"There's no ideal camera for street photography." Then one day I woke up wondering if this opinion still held true.
What about the new Sony a7R Mark IV? What about the Ricoh GRIII? The Leica Q2? And what about all those Fuji cameras? The X100V? The X-T3 & X-T4? The GFX 50R with (still waiting for it...) a pancake lens?
Yes, there are plenty of excellent cameras...
...for street photography, but the word "ideal" goes a bit further into quibble-free territory. Photographers tend to be outrageously demanding and we never fail to raise a quibble or two when something about a camera just doesn't work for us.
Let's have a look at fifteen of these excellent cameras and evaluate the common quibbles.
1. Leica Q2
The second iteration of Leica's mirrorless, fixed-lens walkabout, the Q2 looks like it will every bit as popular as its predecessor.
Outstanding features:
* very high-res 47MP full-frame sensor
* 28mm F1.7 Summilux fixed lens
* image stabilisation
* 3.68MP OLED electronic viewfinder
* weather and dust-sealed
* good value, compared to other Leicas
* looks like the original, but has been redesigned for weather/dust sealing
Outstanding quibbles:
* no screen articulation (limiting waist-high photography)
* lens not ideal for street portraits
* 75mm crop mode reduces resolution to 6.6MP
* no ports, hence no in-camera charging
* no "eye AF" mode
* weak skin tones in out-of-camera JPEGs
Other key info:
* weight: 718 g (inc. batteries)
* dimensions: 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62 inches)
* metering: multi, centre-weighted, and spot
* video format: MPEG-4
* colour space: sRGB, Adobe RGB, ECI RGB
Comment:
Some people like the look and feel of the Q2, but balance and grip leave much to be desired.
Final verdict:
Highly rated, esp. for its build quality, but scarcely ideal.
With a spec that goes way beyond the capabilities of previous models, the GRIII is the latest in a series that's won accolades from many top street photographers.
Outstanding features:
* high quality 24MP APS-C sensor
* sensor-shift 4-stop shake reduction
* extremely lightweight: 257 g (inc. battery)
* excellent 18.3 mm (28mm equiv.) f/2.8 lens
* 9 blade diaphragm yields great bokeh
* efficient snap focus
* start-up time 0.8 seconds
Outstanding quibbles:
* no optical or electronic viewfinder
* low battery life (est. 200 shots)
* no screen articulation (limiting waist-high photography)
* no 4K video (but has HD video at 60 fps)
* no built-in flash (unlike previous versions)
* not full-frame
Other key info:
* 3-inch touchscreen display
* built-in ND filter
* 14-bit AdobeDNG raw shooting
* in-camera raw development
* USB-C port with video output
* extensive multiple exposure capability
Comment:
You can add both an external viewfinder + better flash than the previous on-board one.
Final verdict:
For close-up, snatched shots it comes close to the ideal. But the lower hit rate makes spare batteries essential.
The fifth in the series of revolutionary, high quality compact cameras, the X100V is a major upgrade, with beautiful styling and powerful new features.
Outstanding features:
* 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
* new, sharper 23mm (35mm equivalent) F2 lens
* tilt screen: a first for this series
* full weather sealing (needs filter)
* eye-detection autofocus
Outstanding quibbles:
* X-Trans sensor (many people still find artifacts)
* not full-frame
Other key info:
* 4k video options
* viewfinder: million more dots than X100F
* new film simulation modes
* available in black or silver
Comment:
With its new weather sealing, sharper lens, tilt screen, and great styling, the X-100V is hard to resist, esp. for street photographers.
Final verdict:
This, the fifth iteration of the X100 series, is a truly outstanding street camera. Just add people.
* no screen articulation (limiting waist-high photography)
* 24.3-megapixel X-Trans APS-C sensor (many people don't like the output)
* autofocus is not best-in-show
* control dial is too easily displaced
* not full-frame
Other key info:
* USB 2.0 and micro-HDMI connectivity
* built-in flash with 4.60 m range
* great out-of-camera JPEG colour
* seven customisable controls
Comment:
Launched in 2017 it's still a great buy, if your budget doesn't stretch to the latest model: the X100V.
Final verdict:
Much depends on whether you like the output of X-Trans sensors, but the X100F can deliver great street shots, despite the slight AF lag.
Slightly bigger than the X-T3, the X-T4 has excellent 5-axis in-body image stabilisation - great if you're into video as well as stills -- and offers rapid burst shooting, quiet shutter and long battery life.
