Larger Cameras for Street Photography: Pros, Cons, and Top Picks

In the previous post I wrote about small compact cameras for street photography. Now I will look at another group of cameras.

While compact cameras are often favored for their portability and discretion, larger mirrorless cameras offer their own set of advantages. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of using the slightly larger camera for street photography, with a focus on the Sony A7rV, Leica SL3, and other notable models.

Sony A7rV with a Sony 50mm lens.

The Advantages of larger Cameras for Street Photography

Superior Image Quality Cameras, especially those with full-frame sensors like the Sony A7rV, and Leica SL3, deliver exceptional image quality. They offer high resolution (beyond need actually) and excellent dynamic range. With superior low-light performance, crucial for capturing detailed and vibrant street scenes in low light most of the new models are delivering very good performances.

Versatility with Interchangeable Lenses is one of the biggest advantages. This flexibility allows you to choose the perfect lens for your shooting style, whether it’s a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive street scenes or a prime lens for intimate portraits.

Modern cameras come equipped with advanced autofocus systems that are fast and accurate. This is particularly useful in street photography, where moments are fleeting and you need to capture them quickly. Just be aware that no autofocus system will be enough for all situations, so manual focus is a skill well worth mastering too.

These cameras are build to withstand the rigors of professional use. They are durable and often weather-sealed, making them reliable tools for shooting in various conditions.

But what are the Disadvantages larger cameras for Street Photography?

First there is Size and Weight
Typically larger and heavier than compact cameras. Just compare with the cameras in the previous post.
This can make them less convenient to carry around all day and more conspicuous, which might affect the candid nature of your shots.

The visual impact when carrying a larger cameras, also can be distracting and may draw attention to you, which is not ideal for street photography.

Complexity
These cameras come with a plethora of settings and features, which can be overwhelming for beginners and experienced photographers as well. I have always been tremendously annoyed by the Sony menus, where the learning curve can be steep, and it might take time to master all the functions and I find I waste my time on menu instead of shooting with some of these cameras- Keep it simple, thank you.

Som Notable Cameras for Street Photography

1. Sony A7rV

• Pros: Full-frame sensor with 61MP resolution, excellent dynamic range, advanced autofocus, and robust build quality.
• Cons: Expensive, larger and heavier than compact cameras, and complex meu set up.

2. Nikon Z6 II

• Pros: Full-frame sensor, excellent low-light performance, fast and accurate autofocus, and good build quality.
• Cons: Still relatively large and heavy, and the menu system can be complex.

3. Canon EOS R6

• Pros: Full-frame sensor, superb image stabilization, fast autofocus, and great low-light performance.
• Cons: Expensive, larger and heavier than compact cameras, and limited battery life.

4. Leica SL3

• Pros: Full frame 60-megapixel sensor offers a dynamic range of up to 15 stops, 14-bit colour depth, and exceptionally good noise reduction. Great quality lenses available.
• Cons: Expensive, larger and heavier than compact cameras.

Comparing with Compact Cameras

Portability
Compact cameras like the Leica M, Leica Q or Fuji X100V are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for street photography. SLR cameras, on the other hand, are bulkier and can be cumbersome to carry around.

Discretion
Compact cameras are less conspicuous, allowing you to blend into the background and capture candid moments more easily. SLR cameras can be more noticeable and may draw attention.

Ease of Use
Compact cameras are generally simpler to use, with fewer settings and a more intuitive interface. Some SLR cameras offer more control and customization but come with a steeper learning curve and unnecessary complexity.

Image Quality Its a myth that these cameras only are able to deliver better image quality over a smaller more compact camera. The Leica M for example deliver superior quality due to the high quality lenses.  So it’s more a choice of how handy the camera are, if you need interchangeable lenses, and the price.

Conclusion

Choosing between a large and a compact camera for street photography depends on your priorities and shooting style. Cameras like the Sony A7rV offer high image quality and versatility but come with the trade-offs of size, weight, and complexity. Compact cameras, on the other hand, are portable, discreet, and easier to use, making them perfect for capturing spontaneous street scenes and with very high quality images too if you choose good quality lenses, or models with fixed quality lenses like the Leica Q.