WHY I use a DSLR for Street Photography & How (Nikon D850)

[@checksix_TC]

There is a certain feeling using a big Nikon DSLR that brings you back to the the days of the F2 and F3 SLR. The way a D780 feels that a Z6 just cannot compare. You said it best "it makes you feel like a photographer."

[@patricksmith2553]

Agree, I also have and love the Nikon 28mm f/1.4E and it live's on my D850. I use the D6's for my main camera's, but the D850 is always with me for when I need it. It's awesome, because they now share the same CFexpress Type B card's and I can take my card out of my D850, put into my D6 and instantly transfer the images to my device's with the WT-6A. It's a wireless adapter that only fit's on the D5/D6...but it's 100% reliable and hasn't failed me once in many, many years going back to the D4/D4s. Once you set it up correctly it just works and it really helps for what I do, which is photojournalism or breaking news, sports and features/events for newspapers. Speed is everything in many of the instances I find myself in, like with wildfires here in Southern California. Getting information out and along with strong images, can really help the community and being first to have images is also important in 2023. I just like how I can share EN-EL18c's with all my camera's and I also love the option of 10fps with the D850 and MB-D18, but also be able to do without the grip when I want a lighter package! Great video! I subscribed!

[@chuchonmc]

Film cameras are obsolete in terms of functionality compared to digital, but some people (many people) still using them, not just for the final result, more for the user experience, for the PROCESS of using them. I think DSLR becomes more of that. It's not about comparing specs in any website online. It's more about the user experience and the process of taking the photos, rather than the final result you get. This is a great video about feelings, user experience, process, and not just about what any other youtube channel would do reading specs of a new camera he never has used in real life. And at the end, there is even a friendly message: it's not necessary to compare or declare what is better, you can use both of them.

[@nealshytles2304]

Yeah I just purchased the Nikon D850 and love it

[@astraeusone]

D850 is superb, the best camera I have ever used. Given its size, mode of operation, usability, ergonomics, and image quality, it stands out. The big OVF makes it special, and the charismatic glass adds to its appeal.

[@eccotecc7499]

Hi Sam, I upgraded from The Nikon D7200 to The D850. I still like to use the D7200 with the 35mm or 50mm primes for street photography. The D850 I use for everything else. I'm glad to see you have come back to the DSLR platform for your professional photography work.

[@davidw.r.7801]

Nice! I agree with a lot of what you said. I have a couple early FujiFilm cameras, which I love, but I did miss the OVF and seeing the world through the lens. When Nikon announced the end of their DSLR production I decided to pick up a camera while prices were reasonable, and ended up with a nearly new D4 and D800. Beasts, and I don't mind the size either. They cover everything I feel like shooting.

[@alberte58]

Nikon D850 best DSLR ever made!!! Love to use mine D850 with a Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2.0 ZF.2 lens for street photography. Recently added a “‘smaller” setup for street photography: Nikon Z9 with a Z 50mm f/1.2 lens (Nikon make not yet a native Z 35mm lens). All your mentioned benefits is also true for this setup.

[@naseeb46]

I remember going through Nikon's catalog as a kid and saw low light pics taken by Nikon D850. It became my dream camera right then and there. Now there are a lot of mirrorless camera better than it, but I will buy it someday when I can.

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Thank you for the video. I also use a DSLR for street photography. This genre doesn’t have any commercial value; people do it just for the joy of photography. So do I. I use a Canon APS-C DSLR with an 18-135mm native kit lens for this purpose. This helps me capture amazing and exciting moments at times, when necessary from a distance as well. I don’t care what others use or what chunk of the market the “smartphone update” cameras occupy; IMO DSLR is unbeatable. The fundamental difference being - lag-free OVF that works at the speed of light. Thanks again.

[@medes5597]

Street photography has pretty good commercial value at the moment. The majority of prints being sold by most print makers are street photos. Definitely not the same as other genres but I would say it's none at the moment.

[@laberK0re]

Ich liebe die D700. Der optische Sucher. Knöpfe und Schalter für alles. Robust wie ein Panzer. Schwer wie ein Backstein. Der Spiegelschlag „stanzt“ das Gesehene auf die Karte. Die harmonischen Farben und Film-ähnliches Rauschen des legendären 12 MP Sensors.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Sehr gut gesagt. Ich konnte Deine D700 förmlich schmecken haha.

[@laberK0re]

@@SamuelStreetlife Mission accomplished. Hehe.

[@theEYEofTHEdeer]

Geht mir mit meiner D3x genauso. Ich wollte ursprünglich auch eine D700, die D3x lag mir aber irgendwie besser in der Hand. Sind im Geiste Brüder...oder Schwestern.

[@boris.dupont]

Thank you Samuel! It's a surprising choice for me but, as the Dalai Lama said: People take different roads seeking fulfilment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. What matters, I think, is how you feel while shooting and the outcome you get. My X100V makes my life easier in such environments as compared to my DSLR days but maybe I should try out again. Anyway great video as always and always fascinating to see how you handle your photographic journey. Thanks again and take care!

