Best Cameras for Street Photography
Jun 18, 2012 12:49:31 #
In the world of digital photography, conventional wisdom says that professionals use full frame or medium format DSLR cameras, the facebook photo crowd uses cellphones or kodak cameras, and everyone in between, using bridge cameras, travel zooms, large sensor compacts, compact system cameras, or budged DSLRs. After reading about how the street photographer was assaulted by the bouncer, I began to think that for some professionals and serious amateurs, dong street photography, an expensive DSLR is not the tool of choice. In many cases, a bridge camera might be preferrable. Although the image quality will never match even the cheapest DSLR, shooting from a distance with an inconspicuous looking bridge camera is the safest option for the photographer, and will get more candid looking shots of the subject to boot. When shooting for a supermarket tabloid, the difference in IQ between a good bridge camera and a DSLR will not be that noticeable to the bored housewives reading them. Furthermore, if Paris Hilton's bodyguard gets P.Oed and smashes your camera anyway, better to lose a $400.00 bridge camera than a $4000.00 DSLR. In cases where the subject is willing and even eager to be photographed up close and personal, using a large sensor compact or micro 4/3 camera might get a more relaxed and natural pose than an intimidating pro DSLR
Jun 18, 2012 14:45:54 #
This was one incident and in the end considering the tens of thousands of photos that are taken every day having one bouncer assault one photographer shouldn't change your tactics. The idea is to get the best photograph and if you can shoot the photo with a 200mm lens you'll be far enough away that the bodyguard won't consider you a threat and will give you a much better photo than any smartphone ever will.
Jun 18, 2012 15:08:56 #
Hey, Frank: I never implied using a smartphone for anything other than talking and texting. There is a world of difference between a smartphone and a bridge camera. The My Canon SX40 has a equivalent focal length of 840, and the New Nikon p510 1000mm. As to the quality of pictures you can get with these cameras, check out Ethan Winning's point and shoot photography blog and look at his wildlife shoots. Also check the Nikon P510 review at DigitalcameraHQ. Those shots were impressive. While they may never pass muster for a society wedding, or Audobon magazine, the image quality from these cameras is more than good enough to get a look at Brittney Spears' latest tattoo or Janice Dickinson's varicose veins from well out of easy reach of any bodyguards or boucers. In comparison, think how expensive, heavy, and conspicuous even an APS-C DSLR body, telephoto lens, and tripod setup would be. Multiply that further if you choose to use a full frame DSLR
Jun 19, 2012 07:16:58 #
I agree with Shutterbug. For general street photos, watching out for your safety is, unfortunately, part of life these days.
Late at night, a bridge camera won't match the noise level and quick, multiple exposure that a good DSLR can do, but during the day, you might have trouble seeing the difference.
Late at night, a bridge camera won't match the noise level and quick, multiple exposure that a good DSLR can do, but during the day, you might have trouble seeing the difference.
Jun 19, 2012 08:24:41 #
Shutterbugsailer wrote:
In the world of digital photography, conventional ... (show quote)
Get a Leica (black only, of course). It works for me: incredibly sharp, inconspicuous and super quiet. No compromises! Being attacked by a bouncer or hit by lightning: what are the odds?
Cheers,
Jun 19, 2012 08:33:17 #
Frank T wrote:
This was one incident and in the end considering the tens of thousands of photos that are taken every day having one bouncer assault one photographer shouldn't change your tactics. The idea is to get the best photograph and if you can shoot the photo with a 200mm lens you'll be far enough away that the bodyguard won't consider you a threat and will give you a much better photo than any smartphone ever will.
I agree.
There are thousands of photographers doing street photography just fine without getting assualted...I think that the issue has been blown way out of proportion.
Jun 19, 2012 08:51:35 #
You should seriously consider using a twin lens reflex 120 film camera for street photography. They are virtually silent and since you are shooting from the waist, 99% of subjects have no idea they are being photographed.
A used Rollei or Yashica can be had for as little as $200, and developing 120 film is easy, inexpensive, and fun.
