The BEST Street Photography Camera , and it's not a Leica!

[@JohnRichardsonAuthor]

I use my Z8 with a Nikon 40mm for street with a neck strap. Actually works amazingly well. No shutter noise, no electronic shutter streaks or wobble. With 47 megapixels I can shoot in DX mode for an instant zoom. It’s a little heavy but with the small 40mm lens it’s actually pretty discrete. Works better than my Nikon ZFC because of the quiet shutter and really fast sensor.

[@KamenKunchev]

Z8 is a fantastic choice for any photo op and is approximately the same size as the A7CR. I'd go with the Nikon.

[@bentonpix]

I love my A7CR! I ended up going with the Samyang/Rokinon 45mm 1.8 as my main walk around lens. Lightweight and Its optics are amazing and for only $250, it's an absolute steal!

[@vaioyG]

I would like to suggest 3 provocative points to consider : 1) filing the paint off the beautiful Hoage hood + shiny metal bracket base extension + metalic grey silver top of the A7CR makes the camera stands out with all their reflective surfaces. I won't consider this setup you described here 'discreet' at all. 2) The way you hold the camera up so high at eye level, instead of using the flip-out screen (and look down on the screen) already made you very noticeable. 3) With a 62 Megapixel sensor, a quality compact wide-angle lens wider than 40mm (eg, 28mm) would be a lot more useful as you have plenty of room in post-processing to recompose / re-crop a badly composed 'decisive moment' which was grabbed in a hurry.

[@moritzheintze7615]

The rectangular lens hood cries out to everyone: "Look, here comes a pseudo-Leica-pro!"

[@Levy.AlecPhotography]

I'm rocking the sony a6700 with a vitrox 27mm f1.2 for street photography and I'm loving it. That focal length it's great for me and the lens it's razor sharp and a beast for low light.

[@KeAiFu]

For street and urban photography I take the Sony A7CR with the Tamron 20-40/2.8. At night I change to Sony 35/1.8.

[@deanrobertnoble138]

Love my original A7c. The 24mp is more than enough for my needs. I got the more wallet friendly, Viltrox 40mm 2.5. Similar vibe of course though!

[@aekhome]

“If you want to stand out as a street photographer” is a sentence I haven’t heard before.

[@sarahmcbeth9156]

My iPhone pictures are as good even if not better…

[@jhlewis10]

@@sarahmcbeth9156 No they are not.

[@kot-duott]

@@sarahmcbeth9156 no they aren't. His are actually great.

[@theflathead]

lol i heard him say that too. what a noob.

[@themarksmanABP]

Love the colours in your edits of these shots, a video on this would be awesome. Your autumn colours video is awesome too pal

[@r423fplip]

Really.

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

I use the Sony A7R5 and Q3… I love how both systems with similar sensor feels so different when using it

[@eastsidegallery]

Great vid! You've got yourself a new subscriber! 😊

[@bondgabebond4907]

Perfect combo some refuse to consider. I also have the A7CR in black. You are spot on about the excellent features and ease of use. It is a camera that I really like/love. The capability of this machine almost makes aps-c bodies obsolete because you can use crop sensor and FF lenses. It's the one compact camera body that can do it all. Some may think I'm boasting, but I am not. I come from a time where we shot pictures in the open with the likes of Nikon F2s and Canon 1s. We don't see those much anymore. I figured that going with the compact camera that gets little notice is the way to go. My A7R3 stays home, and the CR goes for the ride. Making it so nice is the Sony 35mm Zeiss Sonnar lens. It's a very good lens that many people love for its image quality. Though it is a tossup between that and the 40mm Sony that is the same size. It's that the CR is a little more retro with an old lens with the word Zeiss on the side. The setup is really fun to shoot with. Anyone thinking of buying a camera like the Leica or Fuji with a fixed lens should consider the A7CR or even A7CII that is not limited to a single focal length lens.

[@RegrinderAlert]

Sony did absolutely nothing to change the core operation of their cameras. They have yet to release a Leica/Fuji style control scheme.

