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9 Best Street Photography Cameras in 2023 (& Best Settings)

Last updated: December 19, 2023 - 23 min read
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With the best street photography camera, you can pound the pavement and capture everything that catches your eye. So, which camera is best for street photographers? While personal preference is important, there are a few features most street photographers tend to need.

The best street camera should be lightweight and compact. It should have a good mix of auto and manual settings. And it has to deliver the media standard you want, whether photos or videos.

The Fujifilm X100V is our choice as the best street photography camera. It has a stylish rangefinder design. It has a powerful 26 MP sensor. And with a fast fixed f/2 lens, it works well in all lighting conditions. If that’s not your camera, keep reading to see all the best street photography cameras we recommend.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Street Photography Camera
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V
Olympus OM System OM-5
Olympus OM System OM-5
Olympus OM System OM-5
Nikon Z f
Nikon Z f
Nikon Z f
 

What Is the Best Street Photography Camera?

The best street camera becomes a part of you. With street photography, you need to be quick with the trigger more than any other discipline. The line between the photographer and the camera is blurred. That’s why you need a camera that looks and feels comfortable.

You don’t need a camera that looks fantastic. Although, there’s nothing wrong with a stylish camera. Rather, it’s best to have a camera that makes you feel comfortable. You need to be relaxed in your environment and become an anonymous observer. You can’t do that with a bulky, cumbersome camera.

Image quality is always important in photography. But it isn’t the be-all and end-all in street shooting. Street photography is about capturing moments. It’s about composition, movement, and energy. It’s about finding a unique perspective in a familiar situation. So, you don’t need a super-powerful full-frame camera.

APS-C cameras are great for street photography. And we also have compact cameras, which some street photographers love. There’s a wide variety of cameras you can choose from. But you don’t need to chase the highest specs. You just need a convenient camera with good manual settings and handy features.

Here’s a rundown of all the best street photography cameras. We look at each camera in more detail in the section after. And we have an FAQ section at the end if you need more information on cameras for street photography. 

Our Top Pick
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V
  • 26 MP sensor for good noise reduction, fast readout
  • Sharp JPEGs with low noise
  • 15 quality film simulations
  • Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder
  • Tilting touchscreen
  • Excellent 4K Ultra HD video
Best Micro Four Thirds
Olympus OM System OM-5
Olympus OM System OM-5
Olympus OM System OM-5
  • Handheld High-Res Shot mode gives you 50 MP images
  • 4K Photo mode gives you a 30 fps burst mode
  • Expandable ISO range with a low option of 64
  • Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
  • Unlimited 4K video recording at 30 fps
  • Completely weather sealed for outdoor shooting
Best Full Frame Camera
Nikon Z f
Nikon Z f
Nikon Z f
  • Beautiful retro body design with tactile exposure controls
  • AF subject recognition with 3D subject tracking
  • Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
  • Pixel Shift shooting for 96 MP images
  • Rotating touchscreen and bright electronic viewfinder
  • Oversampled 4K video at 30 fps with 4:2:2 10-bit color
Best APS-C Mirrorless
Fujifilm X-T5
Fujifilm X-T5
Fujifilm X-T5
  • Incredible 40.2 MP resolution from an APS-C sensor
  • AF uses AI to identify and track moving subjects
  • Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
  • Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot mode for ultra high-resolution
  • Long-lasting, 680-shot battery
  • Outstanding 6.2K video recording
Most Affordable Mirrorless
Nikon Z fc
Nikon Z fc
Nikon Z fc
  • Animal face- and eye-detection AF
  • Lots of easy-access control dials
  • Attractive and stylish design
  • 4K video capabilities
Best for Beginners
Canon EOS R10
Canon EOS R10
Canon EOS R10
  • Powerful APS-C sensor
  • Professional-standard Dual-Pixel AF
  • 23 fps burst speed (electronic shutter)
  • Compact and lightweight camera body
  • Excellent video quality with 4K options
Best Autofocus
Sony a6600
Sony a6600
Sony a6600
  • Astonishing autofocus
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization reduces camera shake
  • Silent shooting
  • Terrific battery life
  • Small, lightweight camera
Most Compact Full Frame
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z5
  • Brilliant 273-point autofocus (AF) system
  • Fantastic expandable ISO range for low-light shooting
  • In-body 5-axis image stabilization
  • High-resolution electronic viewfinder
Best Leica Camera
Leica M11
Leica M11
Leica M11
  • High-resolution shooting options
  • Low ISO setting of 64
  • Three customizable buttons
  • Good battery life
  • Classic rangefinder camera body

9 Best Street Photography Cameras

Now, we look at all the best street cameras in more detail. We have a wide range of cameras to choose from. There are classic rangefinder-style cameras. We list mirrorless cameras with APS-C, full-frame, and Micro Four Thirds sensors. And we’ve included cameras for small or big budgets.

