Street Photography... iPhone camera vs DSLR: I've not done street photography... yet. But I'd like to try it. I've read and watched YouTube stuff about it. I've learned about the...

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Street Photography... iPhone camera vs DSLR

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Jul 30, 2016 10:04:44 #

bbrowner Loc: Chapel Hill, NC

I've not done street photography... yet. But I'd like to try it. I've read and watched YouTube stuff about it. I've learned about the (sometimes) problems of being too invasive.

I've also seen that street photography pics (often but not always) tend not to be the same quality (photographically) as other types of photography.

So... ... what are your thoughts about using an iPhone camera vs the DSLR for street stuff?

I know there will be the "it depends" replies. That's always true. But do any of you have any king of definitive reasons one way or the other?

Thanks for thinking about this.

Barry

Jul 30, 2016 10:20:36 #

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I shoot mine with whatever I have with me at the time, my DSLR, my bridge camera, my pocket camera, or my cell phone. I avoid the cellphone if I have anything else with me (simply because I'm not very good with it). I suppose I've made my best shots with the DSLR and the pocket camera. Use whatever makes you the most comfortable taking street photos. I don't think there is a definitive answer. If you want to be inconspicuous until you become comfortable with the mode, I'd suggest a pocket camera.

Jul 30, 2016 10:24:54 #

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

I have a Canon PowerShot S95 that I carry with me all of the time. I'd rather use that than a cell phone.

Jul 30, 2016 10:39:38 #

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Personally, I don't like using a DSLR for street photography at all. It's bulky size draws too much attention.

Jul 30, 2016 10:49:28 #

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I've not done any Street Photography either, but I think a phone is ideal for photographing people on the street. There may be some instances when you would want a larger sensor than a phone has, but generally, with the improvements made in phone cameras, a phone is ideal.
A friend's son lives in Brooklyn and takes many street photos with his phone and they come out great.

Jul 30, 2016 10:49:44 #

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Personally, I'm with rook2c4. The DSLR is way too big for me to consider using it for street photography. Sure, if it just happens to be the only camera with me at the time, yeah I'd have to. However, if my intent is to go out and do street photography, I'll take either my Leica IIIf or my Nikkormat. I think my F is too bulky for that kind of thing. As for cell phones, too much EVF issues trying to frame the photo and then the shutter lag is not going to provide that "decisive moment" capture.
--Bob

bbrowner wrote:

I've not done street photography... yet. But I'd ... (show quote)

Jul 30, 2016 11:34:32 #

bbrowner Loc: Chapel Hill, NC

Almost two years ago... when I bought my Nikon D7100... I gave my Canon G-11 to my daughter. A nice step up for her. That would have been perfect for street photography. Who knew! But I won't go out for a pocket camera at this point. I don't know how much street stuff I'll do. If I decide to... there's a (real) camera store just two miles from here... new and used. For now... probably the iPhone.

Barry

Jul 30, 2016 12:47:11 #

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

Collie lover wrote:

I have a Canon PowerShot S95 that I carry with me all of the time. I'd rather use that than a cell phone.

+1 Same here...just got a used S95 and am enjoying using it. Got it with the intentions of street photography!

Jul 30, 2016 13:39:54 #

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I shot some street photography with a D5200, It has the tilting screen, so I can face the camera where I want it, but I dont have to look into it, I just tilt the screen
see what I wanted to see and snapped the pic. people walking by NEVER knew I was taking their pics.

Jul 31, 2016 05:46:58 #

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

bbrowner wrote:

I've not done street photography... yet. But I'd ... (show quote)

Here are 2 websites for your consideration: one in favor of the iPhone and one for a DSLR.

http://brendanose.com/tag/iphone-street-photography/

http://masteringphoto.com/dslr-proves-adequate-replacement-for-iphone-camera/

Jul 31, 2016 05:46:59 #

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

rmalarz wrote:

Personally, I'm with rook2c4. The DSLR is way too ... (show quote)

In the days of film I (most of the time) shot street photography with a Rollei TLR. Using my first digital cameras for street photography proved almost impossible because of shutter lag. Slowly cameras improved and now with cameras like the Sony A6000 & A6300 the shot is taken pretty near instantaneous with pressing the shutter. As I never use a camera phone I'm not sure how big a problem with shutter lag is, but if as you say there is a problem then I would say it is not worth considering a cell phone of any kind for this kind of work.

Jul 31, 2016 05:52:09 #

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

There are mirror attachments that fit on the end of the camera lens. Example search ebay for " Bower 52mm Spy Lens Right Angle Mirror Lens". Many pop up when searching amazon for "Spy Lens Right Angle Mirror" Max cost is about $40.

Opteka Voyeur Right Angle Spy Lens for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras (Attaches to 52mm and 58mm Threaded Lenses) Amazon $30

Point camera straight ahead and take a photo 90* left or right.

Jul 31, 2016 05:58:49 #

steve49 Loc: massachusetts

I find the images on the cel to be very very soft if used in "telephoto" mode.
Ok to email but not much else
In street shooting you may be in this mode a fair amount.

Mant, many nice pocket cameras around would be good for this.
You always need a reason to pick up a new camera, right?

Jul 31, 2016 05:59:07 #

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I have a few cameras with tilting monitors, I practice sitting on a bench at the zoo. I sit with my camera on my lap, with the monitor tilted up and pretend i'm fiddling with it. by not making eye contact, I just pan around and snap away.

Jul 31, 2016 06:29:14 #

Al Freeedman

In my film days, I used a Minox 35 GT A very small 35 MM full frame. Everything manual. Has a great lens. I still have it.

Captain Al

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