The Best Digital Cameras for Street Photography in 2021
Here I am with a classic post. In the last years we have seen how the market of the cameras has changed by pushing a lot on cameras that are ideal for us street photographers. Since the advent of mirrorless cameras and cameras that imitate rangefinders, the street photographer can now count on a huge offer and it is often not easy to navigate the market. Especially for beginners.
I've thought a lot about how to make this list. Because I want to offer this resource to my readers, but for reasons you should know by now I have purposely left out a camera brand. If they discriminated against me I don't see the reason why I still have to talk about them.
Fortunately, there are many camera brands that are offering fantastic products. The approach used to compile this list, however, reflects my ideas, without letting myself be influenced by the news on the market. Indeed I suggest, to save money, to buy used cameras or a previous model.
So this is not the usual list that other photographers will do this year. You will find alternative ideas and not what you expect. I think that street photography is not about the camera and there is not a universal rule. It is a very personal matter. So here I am just recommending some solutions to think about.
Ricoh GR III Street Edition
This camera list should start with this homage to street photographers. It is a 24mpx APS-C sensor. Some photographers are not enthusiasts when it comes to Ricoh GR because they say that the lens is a dust eater. My previous expwerience with a Ricoh GRD IV says that was not an issue.
Panasonic Lumix LX100
The LX100 attracts me a lot. Panasonic is a business partner of Leica. In the past I worked with the Panasonic Lumix LX3 that is also a great street photography tool. This is another recommended choice.
Leica D Lux 7
This is the re-branded Panasonic Lumix LX100 mark II. So why I am recommending this camera on the list? Guys, you know there is also the rewarding component when we buy a camera. I would choose the Leica version only because it allows you to enter again in the Leica world.
Leica Q2
A 47.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor justifies the price. This Leica is precious, but for that price I would consider other options. Even the Q1 is now cheaper than this new toy.
Leica M series
Right now you can find the new Leica M10 R while the previous editions are discountinued. But you can find used the Leica M9 and even the M8. It is a classic for street photographers worldwide you have always to consider.
Canon Rebel
I'm crazy? No, I'm not.
In 2021, thinking about a DSLR is certainly a choice that may seem obsolete. Loud, eye-catching and yet i consider it an option. In fact I purchased a Rebel T3 (2011) and I am using it. With the 24mm pancake, a plastic lens, you will have a very light camera. The 24mm is an equivalent 38mm (x 1.6 with Canon sensor) that particularly works for all those street photographers connected with the old school like me.
Canon EOS RP
I am not naive: maybe you want something not so old like my camera. I think the Canon EOS RP is the least expensive full-frame mirrorless camera you can find on the market.
Canon EOS M6 mark II
With the EF-M 22mm f/2 lens you have a small, lightweight street photography combo.
Conclusions
Each one of these cameras will be great depending by the photographer. My way to choose take in account my ideas so I preferred to leave out the four thirds sensopr except the LX100 because still lokks precious to me, but I usually go with the APS- C sensor. Sony cameras can work great for some photographers. I am sorry but i don’t like them.
To clarify: you can use also a smartphone for street photography, I am not a closed mind. Anyway for certain things for me counting with a real camera is still the way to go. I talk about low light like the ultradark night in Mexico, or working in zone focus. In fact I prefer usually to work in total manual exposure and focus and there are cameras focused on dials and not menu that I prefer more for this. When I work with the Canon I can use it also as a snapshot camera, counting with the A-Dep setting.
When it comes to Street Photography the result is the only important thing.