[@ralphcedricbasco278]

I shoot with my d610, but mostly with my D3 with af lenses. However, sometimes I use my 28mm ai or 58mm Voigtlander for manual focus. I love using DSLR because it does feel like I'm a photographer and I am always open for street portraits and I get asked a lot for street portraits whenever I use my D3.😊

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

Your first video of why you bought a D850 inspired me to get back to DSLRs ! I have been shooting with Fuji mirrorless cameras for a few years now, but I started my photography journey as a kid with Nikon DSLRs, and I wanted to get back to a camera with an OVF and a loud mirrorslap I finally stopped from debating with myself on which camera to get, and got myself a 15 year old Nikon D700 and I've been absolutely loving it ! (runner up was the D600, but the camera didn't inspire me as much) I would say that it is definitely a luxury to have several camera systems, but the ability to switch from my X-T2 to my D700 depending on the context in which I shoot and what I want to get from teh camera is really nice, and even though I didn't need the D700 on top of my Fuji stuff, I definitely don't regret buying it !

[@callending]

I too shoot Fuji mirrorless but a Nikon D600. I’ve read or listened to scores of “sensor size does / doesn’t matter” arguments, but IMO I’ve found that having both formats is, or can be, really useful. One example would be long telephoto shooting…compare the Fuji 55-200 XF zoom to a full-frame lens in that focal range. The Fuji would be smaller, lighter, cheaper, and have a longer [perceived] “reach” than the full frame version. That might not matter as much for a pro studio shooter, but definitely for the non-pro landscape guy who carries gear on longer hikes.

[@photomorti]

Damn the quality photos coming out of this D850 and 40mm!!! This is one killer combo

I agree with absolutely everything you said. :-) I comfortably use my Nikon D850 here in Sweden for both my commercial photography and for street photography, and as you say, people take you more seriously with a big camera than a small. I also use the trick to look at something else than the subject I'm shooting. When I need to be more subtle, I use my, surprise, Leica TL2. And I absolutely agree, when I shoot with the Leica, I always get comments about the camera, and how how wonderful they are.

[@ArtDecoArtNouveau]

Also a DSLR (Pentax) user here and thank you Samuel for showing people that DSLRs are still great cameras despite many people wanting to declare them dead and then jump on their graves! 😁

[@kamilpotato3764]

K1 mk2 is on my wish list:) Best on the market weather sealing, ibis, no need for adapters to use older pentax glass.

[@kamilpotato3764]

@@soulfamilychat Pentax with their ibis in dslr is unbeatable. Plus backward compatibility when it comes to lenses and their weather sealing is great too.

[@shishirbail4797]

Hi Samuel! I've watched a few of your videos, and I just have to compliment you on everything about them: the production, the insights you provide, the photos, everything! And your sense of humor as well 😄 Keep on keeping on, my friend, and thank you for putting this all out on KZbin for all of us to see!

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Thank you for the kind words! Really appreciate that : ) Cheers from Germany, Samuel.

[@lucachonkadze6431]

This truly is one of my favorite videos about photography of all time. But not because of the DSRLs, but because of aura, structure or style or I don't know what it is. But the fact is that after each viewing, after switching to another content, it brings me back again and again. Probably the main reason I love Samuel Streetlife

[@SamuelStreetlife]

I don't know why I only saw your comment now but thanks a lot!! Means a lot to me :)

[@christopherdavies8839]

D850 is the last truly great DSLR. It is already a classic. And I want one even though I have a Z7 as I want the lenses directly on the f-mount. Plus the prism of this full frame is stunning!

[@kevinl1492]

I like optical viewfinders to the point that I replaced my FF mirrorless with a Canon 6D in October. First thing I did was to go to our State Fair and had a great time shooting for three hours. In a (very) noisy environment no one hears the shutter and focusing is almost instant. I also use it to shoot events. You need some different techniques vs. mirrorless and it isn’t quite as convenient, but it can be very capable. Interesting comment about people’s perceptions of large cameras vs. small ones. I had never thought it could sometimes be an advantage to be more noticeable rather than less. I will be thinking about that when I approach people to take a portrait.

First of all, every time I see a video of yours, I think to myself, why can't every KZbinr make such authentic and likeable clips? It's so enjoyable, unlike the rest of the internet. By the way, I have a strange desire to buy 28, 40 and 58mm for my D800. Exciting lineup!

Oh just one more thing. Do you use a special focusing sceen, or something else to help you focusing manually?

[@SamuelStreetlife]

That is so good to hear! Thank you, I appreciate that a lot! And I share the same desire as you :D I was told by a local camera store that I can borrow all these voigtländer lenses at once and try them out. I might do a video about them then. I wish there were more manual focus lenses (compact) available for DSLR's! Zeiss made a few good ones but they are bigger than the Voigtländers.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

@ I don't use any special focusing screen but I have bought the DK-17M Magnification Eyepiece. It magnifies the viewfinder a lot and it helps with focusing.

