Are you considering a DSLR vs mirrorless for street photography? Your choice of camera influences your images, a lot. In this article I will point out the pros and cons of each, and the best for factor your can get for street photography.
Hi, my name is Olivier and I am a pro photographer / street photographer for about a decade. I’ve used both formats extensively and there is a clear winner here for street. This is a series about the basic street photography questions beginners have, you can check out more here.
The images on this page were shot in New York City, Fukuoka and processed with these.
DSLR vs Mirrorless for Street Photography
So, should you use a DSLR vs Mirrorless for street photography? Mirrorless cameras win by a long-shot. DSLRs are highly discouraged for the purposes of street. Let’s look at why.
1. Mirrorless cameras are lighter
Mirrorless cameras are lighter than their DSLR counterparts. Most of them at least, like the PEN F, Ricoh GXR and Fuji X100 among other great street photography cameras. This is important in the streets because after a few hours, your hands will get tired.
Since a lot of street photographers love to have a camera on a strap around their neck, if your camera is heavy enough, you might end up damaging your neck. This happened to a friend, and he wasn’t even dangling a DSLR but a large mirrorless camera with a huge lens.
2. Mirrorless cameras make it easier to get the shot
Since mirrorless cameras are smaller, you can twist and turn them more easily than you can a DSLR. This allow for odd-angle shots that are very hard to get when your camera is heavy and bulky.
3. You scare your subjects away with a DSLR
Street photography is usually done in a stealthy manner, streetshooters try to be as silent and stealthy as possible to get the shot. Nothing gives you away faster than a DSLR that screams “photographer!” from a mile away. You blend in easier with a small camera.
4. Mirrorless cameras have MOJO
Lastly, mirrorless cameras have major MOJO while DSLRs are simply…DSLRs. They are simply bland, big, black cameras. They are boring. Look for yourself, a EOS 200D vs the Olympus PEN F:
Is it shallow to talk about the cameras looks when both equally can make great pictures? I used to have gear acquisition syndrome, and let me tell you, a cameras mojo is IMPORTANT. Why? Because you end up loving your camera, and the best camera is the one you love. Because you end up shooting it more and more and WANT to use it. I started on a Nikon D80, and had a few DSLRs but I don’t remember enjoying any one of them in particular.
Like the processing? Images processed with these street photography presets.
What is the best form factor?
Mirrorless cameras come in two broad types, the mini DSLR type or the rangefinder type. A mini DSLR type is like a smaller DSLR, while the rangefinder type is shaped like a rangefinder. A camera like the Sony A7 is a DSLR type while the Leica CL is a rangefinder type.
Neither are actually DSLRs or rangefinders as the first lacks a mirror and the second lacks a rangefinder focusing mechanism. The better form factor for street photography is the rangefinder form factor.
Because the viewfinder isn’t paced in front of your face, it is placed on you right eye, allowing your left eye to be open. You can be looking for your next shot even while focusing on what’s in the viewfinder.
DSLR vs Mirrorless Street Photography conclusion
At the end of the day, what’s more important than the gear is your photographer’s eye. But if you must chose, Mirrorless cameras are better than DSLRs for street photography for these 4 reasons. That being said, there is also the Ricoh GR that has a large sensor and is pocketable, and some street photographers (like me) like the small sensor cameras.
But hey, your camera is only as good as you are. A great street photographer is a great street photographer no matter what camera. If you are reading this, you are interested in street photography, right? Then check out my street photography course. It has everything I know about street photography and much more.
Your either kidding or a MAJOR photo idiot!