From Film to Digital: The Best Street and Environmental Photography Gear

The proliferation of digital cameras has made it easier for photographers to ditch their film cameras and move into the digital realm. But for many street and environmental photographers, film is still king. In this article, Ram V Chary gives his picks for the best photography gear to take with you on different shoots.

Film

The 35mm Leica CL Film Camera or Leica Minolta CL has a strong following among film photography enthusiasts. It's a great choice for street photography, as it's small and unobtrusive. The viewfinder is large and bright, making it easy to see your subject. The camera also has a fast autofocus system, so you can quickly capture fleeting moments. The Voigtlander Bessa R3A is another popular choice for street photography. It's a rangefinder camera, so it has a slightly different shooting experience than a DSLR. Nevertheless, as Ram V Chary points out, many photographers find that the smaller size and quieter shutter make it ideal for street photography.

Digital

For photographers looking to shoot street scenes with a digital camera, the Fujifilm GFX 100 is a great but slightly heavy option. It's a high-end camera with a large sensor that produces stunning image quality. Its autofocus system is also quick and accurate, making it easy to capture sharp photos of fast-moving subjects. The Sony Alpha a7R IV also proves to be an excellent choice for digital street photography, says Ram V Chary. This mirrorless camera is lighter and more compact than a DSLR. However, the a7R IV has a full-frame sensor, so photographers still get great image quality. And the autofocus system is incredibly fast, making it easy to get the sharpest images of even the most fleeting subjects.

Street photographers often have a go-to gear, whether they're shooting film or digital. It can take a few tries before a photographer finds the best feel for their street game. Shooting daily scenes on the street can sometimes be tiring, making lighter cameras the preferred weapon by many.