@@SamuelStreetlife I don't know if this is also available for the D800, but for my 6D I had bought a matte screen many years ago, which was supposed to facilitate manual focusing. The depth of field was easier to see. But maybe the magnifier is a better idea. Oh Zeiss, I'm really considering selling 28mm Elmarit and 35mm Summicron and putting it all in Zeiss glass. The 50mm Planar excites me so much. Zeiss ZF was also a consideration at one point. Currently I have here various tabs with Voigtländer F Mount and Zeiss F Mount lenses open and think now. I am curious to see more of the Voigtländer lineup.

[@TummyDocPPi]

I use a DSLR for street photographs along with a mirror-less camera. My DSLR is Pentax. Pentax has become the only maker to manufacture DSLRs😢. My mirrorless one is Lumix. Lumix is lighter and smaller due to the micro four-thirds type. Compared to Lumix, I have not had any inconveniences using Pentax. I will use Pentax cameras until they give up making DSLRs😄.

[@bernardlesperance742]

Moments. Moments are what elicit emotional responses. Emotional responses signify connection, identification with the subject. Wait. Connect. Make the image. Wait. Connect. Make the image. These are the images that viewers will emotionally respond to, connect with. Also, get close. Being close maximizes the emotional impact, the connection.

[@ohstanley3058]

I sold my Leica M10 and GRiii. All really good cameras but I bought a Nikon F100 film DSLR w a 50mm 1.4 AF AND a GfX 100s. I’m now producing the best work I ever have. The M10 and griii were great but for ME, I ended up shooting them like everyone else in the street. Good photos but I never found my personal style….

[@ashrafulalam1734]

Nikon (D80) was my first ever DSLR camera. In fact, t was my first personal camera I bought with my own money. I learnt basic photography skills using that, enjoyed a lot because it had many tactile buttons and was built like a tank. Later I got interested in portrait photography and eventually sold my system for a Canon 7D (original) in the Canon world, I loved the color science a lot and now I'm using a R5 and recently got a "daily carry" Fujifilm (X-T5) for street. Again Fuji brings my the joy of having many buttons on the body. I think when it comes to photography tactility and manual operation makes the entire process more fun and enjoyable. I don't own a DSLR anymore but this video makes me to want a Nikon again 😃😅

[@eddie_g]

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in a dslr now! Beautiful images!

[@ksy1862]

Thank you for putting up this video. I totally agree your opinion on the DSLR. I own a D850 as well. Despite the fact that DSLR is already a thing of the history,frankly speaking it does not bother me at all. The choice of camera system one uses is a very personal thing. In the world of ever changing new tech trends, an old fashion thing will one day become rare like a piece of antique, sought after by some admirers and collectors.

[@davidhollenback3345]

Excellent perspective on using a DSLR for street photography. Thanks Samuel. I have a Nikon D750 I use for street and everything else, plus a tiny Fuji X-T30 with a 27mm (42mm equiv) lens. It's very small and stealthy. But it also has virtually full frame coverage with focus points which is handy, especially coupled with the touch screen tap to focus and shoot capability.

[@timothymartin6489]

I tried this at the weekend with a Nikon D850 and a sigma 35mm 1.4 - and I left autofocus active. I enjoyed it and got some good images. I still tried to hide what I was doing from people, which is harder but still sort of worked. I found I could take shots without always lifting it to my eye. And, unlike with my Leica, I'd say 9 out of 10 shots were in sharp focus, rather than 6 or 7 out of 10 with the Leica. I don't think I would have ever tried this if I hadn't watched this video. So thanks Sam for exploring this! But - I now don't know which camera I prefer.

[@ricklaney3139]

Sam - great video! I have two D850s, a Leica M10-R and a Leica M10 Monochrom. All of them are great tools, but I still find the D850s to be the most versatile (not to mention most durable and most dependable). They may not be the newest bodies on the market, but they still produce breathtaking images - and that's the only thing that should matter..

[@muhhaaa1]

Interesting to hear because right now I am deciding between a m10R and a d850 and I can’t decide yet

[@linjicakonikon7666]

I shot a book about Carnivals in South Texas. I used a Nikon D300 with a Nikkor 20mm f 3.5 AIS. It was a fabulous camera for street (carnival) photography. DSLR photography is my preference. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@shiroganesam]

A lot of these points resonate with me. I'm currently using two systems (Pentax K / Sony FE) plus some GRs and contemplating moving back to purely Pentax since that's the system that I enjoy using the most. I learned to photograph on a Pentax DSLR and still using a K mount DSLR feels like home. The IBIS and the durability are great but I think ultimately it's the ergonomics and the OVF that keep me enthralled. I totally understand what you said about feeling more like a photographer with a DSLR in hand. I just wish Pentax was better at marketing outside of Japan. It's been a long time since I've seen any Pentax or for that matter DSLR marketing in Finland.

[@shiroganesam]

@@soulfamilychat The flip screen is definitely a nice benefit on the lower end bodies, the K3 III screen is nice and has good viewing angles but it's still not a perfect replacement for a proper flip screen. Also as you mentioned being able to natively use some great old film era glass is also a benefit of the Pentax K mount as well as many other DSLR mounts.

[@medes5597]

Pentax's awful marketing does have a slight benefit - you can often pick up Pentax DSLRs and gear for very very good prices on the second hand market, probably because people don't know much about it given the lack of marketing for their gear.