Outstanding features:
* X-Trans 26.1MP BSI CMOS 4 sensor, plus X Processor 4
* very good autofocus performance
* touchscreen and joystick-enabled AF
* excellent dynamic range
* weather-resistant magnesium alloy design
* fully articulating touchscreen
* very good out-of-camera JPEGs
Outstanding quibbles:
* is 68g heavier than the X-T3
* 607g (inc. battery; exc. lens)
* Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR adds 180 g
* camera size:resolution ratio is not competitive
* X-Trans sensor output is not universally admired
* no 3.5mm headphone jack
Other key info:
* shoots 15fps with mechanical shutter
* is extremely quiet
* has much better AF tracking than the X-T3
* can take 600 frames in "economy" mode
Comment:
Excellent image quality, but only on a par with previous models.
Final verdict:
The X-T4 is a relatively minor upgrade to the X-T3 although it's both wider and heavier - and the image stabilisation has been significantly improved.
With its high quality interchangeable lenses, the X-T3 is still available in many stores -- and secondhand -- but has been replaced by the X-T4. It's a great camera, but like the X-T4 it has many features that (arguably) the street photographer doesn't need.
Outstanding features:
* X-Trans 26.1MP BSI CMOS 4 sensor, plus X Processor 4
* very good autofocus performance
* touchscreen and joystick-enabled AF
* excellent dynamic range
* 3.69m-dot viewfinder resolution
* flip-up screen for waist-high use
* very good out-of-camera JPEGs
Outstanding quibbles:
* Only moderately lightweight with lens
* 539g (inc. battery; exc. lens)
* Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR adds 180 g
* camera size:resolution ratio is not competitive
* X-Trans sensor output is not universally admired
Other key info:
* good battery life, 390 shots
* 20.0 fps continuous drive
* USB 3.1 and micro-HDMI connectivity
* 10-bit 4K video
* wi-fi enables sharing with others
Comment:
Excellent image quality, but only on a par with the X-T2.
Final verdict:
I've used the X-T3 and I like it a lot. With the small XF 23mm F2 lens it's an excellent, discreet and highly effective camera for street photography. Its image quality and AF system are matched by the cheaper X-T30, which, however, lacks weather sealing.
* Sony menus (not for the fainthearted)
* More options than the street photographer needs
* Heavier (at 665g) than the a7RIII (657g) and a7RII (625g)
Other key info:
* Takes great movies, too.
* 4K video recording across full width of sensor
* Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting
* Competitively priced, but lenses are relatively expensive
* flip-up screen facilitates waist-high shooting
Comment:
It's a full-featured system camera with specs to die for.
Final verdict:
With its new sensor, improved grip, brilliant AF and tracking, it's a winner.
Sony's predecessor to the a7R Mark IV can be purchased more cheaply now, but is it great on the street?
Outstanding features:
* 42-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
* 5-axis image stabilisation
* twin SD card slots
* 10 fps continuous shooting with AF
* excellent autofocus and Eye AF capabilities
* very good dynamic range
* excellent low light performance
* excellent battery life, 650 shots
Outstanding quibbles:
* despite colour coding, menus are still tediously complex
* 181 options on 35 pages = more than the street photographer needs
* feels a bit uncomfortable in the hand, despite a good grip
Other key info:
* very compact 127 x 96 x 74 mm
* moderately lightweight 657 g (inc. battery; exc. lens)
* flip-up screen facilitates waist-high shooting
Comment:
This full-featured system camera offers everything you can get from a DSLR, in a smaller, lighter package.
Final verdict:
Great in theory (almost ideal!) but in practice the ergonomics fall short. It can produce excellent images, but you must customise it first.
They've called it "medium format" but it's really "super full-frame" with a 51.4-megapixel image sensor measuring 43.8 x 32.9mm.
Outstanding features:
* 50m+ megapixels!
* excellent range of interchangeable G-mount lenses
* excellent camera size:resolution ratio
* excellent high ISO noise performance
* excellent dynamic range
* 3.69M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
* flip-up screen for waist-high shooting
* has "single point," "zone," and "wide/tracking AF
Outstanding quibbles:
* although relatively lightweight, it's quite large and noticeable
* not pleasant to hold with its small grip
* continuous AF performance not great without depth awareness
* dimensions are: 161 x 97 x 66 mm (6.34 x 3.82 x 2.6 inches)
Other key info:
* weight is 775 g (inc. battery; ex. lens)
* battery life 400 shots
* weather sealed
* USB 3.0 and micro-HDMI ports
* in-camera raw processing
* built-in wi-fi
* built-in Bluetooth
Comment:
The idea of using "almost medium format" for street photography would have been absurd before the launch of the GFX 50R, although some photographers succeeded in getting great street shots with the heavier and more expensive GFX 50S.