[@JakeHolder]

While someone decided to poop in your Frosted Flakes, I quite enjoyed your write up. I’d certainly disagree with that person and argue Sony absolutely did change a much beloved camera to an even better one. I mean, there are those out there that just simply can’t take a great picture without all those extra buttons. It’s like a basketball player blaming his poor performance on a brand of basketball. The new a7c cameras are gems

[@RegrinderAlert]

@@JakeHolder Nice “gem” with a viewfinder worse than in an 8 year old Fuji X-T and the worst handling of any modern camera. Buyer’s remorse at its finest.

[@JakeHolder]

@ I always enjoy the photography and videography crowd. As someone who happily shoots on a7vr, lumix s5iix, a7cii, tons of action cameras and drones….. I assure you, there’s no remorse. Best part is, it’s a hobby. I have no skin in the game. Which helps me quickly spot folks in the comment section who genuinely enjoy photography and their fellow enthusiasts, and those who simply want to crap on anybody who has an opinion. Enjoy your, whatever you shoot on, and I’ll enjoy my cameras

[@RegrinderAlert]

@ With that I can agree. That’s why I commented in the first place 😂

[@paulhicks3595]

As a pro of 50 years I’ve been doing ‘ street photography ‘ since around 1974. I’ve always carried a small camera and always as inconspicuously as possible. I first used an ancient Leica 3f, with its collapsible lens, covered in black tape or the even smaller Canon Demi S, also covered in tape. For many years I used the, in my opinion, best analogue camera rangefinder for this purpose, the Minolta CLE. Even on big assignments around the world this little camera was always at my side, literally, while the rest of my kit spent most of the time in road cases as I travelled. The thing I’ve noticed lately, with the avalanche of people roaming the world with cameras, is how they tend be so obviously playing the part of ‘THE STREET PHOTOGRAPHER’, especially if they’ve got a fancy camera , as if they want to be noticed and taken seriously. This is exactly what not to do. The best shots are obtained when the photographer is totally inconspicuous as just one in the crowd and is in the moment, not stalking about with a camera up to his/her face. In fact, I sometimes amuse myself by sneaking shots of their antics. BTW, I’ve got a few small what I call companion cameras and the criterion is that they have to fit in my pocket.

[@montymole78]

Hey Paul, well said. Street Photography is about being candid, and not flouncing about like a fashion model shooting editorial content. HCB took his pictures quickly, without people noticing.

[@barfly4142]

What an excellent comment mr.Hicks!

[@nixlayful]

I use A7CII with Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens. So far so good. Used to shoot with Leica D-Lux 8 but it's quite limited although can't beat the compact size though

[@kiv9431]

Great combo! I prefer the older 35mm f2.8 ZA especially that I rarely change the aperture or Batis 25/2 which isn’t as discrete ofc. Was looking at A7CR initially but got the older A7RIV instead. Love it!

[@gscottfuller]

Excellent video. My wife hates you for making me want a new camera I never knew I needed!

[@Narsuitus]

The Leica M6 with 35mm f/1.4 lens is my favorite film street camera. The Fuji X Pro2 with 23mm f/2 lens is my favorite APS-C digital street camera.

[@nicholascorby3109]

Looks like a great combination. Must be extremely tempting for many Fuji users considering bigger sensor and fast autofocus!

[@DavidMBanes]

Great insight for me into Sony. I love my ten year old Fujifilm X30. It's only 12mp but has tilt screen, good EVF, manual 28-112mm zoom with OIS. Great if you're happy with the slightly older 'filmick', read grainy, look. A tenth of the price of the Leica, quarter that of the 7CR, half the weight.

[@jackslater8688]

I have one, too. It's surprisingly good and compact and helps with focal length decision fatigue.

[@DavidMBanes]

@@jackslater8688 Yes exactly, I see that as the main value proposition for a zoom!

[@martingreenberg870]

I own the X30 but don’t use it very much. Not a fan of the small sensor. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks Mark. Good camera, good lens! Geoff

[@jonathanfmarin]

Agreed…..40mm is amazing… such a joy to shoot with… I had been using the 40 with the A7C version.1…..the R is my next acquisition thanks to your video! Great accessory choices.