[@funlols_com]

Well I've got a Nikon D850 I've blacked the logo off with black tape similar to you and I've put a Nikon 28mm 2.8 AIS lens on it. much more compact. and find it's just wonderful for street photography. When I want to be discreet, I tilt the screen up and put the camera on silent and tap the screen to take my shot. Perfect!. I don't even need to press the shutter. and most people know or 'think' DSLRs make a shutter sound but the D850 can shoot silently. If you get the shot that sensor resolves so much detail its amazing. There is a learning curve but I'm getting better. more and more keepers now I'm getting more proficient . PS I love your tubes on Street Photography and like this one because I thought I was the only one using a d850 for Street. Guess I was wrong.

[@fstopr]

Me too :) same setup. its a brilliant combo the Nikon d850+Nikon 28mm or Voigtlander. But let face it , this Nikon can do most things. its not surprising really. :) Have to say I shoot Sony at moment in the studio and I shot Canon a couple of years back ,(gas)but this Nikon D850 will have to be prized from my dead hands.

[@RobertLeeAtYT]

Hmmmm... About that focusing so it's less noticeable by the subjects, that's why I like mirrorless with manual focus lenses. I enable focus peaking but use it at the desired shooting aperture. With the lens stopped down this shows the actual depth-of-field. No guesswork. Also, with peaking over the entire EVF/panel preview it's compose _then_ focus (if necessary). It is faster and less fiddly than focus and recompose. Another thing I find useful is to set the EVF/panel for monochrome and peaking outline red. This guarantees peaking is always unambiguously visible regardless of dominant scene color. Anyhow, I use Panasonic MFT cameras, which has available to the mount some really quite decent, small, very fast (as in ~f1) manual focus lenses. It's nice to use these in street and documentary context, with the option to have the lens wide open and subjects close in.

[@jharrelphoto]

which Panasonic MFT camera would you recommend for street?

[@RobertLeeAtYT]

@@jharrelphoto I use a Panasonic gx85 that I bought new years ago. This is still viable today. If I were to buy again, however, I'd go for the gx9. This is the follow on model. The evf is rotatable. Nice for use under full sun. I'm sure Olympus has equally good offerings that fits the same bill. I'm unfamiliar with their products.

[@classicrkr2480]

Yep, this did it - I’m finally convinced to upgrade to the D800 when I can (much more affordable, I don’t need the extra power, anyways 😅). My biggest concern was the size, but honestly your experience is not too different than when I use my D7100 (and I can’t wait to use my 50mm 1.4 on a full frame 😍) Thank you for a true to life experience and demonstration that it can still be easily done.

[@radinnasir8933]

Thank you so much for instilling the idea that the D850 does work for street photography. I admit, I was close to despair when I realise the D850 is cumbersome for street photography and travelling (got it cheap, used) . I use my nikon z50 instead but nothing beats the D850 dynamic range. Your video strengthen my hope that it can be done. That and the need to buy a voigtländer lens! Now I need an excuse for the missus on why I need another lens..

[@winc06]

Nice video and thoughtful distinctions between cameras I had noticed but not thought about myself. Thanks. I used a D800 on a trip to India and was amazed at how it was such a magnet for kids. School children would notice the camera from very far awaay and run up and demand(nicely) that their pictures be taken using their best portrait pose.

[@martingreenberg870]

Glad you enjoy using your Nikon D850 for street photography. It is not for me. I choose to use a crop sensor camera. Smaller sensor means a smaller and thus lighter lens. This is generally true for crop sensor bodies. When I walk the streets I do it for hours. I notice the additional weight over time. The benefits of full frame aren’t of use to me. I also prefer the WYSIWYG of a mirrorless body. As you suggest, any camera can be used for street. There are so many bodies and lenses to choose from. There will be one or a few that will tickle your fancy. A camera is a tool. We have to use the right tool for the right job. What works in the studio may not be the right choice for working the street. It is funny, to me, thinking of you taking both the Ricoh & Nikon out at the same time☺. Mask On Nurse Marty

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Crop sensors are actually preferred for Street because of the increased depth of field! I forgot to mention that in the video but my 28mm shots here show that a narrow focus field is not always desired. Especially if you want to show context of environment. I like the full frame widen open look but it’s not always what the scene needs. Crop sensors do have an advantage over full frame sensors because if that reason. And yeah, lighter is ALWAYS better for long street days :) So far I can manage to lug around my Nikon without too much strain on my body :) thanks for sharing your comments!

[@KingFiercer_zip]

The rendering of this nikkor 28 is amazing here.

I am getting into street photography (and photography overall, for what matters...) and I am proudly and happily using a D750 that I bought 2nd hand to upgrade from my old (and very entry level) D80. I love it because I feel that this camera is helping me a lot to learn photography while providing me with the joy to get very satisfying results from my progress. I am now considering to get a 2nd camera (more "handy", like a x-t30) for more casual situations but I can't think of leaving the D750 behind. Thanks a lot for your inspiring and honest views on photography!

