh. It’s not too zoomed in and not too wide, allowing the attention to go to the subject.
Is a DSLR good for street photography?
A DSLR is great for street photography if you already have one. If you’re planning on buying a new street photography camera, I don’t think you should buy a DSLR. Most of the older DSLR cameras are big and hefty, meaning you will lose all stealth and that is a bit part of street photography.
Is DSLR or mirrorless better for street photography?
Nowadays, mirrorless is better than DSLR for street photography. Most mirrorless cameras are much smaller due to the fact that there is no mirror. They are also much lighter and, if you’re walking around for hours, that is something to keep in mind.
Most people think mirrorless cameras are expensive, but there are lots of good mirrorless cameras under $1000.
What is the best focal length for street photography?
The best focal length for street photography is 35mm or 50mm. Those two lenses are the only ones I take, and it serves me well. The 50mm allows me to focus solely on the subject without distractions and the 35mm is a bit wider. That lens is good for more general images or is you’re standing close to the subject.
Is AF or MF better for street photography?
50 years ago, manual focus (MF) was the way to go for street photography. Nowadays, autofocus (AF) is the best focus type for street photography. It is much more accurate and a lot faster, allowing you to shoot moments in time that you would’ve otherwise missed.
Is mechanical or electronic shutter better for street photography?
I like to use the electronic shutter for street photography. Both the electronic and mechanical shutter have pros and cons. The electronic shutter is silent, meaning no one will know that you’re taking photos. If you’re shooting with the mechanical shutter, you won’t notice a rolling shutter. Both are important, but I prefer the electronic shutter for street photography.
Is 35mm good for street photography?
A 35mm lens is good for street photography, it is a bit wider than the 50mm lens. If you’re close to the subjects, you can get beautiful bokeh. I love the way a 35mm looks, it captures more of the surrounding area, which makes the shot more interesting in my opinion.
What are the best camera settings for street photography?
The best camera settings for street photography depend on the kind of shot you would like to take. If you want to freeze the action, you should use a shutter speed faster than 1/500. When you want to show the movement, you can use a slower shutter speed like 1/50.
If you want a blurry background and bring attention to the subject, a large aperture of F1.8 or lower should be perfect. When you want to shoot more depth of field to tell a story, you need a smaller aperture of F5.6 or higher.
In conclusion
Now it’s your turn to make the choice. There are many street photography cameras that you can choose from. Now that you know the pros and cons of each camera, you can make a choice.
Don’t you want to take professional street photos? Then you can get started with a semi-professional or beginner camera. If you do want to shoot professionally, then professional street photography cameras are perfect for you.
Who is Sebastiaan?
Hi! I am Sebastiaan, the writer of this blog. With years of experience as a professional photographer, I want to share my expertise with you. From recommending cameras and lenses to giving tips that make a world of difference, that’s what I enjoy doing most.
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