[@r423fplip]

Really. 40mm is so much more amazing than 35mm and 50mm. It's a couple of steps

[@jonathanfmarin]

@@r423fplip It does not seem like it would be much of a difference but it just seems natural to me and easier to frame things. I don't mind 35 or 50 but it just seems like 40 is the sweet spot.

[@Lez325]

I have the Sony A1 its a pretty remarkable camera too

[@Anónimodesinteresado]

Lovely set up

[@montymole78]

Leica M9 with a minolta 40mm Rokor. Sharp as anything without the menus crowding your picture. The Leica Rangefinder is the best design for Candid street pictures, and hasn't been beaten.

[@KlausSN]

Nice setup. And that lens hood goes great with those pants... 61mp looks so good but I wonder if you can see the details on print. I still would like to have it anyway 😊

[@dazallison411]

hmmmm looks good - great video, very instructional - keep up the excellent work... I'll keep practicing with my SONY A7IV

[@SourPlanet]

Definitely doesn't match the Q in IQ (summilux vs G) but, more importantly, the Q has access to proper zone focus with a functional distance scale. Absolutely required for many street shooters. Not to mention the dismal a7C evf. Sony set up offers many advantages, of course. Horses for courses and all that. Both are top shelf kit.

[@sergentcolon1]

I have a Fuji X100t and a newly acquired X100vi and find both great street cameras.

[@kevin.itruth6880]

Id love to see you make a video about making large prints with this 60megapixel sensor. I haven't seen anyone cover that yet.

[@m3photo726]

Lovely looking setup but only that. Mine’s all black and goes even more unnoticed. I have a small bag with the a7CR together with the 50 mm f2.5 G and also carry the 24mm f2.8 G and the Sigma 90 f2.8 DG DN. With the inbuilt crop to 27Mp I still have a 36, 75 and 135. Best camera I’ve ever had 😀

[@bluetronikk]

is this 7cr2?

[@m3photo726]

@ No. It’s the a7CR in the video and also mine. The a7CII is the same size but with a different full frame 33Mp sensor and slightly different characteristics. As far as I know, Sony hasn’t made a version two of the CR.

[@rw1592]

For street 24mp are plenty, i.e. the A7C would do it. Had the A7c first generation and now the A7Cr. But for street and snapping around the mighty sensor in the A7Cr is overkill.

[@eek0212]

I used this camera to latest trip to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan along with ZF and M10-R. this camera can make output easily but most of my picks from M10-R and ZF. Its surelly nice one but its image output looks bit plain compared with Nkon and Leica. its hard to explain but true :)

[@JJCPhotography]

This title is very attractive.Great job!

[@TheAfricanChronicles]

The best street photography camera is the one that suits YOUR needs....

[@Kojaaakman]

This is a 👨‍❤️‍👨 take

[@earlfenwick]

I DO want to stand out in a groüp of street photographers!

[@greyhikes5236]

I've been a pro twice in my lifetime and have shot at the highest level. My partner captures better images on her mobile phone. Equipment means nothing....

[@martingreenberg870]

@@greyhikes5236 Maybe your partner should turn pro. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@chrishuang8763]

@@greyhikes5236 Agree with you totally. Equipment only gives you a certain advantage (if there is) but skill is the ultimate differentiator..

[@limpenghwee9299]

Thank you. Your video is informative, useful and entertaining. You have good taste and excellent style

[@victorcarmelo8606]

Each to their own I say. I love my Q2 bought when it came out as a retirement present to myself. First I ditched the Hood, worst design ever and got a round Hoag to save chaffing my fingers using filters. (No need to remove it for filters), fits on the lens as the original. Nice Sony camera, pictures and video, thanks for sharing.

[@r423fplip]

Love a camera. I could never love anything I can replace.

[@kanjinha]

@@r423fplip top comment right here

[@webcastdude]

I find that the A7Cr gives me ample opportunity to crop images. I find the ability to crop without unduly degrading the image critical for street photography. If for to other reason; I often miss a level horizon 😛

[@r423fplip]

How big are you printing, and how off are you with composition.

[@webcastdude]

@@r423fplip this is what works for me. Others must walk their own path.