[@jonmnelson]

I have a bunch of cameras, film and digital, but I often use and enjoy my Pentax K-1 when out and about. It’s such a great camera.

[@patrickjclarke]

If I didn't have all my glass from my Sony/Minolta A-mount days I would have gotten the K-1 with those Limited lenses for sure...that blackout version they made has been calling my name.

[@GabrieleLopez]

Yes I wander with a dslr or Fm2 with film using the same lenses. I choose small lenses to reduce weight and just prefer this to a rangefinder. There are times when I just need to be more compact as possible, but I reduced tools number to the bare minimum and slrs are just a perfect balance to do all you need. Add a compact and I'm ok.

[@peter2712]

I have a very nice Olympus mirrorless but it's the Nikon F2 with vintage glass that I aways grab when out for a city walk.

[@b1uesbi11]

Hi Samuel. This is the first vid I've seen of yours. I subscribed. I use Nikon D5600 and a 40mm Voightlander Ultron also. Very light. On a crop sensor the field of view is like a 60mm on a full frame, so it's like a short telephoto. I like your photos. Nice work.

[@street4japan]

Thanks for sharing a your thoughts and experience with the DSLR. I use both the Pentax full-frame and the Fujifilm X100V for both street and landscapes. I tend to use Pentax when I want to take my time to compose a shot, but use the Fuji more for spontaneous shots. Both cameras have all manual dials, optical viewfinder, and weather sealing, which is perfect for my type is shooting, I tend to limit the Pentax to shots I might want to print or sell, and use the Fuji is more for creative shots or for experimentation.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Nice! Sounds like a great set to choose from :)

[@devlincook5741]

You’ve definitely inspired me! I’ve always been a Pentax shooter but only now getting into their digital bodies. I’ve got the KP and all my film era Pentax glass to use. After shooting exclusively on film cameras I never got used to evf, so happy with the DSLR now, thank you!

[@LoFiAxolotl]

been shooting with my D750 for a while on the street now... for me the biggest advantage is i get to experiment with different focal lengths.... especially longer ones! One of the 24-70 f2.8 on a DSLR is of course the classic combo and for streets it's great but i've been experimenting with 135mm lately and got some interesting results since i can shoot from so far away

[@mrdarryljones1]

I gave my D750 to my adult daughter and shoot everything with my Z6ii. I found you from your ZF video and I track with your general ethos! Fun content! 👍🏾

[@jensarne5773]

Some good points there. I have not used a DSLR for street photography for ages (d70, d50) My wife loves to use our Canon 1D2n, and gets complements like Cool camera...

[@hazybrain7]

I've had my eye on that 28mm for a while, I love the depth of field of the 1.4, and the images are superb, also have had the 40mm Voigtlander for a few years, along with the 58 which is superb also, depending on your style and what perspective you prefer. Cool video, good to see Hamburg lit up and people enjoying themselves. Alles gute aus Irland !

[@bailey.nt86]

The D850 is the 🐐. I still use my D3s a lot. I love both cameras. I rarely use my Z6ii unless I'm planning on shooting video.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

It is!

[@shred3005]

Sam, I switched 18 mths ago to Fuji X-E4 for street and city travel photography but while the small size and cute factor is nice the ergonomics are not nearly as good as my big full frame Pentax K-1 DSLR. I almost always use the Fuji but last weekend I took my Pentax with 43mm f1.9 (which is a pancake lens) and it feels so good to shoot street with after some time away from it. It’s a big body similar to the D850 etc so the small 43mm looks a bit odd but I tend to agree nobody is in doubt that it’s a serious camera when they see you and that can be a positive to the situation. But different people react different ways. Either way the ergonomics/ handling is better with my DSLR. Less fiddling. Nail the shot

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Nice to hear that Brett! Yes every camera attracts different attention. Always good to know how to use that to your advantage.

[@destinyangel5]

Great review but how come you covered the Nikon Logo on the pentaprism . ?

[@anothervisionofthings]

I recently bought a Canon 5DSr paired with the pancake 40mm f2.8 also using a 58mm f2 Helios 44-2, amazing combo

[@ernestthomas9406]

that was very refreshing to hear, seems like a DSLR is looked at as old technology but I still use mine for general purposes photography👍

[@Cotictimmy]

I’m also a fan of big DSLRs for street. With a big D3S there’s no point in trying to hide - so just be friendly and ask people. It works.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Yes! :)

[@brusselssprout1]

The ONLY downside of that D850 is the absence of IBIS. Not that useful for most street photography opportunities, but certainly a blessing for nighttime cityscapes. Otherwise, it is the perfect camera, even in 2022 (sold mine to migrate to Z mount, and deeply miss it). So glad to see it put to good use in your work. Makes perfect sense. And it is also my experience that to be seen as a photographer can in many cases be a benefit. Finally, those Voigtlander SLR lenses are gems. Beyond the 40mm, I can recommend the 20mm and the 90mm. The 58mm f/1.4 is in a class of its own, and you'd love it for the type of street portraits you do. Mixes real well with the D850.

