Best Street Photography Cameras
(2025 Update)

Over the years I’ve been asked countless times which camera to use for street photography, or even just which camera to start with if you’re getting into photography, so I thought it was about time I pulled an article together that outlines some of my go to suggestions.

BUT before diving into camera recommendations, I want to set the tone and caveat a few things about what this article is (and what it isn’t).*

I won’t be deep diving into mega pixels, colour science and auto focus technology. Let’s be honest, there are tonnes of these types of articles out there. This is more a down-to-earth guide based on experience, outlining some of the options that might be worth looking into if you’re feeling a little over whelmed with all the options that are available for street photographers.

New doesn’t always mean better. Some of the best options for street and travel photography are a few years old and can be picked up at bargain prices. I’ll be highlighting those too, you know, in a bid to win the fight against GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).

Okay, this one’s a bit controversial, but it’s good to get the conversation going, right? I’m saying this, first, to be totally honest with you, and second, because with 15 years in photography (10 professional), I’ve gained a lot of experience. I’ve shot everything from event and commercial photography to street projects, and tons of personal family photos. So now, I have a pretty darn good idea if a camera will suit my style before I even pick it up.

This part is really important for me, so hang in there while I share some thoughts with you. Ultimately, a camera is just a tool.

Let’s think about the word “photography” itself. As IMMA.ie points out, it literally means “drawing with light,” from the Greek “photo” (light) and “graph” (to draw). So, with that in mind, you’re essentially carrying a glorified pencil! Okay, maybe not quite, but consider this: a brand-new, blunt pencil versus a cheap, old, but sharpened stub. Which one will do its job better?

The way I see it, the best camera is the one you actually have with you. So if you’re not carrying your camera because it’s too big, too heavy, too complicated, too slow to focus, or too expensive, then what’s the point? It becomes a hindrance to your creativity, not a benefit.

To be honest even I find myself getting a little itchy for new kit. Feeling like I need a new camera to make things exciting and fresh. It’s like getting a new car. Nice, but not if you’re spending money that could be better used elsewhere – like a new lens for instance? However, on the flip side, if a new camera truly gives you a newfound love and incentive to get out there and capture photos, then that’s awesome and a worthy investment.

I’m going to keep this bit fairly short and to the point as I’m likely to cover it again below in the recommendations section. However for those of you that just simply can’t wait, at this present time, I’m bobbing between a Sony A7cii & Sony A9. I have also used the Sony A7iv for commercial photography projects but apart from the benefit of being able to crop more in post, there’s no real added benefit of using the A7iv for street.

However, when it comes to personal photos, I’m currently carrying around the Fuji XT10 with a manual lens attached! More on this later, so let’s crack on.

Fuji X100F / X100V – A True Travel Companion

Let’s start with the obvious. The Fuji X100V is the newer, more capable model in the X100 line. But that doesn’t mean the X100F should be overlooked. It’s a camera I used extensively over the years, including on a street photography project in Berlin, and it still holds up in today’s market.

This fixed-lens compact gives you both an EVF and a rear screen (non-articulating). The colour science is beautiful straight out of camera, and its small, quiet profile makes it ideal for candid shooting. The leaf shutter is also whisper quiet, perfect for staying unnoticed.

The X100V is a little pricier, making the X100F a smart and more accessible alternative. However, if you have the budget and often shoot from the hip, the X100V’s articulating screen makes it the better option.

Regarding build quality: mine took a beating over the years and never let me down. Fuji built this thing to last!

Sony A9 – Fast Focus and Versatile

I’ve used the Sony A9 for everything from client shoots to personal projects. It just works. Autofocus is fast and accurate, the silent electronic shutter performs well in tough lighting conditions, and it’s compatible with a huge number of lenses.

That said, the Sony menu system is clunky, and the camera feels more like a tech gadget than a tool for creativity. Still, for a reliable, capable workhorse, the A9 is hard to beat.

There’s also the A9 II and newer models, but for street photography, I’m not convinced the upgrades are necessary, especially as the newer bodies get bulkier and more expensive. The A7C range is a slightly better fit for lightweight, street-focused setups, but it’s not perfect! (more on that below).

Leica Q3 – Premium Feel, Premium Price

Leica is responsible for producing some of the best cameras in the world, used by some of the greatest street photographers like Alex Webb and Henri Cartier-Bresson. But boy do they come at a price!