1. Fujifilm X100V

Fujifilm X100V
Released
Released
2020
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Fixed
Megapixels
Megapixels
26 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
425
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
11 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
No
Video
Video
Yes
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
Fixed 23mm f/2 lens, viewfinder, LCD touchscreen, weather-resistant
Best For
Best For
Street photographers who want a camera that performs and looks great

The Fujifilm X100V is one of the most popular cameras with street photographers. It’s so popular Fujifilm is having trouble meeting demand. Unfortunately for us, that means prices are quite high for this camera.

First, this Fujifilm camera looks fantastic. It has a classic rangefinder design, echoing traditional analog cameras. You also get the manual control knobs on the top of the camera, giving you a hands-on experience.

Its brand-new 23mm f/2.o lens produces razor-sharp and colorful images. Paired with the 26 MP APS-C sensor, the X100V promises excellent detail and dynamic range. Its color rendition is beautifully accurate, especially with skin tones. That’s good news if you like to include people in your street shots.

The tilting LCD touchscreen helps you shoot from different angles. And there’s a bright and detailed electronic viewfinder if you prefer composing your shots the old-fashioned way.

Fujifilm celebrates its analog past with built-in film simulation modes. These help you achieve the film photography aesthetic with a digital camera. And you can apply the filters in-camera, so you don’t need photo editing software!

The Fujifilm X100V is a beautiful fixed-lens camera. Of course, it looks fantastic. But part of its beauty comes from its usability. Within minutes, the camera becomes an extension of your body. And you can snap freely as you wander the urban thoroughfares.

It doesn’t have the fastest burst rate, maxing out at 11 fps. But that’s enough for dynamic street photography shots. Its popularity has made it a pricey camera. But there are many reasons street photographers so highly regard it.

 

2. Olympus OM System OM-5

Olympus OM System OM-5
Released
Released
2022
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
Megapixels
Megapixels
20 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
121
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
30 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
Yes
Video
Video
Yes
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
Eye-detection autofocus (AF), high-res shot mode, HDR mode, focus stacking, weather-resistant
Best For
Best For
Photographers looking for a compact interchangeable lens camera

The Olympus OM System OM-5 is a superb camera for street photography. It’s a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera, so it’s even more compact than APS-C mirrorless cameras. But it’s packed with excellent features for creative photography.

While small, this Olympus camera‘s MFT sensor gives you 20 MP images. The detail and clarity are excellent. And the dynamic range is surprisingly good for a small-sensor camera.

You also have a high-resolution shot mode if you need more power. It isn’t a vital feature to shoot street photography. But it does give you 50 MP images by compositing several exposures together. You can also use this mode when shooting handheld. You don’t need a tripod to use it.

The AF system is excellent, helping you capture sharp images in a fast-paced environment. It’s a 1053-point cross-type autofocus system that can track moving subjects. And it has face and eye-detection capabilities. That’s helpful if you like including people in your street shots.

Equipped with a bright electronic viewfinder and a tilting LCD screen, you have options for composing images. It also has USB charging, so you can more easily power up when you’re out and about.

Vloggers and moviemakers will appreciate the video features. You can record 4K video footage with various frame rates, including 30 fps (frames per second). You can record in vertical video mode if you’re creating content for social media. Plus, the camera has webcam functionality.

The Olympus OM System OM-5 is a durable camera with IP53 weather sealing. That means you don’t need to worry about rain showers when you’re shooting. It’s also compatible with all the best Micro Four Thirds lenses.

