5 Tips On Using Small Cameras For Street Photography
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- I love using small cameras for street photography, but they do come with some compromise, eg bad handling, shorter battery life, smaller buttons and controls, etc. I am sharing some tips to work around these limitations and get the best out of smaller camera setup for street shooting!
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0:00 Intro
0:15 Street POV 1
0:29 Loving Small Cameras
1:03 Add On Grip
2:03 Street POV 2
2:46 Use Touch Screen Controls
3:42 Simplify Shooting Workflow
4:57 Street POV 3
5:35 Spare Batteries
6:17 Max Screen Brightness
7:07 Street POV 4
7:48 Conclusion
8:48 Street POV 5/END
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I've been on a tiny camera binge of late. I picked up a Nikon 1V1, 1V3, & 1J5. Then there is the Samsung NX3000 and my Olympus E-PM1. They're all about 10 years old but look and work like new. Much joy.😎
Yeap, these small cameras are just so awesome!
Man I love your channel so much. Keep going, you're energy is so contagious!
Thanks, appreciate that
I appreciate your suggestions for using P mode. I see so many photogs talking about only Manual mode this, manual mode that, and here I am getting nice results by letting the camera figure out those settings.
Hi Robin, small cameras get a big thumbs up from me and I totally agree a small grip makes a world of difference. Your photos are always so inspiring. I love the brilliant colours of your location and the vibrance of your street portraits, but it's your ability to find such interesting compositions that really impress me. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Trevor, appreciate the kind words. I am sharing as much as I can through these POV style videos, as you can clearly see what I was thinking and how I was framing my shots!
I love your enthusiasm.
What a good idea for a video Robin! Thanks for your advice. It's all true.
Thanks, appreciate that.
On your and Matti’s suggestion I started shooting in P mode for street photography too. So far with great results. Thank you, Robin.
Thank you very much for your tips for the small camera. I' m always a fan of your channel. Keep the good work.
Thanks for being here, I appreciate that.
Excellent tips. Great images.
Been using Fuji X70 and Fuji X10 these past week, and I’m loving it!!
I had the XF10 before, loving it too!
Awesome tips, thank you! For exposure, I also have zebras enabled on my GM1, saved me quite a few times ❤️
Yeap, the zebra helps too, though I think it look ugly and very distracting for my composition.
Great video Robin. I think people that wants to get into street photography needs a lot of practice. There are many people that are selling they camera with words: Never got a chance to use it, now collects dust... So if you guys think that buying a camera automatically turns you into photographer - than you are wrong. Hard work is what will bring you closer to photographers.
If we talk about cameras and settings. My street photography cameras are Fujifilm X-E4, Panasonic GX80, GX9, Sony a6400 and Olympus Pen lite 6. For street photography you can use any camera you like, even a point and shoot from 2007, just learn its setting controls, learn its strong and weak spots and practice, practice, practice.
Thank you Robin for the automatic setting tip but to be honest I never trust automatic settings on my cameras. I have tried on all my cameras automatic ISO, even on sunny day camera always sets too high ISO than is needed while you can comfortably shoot at lowest iso 100 and shutter speed about 1/500. Shutter speed and aperture on my cameras always manually as those are my tools to play with to get best results.
Suggestion for anyone who wants to get into street photography: Always carry your camera with you, no matter where you go, just keep it in hand and practice to see things that nobody on the street sees. Just stay sharp, focus on things around you and be ready to take a photographs. Have a comfortable footwear and be ready to get on your knee or squat down to photograph in angles that people will not usually see things. Good luck!
@Robin Wong Can you please share in some video your thoughts and experience with law and photography? I bet many photographers would find interesting to know how do you deal with this.
yeah you are right, spending more time with the camera is the key to getting better images! We should definitely spend more time creating images, than consuming them on social media.
Just watched one of Robs videos, so I'll say the same thing here,,, Excellent, once again!
I recently acquired a used Olympus EM10 IV & I really love it for my small camera. It has all the features I want plus viewfinder for bright situations.
Indeed, I have mentioned how E-M10 is a great street photography machine in my recent video
Thank you Robin .
No worries Christine.
Used a Pentax Q during a trip to the city,. The camera is so small and I would just pull it out and take a photo, was even less visible than a smart phone! Great content as always!
indeed, smaller cameras are great!
It's very capable for an almost 10 years old camera. Thanks for sharing Robin ❤
Thanks Joshua, indeed it is a very capable camera!