[@frankygamaliano7058]

I got freewell hood with mist + CPL filter that allows you to rotate the CPL with hood ons. I replaced the filter with my polarpro and still retains the ability to rotate the filter. You can use your K&F filter this way, but you’ll need to redo sanding the hood 😂

[@FitFastStore]

How come he shouldn’t have done the sanding of the hood? I’m thinking about doing it to mine?

[@frankygamaliano7058]

@ no, i meant if he gets the freewell hood he’ll need to do it (sanding) on the new hood.

[@ThomasTRG24]

Hello Sir.Nice Camera “Tuning” and Video ( Concept & Quality) .Plus London views ❤

[@paulcole]

Awesome package and great looks - but let’s not pretend anyone who used both back to back is choosing the Sony 😂 The added grip on the Q3 and the thumb grip mean it’s so comfortable to use, and the f1.7 summilux is just in another league entirely, granted that’s the reason for the majority of the price difference. But still, I think you’ve created a fantastic alternative there 👏🏻

[@joyjeetpaul2218]

I’m using Fujifilm XT30 ll .

[@ObservingBeauty]

Looks great. Much appreciated

[@martinorozcoph]

Amazing video man. Thanks! ❤

[@JohnIverJørgensen]

I would surely love to have this camera 😊

[@dubanhernandocastanedamora7196]

Wonderful camera custom

[@elwick_photo]

I've been using that exact setup, same camera, lens and the small rig grip, only complaint... Electric shutter has the most appalling rolling shutter and it's ruined loads of my photos and the mechanical shutter is the loudest I've ever heard.... But cover over some of the venting holes on the top which I don't really worry about as I don't do video, and the volume drops a lot.

[@stkuj]

The rolling shutter is much better in the A7Cii vs A7CR...

[@m3photo726]

Totally agree. I’ve seen elsewhere (don’t ask me when or where) that there’s another Sony in the lineup that offers the possibility of cancelling the annoying false shutter sound through the software. I cover it with my left thumb but it’s still quite audible, grrr. Please, someone tell me they’re going to implement it on the a7CR …

[@soholingo]

Seriously, sanding the black off the hood is next level! And thanks for letting me know about the dual function filter. Well done! Liked, commented and subbed

[@frankfeng2701]

The flip-out screen is a dealbreaker, followed by the SD card slot, small EVF, and the lack of pancake lenses.

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Great video and images

[@coreymartinezz]

I think I'm sold!

[@rogerhampton2844]

I love the images and the camera but I prefer the feel of Fuji, despite your autofocus having a, no doubt, much higher hit rate. The ergonomics just feel better to me on the X-T20 and in particular my X-H1 with grip. While no one would call that discreet, I can’t really understand why you bought and sanded a new hood and added a silver base plate. To make it discreet, why not spray the baseplate black and keep the original hood? Admittedly, you have created one of the prettiest cameras I’ve ever seen, but I don’t see it as discreet, in fact it really catches the eye. Magpies like shiny things!

[@toke7560]

I get great results with my EM10mk2. With the tilt touchscreen. No one sees me.

[@AllCarsUnited]

I ended up going with the all black a7cr and x100v because they are the actual discreet ones as the silver ones definitely guide peoples attention towards them making them not discreet

[@martingreenberg870]

Interesting that you selected the A7CR and X100V. I suppose the A7CR was selected for the interchangeable lens feature. I just bought the X100VI and an A7C. The A7C was purchased for the interchangeable lens, autofocus, and full frame features. Hope I enjoy this camera. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@AllCarsUnited]

​@@martingreenberg870pretty much for the reasons you mentioned

[@dhoovster]

Nice pics! I like your setup 😊

[@shaynewang5539]

Great camera and lenses but I wish they make a 28mm or 35mm lens in the same size as the compact G lens.24mm is too wide and 40mm is a bit too tight.

[@robertludlam272]

Excellent vid - I've subscribed 👍

[@billjohnstonjr.1037]

What about the electronic viewfinder? I've heard that it's miserable. What say you?

[@SpiraOfficial]

I need your opinion : is it a good setup for Watches photography ? I Want to make vidéos, photos of watches AND also sometimes street photography. This résolution permit to crop photo, and for macro shoot I think it will be ok.

