My Street Photography Setup For 2024 -

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In the realm of photography, street photography stands as a vibrant, dynamic art form capturing the essence of life in public spaces. To excel in this genre, one needs a versatile, unobtrusive, and agile camera system. Enter the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) format - a compact yet powerful tool that has been gaining widespread recognition among street photographers for its unique advantages.
Unveiled by Olympus and Panasonic, the Micro Four Thirds system has redefined what's possible in the photography landscape, particularly for street shooters. Here’s why it’s an exceptional choice for navigating the bustling streets and capturing the raw emotions of urban life:
Compactness and Portability:
One of the primary reasons street photographers swear by MFT cameras is their compact size. These cameras are significantly smaller and lighter than their DSLR or full-frame counterparts, enabling photographers to blend seamlessly into the surroundings. The reduced bulk ensures ease of mobility, allowing for swift transitions between shots and the ability to move swiftly through crowded streets without drawing undue attention.
Unmatched Versatility:
Despite their small form factor, MFT cameras boast a diverse range of lenses and accessories, providing versatility in capturing various scenes and perspectives. From wide-angle views capturing the bustling cityscape to telephoto lenses focusing on intriguing details from a distance, MFT systems offer a plethora of lens options without compromising on image quality.
Enhanced Depth of Field Control:
The MFT system's sensor size, though smaller than full-frame sensors, provides photographers with a unique advantage: increased depth of field control. The 2x crop factor allows for greater depth, meaning photographers can achieve a larger depth of field at wider apertures. This facilitates the ability to isolate subjects against blurred backgrounds, crucial for emphasizing the focal point in crowded urban settings.
Excellent Image Stabilization:
Many Micro Four Thirds cameras are equipped with cutting-edge in-body image stabilization (IBIS) technology. This feature is a game-changer for street photographers, allowing them to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without compromising image sharpness. It's especially beneficial in low-light conditions or when capturing spontaneous moments where tripod setups aren't feasible.
Discreet Shooting Experience:
In street photography, the ability to blend in and capture candid moments authentically is key. MFT cameras, with their unobtrusive size and quiet shutter mechanisms, enable photographers to work discreetly. The inconspicuous nature of these cameras helps in establishing a natural rapport with subjects, resulting in more genuine and compelling photographs.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Compared to larger sensor systems, Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses are often more affordable. This accessibility allows budding street photographers to enter the realm of high-quality imaging without breaking the bank. The cost-effectiveness extends to a range of accessories and lenses, making it a practical choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
In conclusion, the Micro Four Thirds system has earned its place as a powerhouse in street photography due to its compactness, versatility, depth of field control, image stabilization, discreetness, and cost-effectiveness. As the genre thrives on spontaneity and capturing fleeting moments, MFT cameras empower photographers to immerse themselves in the rhythm of the streets, elevating their artistry and storytelling through compelling visuals. For those traversing the urban jungle in pursuit of the perfect shot, the Micro Four Thirds system stands tall as an indispensable ally in the world of street photography.
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Gear Links:
Cameras:
LUMIX G9 - amzn.to/3DyWDKq
LUMIX GH5ii - amzn.to/3DzrK8T
Lenses:
Panasonic Leica 12mm f1.4 - amzn.to/3faHjKv
Panasonic Leica 42.5 f1.2 - amzn.to/3N5h7xF
Panasonic Leica 12 to 60 f2.8 - amzn.to/3zglPCW
LUMIX 35 to 100 f2.8 - amzn.to/3TB87CU
LUMIX 12 to 35 f2.8 - amzn.to/3DybEfx
Essentials:
G9 Batteries - amzn.to/3D5OhbT
GH5ii Batteries - amzn.to/3gKVlD1
G9 Battery Grip - amzn.to/3DxElZW
GH5ii Battery Grip - amzn.to/3N5yQ7W
My Camera Bag LINK: www.brevite.co...

[@KirstenBayes]

My street setup is my trusty Olympus E-M5 with the 20mm f/1.7 Panasonic. Love the combo so much.

[@tnew6701]

I use a the Lumix GX9 with the 15mm f1.7 Lumix / Leica lens and my wife uses a GX9 with the 12 - 32mm f 4-5.6 zoom lens. I also have the 12 - 32mm f 4-5.6 and the 35 - 100mm f 4 - 5.6 zoom lenses which I use occasionally. We just returned from a Mediterranean cruise and took over 2000 shots between us. I am currently processing these using Lightroom Classic, prior to producing our souvenir coffee table book (I think this one will be around 200 Pages!!) and am really impressed with the quality of the 20MP images from the GX9 and lens combinations. Previous holidays have been shot on my Canon 5D iii with the Canon 24 - 70mm lens (and books produced) and to be honest, for this type of holiday photography, I can't tell the difference in quality of the images. There is however a huge difference in the weight of the kit and I will definitely be taking the Lumix kits on our next trips, rather than the Canon.