A timely video, thanks! I bought a dirt-cheap GF5 a few days ago and I'm enjoying it. (But still looking out for a GM1 after Emily's video) There are still a few things I need to get used to though: no electronic shutter (the mechanical shutter sounds like it's chopping vegetables - tough vegetables!); apparently not much of a live preview; and avoiding manual mode thanks to the single dial. I wish I could use the touchscreen controls for _that!_
I've seen a few videos about setting your camera to aperture priority. I've had to set mine to shutter priority. Even at wide open apertures it has a tendency to shift the shutter speed _way_ down. We just don't have the same sun as Malaysia. 😅
Great tips. Will certainly influence how I use my GM1 from now, particularly P mode, screen brightness and using touchscreen much more than I usually do. Most interesting to me is use of P mode though, because I always thought primarily controlling aperture and shutter speed and using auto ISO was recommended for street work. The idea that it's ok to use P would certainly allow a primary focus on the shot itself, particularly in scenarios where quick fire spontaneity is the name of the game. Super useful video - many thanks.
I love using cameras of all types and all sensor sizes, it's proved to me that you can take great photos with ANY camera. Compact cameras I have owned include a Lumix TZ60, Sony RX100mk1, Sony W830 but my compact camera of choice at the moment is a Olympus XZ-2 which in my opinion is as good as the RX100mk1 but better because it has a tilting rear screen and I have added a VF-3 to it which makes it even more versatile. I love your reviews Robin, you have inspired me in my camera choices (Olympus EM10ii, EM1ii, EM5ii) and XZ-2 of course although my main camera these days is a RX10iv :)
I have the Lumix GF3 for its tiny size and use of M43 lenses.
+1 for adding a grip. Mines are all home made with a little stick (of wood or plastic/paper) fixed with some gaffer/tape, so that it's easy to choose exactly the handling you want...
I use differents cameras for street and trips depending on my mood: EM10-II, GM5, GX800 with 15, 17, 20, 25, 45, 75, 9-18, 14-150, 12-32... or a 1" TZ100/ZS100!
I tend to shoot in A, S or M with auto ISO, with the histogram activated., in Raw + Jpg and B&W.
Wow, DIY accessories is the best!
Robin, great thx for your tips. I love my EOS-M and Pentax Q10. I enjoy using them very much.
Wifi SD card would make them more smart when sharing photos to my phone for posting those interesting photos to social media😊
Nice one Robin!
Thanks!
Thank you :)
At 5:30 the cat strikes a pose -- priceless. 🤩 Tip #6 pet the kitty!
Oh yes! Pet the cat!
I am a big fan of tiny cams. I've been looking at the Nikon Z30 and the 24f1.7 as a pretty affordable option. The grip looks quite nice. I'm torn between buying it for street and buying the Canon R8 because my main camera died about. A year ago and I've stalled on replacing it.
Also, from a product design perspective: Ergonomics is how effectively the device can be operated by a person. Anthropometrics is how well it fits the human form on average. So in this case grip falls into anthropometrics. Little fingers hanging off the bottom don't necessarily reduce the effectiveness of operation, compared to something like fiddly stiff dials for example. Just a bit of unnecessary information. 🙏 😂
I use a Ricoh GR digital 8.1 megapixel for black and white and a really tiny Canon Ixus 100s for colour.
Both are ccd sensor cameras which I prefer.
I use an Oppo smartphone for everyday use for exceptional quality.
I love my little GM1 with a few different lenses, primarily the 25 1.8 and 42.5 1.7, but recently the 20 1.4. My only gripe with the camera is that the touch screen shutter release needs to be activated every time you turn the camera on. It's a minor inconvenience, but, for me, an inconvenience nonetheless. However...
It's a great little portrait orientation camera too, holding the lens in left hand and using the perfectly sensitive touchscreen to activate the shutter in order to minimize shake. Can even handle a panning shot this way with decent success.
The touch screen shutter is not as responsive and reliable as Olympus' implementation, hence I have stopped using it. I use the physical shutter button to capture the image, and only use the touch screen to move the focusing area.
The old saying 'the best camera you have is the one you have with you' certainly came true for me: my new used lumix mft camera is with me 1000% more than my old bulky system -> I take more pics -> I learn how the camera works -> pics improve. Still to find a situation that the mft sensor + IBIS couldn't handle.
Indeed, the smaller the camera the easier it is to carry around!
Spare battery is a good thing. After shooting the street of some years, you settle down to taking the images closer in numbers to that of using a film camera. You simply realize it is not what you are looking for, or it is impossible to work out, for whatever be the reason. Should you still take more shots? Why not, it is not burning the film and your pocketbook, but do not spray and pray, as the bad habit leads to many bad images, and lost time sorting through the mess. And you may not hone the kill of timing. Thanks for another good video presentation. -Loren
As you alluded to, Emily recently did a series about small cameras. She stated she love the Panasonic GM1 because it is the smallest M43 sensor camera they manufactured. This still must be a popular camera because despite being 13 years old it is still expensive. With Emily and you renewing interest in this tiny camera I’m sure you are responsible for the price going up like the Fuji X100V.