However, if budget isn’t a concern, get the Leica Q3. Not just to take photos with. But to just admire, carry around as a cool accessory, and simply embrace the feeling that you have the coolest camera on the planet!

Okay, I’m kidding for the most part here, and I’ll be totally upfront: I’ve never used one. I’ve looked at one and wished I had one, but quite frankly, I can’t justify paying for one, and the fixed lens system wouldn’t quite work for my commercial photography requirements. That being said, if I only needed one camera and all my money could go into it, this would be right up at the top of my list.

If you’re shopping in this price range and prefer a 35mm field of view (instead of the 28mm on the Q3), then you could also consider the Fujifilm GFX100RF. It’s a beautifully crafted medium format.

For a great comparison between the two, TechRadar has done a great tech and real-world comparison that’s worth checking out: “Fujifilm GFX100RF vs. Leica Q3: I compared two of the best compact cameras money can buy, and I have a definite favourite.”

Sony A7C II – Love the Camera, Hate the Screen

The A7C II ticks nearly every box for me. Improved colour science, excellent autofocus, and a compact setup, especially when coupled with options like the Sony Zeiss 35mm or Sony FE 40mm.

But the side-flip screen doesn’t work for how I capture street. I’m invested in the original flip-up style found on the Sony A9 (mentioned above). It’s quicker and more intuitive, especially for shooting from the hip. The side hinge, is just fiddly and impractical for street.

However, if the screen design doesn’t bother you, then the A7C II is an excellent choice. And if you’re after more pixels resolution to play with, then you could also consider the A7CR. Though it might only be worth it if you plan to crop heavily in post.

Fuji X-T10 – The Digital Slow-Down

The X-T10 is a bit of a throwback, but still punches well above its weight. You can grab one for under £200 on MPB. It’s small, lightweight and enjoyable to use.
I picked one up because I needed a break from the pace of digital work.

Managing thousands of images a month had me feeling disconnected. Film was tempting, but too impractical for my workflow. Instead, I stuck a manual lens on the X-T10, shoot JPEGs, use a small SD, slow myself down, and shoot with intent.

It’s not about the specs here, it’s about the experience. If that resonates with you and your budget is smaller, it’s an option worth considering. For a great breakdown, and some lovely product photos, check out Jonas Rask’s detailed review of the XT10.

Ricoh GR III – Pocket Power

Here’s a compact camera I haven’t personally used, but I’ve seen what it can do. The Ricoh GR III is small, sharp, and truly pocketable. If you want something with you at all times, this is a very capable option.

If you’re curious, this Fstoppers review covers its strengths well.

Fuji X-E5 – Flexibility Meets Simplicity

I started with Fuji, so I’ve got a soft spot for their cameras. I haven’t used the X-E5 yet, but based on my experience with the X-series, this one looks like a very strong street option.

The X100F and V are fantastic, but they lock you into a 35mm field of view (unless you use converters), and only the X100V has a flip-up screen. So here comes the X-E line that solves those issues with lens flexibility, a flip screen and some Fuji jpeg magic to top it off.

If you want to save money, the X-E4 is still an excellent choice, but just note that neither model is weather-sealed. So if you’re heading somewhere with unpredictable weather (like Cambodia, where I’ve shot before), consider the X-T line instead.

My project in Cambodia shows how the XT2 handled the conditions, and it also performed brilliantly during a separate trip to Hong Kong. The X-T3 is even better and still compact enough for street work. You can pick up a used Fuji XT3 for under £500, plus a 23mm f2 lens for under £300, which makes a great travel combo.

Any models above that in the XT line start to get a bit too bulky and pricy for my liking.

Your Mobile Phone – It’s Always With You

Your phone is probably the best street camera you already own, because it’s always with you! The image quality on most modern phones is really good, and it’s a simple, reliable tool for everyday photography.

I use a Google Pixel 8 and often reach for it to capture street photos.

The best camera for street photography is the one you love using. The one you’re not afraid to take out, experiment with, and enjoy. Don’t let comparison or spec envy distract you. Start with what you’ve got, upgrade when and if you can, and just enjoy it.

If you think I’ve missed a camera that’s worth a mention, feel free to drop me a comment and I’ll take a little look.

Thanks for reading and hope you’ve found this article helpful.