[@sourabhgoel5929]

How it compares to sonya7c ii?

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video. I bought both the A7CR and A7CII when they came out since I love to travel with two small cameras easy to pack. I prefer all black versions and do use the Sony grip extension if I need it with the Haoge hood if I’m using one of the small G primes but I also added the JCC thumb grip. Also pack both the 16-25/2.8 G and 24-50/2.8 G for when I don’t want to swap lenses. Often pair these bodies with the f/2 I-series all metal Sigma lenses or my family of Zeiss Batis 25/2, 40/2, or 85/1.8 I’ve had for my Sony cameras for quite a few years. All great gear to build a travel kit from. Even added the small and light Sony FE 70-200/4 MACRO G II for when a telephoto zoom is needed. Fount your channel and enjoying it. Take care.

[@1194pa]

Good work❤

[@TXTundra-ex8bw]

we have the same setup absolutely love it can you please share the link for the ND filter I need that thanks and Happy Holidays!

[@stefanklingerfotoifilm7023]

This combo looks really cool and the hood is the icing on the cake ideed!

[@warrickcoe5576]

Street kit is what ever feels comfortable. Brand doesn't matter as much as getting the shot. There are times when my smart phone is my street kit, because that's what I have on me.

[@jorgebilbao7280]

Sin duda espectacular. Espero que el modelo de esta Sony haya superado el fallo "Error de cámara, apague y encienda" que todos los modelos tarde o temprano... , desde la a6000 hasta la última Sony Alpha 9 III pasan por esto, la web está plagada de críticas al respecto... Son productos excesivamente caros para decepcionar, ¿no crees?

[@dickytunes]

I own a GFX 50S, the latest X100 and a Xiaomi Ultra 14. I do all kinds of photography with them all and they're all very good. But the best for street is absolutely hands down the phone.

[@FitFastStore]

Such a good idea to so with the lens hood, I’m going to do that to mine. Any particular sand paper the best?

[@carnevaliandres2497]

You nailed de SALE

[@neildonaldson2454]

Panasonic LUMIX GX9 with 15mm f1.7 leica lens works well…don’t need a 60Mp 😊 for street…

[@martingreenberg870]

Have and love this setup. Also the GX85. Love the L monochrome D jpegs. Wish the GX9 has a microphone in jac. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@stkuj]

I have the A7Cii and found a base plate / grip on Amazon that has a spot to hide an AirTag...

[@ooharloo]

I kept my hood match the lens body. I feel it looks off

[@iphoneography]

Another nice video Mark, those colours.....just beautiful.

[@NotAnotherChannel_Channel]

That is a sweet setup.

[@MartinV.]

Great Video!

[@wearetheunknown8162]

Pictures look great and that is all that matters. I shoot with black tape all over the red dot and branding, so no one has a clue what it is, suits my needs. Really enjoyed your content. 🥳🫡

[@r423fplip]

Don't worry about the dot, most people could care less.

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

cool job

[@ashone8842]

I went the A7C ii with a Zeiss 35mm f/2 and the same accessories as you and have been super happy with the setup. Fun fact you can 3D print an airtag holder to go inside the smallrig baseplate (where the battery door is), only downside is you have to remove the airtag holder every time you swap out batteries.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Which Zeiss f/2 ?

[@ashone8842]

@@stevenwaldstein2249 I dropped the .8 haha, sorry. Its the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 Sonnar T*

[@Perski2844]

So we have old a7mkIII in new skin. But at a higher price. I’m not sure if is it good deal to be honest.

[@rafael.nautas]

40mm 2.5 is better then 35mm 2.8 zeiss?

[@Eatmeraw]

40G has Better AF motors, better optics. Ive owned both and got to say, while the 40mm is a joy to use, the 40mm focal length might not be for everyone.

[@toke7560]

Just as good. Tons cheaper.

[@itsasmallstep]

The 35mm Zeiss is wonderful, my favorite lens. Love the compact size paired with superb image quality. A bit cheaper than the 40mm even.

[@翠始皇]

If only it has a tilting screen then it would have been perfect. I sold mine in less than a month because you couldn't do waist level shooting without flip the screen out and thus made the camera looks twice as big. Geta Lecia Q3 is the way to go.