[@thomasacksel3707]

99 percent of the time you don't need an IBIS when taking photos 🙄

[@brusselssprout1]

@@thomasacksel3707 i beg to differ. IBIS (or good lens based VR) is a godsend for quite a few situations, including handheld night time cityscapes, handheld video, lowlight portraiture, etc. That is especially true in the high res age. It increases flexibility by around 3 stops, and a couple more if you are careful. In the application discussed in this video, it is less useful because people in the streets tend to move, forcing shutter speeds of around 1/125th if you want them to be crisp. But even then, being able to shoot safely in evenings or indoors at, say, 1/15th of a second with a 40mm lens, opens the door to quite a few creative possibilities. As I avoid tripods like the plague, I'd say IBIS is helpful in around 30% of my use cases.

[@kamilpotato3764]

@@brusselssprout1 That’s why I got recently xt4 as a addition to my xt2, xe1 and omdem10 mk2. I love xt2 but lack of ibis after coming from m43 was troublesome sometimes. I choose xt4 over xt5 because of the price. Second hand xt4 with 12 months warranty and shutter count less than 5000 cost me around £1000. Money saved will go towards new sigma 18-50 f2.8

[@kamilpotato3764]

@@thomasacksel3707 If I could buy another second hand camera(dslr) probably I would have go with Pentax K1 mk2 because of the ibis(only dslr’s that got it) and best on the market apparently weather sealing. Lcd on this model looks great too with it’s variable angle tilting solution. Big bonus is possibility if adapting older glass without the need of adapters.

[@brusselssprout1]

@@kamilpotato3764 yes, that K1 is very well put together, on par with (or better than) the prosumer Nikon (D850) and Canon DSLRs. The build quality reminds me of the best Contax SLRs. The IBIS in Pentax shows that it would have been possible for Nikon and Canon to provide that feature in their DSLRs. I wonder why that did not happen (Konica-Minolta/Sony had IBIS in DSLRs as well). Nikon D850 also provides full compatibility with their older manual lenses without adapter. Issue with Pentax is mostly the uncertainty surrounding the future of the brand and of its product lines. Development seems to have stalled in the last 5 years or so, with only a small trickle of updated lenses and bodies. Repair services are quasi non existent. It seems to exist in a parallel world, frozen in 2012. ;)

[@gottanikoncamera]

You make some great points about how camera size can be advantageous. I find that when I absolutely have to get the photo, shooting my Nikon Df w/ a small prime AF-D lens w/ a physical aperture ring and an old school metal lens hood puts me in a pro photojournalist mind set. And people respond differently because it reminds them of the pro Nikons of old.

[@kevingoza]

Excellent point about a big camera looking more professional and therefore more acceptable on the street!

[@zfhktz]

I started using an Olympus E-500 DSLR, which has a Kodak CCD sensor, for street, but only in daylight because the low light capabilities of this camera is very limited.

[@SouthPaths]

The great Kodak sensor in that. Legendary sensor tonemulate film.

[@HOGG1Photography]

Bro, i started a year ago on my nikon D3200 and still do. Love it! i have my eye on the D850 for my upgrade

[@T-Prime848]

Very interesting topic to talk about Well I did actually started my street photography journey with a Canon 1000D And I do still use many DSLR cameras until this day I recently bought a used Nikon D70S with a used Tamron 70-300 mm both costed me around 300 Euro Well it became my favorite to carry even though it’s kinda heavy with the zoom lens Many street photographers think these days that they need expensive Mirrorless camera like a Sony A7 iii or a Fuji XT4 to do street photography That fact that this is not true Here you are Samuel you are using a DSLR and many like you and me still appreciate the old OG cameras Well I do advice you to buy a cheap Nikon with CCD sensor like a Nikon D70S or Nikon D200 The CCD sensor has its own magic Thank you for this video and please keep doing good videos Hope to meet you again like we did at the Berlin Safe Light Meeting Have a good weekend…

[@josephmuglia4204]

What a great video!! Thank you for this testimonial, I would absolutely love to have an 850, such an awesome camera. I could care less about the mirrorless wave, the D850 is a powerhouse and anyone that has one should feel a sense of pride. Cheers and happy New Year!

[@nickreid5939]

D810 for me

[@TheThinkersBible]

I agree. The Nikon D850 was my favorite DSLR of all time and I'm a longtime Nikon user for professional and personal work. Have owned 7 different models. Had to sell my D850 to buy a Nikon Z6 II for my KZbin projects because the D850 just isn't suited for KZbin educational videos -- but I miss it. That said, the Z6 II is a very nice mirrorless camera for video recording so far.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Yes video ist not a strong point of the D850. But I still use it sometimes to record my KZbin videos. But if you need Autofocus for video than the Z cameras are definitely more useful.

[@TheThinkersBible]

@@SamuelStreetlife agreed. I used the D850 for my first few KZbin videos. But 1. I had to stay within a specific distance range of the lens to keep my face in focus and 2. turns out the Z6 II has MUCH better out-of-the-camera video quality (shadow/midrange exposure and detail), that was a very pleasing surprise.

[@SammySantiagoIrizarry]

Thanks Samuel!!! So much fun watching your videos!!!