Final verdict:
For street, it really needs the 50mm pancake (estimated TOA: Autumn 2019).
A gem which has a hardcore of followers, the RX1R II went head-to-head with the Leica Q and came second. Yet it delivers better results, to judge by many of the pictures that have been taken by both cameras. Lab tests, too, show slightly better image quality.
Outstanding features:
* 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor and BIONZ X processor
* ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens
* incredibly small, at 113 x 65 x 72 mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 2.83 inches)
* excellent low light, high ISO performance
* optical variable low pass filter
* remarkably lightweight, at 507 g
* retractable XGA OLED viewfinder
Outstanding quibbles:
* short battery life, 220 shots
* disappointing ergonomics
* did someone say "expensive"?
Other key info:
* ISO range 50-102400
* burst rate 5 fps
* 399 AF points
* built-in wi-fi
* full HD 1920x1080 video
Comment:
First announced in October 2015, the RX1R II is due an upgrade, especially since Leica has launched the Q2. This will make it a great secondhand purchase.
Final verdict:
Fabulous image quality from a tiny, pocketable package, yet somewhat let down by its ergonomics and short battery life.
Announced in February 2019, the Canon EOS RP is a lightweight, full-frame mirrorless camera with a 26MP CMOS sensor and fully articulating LCD screen.
Outstanding features:
* 26.2-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS sensor
* interchangeable RF lenses
* excellent colour rendition
* efficient AF with 4fps continuous shooting
* 5.0 fps continuous shooting without AF tracking
* fully-articulated 1.04m dot touchscreen
* superb ergonomics, with touchscreen interface
* weight is just 485 g (inc. batteries; exc. lens)
* excellent, deep grip for all but fat-fingered photographers
Outstanding quibbles:
* battery life is just 250 shots
* limited choice of lenses
* no weather-sealing
Other key info:
* exposure modes: program, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual
* meter modes: multi, centre-weighted, spot, partial
* 2,360,000 viewfinder res
* colour space: sRGB, Adobe RGB
* file formats: JPEG, Raw (14-bit Canon CR3), and C-Raw (Canon original)
* video formats: MPEG-4, H.264
* has USB 2.0 and micro-HDMI connectivity
* has built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth
Comment:
This is a full-frame camera at almost a Rebel price. As such, it represents a bold move by Canon, and, I have to say, it looks good, feels good, and has output comparable in quality to that from the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.
Final verdict:
Don't be put off by condescending reviews which describe it as "entry-level." It may not be ideal, but in the right hands it's capable of taking superb street photos.
A state-of-the-art full-frame camera which uses Leica L-mount, the Lumix DC-S1R is a bit pricey, even before you buy the lens. As you would expect, its image quality can be exceptional.
Outstanding features:
* Panasonic-designed 47.3-megapixel CMOS sensor
* advanced Venus Engine processor
* Leica L-mount
* Can use Leica, Panasonic and Sigma lenses
* weather-resistant magnesium alloy body
* 5.76m dot OLED electronic viewfinder
* contrast-detect AF system, rated at 0.08s
* Dual I.S. in-body + lens image stabilisation
* deep, comfortable handgrip
Outstanding quibbles:
* not lightweight: 1,020 g (inc. battery, exc. lens)
* high-res 187MP multi-shot shooting mode is redundant for street photographers
* does not record HLG video or 4:2:2 video. Buy the less expensive S1 version for video.
Sample street photos from the DC-S1R have shown exceptional image quality. Likewise, at launch (February 2019) the EVF was rated as the world's highest resolution electronic viewfinder.
Final verdict:
Great in every way except for weight. It's far too heavy for me! With the Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 lens it weighs nearly 2 kilograms.
With its 24-megapixel full-frame sensor and Maestro image processor, this version of the Leica M (announced Nov 2015) has been popular with street photographers who are prepared to make big investments in their equipment. Scroll down for later version.
Outstanding features:
* nearly silent operation, ideal for unobtrusive street work
* rapid manual focusing using the coupled rangefinder
* superb image quality with interchangeable Leica lenses
* max image size is 5952 x 3976
* compact size: 139 x 80 x 42 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.65 inches)
* lightweight: 680 g
Outstanding quibbles:
* no AF
* no touchscreen
* no image stabilisation
* no HDMI
* no microphone port
* no headphone port
* limited ISO range 100/200-6400
* continuous drive is just 3fps
* don't mention the price
Other key info:
* metering: centre-weighted
* USB 2.0
* can accept external flash
* shutter speeds: 60 secs to 1/4000 sec
* has optional GPS feature
Comment:
The Leica M (Typ 262) is a classic rangefinder, great if you're into zone focusing.