[@RegrinderAlert]

Q3 is a less niche and more practical M alternative while keeping the Leica fun. Great piece of gear

[@greysuit17]

How big it looks has no affect on the photography

[@翠始皇]

@@greysuit17 " Street" photography is, however, different. You don't want to draw attention by holding a mammoth camera, and oftentimes waist level shooting is far more stealth then holding a camera in front of eyes.

[@greysuit17]

@@翠始皇 my dude, everyone is focused on their phones to notice you holding anything. The size of the camera really has minimal impact on your shots in the street. All you are really complaining about is preference.

[@alhOOO2O]

So in order to say this is the best street photography camera, you’ve used the Q3 and X100VI for extended periods, yes?

[@juliegreller9242]

Would be great if you linked to everything you mentioned in the video. Thanks!

[@andrewhulson4000]

Another awesome video Mark, love your eye for a pic...

[@r423fplip]

A very overrated word.

[@TheAzraf123]

that's amazing

[@friday3347]

love the lens hood!

[@SteveVickAK]

I’d buy it now but it has a flip out screen instead of a tilt screen. That’s a deal breaker for me. And believe me, I really really wanted this camera.

[@djtoman6875]

The notion of the "best" street photography whatever is ludicrous. Vivian Maier shot a Rolleiflex on 120 film. Does that make her camera the "best"? Hardly. Although a Rolleiflex is still pretty freaking awesome. And since when was image quality really a big deal with street photography? Since I'm weighing in here I'll nominate two cameras that were great for me, and to prove that I'm not living entirely in the analog world they're both digital cameras with zoom lenses. First is the Fujifilm X20, which I foolishly sold a long time ago when I got fully into the Fujifilm system. Second is the Leica Digilux 2, which has a fabulous zoom lens. The Leica is admittedly very outdated at 5 megapixels, slow AF, super phlegmatic write speed, and top SD card capacity of 2 GB, but if there is a more refined and higher performing camera with similar characteristics that's what I'd be looking for as an all-around camera for street.

[@SRC1711]

My setup is the Nikon Z30 and the 40mm Nikkor

[@arekwojnicki370]

nice boy nice camera LOL🤣. Grade shots!

[@Mamo878]

Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. - Henri Cartier-Bresson It's absolutely ridiculous to think you 'need' a 61mp sensor and super-sharp lenses for street photography. That is so far from what street photography is all about! Become a better photographer with study and practice. That is far better than any piece of gear.

[@larsingrain]

Great video! I do think most people don't need 61mp and would even prefer a 24 or 30mp camera due to storage. I own and love the Nikon ZF, but I think the Sony a7c ii will also do very good as a replacement for the Sony a7cr

[@Chum_chumi]

Would love this camera but the EVF 😏

[@sisyphusgreek348]

Fuji XT-2 with a 50mm prime, is a discreet camera for street on the plus side many who have noticed the camera feel disarmed because they thing it is an old film camera. Never actuall used Sony.

[@Juventinos]

out of all the cameras in the world Sony A7CR is defiantly one of them...

[@The_Idea_of_Dream_Vision]

Your Instagram is not getting new posts, did you lose your password?

[@erbangbang-ge2io]

Great,i have my αlpha 7c+helios 44-2 58mm f2

[@VinceDae]

It’s not a “LARGER sensor” stop saying larger when it’s just more pixels, it confuses people who wants to buy a camera.

[@yccmo]

THE PICS LOOK INCREDIBLY "DIGITAL"

[@MikeBeltMikeBelt]

He's using some preset, was my take away.

[@Walterkume]

God if I can just get one of these cameras even a 5dmarkivI will be set up for life 🙏🙏

[@kanjinha]

somehow i sense what people are missing from the video is that the best camera presented here is the Olympus 35 SP :)

[@ThoughtFission]

Mark, in exactly the same boat as you. Trying to decide between the Q 3 43 and the Sony. But I am certain about one thing, The Sony just doesn't have the same out of camera beauty in the images. I just don't want to spend any time in post.

[@JakeHolder]

There’s a LUT out there that converts your Sony log images to a leica looking image. KZbin it. It’s quite nice