 

3. Nikon Z f

Nikon Z f
Released
Released
2023
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
Megapixels
25 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
273
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
64,000
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
25 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
Yes
Video
Video
Yes
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
Tactile controls, 4K at 60 fps, Pixel-shift mode, vari-angle touchscreen
Best For
Best For
Street photographers who want the perfect blend of performance and style

The Nikon Z f is one of the sexiest cameras Nikon has ever produced. It has a retro design that street photographers will love. And it has tactile, on-body controls that give you a hands-on experience similar to using an analog camera. 

Despite the compact body, this mirrorless camera houses a full frame sensor. And while 24.5 MP isn’t groundbreaking for a full frame camera, the image quality is impressive. The wide dynamic range is another strong point. And one that benefits street photography, achieving detail from light and dark areas of the same image. 

If 24.5 MP isn’t enough for you, switching to the Pixel-Shift mode gives you more power. By creating a composite of several exposures, it produces staggering 96 MP photographs. 

You can experiment with black and white street photography thanks to the built-in monochrome modes. They work with both stills photography and video. And they’re a great way to shoot black and white without the need for photo editing software.

Street vloggers and videographers will also love the Z f. You can shoot stunning 4K video footage with a super-smooth 60 fps frame rate. You can also shoot 4K that’s oversampled from 6K. And there’s a two-hour time limit, so you can shoot short or long-form videos. 

The vari-angle touchscreen and the Wi-Fi connectivity are handy features for street shooters. And it has a sophisticated autofocus system that can more than meet the demands of street photography. 

The Nikon Z f is a beautiful camera inside and out. We can’t get enough of the classy retro design. But we know this full frame mirrorless camera delivers the important stuff too. It’s a hybrid street photography camera that looks fantastic. What’s not to love?

 

4. Fujifilm X-T5

Fujifilm X-T5
Released
Released
2022
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Fujifilm X
Megapixels
Megapixels
40 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
425
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
15 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
Yes
Video
Video
Yes
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
1/8000 s max shutter speed, high-res shot mode, 6.2K video
Best For
Best For
Street photographers who want high-resolution images

The Fujifilm X-T5 is one of the most advanced mirrorless cameras around. It has powerful image production capabilities. But thanks to the APS-C sensor, it remains a compact and lightweight camera. Also, it looks fantastic with the now-iconic X-T series retro design.

With a 40.2 MP resolution, it’s one of the most powerful APS-C cameras on the market. The image quality is staggering for a camera of this size. The colors are deep, rich, and accurate. The details are razor-sharp.

Like the OM-5, the X-T5 has a high-resolution shot mode. Fujifilm calls it the Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot mode. And with the X-T5, this mode gives you outrageous 160 MP images. That makes it one of the best high-resolution cameras.

We have said street photography doesn’t rely on big MP counts. That is true. But this camera ticks all the boxes and delivers impressive images.

All the specs are fairly impressive. The 1/8,000 s (seconds) max shutter speed with the mechanical shutter is a great example. It lets you capture hectic street scenes without a trace of motion blur. And you can use the electronic shutter for a speed of 1/180,000 s!

You can also shoot with the 15 fps burst mode. And again, switch to the electronic shutter, and you get a faster 20 fps rate.

The AF system is Fujifilm’s best so far. And it copes very well in busy environments like street scenes. You also have the built-in image stabilization system. It lets you shoot with slower shutter speeds for sharp images in low light.

It’s a true hybrid camera, which some street photographers will appreciate. You can shoot 6.2K video quality with 10-bit 4:2:2 color. Most street photography cameras don’t come close to that cinematic film quality. Of course, not all street shooters want video. This is the one serious videographers need.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is an outstanding machine. It has every quality a street photography camera needs—and more! It might be overkill for more casual street photographers. And the price will turn some away. But very few are complaining about this camera’s features or performance.

 

5. Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z fc
Released
Released
2021
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
Megapixels
21 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
209
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
11 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
No
Video
Video
Yes
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
Vari-angle LCD screen, microphone jack, Wi-Fi enabled
Best For
Best For
Street photographers who want an affordable, retro-style interchangeable lens mirrorless camera

The Nikon Z fc is another mirrorless camera with a retro, analog-influenced design. And partly due to that, it’s another popular camera with street photographers. Nikon has been struggling to keep up with demand for years. But it’s worth it if you can get one.