Final verdict:
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R offers many more features (and you can use Leica lenses), but for that indefinable "Leica look," you can't beat the M range. However, these cameras are not ideal for every style of street photography, especially if rapid action is involved.
Announced August 2018, the M10-P adds several new features to the M series, including a touchscreen LCD and an even quieter shutter mechanism.
Outstanding features:
* virtually inaudible shutter, ideal for unobtrusive street work
* no red dot, ideal for unobtrusive street work!
* beautifully engineered, sleek design
* Maestro II image processor has a 2GB buffer for capturing up to 30 raw or 100 JPEG images at 5 fps
Outstanding quibbles:
* with no AF you'll certainly miss some action shots
* no I/O ports
* more features for less money are available elsewhere
Other key info:
* slightly slimmer than the Leica M (Typ 262), at 139 x 80 mm x 39 (5.47 x 3.15 x x 1.54 inches)
* slightly lighter than the Leica M (Typ 262), at 660 g
* slightly improved max resolution, now 5952 x 3992
* clean, simple menus
* wi-fi support
Comment:
Coupling the M10-P with the lightweight SUMMARIT-M 50mm f/2.4 lens is a good combination for street photography, if you like a little bit of "reach." The alternative M10 is less expensive than the M10-P, but lacks touchscreen control. Both still require you to use manual rangefinder focus.
Final verdict:
This is easily a camera you could fall in love with, although the opportunity cost is high. (You could buy a car, for example).
With what the manufacturer says is "the world's fastest AF," this has to be an effective camera for street photography.
Outstanding features:
* 20-megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor
* 5-axis optical image stabilisation
* built-in zoom with equiv. focal length of 24–200 mm
* extremely fast and versatile on-sensor phase-detection AF
* flip-up LCD screen assists waist-level shooting
* highly compact and pocketable
Outstanding quibbles:
* battery life short-ish, at 240 shots
* while very good, the image quality cannot match the output from most of the cameras on this list
Other key info:
* incredibly small, 102 x 58 x 43 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.69 inches)
* punches above its weight: a mere 301 g
* UHD 4K video at 30p and 24p
* 1080p slow-motion capture
* Sony Eye-AF: great for quick street portraits
Comment:
I've always been tempted by the versatility and compactness of the RX100 series - and this, the sixth in the series, is the best so far (although, since its launch, Sony has also updated the RX100V to the RX100 VA).
Final verdict:
I've included this mid-2018 model from the RX100 series because it's clearly a wonderful travel camera. But street? Possibly, but don't spend too much time zooming!
Did we find it? And if not, why are we still waiting?
The ideal street camera
Street photography demands that you carry your camera in readiness to capture candid moments, usually for long periods at a time. In practice, this means you carry the camera in one hand, occasionally relaxing to let the shoulder strap take the strain.
For this reason, weight considerations are paramount, although different photographers will have varying levels of ability (and willingness) to carry a heavy object all day.
The cameras in my list vary in weight from negligible (Ricoh GRIII, 257 g) to downright onerous (Lumix DC-S1R, 1,020 g without the lens). The main trade-off is between weight and image quality: not an easy choice!
Personal aspiration
Personally, my ideal camera for street photography would be something in between the Fujifilm X100V and the same manufacturer's GFX 50R. That's right: it would be full-frame, a product which Fuji insists it will never make.
Maybe Fuji is right. Improvements in sensor and processor design over recent years have transformed digital cameras. Allied to this, intense competition in the market has led us to a point when reviewers can say with confidence: "There are no bad cameras."
Re: image quality, APS-C is "the new full-frame," full-frame is "the new medium format," and medium format is... wow!
Lenses: the limiting factor
Manufacturers would certainly provide us with the perfect street camera, if physics allowed. The main problem is the lens. Glass is heavy! Fast lenses have to be large in order to admit plenty of light and they have to be even larger to cover the full-frame rectangle.
Maybe a radically different approach will, in the future, reduce lens weight significantly. How about four or six mobile cameras in a matrix, with processing to knit the image together? I'm sorry if this idle speculation doesn't solve the street photographer's current dilemma. Which is: what camera to buy NOW?
What camera to buy NOW?
The answer is to stop fretting about it and to recognise that there are plenty of good choices, twelve of which I've suggested above. Any good mirrorless camera, preferably with a lens of fixed focal length (28mm, 35mm or 50mm), is terrific for street photography.
Even a DSLR with a very small lens, such as the Canon 40mm pancake lens, can work very successfully on the street, as you can see in my image below.
My advice is: check out as many sample images on the Internet as you can find, and try before you buy.
