So, what is the best camera for street photography? It depends on what you are photographing. Candid images will be challenging to capture with a hefty DSLR camera. Architectural images won’t have the high dynamic range they deserve from a point-and-shoot. But the camera isn’t the only important factor for great images. A stunning photograph comes from a multitude of areas. You need a usable camera and a quality lens, of course. But patience, planning, and confidence are just as essential. Our top pick is the Fujifilm X70. It combines exquisite looks and build quality with a compact, unobtrusive body. [ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something we make a little bit of money. Need more info? See how it all works here.]
What is the Best Street Photography Camera Today?
Before looking at some of the details of our recommended cameras, let’s look at all our suggestions. Now, starting with our top pick, let’s see more detail about these cameras. The Fujifilm’s X70 is another advanced point-and-shoot. It’s very similar in size and handling to our last pick (the GR III). But it has all the advantages of Fujifilm. Things like beautiful colors, film simulation modes, retro layout, and a beautiful, durable body. Its autofocus is quick and snappy, utilizing on-sensor phase detection. A 28mm-equivalent, f/2.8 lens projects clear and colorful images onto the 16 MP APS-C sensor. It’s cheaper than the GR III. But the X70 is also one generation older. Both are designed and best used for street photography. The 24 MP D780 is a fresh update to the well-known D750. It’s relatively inexpensive and has all the advantages of a typical full frame DSLR. This includes a wide dynamic range, lens options, great control surfaces, and two card slots. So, if you ever want to use it for something other than street photography, it won’t fail you. It also features a new EXPEED 6 image processing engine. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity and an unbelievable ISO capacity of 204,800. Besides these, Nikon recently started using backlight illuminated sensor technology to ensure that your images will be tack-sharp and detailed. It’s a workhorse camera, that’s for sure, and a great choice for street photography. A sturdy and reliable model that’s likely to impress. Canon’s best cameras for street photography are no longer their DSLRs. But when it comes to less expensive choices, one still stands out. The Rebel EOS SL3 is one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs ever made, yet it’s packed with powerful features. First, as part of Canon’s Rebel series, it shoots 4K video. Its 24 MP APS-C sensor produces nice images throughout the day. But don’t expect a revelation in low light. Its autofocus system is quite outdated in viewfinder mode. But Dual Pixel autofocus is accurate in live view mode. It tracks subjects well. A flip-out screen helps composition from unusual angles. Wireless connectivity options make it a great choice for on-the-road sharing. Pair it with a 24mm f/2.8 pancake lens for a compact, affordable, expandable DSLR camera setup for street photography. The Leica M 240 digital rangefinder camera is one-of-a-kind. It is bigger than its older brother M model. However, it has a very quiet shutter action. This is perfect for close-ups and candid street photos. It has live view capability through its 3″ LCD screen. The rangefinder is a treat for all those who miss it from the newer generation of cameras. ISO runs all the way to 6400, yet only minimal noise comes even from the 3200 ISO setting. It has a full frame sensor with a resolution of 24 MP. The image quality of the jpegs is amazing, but it is a Leica we are talking about. It is the most expensive camera listed, coming in at well over double the price of other cameras. You pay for the brand and the feeling here. If that inspires and motivates you, the 240 won’t fail you. It is a powerful camera for street photographers as long as you’re not afraid to take it out. Fujifilm’s new fixed-lens rangefinder camera is similar in feel and handling to a Leica. The X100V‘s price is quite high, but you get what you pay for. Its brand-new 23mm f/2 lens produces razor-sharp and colorful images. Paired with the 26 MP APS-C sensor, the X100V promises excellent detail and dynamics. It’s weather-sealed (if you add a UV filter) and built from high-quality metal. Durability won’t be an issue. Straight-out-of-camera tones (especially skin tones) are beautiful. If you can justify this price for a fixed-lens camera, you’ll love the X100V camera for street photography. Sony’s fantastic new crop sensor camera promises a lot for street