The beauty on the inside matches that on the outside. It has a 20.9 MP APS-C CMOS sensor that Nikon’s EXPEED 6 processor backs. Together, they give you brilliant images. And even though 20.9 MP isn’t record-breaking, the image quality is fantastic.

Borrowing from old analog models, the Z fc has physical controls for the exposure settings on the outside of the camera. And you can turn the LCD screen around to face inward to use the viewfinder when composing your shots. This gives you an experience closer to that of a classic camera.

The vari-angle touchscreen also helps you shoot from different angles. You can even turn it to face the front, letting you shoot selfies or vlogs.

With the Z fc’s i-Menu, you can customize the interface on the LCD screen. You can fill the menu with the features and modes you use most. This saves you valuable seconds when you’re on the street.

The face and eye-detection autofocus modes are excellent for street images involving people. And it’s fast and accurate even when tracking moving subjects.

The Nikon Z fc is another great street photographer or vlogger camera. You can record crisp 4K video. And you have ports for microphones, letting you record pro-level sound. That’s another reason the Nikon Z fc is a nifty, all-action camera for street photography.

 

6. Canon EOS R10

Canon EOS R10
Released
Released
2022
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Canon RF
Megapixels
Megapixels
24 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
651
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
15 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
No
Video
Video
Yes
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
Face-detection AF, electronic viewfinder, Vari-angle LCD, USB charging
Best For
Best For
Anyone looking for a versatile street camera for beginners

The Canon EOS R10 is the best street photography camera for beginners. It’s a versatile machine for various photographic disciplines, including street photography. The design is similar to a standard DSLR. But it’s a lightweight mirrorless with a compact body.

With an APS-C CMOS sensor, you get lovely 24.2 MP images. That’s great for a beginner Canon camera. The images are vibrant and detailed. And you see a big improvement compared to using a smartphone camera.

It also has a good blend of auto, semi-auto, and manual controls. These let you develop your skills while still achieving excellent results with your street photography along the way.

With a 100 to 32,000 ISO range, you can still shoot in the street after nightfall. You can expand this to 51,200 ISO, but digital noise might become an issue.

The autofocus system is great for street photography. There are modes with human, animal, and vehicle detection settings. That means you can easily change the focus of your street image depending on what you have in front of you.

You can shoot from any angle thanks to the vari-angle touchscreen. And it also has an electronic viewfinder if you prefer composing your shots that way.

The 15 fps burst mode is ideal for fast-paced situations. And you can record 30-minute 4K videos. That’s perfect for multi-media content creators.

The Canon EOS R10 delivers everything an entry-level street camera should deliver. Its features and form make it a fantastic option for photographers starting their street photography journey.

 

7. Sony a6600

Sony a6600
Released
Released
2019
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Sony E
Megapixels
Megapixels
24.2 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
425
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
102,400
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
11 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
Yes
Video
Video
Yes
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
AF tracking and eye-detection, microphone and headphone ports, Wi-Fi connectivity
Best For
Best For
Photographers looking for a high-performance, pocket-sized interchangeable lens camera

The Sony a6600 is one of the most compact interchangeable lens cameras. You can almost fit it in your pocket. It also has features well suited to the demands of street photography.

The image quality is excellent, thanks to the 24.2 MP sensor. It has a wide ISO range, reaching 102,400 when fully expanded. This lets you work in any lighting conditions, which is great for evening street photography. And you only experience noise when you’re at the top of the scale.

The built-in five-axis image stabilization system also helps with night shooting. It gives you five stops of exposure compensation, letting you keep your ISO low in darker situations.

With a fast and reliable AF system, your subjects will always be sharp. It uses 425 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points, giving you nearly 100% frame coverage. It can track moving subjects. And it has eye-detection modes for humans and animals.

You rarely miss a shot thanks to the 11 fps burst mode. And you have a tilting LCD touchscreen to help you shoot from awkward angles. The camera also has a bright electronic viewfinder to help you compose your shots.

It’s a hybrid machine with excellent video features. You can record lovely 4K footage. And the camera has ports for external sound equipment, like microphones and headphones.

The Sony a6600 is perfect for the covert street photographer. The size, weight, and color help you keep a low profile. And its features let you express your creativity with masterful street photography. It’s a great option if you love Sony cameras.

