Street Photography-Full Frame DSLR Suggestions

<p>Returning to photography after a 16-year hiatus. Shoot Canon briefly in the early years but switched to Nikon (FM-2, F-3, F-4, N-90s, D-700) because the Nikon system has great legacy lens compatibility. I primarily shoot portraits and wedding. I also, shoot nature and streetscapes with a Pentax 6X7. I`m currently interested in shooting street photography. I`m looking for a full frame digital camera with a minimum 12-16 megapixel capture and is capable of shooting raw (NEF) files. Desire a body the is small and compact with a quick but low noise shutter release. I`ll be shooting in an urban environment hence I prefer a camera with a low-key vibe. I don`t want to draw unnecessary attention with a large and expensive looking rig. Presently I`m drawn to the Nikon Coolpix 7800; it appears to have a number of desirable features and is at a reasonable price point. Interested in feedback or thoughts from other about this platform; particularly from those who have shot this camera. Also, open to suggestions on alternative cameras that I should consider before pulling the trigger on the purchase.<br>

I`m currently interested in shooting street photography. I`m looking for a full frame digital camera with a minimum 12-16 megapixel capture and is capable of shooting raw (NEF) files. Desire a body the is small and compact with a quick but low noise shutter release. I`ll be shooting in an urban environment hence I prefer a camera with a low-key vibe. I don`t want to draw unnecessary attention with a large and expensive looking rig. Presently I`m drawn to the Nikon Coolpix 7800; it appears to have a number of desirable features and is at a reasonable price point. I`ve heard a rumour the 7800 has a long shutter release lag time and the autofocus is slow. Is it true? I`m interested in feedback and thoughts from other about this platform; particularly from those who have shot this camera. Also, open to suggestions on alternative cameras that I should consider before pulling the trigger on the purchase of the Coolpix 7800. <br />Thanks in advance.</p>

Well the Coolpix 7800 isn't 35mm full frame. Are you interested in a DSLR or a compact camera? It is typical that

compact cameras have slow AF and long shutter delay. I suppose the upcoming Nikon DL series should focus quickly as they inherit Nikon 1 technology and features.

 

The D810 has the quietest operation of the FX DSLRs that Nikon makes. The shutter release and AF are reasonably fast. It's fairly expensive though. Do you want to shoot with especially shallow depth of field? If not, you may find a DX camera may be

more compact and less conspicuous. Or, you may want to try some mirrorless camera. Some of them autofocus quickly enough for typical street photography.

<p>for a small unobtrusive street photography camera, it is hard to beat mirrorless... like Fuji or Panasonic/olympus µ43. Full-frame cameras are big and bulky and obvious, except perhaps the Leica, but that is pretty expensive.</p>

<p>My own personal experience is the best camera for this is the Nikon D5300. It has 24mp, is quiet, but best of all is the fold out screen. You can hold the camera at your waist to use it like a Rolleiflex. This does two things: (1) it steadies the camera (2) you are looking down at the camera instead of looking straight at your subject. The D5300 is very small and not intimidating, yet gives excellent image quality. Pair it with the superb Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 and you have something unbeatable. None of the Nikon full frame cameras are small, none look inexpensive, and only the large & expensive D810 are particularly quiet. Full frame is way overhyped in my experience. Probably the best full frame camera for "street" photography is the Sony mirrorless, but that and lenses are really big dollars. My own personal experience is it's very foolish to flash something expensive around if you are unarmed.</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>

<blockquote>

<p>16-year hiatus (....) switched to Nikon (..) D-700</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Now the D700 isn't the latest anymore, but 16 years old it isn't ;-)</p>

<p>How much are you looking to spend? Like the others, I think a full frame DSLR doesn't really match what you're looking for, but what would make good alternatives depends a lot from your budget. Personally, a digital camera, pure for street photography, I'd take a good long look at the Fuji X100s or X100t. Small enough, silent and good quality. But it's not in the same price range as the Coolpix you're considering.<br>

Just to be sure, as Ilkka said, not only is the Coolpix you mention not a full frame camera (no Coolpix is at this moment), it's also not a DSLR. So, frankly, it doesn't quite make sense that you're considering it, given your question.</p>

<p>Kent--thanks for the tips! Makes sense to me--those 24MP sensors in the 3300/3400/5300/5500 are capable of really great photos. And as you mentioned--unobtrusive.<br>

Thanks again!<br>

Paul</p>

<p>The Nikon DF has a retro look which may appear less imposing to subjects of street photography. I would avoid using f/2.8 zoom lenses for the same reason. A 35 mm or 50 mm prime is much smaller. Other than a Canon 5DII (for example), DSLRs are never especially quiet. That is the nearly exclusive domain of mirrorless cameras with an electronic first curtain (EFC) or (A7S, A7Sii and A7Rii) with a completely silent electronic shutter option. Nikon has EFC options in some cameras, but only with the mirror locked up. It's there for vibration control, not real-time use.</p>