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Thanks Sammy :)

[@sdhute]

I’ve switched to Nikon dslr for street photography too. I do prefer the OVF and HUGE battery life

[@pers4855]

Shooting manual focus has breath life into my DSLR, I enjoy it so much

[@SamuelStreetlife]

It's so much fun isn't it?? :)

[@BABA-ws5eo]

I've had that same exact experience when using a big camera for street portraits. People sometimes ask to get photographed. But yes, there are two sides to this. Sometimes the big camera gets you more attention than you want. (you have a good idea to have the big camera, and the small one with you too.)

[@maiahthebird1314]

Yeah same when im using my Fujifilm camera all the people around don't care about me but when im using my dslr nikon 5200 with 50mm all the people watching me sometimes they calling me and pose hehhee

[@iggytse]

If you have a d850 then af-d lens are smaller as the auto focus is using the motor in the camera.

[@wearetheunknown8162]

I have a Q and a D850 for street photography. I agree with what you said. 🎉

[@junichinomura4810]

great video samuel and DSLR are still great camera to have and you in street photography and also in paid photography. Leica cameras are great but getting expensive and didn`t see the reason to spend more money to it. great nikon D850 video 😁👍

[@thomaslevine405]

I use a D850 for street photography, but it's new and I'm still getting used to it. It takes really sharp images and I'm considering getting a 28mm 1.4 Sigma, the Nikon is just too expensive. I have been using a Nikon 50mm 1.8, I have two Nkon zooms but they are both f4 lenses. I really like the wider apertures!! Thanks for the video, it helps to know someone else is using the same camera.

[@Dan-jg7zl]

I also use the 50/1.8 on the D800. It's such a good lens and the price it is a bargain. I also have the Zeiss distagons and voitlander 58/1.4. Amazing glass.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

I agree with all your points.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Great video D850 is great and yes the 28mm f/1.4 is also my favorite lens You know what? Being a E lens, it’s fully compatible with the Leica SL cameras!!! Which makes you even closer to a Q experience !!!

[@Patrickthe1st]

First time viewer here, great vid. I enjoyed the shot at 5:29 :)

[@umareta]

The first ad that came up to me while watching this video was a Nikon ad!! Well done Sam, “senpai noticed you”. 😂

[@eltinjones4542]

I won a competition recently using my Nikon D800 and a Nikkor 20mm f1.8 mm lens, hand held I normally use my Lumix GX9 walking around but the quality of my Nikon like yours is far superior 📷👍

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Nice congrats for that :)

[@TL-xw6fh]

Nikon's biggest strength is the wonderful natural colours. I have the X-T3 and a D750, and I far prefer the Nikon colours.

[@gerryhardman9060]

I have a Nikon Z5 with a 40 F2 Nikkor and enjoy this kind of photography as well because using my D700 is too noisy and too obvious. I can also shoot silently with the Z5 which is less money than a D850 and “since I also used a Leica M3 in my younger years I find using a mirror less camera is very much like using a rangefinder with a quiet shutter and no mirror slap. I agree with you about seeing your image and your depth of field with a dslr or mirror less camera as apposed to a rangefinder and using hyper focal distance for street shooting in a nice way to zone focus and still get good results because with mirrorless I have been able to use vintage MF lenses from many other brands such as Pentax, Konica, Helios which made excellent lenses with lots of character. Thanks for sharing Regards Gerry

[@jharrelphoto]

I am currently using a d700 and 5d classic for street. I prefer the 5d for color and the d700 for b/w. The d700 shutter is almost too loud for street. Ive thought about getting a df instead, but the d850 looks interesting as well. Esepecially with the tilt screen. I personally don't need that many megapixel's. Which is why I like using the older cameras. But I am open to it eventually. Also, I sometimes use a voigtlander 58mm f1.4 for portraits on my d700 and it is a stunning lens. Worth checking out.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Interesting to hear your thoughts on the two cameras. I had a 5D classic but never used a D700. I always read that people love the D700 for its colors. But the 5D is also known for great filmic colors. And I will definitely give the 58mm 1.4 from Voigtländer a try!

[@jharrelphoto]

@@SamuelStreetlife The d700 definetly has amazing colors. I would say that there probably isn't that much difference between the 5d. I mean there is. The d700 I use in vivid profile which makes the colors really pop with that camera. A lot of the more affordable cheaper older lenses work amazing on the d700 as well. I have several afd lenses including the 50mm, 35mm f2, 28-105mm afd. The 28-105 is my most used lens on that camera. Its quiet amazing for a walk around lens and small. I actually just purchased a griii street edition which should be here Friday. really looking forward to that camera. I downloaded a bunch of raw files and did some edits and found that camera honestly to have some of the best colors I've ever seen. Not sure why I'm just now getting one lol

[@_alliswell]

You are so honest because i bet 100000% nikon won't pay any person in the world to use d850 anymore. Btw, I like how you smile in every video everytime you mention ricoh 😂. But honestly ricoh also a great camera.