 

8. Nikon Z5

Nikon Z5
Released
Released
2020
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Megapixels
Megapixels
24 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
273
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
4.5 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
Yes
Video
Video
Yes
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
Eye-detection AF, creative filters, time-lapse mode, remote shooting, USB charging, Wi-Fi connectivity
Best For
Best For
Street photographers who want a full-frame camera

The Nikon Z5 is the best full-frame camera for street photography. Some street photographers avoid full-frame cameras because of their size. But the Z5 doesn’t have that problem. It’s Nikon’s most compact full-frame mirrorless camera. It isn’t much bigger than an APS-C camera. It’s the best of both worlds!

You might not think 24.2 MP is impressive for a full-frame sensor. But the image quality is sensational. The details are sharp, clear, and precise. And the colors are well-rendered and true to life.

The larger pixel size also gives you a better dynamic range, which is always positive with street photography. It also has a wide 100 to 102,400 ISO range.

With five-axis image stabilization, you can shoot in low light with better results. You can shoot with a slower shutter speed without the risk of blur. And it lets you keep your ISO as low as possible.

As well as 4K video, the Z5 has plenty of creative features. It has built-in filters you can apply in-camera. You can create multiple exposure images. Plus, it has a time-lapse shooting mode, making it one of the best time-lapse cameras. There’s no need for an intervalometer.

The Nikon Z5 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This lets you transfer data to other devices wirelessly. And you can use it for remote shooting. It’s an all-feature, full-frame camera that street photographers will appreciate.

 

9. Leica M11

Leica M11
Released
Released
2022
Sensor Format
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Leica M
Megapixels
Megapixels
60 MP
Autofocus Points
Autofocus Points
1
Maximum ISO (Native)
Maximum ISO (Native)
50,000
Frame Rate
Frame Rate
4.5 fps
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization
No
Video
Video
No
Other Key Features
Other Key Features
Ergonomic manual controls, electronic viewfinder
Best For
Best For
Street photographers with a big budget

Leica makes luxury cameras with luxury price tags. The fact they are so expensive means Leica cameras are not for everyone. But Leica becomes a way of life for those willing to fork out the cash for one.

The Leica M11 is the latest in Leica’s line of digital rangefinder cameras. But while this is a digital camera, the aim is to give you an analog-like shooting experience. The camera has manual exposure controls, like a film camera. And the digital features are kept to a minimum (no video).

Like all M-series cameras, the M11 has Leica’s classic rangefinder design. It’s stylish, sleek, and compact. It comes in black, silver, and monochrome. Carrying this camera will do wonders for your street cred.

While it does have a compact body, it has a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor inside. You can choose three different resolution settings to shoot with 18, 36, or 60 megapixels. The 60 MP RAW files are massive. But the image quality is staggering.

You can also shoot with a 64 ISO setting. Of course, you need plenty of natural light. But you can increase the ISO to 50,000 if you’re low on light. You also have 15 stops of dynamic range, giving you detail in all areas of your image.

As an interchangeable lens camera, you need to buy lenses separately. But it’s compatible with all the best Leica M lenses.

The high price will put a lot of people off the Leica M11. But the street photographers who do buy Leica cameras never regret the purchase. They often become Leica devotees, using nothing else but their Leica rangefinder. It’s a beautiful camera if you can afford it.

 

Best Street Photography Cameras and Equipment FAQs

While street photography is one of the most popular types of photography, it can be difficult to get started. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the genre. We hope this information helps you make informed choices.

What Are the Best Camera Settings for Street Photography?

As with any photography, you must balance the three main exposure settings. These are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. They make up the exposure triangle. We suggest a medium-to-wide aperture, a shutter speed of at least 1/500 s, and the lowest ISO setting possible, up to 800.

If you’re new to street photography, you might be happy to shoot in auto mode. That is the easiest way to start. But we recommend switching to manual mode. You’ll learn more quickly. And you’ll have better street photography results.

A medium-to-narrow aperture isn’t the best for letting in light. But it gives you a deeper depth of field. This means you have a deeper focal plane, and more of your scene is in focus. Something like f/5.6 or f/8 is good.

Of course, you can use a wider aperture to achieve a bokeh effect. This works well with close-ups or environmental portraits. But generally, a deeper depth of field is better for street photography.