<p>1. As mentioned already, the 7800 isn't FF.<br>

2. DSLRs are large and bulky compared to compacts and mirrorless, so they are kinda never low key.<br>

3. However, street photography is almost always more about the photographer than the camera(s).</p>

<p>I'd just use the d700, then if you are still wanting a smaller camera after, say, after two or three months. Look into mirrorless cameras. </p>

<p>As mentioned then FF cameras are big, so I would recommend DX D7100/7200 with Sigma 35mm f/1.8 or the<br>

18-35mm. Alternatively the D5300, which I, however, do not have any own experience with.</p>

<p>For the street, I like the Sony A6000 with either the kit lens or the Sigma 19mm prime (<a href="/photodb/folder?folder_id=1089336"><em><strong>very, very sharp</strong></em></a>).</p>

<p>It is small, light, and it is a mirrorless camera with a crop sensor--pretty much the same sensor as the D7100, which I also like to carry--but it is bulkier.</p>

<p>I also carry the A6000 to work and back because I can stow it in a briefcase--or the glove compartment. With the kit lens or a 16mm pancake lens it will go in coat pockets.</p>

<p>The newer Sony A6300 is supposed to have an even faster auto-focus. I have never tried it.</p>

<p>I have (and shoot) about six Nikon digital bodies that are either DX or FX, but for some purposes I can't seem to do better than that little Sony. It is definitely good on a mountain trail, because of its small size and light weight. I don't generally like mirrorless or digital viewfinders, but for this little camera I will make an exception.</p>

<p><strong><em>When I do want to carry a big DSLR on the street</em></strong>, I can't beat <a href="/photo/17525940&size=lg"><em><strong>my old second-hand D3s</strong></em></a>, but it is a beast--a beast that feels like a big Cadillac or Lincoln. At high ISO, I can shoot in near darkness--and often do.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>

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<p>3. However, street photography is almost always more about the photographer than the camera(s).</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I would have to agree, with this for the most part; But if he got used to using an FM-2, F-3 manual film camera like I did, the one thing you can't beat is the the view finder, quiet shutter release and amazingly fast ''focus'' speed. (zone or hyper focal) This has been my biggest hurdle since leaving film behind for the most part. Still to this very day when I shoot my ME Super as an example, it is hard to beat that little guy. But having said that, using film these days is not very practical, especially if you are an old bird like me. So having said all of that and what is important to me, this is what I would do. If I had to choose one set up. this is what my choice would be. D750 with the Nikon 50F/1.8, Nikon 35F/1.8ED or one lens option it would be the Tamron 28-75F/2.8. All pretty lightweight, blazing fast auto focus speed, though not as fast as the D500 or zone/hyper focal manual. Great DR, great ISO performance, pretty quite to me shutter and with the custom settings, you can switch quickly between conditions. (indoor, outdoor, shadows, back lit, etc) But in the end, to me personally it is the auto focus speed. That is a non negotiable for me. This is why I shoot Nikon. </p>

<p>Nikon D810 or Nikon D750 digital FX body<br>

Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 or Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens<br>

Nikon 35mm, 28mm, or 50mm prime lens</p>

<p>For years I did a thousand posts - what camera to replace the FE2 for candid street in Latin America. Tried D80 and D700. None good be as inconspicuous as the FE2 and primes, shooting hyperfocal. Currently I'm using a Panasonic p&s, LX7, albeit with a fast lens and limited zoom, and an inexpensive used m 4/3, Panasonic GX1 with 20 and 45 mm primes. Do I feel comfortable with that - not exactly, but I'm not really noticed when trying to do documentary travel. I prefer the Nikon colors - maybe, as some have suggested, consider the Nikon D5500 with a short zoom. <br>

Another option, and I have considered it, but probably won't act - are the Sony FF A7 series. About the size of the FE/FM, expensive bodies and primes, and, from what I read on the forums, complicated menu systems. </p>

<p>It sounds as though the original requirements are shifting (and I should probably throw some of the Sony A7 series into the mix if full frame trumps a Nikon mount, or if you can live with manual focus). But if the request is full-frame Nikon, I think you're currently either looking at a D750 (for the tilting screen that you can use at waist level) or - and some may be shocked to hear me suggest this - a Df. When I finally understood them, the Df's control set does seem slightly better suited to the "set the camera at your waist, raise it to the eye only for the shot" style of shooting that some like on the street, if that's what you do. (It's not what I do, which is why it took me so long to understand the design - but I'm not really a street photographer anyway. I find people are usually getting in the way of a nice landscape or bit of wildlife, and in all my time on holiday I never once had to ask a bison if it minded me taking a shot of it.)<br />