photography. The a6600‘s blazing-fast hybrid autofocus system and high burst rate ensure you’ll rarely miss any shots. Its grip, while still not giving the same feel as a large DLSR, is comfortable to hold for longer periods. Yet, the body is still small. If you pair it with small or medium-sized lenses, you get a stealthy street combo. I recommend using it with Sony’s 20mm f/2.8 pancake lens for street photography. The size and focal length are perfect. The Canon EOS ROP is a tiny and cheap full frame mirrorless. It is also an excellent option. Its 26 MP sensor offers solid full frame performance in terms of image quality. Its Dual Pixel autofocus is fast and accurate, even in dark conditions. A recent firmware upgrade fixed many issues that earlier reviews criticized. In a kit with the RF 35mm f/1.8 lens, it’s a fantastic deal for street photography. The EOS M6 Mark II is Canon’s flagship APS-C mirrorless. It is a mini power station. It has a 32 MP sensor and incredible tracking capabilities. Yet, it still fits in a similarly sized body as the a6600. The issue with Canon sensors’ dynamic range is finally gone. The M6 Mark II (like the 90D) is now up there with the competition. One downside is that it doesn’t have a lot of native lens options. The EF-M mount is not a widespread one. But if you pair it with the EF-M 22mm f/2 lens, you have a small, lightweight kit. It’s perfect for capturing candid street moments. The Ricoh GR III is tiny, fits in my pocket, and allows me perfect spy-like images. A 28mm-equivalent, f/2.8 lens extends off the camera body but folds back when the camera is turned off. Thanks to its phase-detection-based autofocus system, locking in on subjects is quick and accurate with the GR III. Its magnesium-alloy body makes this a very durable, easy-to-tote street photography camera. Its 24 MP APS-C-sized sensor produces dynamic and colorful (RAW) photos with low noise levels. Ricoh omitted its optical low pass filter for ultra-sharp and detailed images. We love that!
What About Your Smartphone?
It’s a common saying, but true—the best camera is what you have with you. This is particularly relevant for street photography, where you aim to capture everyday scenes. You need to have your camera ready for that. You most likely have a usable camera on your phone. It will be more than enough for shooting street photography with good image quality. Most smartphone lenses are around the 24-28mm effective range. Thanks to intelligent algorithms, their sensors are getting better every day. That’s true even for low-light performance. That’s what I recommend for street photography, anyway!
What to Look for in a Street Photography Camera
There are a few things your camera will need for capturing street photography. No matter what your focus is, shooting in RAW is a must. It gives you more play when editing your images. A system that allows you to change your lens is a plus. But it’s not a necessity. What is the best focal length for street photography? You’ll get the best, most inclusive shots with a medium-wide lens. Around 28mm is best, in my experience. A high ISO range is beneficial in low-light conditions. It’s perfect for shooting behind windows and nighttime photography. Portability is also essential. You may find yourself traipsing far and wide over a city, capturing all it offers. You don’t want to have a camera that is too bulky. Speed is essential in capturing those moments that happen in a blink of an eye. A high burst rate is really useful. It will give you more chances to snap an image at the perfect moment. A large, bulky camera is easily spotted a mile off. This can stop you from catching those candid shots. It will not fit in your pocket for discreet, spy-like captures. A poorly designed camera body also means more time to navigate through those buttons and settings. DSLRs are not for every type of street photography. If you want powerful sensors, high frame rates, and other fancy features, you’ll pay a lot. And the camera will be big and heavy. If you want a smaller, cheaper package (say, under $1000), you must make sacrifices on other fronts. But for some, a DSLR camera is still the preferred type for street photography.
Conclusion
Each one of these cameras has a specific area that makes it shine. The DSLR captures the meat and majority of your work due to lenses and settings. The mirrorless systems are not far behind. They let you move more freely and get more shots. They are also lightweight, meaning you won’t be fatigued from carrying the camera around. Our top choice is the Fujifilm X70. It combines neat portability and excellent image quality in a really attractive body.