[@johns.8681]

Agreed. I put black Gaffer’s tape over the name so it draws no curiosity or questions. Particularly important during video.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Oh yes! I just do it because I prefer the look of it and I don‘t like seeing a big Logo on my cameras. But your point makes so much sense. I often had people ask me about the camera because they read the brand name. Covering up the branding definitely minimizes the amount of comments and questions you get while shooting.

[@Drmikekuna]

Thank you for this video. I think the most important aspect of a good street photographer is not the camera, but the attitude. The camera should match the needs of the photographer, in your case an 850. Socially, we are taught that taking a picture of a stranger is an invasion of their privacy/space. If you act all anxious when taking a photo that feeling is transmitted to the subject. Personally, I still have problems taking photos of people without their permission, but that is my hangup and one that I'm working on. For folks like me, a small unobtrusive camera is a must in these situations. However, a big pro camera offers many more options if you are brave enough to use it.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Thats great that you have that sensibility! I have a lot of fear and anxiety myself whenever I see a new potential scene with people that I want to capture. And I struggle with it sometimes so you are not alone. But the more you work on it the more chances you will take eventually and then you get closer and closer until you start to feel a bit more comfortable :) You already know what you need to know. The rest is just practice :) Good luck and enjoy the experience!

[@nomimidzu8984]

Haha😁, you know, I was shooting with a SLR camera before your video about the Leica Q2 mini. I sold a Nikon DSLR, with a standard lens and an additional 35mm 1.8 lens, I bought a "Leica Q2 mini" 📷 and I still don't regret it. You've probably already sold your Leica Q2 mini, but I'm glad for such a small, light, serious camera👍. Thank you🙏!)

[@mvonwalter6927]

Scooped up a virtually unused Nikon Df and am re-learning DSLR methods after a year with a Leica M digital and numerous mirrorless cams. Highly recommend the 28/2.8 AIS (not the AI) if you want a small manual wide. It's so sharp (CRC corrected) and it focuses so close.

[@young1868]

It was so good to get the DF a few months ago. I am happy with its OVF. I see the world through the optical view finder.

[@slr7075]

DSLRs are additionally great for street photography because it makes you look a casual tourist and can blend in for extra stealth. The DSLR blob shape has grown over people and it looks normal to carry.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Yes good point :) I feel I get stared at less or for shorter times than with my GR because people identify me as just another tourist with a camera :)

[@VinceWatches]

First street photography experience with an old Nikon D100, I like also the feeling to be clearly recognized as a photographer and not someone stealing photos. And I noticed that you should be confortable to take the photo...and the overall quality of the shots was better.

[@ruff1draft]

I currently use a Nikon D5500 for my street photography

[@zerlionngo395]

Any update on the lenses you are using for the d850?

[@jf4410]

You hit the nail on the head about Dslrs on the street. Love your honesty 🤙🏼

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Thanks!

[@TheGazmondo]

Great video as usual with the usual intelligent rationale ! Still one of the Channels that over a long period, doesn’t grate on me.

[@victorlim5077]

Great vidoe. I am still using my DSLR (I have 3) for birding and travel photography. The lag free OVF experience is great.

[@westdk6705]

Finally !! Sam the boy is back 🐥.............🖐️

[@krisceuppens5273]

I still use my d810 a lot for landscape, nature, family, concerts. Battery lasts forever, i have lenses that cover so many uses, image quality is still top notch. Manual focus of these lenses works well for me - if needed. And all of the gear is 8 or more years old by now...

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Love it when camera gear just works and keeps on working :) All power to you! Hope my D850 will keep working for many years, too!

[@aperturecollect]

I use a Canon EOS 40d occasionally for street shots. I've actually been questioned about my EOS M, and some of my film cameras more than the DSLR. I don't think I've ever been stopped with the 40d.

[@jawadkurabi]

yes bro i still using d810 and it's perfect :DD

[@bopiyeff]

Great video! I am thinking now to upgrade my Nikon d5100 to d850

[@jzf128]

I ll still use my D90 with 35mm 1.8 for streetphotography.

[@Dasuud]

Jeez, people already talk about DSLRs as if they're some 100-year-old technology that's been out of fashion for at least 20 years. I just bought a D750 and guys, you know what? I'm happy with it... In fact, i'm so happy, i can make money with it, and my clients are fully satisfied. DSLR's won't be dead, for the next 15-20 years, at least, manufacturers making people think, that they are dead, by stopping the support and advertising like crazy their new stuff, that's it.

[@artsilva]

to be fair, it's the blackout in live view during the image writing that lags Not the actual shutter or image capture in case anyone was wondering. Keep in mind people that the D850 is a 46Mp beast and RAW files could be around 90Mp of data if set using 14 bit uncompressed raw. I have found the Touch AF/Shutter on the LCD to be a stealthy way to get shots on the street. It looks like that I am playing with my LCD image review instead of actually taking a shot. That Voigtlander 40mm looks like it works very well on the D850, it has been on my list of possibilities, now I might have to just get one after seeing these shots.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

I thought the blackout comes from the mirror closing and then opening up again for the liveview. I find the writing speed pretty fast with the XQD cards! But the lag is the same using the electronic shutter so you might be right haha. I also use the touch screen to focus a lot! It‘s super handy and yes, stealthy :)