<br />

Otherwise, you may want to look into Fuji's range, particularly the X100 series as Wouter suggested. Short of going fully electronic, you can't beat a leaf shutter for quiet. I've always been tempted by one, but never quite took the plunge.</p>

<p>In film days, I shot a lot of street with various Nikon F variations, with a 50 1.4 or 35 2.8. Not a small camera lens combo. Though I am not often in cities, when I am visiting one there is no problem with the DF or D750 with 24-85 or 24-120. My last trip to Philadelphia I got quite a few street shots of people - roughly half and half eye level / from the hip. I don't feel that in most situations camera size is the issue, as previously mentioned, it is technique. Be alert, respond quickly, get your shot and move on. Don't be greedy -- most people won't mind or even notice one photo taken, several might provoke a response. If you do believe camera size is an issue, there are many, many tiny cameras to choose from, most of which would do quite a good job.</p>

<p>Personally I think a smaller camera is better for street photography. I have a D7100 but my street camera is a Fuji x100s. It has a fixed 35mm equivalent lens which takes wonderful pictures and is a joy to use and very discreet. The retro styling makes a lot of people think its a film camera. There are also wide angle and tele-converters which give you 28mm and 50mm equivalent respectively - 3 fixed focal lengths in a very small camera.</p>

<p>Nikon Df.</p>

<p>/thread.</p>

<p>I do a lot of street and don't come very close to low-key. At least for equip. The other day it was a D5+300/f2.8 and 800+200/f2. However, I got my wife a Nikon 1 J5 setup (10-30, 30-100, 70-300) and have taken it out a couple of times. Tiny. Looks P&S. No viewfinder so you have to hold it kind of amateurish. Pretty decent RAW images though. And weighs next to nothing.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>I do a lot of street and don't come very close to low-key</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I agree. I actually find it advantages to go out with my DSLR's, grips on all of them. I have shot all over this country (the U.S.) and many parts of the world. I love my DSLR's. People know I am out there to shoot and yet, I have no issues taking candid shots what so ever. I believe it is all in ones mannerisms and confidence. As the matter of fact, often times, the second shot is usually the better shot when the shutter release calls out. I think the only benefit to a smaller camera X100S and G7XMark II which I also own is the actual weight of the camera. Not the quiet shutters. Of late I have been using my D500 with Grip and Sigma 30F/1.4 and it is anything but small. In fact it is a beast. A beautiful beast. But I do realize that there are some areas where one might not like that attention, I just have not been to one yet. Even crazy areas like South Central L.A. or the San Ysidro Border. No problem. All know is that people that see me, know I am there to make pictures. Frankly I would be nervous to be walking around those areas with out people knowing what I am there for. With my DSLR's people will most often ask me what I am shooting and that opens up a dialogue which usually leads to a good photo op. Having said all of this, do not be stupid. Be as gentle as a lamb, but wise as a serpent. </p>

<p>not surew whether the OP will return to this thread, but there are so many good SP options these days. if we are talking nikon full frame it appears the OP already has a d700, which is a bargain body if you already have legacy lenses. you could easily spend more on a new body and get questionable increase in capability, depending. if there arent specific lens requirements for Nikon FF, i would definitely peruse what else is out there now, including compacts and APS-C. i dont necessarily belive there is any inherent advantage for SP in using an 810 over a 3200, depending on approach and post techniques. in fact, a lot of folks have traded down from studio cameras for more casual snap opportunities. YMMV. </p>

<p>first thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. After weighing all the input I am reconsidering my camera chooses. What about the Leica D-Lux Type 109 for street photography? I believe it would be more low key and stealthy due to its quite shutter release and smaller size. What's the group conscious on this 12.8-megapixel digital camera for street photography?</p>

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<p>I am also considering a Sony A6000 with the 16-50mm PZ kit lens because of it price point at well under $1,00.00.</p>

I cannot think of a more perfect example then to mention Daido Moriyama. He cares little about the camera. He has

used everyything from little Ricoh 35mm film, to Ricoh point and shoot and now the Aps-c digital with fixed 28 equivalent.

Myet for his color, he uses a little Nikon point and shoot that doesn't have have raw capability. I saw one of his shows this

year in Tokyo and I can twll you, for street, it doesn't matter.

 

Myself, I normally use a Fuji X-apro1 and a Rollei 35s for film. But I have used my Nikon F5 and a 35 lens in the back

alleys of Shinjuku and Shibuya without too much of an issue. I'll second the mention of the X100T from Fuji....silent

shutter, and retro, non-invasive look.