[@jmadsenphoto]

You really love that GX9. I love mine too. I had one a few years ago. Shot a ton of street photography with it. Took it on a nice trip to Europe and then sold it. I missed it so much I just bought a used one on ebay recently. I'm really hoping Panasonic make a new version of that camera.

[@patrick8035]

I love micro 4/3 for street, especially the more compact bodies like the gx850 and the em10 ii. I think part of it is marketing - Olympus/OM is all in on wildlife and outdoors, and Panasonic is all video

[@KarlMüller-v4v]

the 25mm f1.7 is awesome - the best. 4/3 is street wy not?

[@ruivalverde]

I have Olympus OM-D E-M1 with Olympus 12-45mm f4 pro , and i am very happy. Don't need anything else😊

[@ChadWilson]

It may look dorky, but I will often go on a photo walk with at least two cameras on me, each one with a different lens. My little GF3 makes for a discrete street camera with a wide-ish 12-32 kit lens, while the GX85 has the 25mm. I am very happy with the GF3, dirt cheap on the used market, same size as an old-fashioned point-and-shoot digicam, but with interchangeable lens capability!

[@vermis8344]

My justification is that I look dorky no matter how many cameras I have on me...

[@ChadWilson]

@@vermis8344, 😆

[@georgemahlum6542]

I have gone thru many M43 bodies and lenses over the years...pretty much loved them all...Here are my current weapons of choice for travel/street/daily use... GX9 body. (x 2). Pan Leica 15mm f1.7. Pan Leica 9mm f1.7. (both wonderful lenses). BCL0980 body cap fish eye Sigma ART 60mm f2.8 DN ( sometimes changed out for Oly 60 macro). Oly 40-150 f2.8 Pro with MC-14. ( hood and tripod mount removed....makes it lighter and smother to fit into a small bag or photo vest.) Yui prefers an Olympus Pen F with a Pana 12-60 or Oly 12-40 Cheers

[@4mooncheese]

Micro Four Thirds is quite amazing when you learn to use it within it's limits. People tend to go for other brands because they want larger sensors, and there is also a sense of fanboyism that comes with it. I love using the GX9, and my recent purchase of the 12-60 f2.8-4.0 has been quite an excellent experience as far as quality and versatility are concerned. Also, I think it does a decent job on the macro, even though there are better macro options. Planning on a short trip around Christmas, so it'll most likely be the GX9, 12-60, 25 f1.4, 14 f2.5, and maybe the m.zuiko 60mm f2.8 and 75-300 f4.8-6.7. I love being able to fit so many great lenses in a bag without breaking my back.

[@the-additional-f-stop]

@4mooncheese, what do you think of that 75-300?

[@4mooncheese]

@@the-additional-f-stop I think the 75-300 is a great lens especially at the right price. It does get a little soft at the long end, but I think it is still very usable.

[@the-additional-f-stop]

@@4mooncheese Thank you!

[@Jonathan-hu3lk]

I used to use a Lumix gx80 coupled with an Olympus 17mm f1.8. That was a great combo for street photography. Now I’ve got the same lens with an Olympus omd em10 iii. They both do a very similar job. I have other kit, but often this is what I’ll grab for everyday stuff

[@markielinhart]

I now have a GX8 with a 20mm f/1.7 that’s the best, but I’m lusting after the same 15mm Summilux that you have Grant. Another Lumix to consider is the G100 with its smaller form factor, at 20mp it has most of the attributes of the G9 but has been overlooked due to its crap marketing. Happy snapping and all the best to you and yours✌️🎄

[@vermis8344]

I keep hearing good things about that 12-60 lens, though the focal range never really jumped out at me. I guess I'll have to look into it more. My setup (in preparation for if street photography ever happens to me) - Lumix GX80, with OM-5 ready to jump in from wildlife duties. I'm trying to concentrate on wildlife photography but somehow ended up with a bunch of shorter lenses! _Two_ Lumix 12-32s, Lumix 20mm, Canon FD 24mm, 7artisans 18mm, Oly 12-40... expecting the Brightin Star 35mm f0.95 too, though that could be more for indoor stuff. I really need to sort through this lot.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Great stuff mate! Very cool. :)

[@grantrobertdavies]

Thanks man :) Appreciate it …

Por cierto, yo uso la G95 para fotografía callejera.

[@essiturbo]

I love all my cameras that are the gx9 gx8 and lovely gm1.The gm1 was my first mft camera in 2015. Now i am ordered a second hand gm5 .they should arrive me in the next week.i,am very happy to use this cam in the next time. Best regards from germany to all fotographers.

