The Best Budget Street Photography Cameras
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Everyone right now is out there looking for the best budget street photography camera. If you’ve decided this genre of photography is for you, but you still don’t want to shell out your life savings for a camera be sure to stick around. I’ve put together a list of great cheaper options that are quite effective at getting you the best shot.
Some of these are still a bit-pricey, but worth it. However, I promise there is a camera here for you that works within your budget. I’ve even got some separate articles for you to check out that list cameras based on a price point.
Best Compact Budget Street Photography Camera: Ricoh GR 3
The Ricoh GR III is a great compact point-and-shoot camera and is hailed as one of the best for street photography of all time. It has a quick startup time and a lightweight, pocketable design that makes it convenient to carry anywhere.
This camera features a unique snap focus, which pre-focuses the camera at a certain distance, eliminating the need to rely on autofocus.
Snap focus is an excellent feature since the autofocus is lacking, I’ve found it unreliable when it really counts. Personally, I prefer pre-setting the focal distance to 1m or 1.5m and employing zone focus, enabling me to capture photos instantaneously.
Once you grasp these distances, you can focus on composition without constantly tinkering with settings. Snap focus frees you from the need to continually adjust settings. For an in-depth exploration of the Ricoh GR III and all its features, check out the full review.
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Best Budget Street Photography Camera (Mirrorless): Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II It has a good price point and is compact and lightweight. With a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, it creates beautiful photos. The user-friendly touch screen interface also makes it easy to quickly adjust focal points.
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Best Budget Street Photography Camera (Mirrorless): Fujifilm X-T200
In terms of lens options, the Fujifilm X-T200 is compatible with all Fujifilm X-mount lenses. This camera is like the Fujifilm X100V’s mini-me, tagging along in its bigger sibling’s shadow, ready to snap the world, but in a cheaper package.
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Best Budget Street Photography Camera (DSLR): Nikon D3500
It’s a great entry-level DSLR because it’s affordable and user-friendly. It’s basic, but it offers a solid starting point with its 24.2-megapixel sensor and lightweight body. It’s ideal for beginners who want to start their photography journey without too much commitment.
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Best Budget Street Photography Camera (Compact): Sony RX100 III
The camera’s strong points include a startup time similar to the Ricoh GR III. This is ideal if you prefer to explore an area before quickly drawing your camera to capture a moment. The zoom function is impressively responsive, achieving full zoom in and out within 3 seconds. The autofocus is better than the Ricoh GR III.
This camera stands out from other compact cameras since it includes an electronic viewfinder. It’s much easier to compose a shot with a viewfinder than to rely on an LCD screen. Sometimes, outside conditions, like harsh sunlight, can interfere with properly composing a photo because it’s harder to see clearly.
Speaking of carrying something all day. One issue I find with the Sony RX100 IV, which depends on the individual, is that if you tend to sweat a lot, the camera can become hard to hold for extended periods. It gets slippery in your hands, and the grip is somewhat non-existent, even for people with smaller hands.
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In conclusion, these are some of your best budget photography camera options. These are also some of the best camera options you can choose from for street photography. If you’d not convinced about this list
FAQ
Why is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II a good option for budget street photography?
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II offers a compact and lightweight design, a versatile 24.1-megapixel sensor, and fast autofocus.
What makes the Fujifilm X-T200 a great choice for budget street photography?
The Fujifilm X-T200 has a retro-inspired design, a 24.2-megapixel sensor, and an advanced autofocus system.
Why is the Nikon D3500 a popular choice for budget street photography?
The Nikon D3500 is a budget-friendly DSLR that offers a great user-friendly interface, 24 megapixel sensor, and a lightweight design, which makes it a great street photography camera for beginners.
What makes the Sony RX100 III a reliable option for budget street photographers?
The Sony RX100 III is a reliable compact point and shoot digital camera with a 20.1-megapixel sensor, an electronic viewfinder, and zoom capabilities.
Why is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III a good choice for budget street photography?
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera with a 16.1-megapixel sensor, in-body image stabilization, and a fast autofocus system.
What makes the Ricoh GR III a favorite among street photographers?
The Ricoh GR III is a compact digital camera with a 24.2-megapixel sensor, a fixed 28mm lens, and a small and lightweight design.
This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission from purchases made through links. I will only recommend products I know personally used, and can attest to their high quality. Learn more on my private policy page