Digitize the negatives by scanning, do normal PP, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of your images.
A used Rollei or Yashica can be had for as little as $200, and developing 120 film is easy, inexpensive, and fun.
Digitize the negatives by scanning, do normal PP, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of your images.
Jun 19, 2012 09:19:33 #
You have to have a certain amount of street sense. But there is never any guarantee that someone will object in a violent manner.
Jun 19, 2012 09:25:48 #
How about the Lumix G system cameras. Super sharp lenses, ultra small, not overly expensive, interchangeable lenses and with the G2 and G3 models you get the 360 degree rear screen for low level shots when you don't want to be seen crawling in the gutter. They are also unobtrusive and don't draw attention like a full scale SLR.
Jun 19, 2012 10:20:19 #
If I jump in here on the best camera's for street work. In 45 years working the streets all over the world and after using 30 or more different types of camera's, my suggestions is simple...there all good. You just have to make what ever camera your using become an extension of your brain/eye and as Cartier one said, "be there" before the high point is reached, ready, aim, flame.....Now, what I'm currently using is the Lumix KX-5 with electronic view finder, Samsung TL 500 with a tip out screen, very handy in the street fools'em every time....for film, the best Leica killers out there, the Konica S3, Konica Automatic, Canon QL III, Minolta CLE with there Rokkor 28mm, super fast especially for zone focusing, ultra quiet, with stunning results. In the end, street is without a doubt the most challenging with the highest rewards when you get it "right"
Jun 19, 2012 10:25:42 #
If Paris Hilton's bodyguard got P.Oed and smashed my camera I am pretty sure there would be other witnesses with cameras to record the matter. He would also be paying for my camera if that were the case. Sorry, had to get that out. I don't do street photography, but I do love how far I can zoom with my bridge camera. It does do a good job of getting candids at times too.
Jun 19, 2012 10:30:36 #
beinbalance wrote:
In the end, street is without a doubt the most challenging with the highest rewards when you get it "right"
And you did here...those are great moments you caught...well done.
Jun 19, 2012 13:27:26 #
Glad to see this topic getting so much attention. I loved beinbalane's candid shots. For that type of candid shots, particularly the indoor ones, I would not use a small sensor bridge camera. For those shots, image quality will make or break them. Besides, I don't think any of those subjects look likely to attack the photographer. Even then, I would still prefer something more discrete, like a large sensor compact (ie Canon GX1), or if my budget permitted, a leica rangefinder, over a bulky DSLR, unless I needed a flash. Night photography is another place where my SX40 bridge camera falls short. The pictures I have taken of the NYC city skyline are not the least bit aesthetically appealing. They do, however show enough detail to be usefull for law enforcement/surveillance photography. In my opinion, while unsuitable for Architechtural Digest or National Geographic Magazine, bridge cameras are tailor made for National Enquirer Magazine. Considering that Tabloids are printed on cheap recycled paper and typically depict scantily clad celebrities cavorting in the bright California sun, how much difference can there be between shots taken with a bridge camera and those taken with a full frame DSLR. That small difference would barely be noticed by tabloid readers, anyway, most of whom think an F-stop is a subway station, and for the photographer, is a small price to pay for the convenience, reach, and cost savings over Pro level equipment
Jun 19, 2012 14:51:16 #
Two things:
1. I'm not sure the real issue is whether the street photographer will be attacked. It is, rather, that the best shots are candid. Thus, you don't want your subject to know what you're doing as you're doing it.
2. I have an Olympus OD EM-5 on order. I've seen some amazing pictures on the blogs produced by this little machine.
1. I'm not sure the real issue is whether the street photographer will be attacked. It is, rather, that the best shots are candid. Thus, you don't want your subject to know what you're doing as you're doing it.
2. I have an Olympus OD EM-5 on order. I've seen some amazing pictures on the blogs produced by this little machine.
Jun 19, 2012 16:15:58 #
Henri Cartier Bresson used an M Leica withalmost always a fifty mm.lens and rarely a thirty - five . 'nuf said ?
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