Photo of a graffiti artist spraying painting a wall shot with a street photography camera
35mm, f/7.1, 1/950 s, ISO 200. Photo by Guillermo Latorre (Unsplash)
 

A faster shutter speed is good with all the movement and energy in an urban environment. You don’t need it to be super-fast unless things move quickly. But you also don’t want too much motion blur. Something like 1/500 s is ideal.

You can also use slow shutter speeds to intentionally create motion blur. It’s best to use a tripod or monopod for this technique. But it’s a great way to display the hectic movement of a street scene.

Using burst mode is another useful tip for street photography. It helps you capture the perfect shot when things move at a head-spinning pace. You don’t need a 20 or 30 fps burst rate. This isn’t sports photography. But something between 7 and 15 fps is perfect.

We always suggest keeping your ISO as low as possible. But when you’re using a narrow aperture, that isn’t always possible. Thanks to the energy and dynamism of street photography, you can push the ISO up a few stops without too much damage to image quality. ISO 400 or 800 is fine for street photography.

Read our article on the best camera settings for street photography if you want to learn more.

What’s the Best Lens for Street Photography?

A traditional 50mm prime lens is still popular with street photographers. Another popular lens is a 35mm. It’s favored because its field of view is similar to the human eye’s. For zoom lenses, a 24-70mm lens is ideal.

You might want to decide whether you want a prime or a zoom lens. Both have their advantages. But deciding between the two is a matter of personal opinion. Some street photographers use nothing but prime lenses. Others like to use zoom lenses.

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length. They give you no zoom capabilities. But prime lenses often produce sharper image quality, especially around the edges.

The benefit of a zoom lens is its versatility. With a variable focal length, you can zoom in and out. This lets you recompose your image without moving yourself or the camera. You can get closer to distant subjects. Or you can zoom out for a wider angle.

The next important specification is focal length. This determines how wide your angle of view is.

The benefit of zoom lenses is that you can shoot wide-angle shots at the 24mm end. And you can zoom in for tighter compositions at the 70mm end. It’s perfect for when you’re roaming the street with your camera. You can zoom in and out, adapting to your surroundings.

If you want more information and specific examples, check out our full list of the best lenses for street photography.

What Is the Best Backpack for Street Photography?

We recommend the Wandrd Duo Daypack. You want something subtly stylish, spacious, and robust. And the Wandrd hits the mark. The Duo Daypack is ideal for street photographers.

It looks fantastic. It has excellent storage spaces for street cameras, lenses, and other accessories. And it’s completely weather-resistant. Check out our full review of the Wandrd Duo Daypack.

If that isn’t the bag for you, dive into our article on all the best camera backpacks. If you want more accessories, read our article on the best street photography gear.

Can I Use Film and Analog Cameras for Street Photography?

Yes, absolutely. Something like the Canon AE-1 is a great choice for a 35mm camera. It’s a bit heavy and clunky. But it’s a joy to use, and it delivers excellent results. Check out our full review of the Canon AE-1. If that camera doesn’t take your fancy, we list more of the best 35mm cameras.

Film photography is having something of a renaissance at the moment. Film stock is flying off the shelves. Social media is ablaze with images shot with film. Street photography is one of the most popular genres in the film community.

The designs of old analog cameras lend themselves to street photography. Even SLRs are fairly compact and easy to carry around your neck. And the manual controls help you hone your photography skills. You can’t re-do a film photo, so you must always nail it.

One fun aspect of analog photography is experimenting with different film stocks. You can choose between color and black-and-white film. You have different brands to pick from. And you can play with the ISO levels you use. The possibilities are endless.

You can see our list of the best black-and-white film stocks. Or, if you want something more colorful, check out all the best color films.

 

Conclusion: The Best Street Photography Camera

The best street photography camera should feel like an extension of you. A street photographer needs to blend into their surroundings. And a compact, lightweight, and comfortable camera helps you do that. You must then balance those elements with performance for the perfect blend of features.

The Fujifilm V100X is our favorite street photography camera. And it’s the favorite of many experienced street photographers. It looks fantastic with its rangefinder retro design. The image quality is brilliant. And it has features that make a street shooter’s life much easier.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Street Photography Camera
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V
Fujifilm X100V
Olympus OM System OM-5
Olympus OM System OM-5
Olympus OM System OM-5
Nikon Z f
Nikon Z f
Nikon Z f