Alright, let’s get this straight right away…
Every time Bob shows up on a photo walk in Toronto, someone asks:
“Hey Bob… what’s the BEST camera for street photography?”
And Bob usually says…
“The one you actually bring with you.”
But since you asked… let’s open the camera bag and see what’s rattling around in there.
Sony a6000 – The Workhorse
This is Bob’s main camera.
Fast auto focus, lightweight, and has seen more Toronto sidewalks than most shoes.
- Great for quick street moments
- Reliable in all conditions (including those “why am I outside in February?” days)
- Pairs with almost any lens
If Bob had to pick ONE camera… this is it.
Sony a5000 – The Underdog
This camera has survived more winters than it was designed for.
- Flip screen = sneaky waist-level shooting
- Still produces great images
- Proof that old gear still works
Also doubles as Bob’s “I can’t believe this still works” camera.
Sony RX100 – The Pocket Ninja
This is the camera Bob brings when he doesn’t want to look like a photographer.
- Fits in a pocket
- Perfect for candid shots
- Nobody takes you seriously… which is perfect
Street photography superpower: invisibility.
Sony NEX-3 – The OG
Bob bought this back when mirrorless cameras were basically science experiments.
- Manual lenses
- Focus peaking
- Pure “slow photography” vibes
Makes Bob feel like his great-great-grandfather (newspaper photographer, obviously).
16mm – Wide and Close
- Great for getting right in the action
- Makes viewers feel like they’re standing beside you
Warning: You will need courage (and maybe a fast walk away after).
30mm – The “Natural Eye”
- Closest to how we actually see
- Perfect storytelling lens
If Bob is telling a story… this is usually on the camera.
50mm – The Detail Hunter
- Isolates subjects
- Great for portraits and moments
👉 When Bob doesn’t want to get too close (or it’s awkward… which happens).
18–105mm G – The Everything Lens
- Used for events (and that one wedding Bob survived)
- Covers everything from wide to zoom
If you only want one lens… this is your Swiss Army knife.
55–210mm – The “Across the Street” Lens
- Compression
- Candid moments from a distance
Also known as the “I’m definitely not in your personal space” lens.
So… What’s the BEST Setup?
Here’s where Bob drops the truth bomb:
Best Camera:
Sony a6000 (or anything similar)
Best Lens:
30mm (or anything around 35mm equivalent)
Bob’s Real Answer (Camera Club Winning Advice)
The best street photography setup is:
- A camera you’re comfortable with
- A lens that matches how you see
- And the willingness to actually go outside
Because Bob has learned this after 15 years of walking the streets of Toronto:
It’s not about sharpness…
It’s not about chromatic aberration…
It’s not about what YouTube says…
It’s about the moment.
Final Thoughts from Bob
Bob has shot with:
- Expensive lenses
- Cheap lenses
- Old cameras
- Cameras that should have retired years ago
And guess what?
The best photos always came from:
- Being in the right place
- Waiting
- Watching
- And pressing the shutter at the right time
The Bob Rule of Street Photography
“F8… and be there.”
Or in Bob’s case:
“Whatever settings… just don’t stay home.”
If you see Bob out there walking around Toronto with an old Sony camera, a slightly confused look, and probably talking to himself…
Don’t worry.