Hace rato estaba viendo el video del kit del 2023. Y que me sale éste.

[@georgemahlum6542]

And I agree the G7 is a great choice...I may look for one myself as the G9 is a bit big and heavy.

[@luismoran7176]

As always, great videos. I’m looking in to getting the G7 , this will be my first camera ever , I’m only using for when I go on vacation and take pictures of my family and my puppies 🐶 😁. I know it doesn’t have image stabilization, but I’ve heard good things about it. The g85 it’s a little more expensive, but is it worth the extra money? Thanks for your help in advance 🙏

[@grantrobertdavies]

Awesome man - Great Choice :)

[@benmcconnell6008]

GX9 for travel and street. Leica 12-60, Leica 25 f1.4, Leica 15 f1.7. Love your channel. Leica 25 f1.4 does not have breathing issue as some have reported for the f1.7 Panasonic.

[@video-carl]

A real shame Panasonic has not selling these small cameras. Used gx9 values are around £450-500. Quite something as gx9 launched in 2018 at £699.

[@Biancarimi0]

Nice video ! If you like the GX9 + 20mm or 15mm combination, you should probably try with the Lumix 14mm f/2.5. Discretion is guaranteed! A pancake lens with responsive autofocus and affordable on the second-hand market. 🙂 And you convinced me to buy a second camera, a G7, maybe it's starting to get old but it still holds up.

[@eddiegx222]

G85 25mm 1.7 here. Great video!

[@NPJensen]

Well, my 2024 kit will be the Panasonic Lumix GX8 and the Olympus E-M5 iii and the lenses are the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 and 25mm f1.7 and the Olympus M. Zuiko 12mm f2 and 45mm f1.8. I also just ordered a cheap second hand Sigma 30mm f1.4 for audience photography at concerts in very low light. My old Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 with the Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42 f3.5-5.6 EZ compact lens, is also an option for days, when I just want the smallest possible MFT daily carry, I can manage. There are primarily four lenses, I'd love to add to my still cheap lens line up. The Panasonic Leica 9mm f1.7 and of course the 15mm f1.7 and the Olympus M. Zuiko 17mm f1.8 and 75mm f1.8. There is also the LAOWA 7.5mm f/2 for astrophotography, if I ever manage to find a place with less light pollution. Being a cyclist living in the fourth largest city in Denmark that's not very likely though - it's simply too far.

[@vermis8344]

I'm interested in the Laowa 7.5mm myself for wide landscapes, though I'm not sure if there's much difference between that and the 6mm. How do you find it in general?

[@the-additional-f-stop]

You're speaking my language, Grant! Street and travel is what I love to do most, so I appreciate this video. I do love my GX9 and that 15 mil - it is my primary at the moment, but strangely, I miss the 14mm that I sold earlier this year. Something special about that one... have you used it? Regarding the G7, I've been tempted. B&H have it right now with the 14-42 for under $500. I absolutely don't need another camera but if I can find it closer to $400, why not? I've got the 35-100 but not crazy about it so far. The 25mm 1.4 is fantastic! That's my preferred lens, actually. The 12-60 sounds like a good next option for travel. Lastly, I was going through my catalog of images of street shots from the earlier days when I was using an Olympus e-p2 and that 17mm 2.8 and I was astounded at how nice those images were! And I didn't know as much back then! That combo was very forgiving and gave quite a bit, so yeah - M43 for me will always be in my kit. Thanks again!

[@grantrobertdavies]

Thank You - Great Stuff.... No, I've never used the 14mm, but have heard great things :)

[@chakwong]

My 2024 street/travel photography setup, also M4/3. 1. Olympus E-M5 with Olympus 12-50 and Olympus 14-150. (Weather-sealed) 2. Panasonic LX100II 3. Panasonic GF2 with 7Artisans f6.3/18 pancake lens

[@vermis8344]

How are you liking that pancake lens? I bought one recently and it seems a bit soft round the edges, but for the price and portability it's not too stressful.

[@sdegio70]

Grant, why G7 over G80? Thx

[@grantrobertdavies]

Because I purchased the g7

[@sdegio70]

Did you sell the G80?

[@moonsdonut5188]

Hi I'm on a very tight buget can the lumix g7 help me shoot products in doors with low light?

[@grantrobertdavies]

It’s probably not it’s strength … But if you know what your doing and with the right lens - Yes :)

[@piotr1707]

GX9? I don't get it. Almost every person who makes movies about mft love these small bodies but Panasonic and OM don't give a shi@#$

[@grantrobertdavies]

Yes, Like most big brands