Jerome Marot
Well-known member
The question about the "perfect" camera for street photography is raised from time to time. It seems that everyone agrees that smaller, less conspicuous is a must and that massive DSLRs are not a good choice.
Lately, the results of the 2012 World press photo competition were published. Finest press photography indeed.
Most of the pictures include technical data. Looking at which type of cameras were used is interesting. Most of the photographers used a full frame DSLR. This includes entries which can be described as "street photography". This one was taken with an EOS 1D, that one with a 5D (and presumably a 28mm prime) and that picture with a D700. Big camera... no problem.
And rangefinders? Well, the only rangefinders who appeared in the list on winners were used in long-terms projects: the Hasselblad XPan II (here) and (surprise!), the Mamiya 7 was used by no less than 3 different winners (here, here and here).
Far away from the latest fashions about smaller cameras and higher ISO (only this picture was taken beyond ISO 3200), the cameras chosen by experienced, successful professional press photographers give a different window into the trade than the one we may be used to.
Lately, the results of the 2012 World press photo competition were published. Finest press photography indeed.
Most of the pictures include technical data. Looking at which type of cameras were used is interesting. Most of the photographers used a full frame DSLR. This includes entries which can be described as "street photography". This one was taken with an EOS 1D, that one with a 5D (and presumably a 28mm prime) and that picture with a D700. Big camera... no problem.
And rangefinders? Well, the only rangefinders who appeared in the list on winners were used in long-terms projects: the Hasselblad XPan II (here) and (surprise!), the Mamiya 7 was used by no less than 3 different winners (here, here and here).
Far away from the latest fashions about smaller cameras and higher ISO (only this picture was taken beyond ISO 3200), the cameras chosen by experienced, successful professional press photographers give a different window into the trade than the one we may be used to.