Street photography is great because it’s the most affordable, open, and democratic form of photography out there. All you need is a cheap camera, the desire to walk and explore, and your own confidence to shoot! Here’s what I consider the best cheap cameras for street photography:

I. Digital Cameras

1. RICOH GR II

Small, sharp, and epic. RICOH GR II is probably the best affordable street photography camera, and also the best street photography camera in general! Super sharp 28mm lens, always with you, and has a lovely integrated flash.

Get the RICOH GR II and the ERIC KIM NECK STRAP (fits RICOH GR II) and call it a day. Shoot it in RAW and use ERIC KIM MONOCHROME 1600 preset for a lovely gritty monochrome aesthetic.

Hanoi, 2016 / shot digital RICOH GR II. I still like the way the photo looks.

Some of my favorite Tokyo photos on RICOH GR II (in color, with positive film JPEG high contrast setting):

2. LUMIX LX100

The Lumix LX100 is a fantastic camera by Panasonic. Sharp integrated 24mm lens, and really good for color photography!

The autofocus for the LX100 is super fast, accurate, and I’m actually a huge fan of micro 4-3rds. It also shoots really great video, which is good for vlogging or youtube. I shot a lot of street photography in Osaka with it recently, and loved it!

II. Film Cameras

1. Ricoh GR1-series cameras

Thanks to my buddy Bellamy Hunt from Japan Camera Hunter for
teaching me about film. I personally love the Ricoh GR1-series film pocket cameras. If you can find one in decent condition used, it is probably one of the best ‘bang for the buck’ film compact cameras.

I shot my entire grandfather’s funeral on it, with Neopan 400 film, pushed to 1600:

Phone Cameras for Street Photography

Pretty exciting time for smartphone street photography as well, here are some good options:

1. iPhone SE

iPhone SE has the (same camera as the iPhone 6s) — only $349 (unlocked!!!) Process your photos with A6 in VSCO, and call it a day!

2. Android Street Photography Cameras

For Android, the best image quality is the Google Pixel. It uses HDR+ and ‘computational photography‘ for phenomenal image quality! Other good options include the OnePlus ones (you can also get the Google HDR+ camera on it, with a hack).

Some street photos I’ve shot on phones:

Orange County, 2015. LG G4

Flight from Saigon to Singapore, 2018. Shot on Samsung S7

Paris, 2015. Galaxy S6

Prague, 2014. Shot on a Samsung S6

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

ANNETTE KIM: Visual Artist

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Shot on a phone.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Toys R US. Shot on phone.

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Head tattoo.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset

Oakland, 2016

Conclusion

Ultimately recognize you’re happiest when you’re in the creative flow of making stuff; of creation!

Use a small, affordable, and cheap camera to shoot– and spend the rest of your money on experiences, travel, education, books, workshops, and ultimately — invest in yourself.

And remember our STREET CLUB MOTTO:

JUST SHOOT IT.

ERIC

See all equipment >