I am a street photographer. Any camera could be used for street photography. I value light and small. For what I do full frame isn’t required. This is why I embrace crop sensor bodies. Because the sensor is relatively small the lenses can be that way too. Small and light with good image quality. That is what I want and have.
I have never handled a GM1. I believe Emily and you about the weight and size of this camera. It is on my radar now. My Panasonic small and light body is the GX85 with the PL15mm lens. Of course I own other lenses but this is a match made in heaven for street photography. Hugh Brownstone from three blind men and an elephant named this body as his camera of the year several years ago with this lens.
Thank you for the heads up on this 13 year old body. If it made great images then it will continue to make great images with a competent photographer now. Having a spare battery or two is a necessity when taking these small bodies out for a walk. Not only are the batteries small they drain quickly since everything in this camera drains energy. The good news is that since the batteries are small they too are light. Carrying a few extra batteries all day isn’t noticeable.
Please continue to produce excellent content like this video and I will continue to watch them. Unfortunately I can watch your videos faster than you can produce them.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
GM1 seemed a bit too small, so the GX85 seemed just right. But, after years of shooting Lumix, I find myself preferring Olympus!
Btw, I don’t think we can blame Robin and Emily for the skyrocketing prices, as there are so many other videos that promote older cameras. Even as technology has progressed, it is the Photographer, not the camera that takes the pictures!
You shed about 250ish grams with the GM1 over the GX85, and it matches perfectly with the PL15mm. I may be mistaken, but I think the PL15mm along with the 12-32/35-100 kit lenses was made especially to go with the GM series. A couple of other options are the Lumix 14mm and the (defuncted) Oly 17mm f:2.8 pancake. Makes the GM pocketable in a shirt breast pocket.
I don't think our collective reach is influential enough to change the market value of cameras. But there are many other content creators exploring smaller cameras too. As for Fuji X100V, it was nothing to do with UA-camrs, that blame falls on Fuji for not catching up on their production and supply to match the market demand.
@@robinwong I don’t know Robin, you’ve got thousands and thousands of views!
I LOVE small cameras for street too! I just picked up the Lumix GM-1 and have fallen in love, though I prefer the GM-5 if I can find it for the viewfinder. I may end up going back to the Ricoh GR because of this because my eyesight isn't great and at least I can use the hot shoe for a viewfinder (though tired of the dust problems and the battery life). Thank you Robin for the love for SP! 🥰
Ricoh GR's LCD screen is horrible though!
@@robinwong this is true... I just absolutely need a viewfinder, so the hunt is still on for the smallest micro four thirds with a viewfinder and good IQ AND as small as possible! I may need to look at Olympus.
Vocal audio capture in the street is "on point"... Look forward to watching the rest of the video!
Thanks, appreciate the audio comment.
Small cameras are wonderful for street and travel. I have the GM5, which has a small but workable EVF (but to be honest, the small size is a pain). I added the largest stick-on Flipbak grip rather than the screw-on oem grip, but it works fine in providing the additional handling you mention. One note: the GM1 and GM5 don't have IBIS, so if you're shooting primes, like your Oly 17 1.8, there is no IS. I don't let that stop me; just need to be "on your game" with shooting technique. The little Panny zooms, such as the 12-32 and 35-100, do add lens IS, I note. But my favorite lens with the GM5 is the Panny 20mm.
I am perfectly fine if there is no image stabilization when I am traveling or doing street shooting. The image stabilization makes more difference for my paid jobs, so I have the E-M1 series cameras.
Happy Monday
Happy Monday to you too
Great tips and photos. I saw you are shooting in natural JEPG profile. Which setting did you use for your results?
i still use my original olympus em5 and i love it for street photography. Has so many features and its so light especially with the micro 4/3 format. sadly, i have trouble using it for anything else such as videography and nature photography. Might get a fuji next! Great video as always!
I'v been looking at some used Fuji X Pro 2's, and of course the Pro 3... however, recently I realized my Olympus EM-1 Mark 3 has some wonderful in-camera vintage photo profiles I really loved trying out this weekend. My wife also thinks they look amazing which is a plus. Personally, it doesn't feel as satisfying as knowing I am shooting with actual film simulation by Fuji; but it still has a wonderful result that may tie me over and hold me back from spending the extra money.
@@MacroTh3ory I’ll look into that! The only reason I want to upgrade is because my current Olympus has some really awful compression in the video that I can’t seem to fix. Every time there’s movement, the video just falls apart.
