Which camera do you think is better for street photography: point-and-shoot or DSLR?

Question

DSLRs are obviously the better overall camera in terms of speed and low light photography. However, I've notice some good point-and-shoot cameras like the FujiFilm F30 for instance which is great in low light. Most p&s cameras allow you to be inconspicuous therefore allowing you to take candid pictures. For people who take lots of street photography, which type of camera do you find most practical?

Answer 1

I know a very accomplished photographer who uses a p&s for his street shots in NYC. The quietness and compact size has allowed some very interesting subway candids without his subjects being aware.

Answer 2

Personally, I'd say DSLR.

Answer 3

As you mentioned the more inconspicuous the better.  With DSLR's you will inevitably end up garnering a lot of attention not just because of the size of most DSLR's, but their shutters are loud, and attract a lot of attention to what you are doing thus creating an unnatural situation where everyone in the photo seems to be staring at you.  A good street photographer should blend in, be the proverbial fly on the wall.  If this means using a small point and shoot so be it.  Though personally I would use a Leica style digital SLR either one made by Leica or Epson(I like the  Epson rd1).  To begin they are extremely quiet, of a smaller profile, produce beautiful images, and have many other robust features akin to a dslr and certainly more robust and more professional as compared to a point and shoot.  These cameras can also use a variety of some of the finest quality lenses on the market for rangefinder cameras.  I would suggest getting a really wide angle lens if you are sort of the shy street photographer.  With an extreme wide angle lens you can appear to be photographing in one direction when in fact you are photographing in the other.  

Now the only draw back to these cameras is their price-point, not cheap, but in my opinion if you are a serious street photographer it is more than worth it.  Now if you dont have the money for a digital rangefinder another camera that works really well are of course 35mm Leica rangefinders, or twin lens rolleiflex of mamiya cameras.  The design of the TLR makes it so that you dont have to put the camera right up to your face to shoot, and allows you to shoot at waist level.  Additionally their shutters are really quiet, you wont get any attention, and hardly a person will realize you are photographing them and for me the tlr is the best, afterall it is what Arbus used to make some of her most stunning street shots.      

Answer 4

As already mentioned - something like the Leica film camera is much better suited.  I know a lot of the photogs of my generation and older used rangefinder cameras because they were quiet and unobtrusive.  I don't like the lag in digital.  I did have an Olympus Infinity that I liked.  Beautiful focus and quiet.  Had to make sure the flash was in the off position otherwise it would go off when you didn't want it.  

Answer 5

With digital p&s, the lag between when you press then button and when the shutter fires can be the difference between a great picture and one that you delete. Additionally, you can't walk around forever with the camera turned on. So there is another lag for turning the camera on.

You have to go with a rangefinder. With a rangefinder, the viewfinder will show more than the actual picture, which is valuable in street photography.  

The classic street photography camera is the Leica M3. You can get a used M3 for about $800 and another $200 for a used lens. Conversely, you can get a used Voigtlander Bessa R for $200.  It's not a M3, but there is tons of quality for the price (see product link and photo link)

The digital SLRs are just monstrosities. My Bessa is soooo much smaller and with some nice film, I can get great photos.  

Answer 6

Well, i think i would still say DSLR. It allows you to adjust the settings you want.

Answer 7

Neither.

I have found that a Leica M3 loaded with Tri-X or Ilford XP2 is ideal for candid street photography. Fast lens, high quality image and very quiet.

I have used digi P&S cameras before but I found the slowness of the lens and the "shutter lag" very annoying.