If you're passionate about street photography, you might be wondering which camera is best for capturing candid moments of urban life. Street photography is a challenging and rewarding genre that requires a combination of skill, creativity, and luck. You need a camera that can keep up with your vision, and that won't draw too much attention to yourself.
In this blog post, I'll share with you some of the best cameras for street photography in 2023, based on my personal experience and research. Whether you prefer a compact point-and-shoot, a premium compact with a large sensor, or a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, there's something for everyone on this list.
Let's get started!
Best Compact Zoom Camera for Street Photography: Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
If you want a compact camera that gives you more flexibility in terms of focal length, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II might be the one for you. It has a 17MP Four Thirds sensor that performs well in various lighting conditions and a Leica-branded 24-75mm equivalent f/1.7-2.8 zoom lens that covers a wide range of shooting scenarios.
The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II has an electronic viewfinder that's bright and clear, and a touch screen that can be used for focus and exposure control. It also has manual dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, which make it easy to adjust settings on the fly. The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II also supports 4K video recording and has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is not very pocketable, though. It's larger and heavier than most compact cameras on this list. It also doesn't have image stabilization or weather sealing, which might be deal-breakers for some people. But if you want a compact zoom camera that offers great image quality and versatility, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is worth considering.
Best Premium Compact Camera for Street Photography: Fujifilm X100V
The Fujifilm X100V is another popular choice among street photographers, especially those who love the retro look and feel of classic film cameras. The Fujifilm X100V has a 26MP APS-C sensor that produces stunning images with rich colours and tones, thanks to Fujifilm's renowned film simulations. It also has a fixed 35mm equivalent f/2 lens that's fast and sharp.
The Fujifilm X100V has a hybrid viewfinder that lets you switch between an optical and an electronic viewfinder, depending on your preference. It also has a tilting touch screen, a built-in ND filter, and weather sealing. The Fujifilm X100V also supports 4K video recording and has a headphone jack for monitoring audio.
The Fujifilm X100V is not cheap, though. It costs more than some mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. It also has a fixed lens that might limit your creative options. But if you're looking for a premium compact camera that offers superb image quality and style, the Fujifilm X100V is hard to beat.
Best Compact Camera for Street Photography: RICOH GR III
The RICOH GR III is a cult favourite among street photographers and for good reason. It's small, discreet, and easy to use, with a minimalist design that won't attract unwanted attention. It has a 24MP APS-C sensor that delivers excellent image quality and low-light performance and a fixed 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens that's sharp and versatile.
The RICOH GR III also has a unique feature called Snap Focus, which lets you pre-set a focus distance and instantly snap a photo without waiting for autofocus. This is perfect for street photography, where you need to be quick and decisive. The RICOH GR III also has in-body image stabilization, a touch screen, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The RICOH GR III is not without its flaws, though. It doesn't have a viewfinder or a tilting screen, which some people might miss. It also has a relatively short battery life and slow buffer clearing. But if you can live with these drawbacks, the RICOH GR III is one of the best compact cameras for street photography you can buy.
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