Panasonic is the video master, even the old cameras had 4K already. Just a suggestion, since you already have MFT lenses!
By nature photography, I guess you mean landscapes? Because for birds and macro, Olympus is the master.
@@numbersix8919 yeah true. Was looking into Panasonic cameras actually
If you are still keen on Micro Four Thirds, any newer cameras are quite capable for video and "nature" photography. E-M5 was launched in 2012, any cameras from Fuji or anyone else at that area was lacking behind in any of the features you needed.
Hello, Robin. I've been using a full-frame camera, but lately, I wanted a lighter camera setup. That's when I found out about micro four-thirds cameras, and I've been watching a lot of your videos recently. Thank you for your informative videos.
I have one question though. Could you provide information about the hand strap you used in this video? I'd like to purchase one as well.
Love your videos, so is there a tiny M43 camera that you recommend?
When it comes to grip I hold the camera with my thumb underneath the camera and middle finger on top, press the shutter with index finger. From a low angle index and middle finger below, thumb on shutter.
Everyone has their own comfortable/secure way of holding the camera, there is no right and wrong. Do what suits your hands/fingers best.
It originates from learning to use a firearm in military training, squeeze don't press. Press the shutter is wrong, squeeze it and there is no need for IBIS, in fact I roll my middle finger over the button and don't get camera shake up to half a second.@@robinwong
What's your take on the Canon M200 + 22mm f/2 lens? It's pretty compact but with modern sensor and processing
A great topic. Thanks, Robin. I too love small cameras, which is what attracted me to the GF1 many years ago, and later the GM1. I’m surprised Robin shoots one handed. It looks cool, but I’ve always seen it as the enemy of a good shot, particularly since the GM 1 is not stabilised. However, I suppose it helps to look nonchalant when doing street photography.
I don't normally shoot one-handed. I needed to do that because on the other hand I was holding the action camera to record the POV video footage. If I was not doing a video, I will use both hands for better stability.
私も小さなカメラが大好きです。しかし、最近のm4/3のカメラは大きくなっていき魅力が小さくなった気がして残念です。GM1良いですね！
I thought you are using the Lumix GX9, I have wondered what do you think of its EVF, if it is easy to use. I my case is not good to use with spectacles.
if I want to use EVF, I have E-M5 or E-M1 series cameras from Olympus.
@@robinwong
Yes, I am using E-M1 myself, the EVF is bigger and fills up my eye view compared to GX9. I tend to take more photos with the E-M1 because of that.
I like the GX9 form-factor as it looks more compact camera-ish but the EVF is small. Made worse with spectacles.
If you get the chance, I would like you to review the GX9 and your thoughts on it.
Some very good tips.
But sad to see that graffiti taggers are active in Kuala Lampur. It seems nowhere is immune to their moronic scribbling.
Thanks.
Hi robin been watching you for a while youre great using micro four thirds system can you me someday 😁 from philippines.❤
Thanks.
I put MF lens on my GF, and zone focused and loving it 👍🏼
How do you do it that all the models that pose for your pictures seem so happy and cheerful? Greetings from Poland :)
I think that you just need to smile ;)
People are generally very nice in Malaysia.
What I find with touch screens, is that I accidently err.. touch them 😅
I have both the Panasonic Lumix GM1 and GM5, and I also have the Pana/Leica 45mm f/2.8 Macro lens. Neither GM1 or GM5 have IBIS, but that lens has a stabilizer. The GM1 has a slightly larger screen than the GM5, so it fits better with what I'm about to describe. GM1 with that lens fits in the palm of your hand, while you can see the screen and a new way to take portrait photos. You can see and follow your object with your eyes and wait for the right moment, while also seeing the screen and the view you get. Then just snap, because the person you are photographing is much more relaxed this way than if you look through the viewfinder. This is how I have done many Fine Art portraits.
Grip isn't needed if you use a strap, an appropriate one.
I fail to see the logic here.
lens apa yg kamu guna tu?
Olympus 17mm
Hi Robin Wong.
I am frustrated that OM systems does not seem to be listening to their customers wants and needs of a higher resolution sensor that can perform as well or better in low light than the current one that she was in the OM-1.
We need to have more than 20 megapixels resolution avail for us OM system users,
I think the next sensor should have a minimum resolution of 26 megapixels,
They need to show their customers they are willing to compete against competition and they’re in for the long-haul giving us confidence that we’re not throwing your money away by buying OM system, cameras and lenses.
After investing in a OLYMPUS lenses it’s a very expensive thing to do to jump ship.
Ever shot Sony RX100?
Nope.