Top 5 Budget Compact Cameras for Street Photography in 2024

Street photography is all about capturing the raw essence of everyday life, from candid moments to fascinating street scenes. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, having the right camera is crucial for getting those perfect street shots. However, finding the best gear on a budget can be a challenge. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 budget compact cameras for street photography in 2024, each offering great features at a price that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for cheap compact cameras for street photography, this guide will be incredibly useful for you.

1. Fujifilm X100V – A Compact Street Photography Powerhouse

The Fujifilm X100V has earned its place as one of the most popular cameras for street photography, and for good reason. Though it’s on the higher end of the “budget” spectrum, it still offers excellent value for money. Its retro design, compact build, and high-quality image processing make it a favorite among street photographers.

Key Features:

26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
Built-in 23mm f/2 lens (equivalent to 35mm)
Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder
Weather sealing (with an additional filter)
Compact and lightweight

Advantages:

Superb image quality: The Fujifilm X100V’s sensor delivers stunning colors and excellent sharpness, even in low light.
Compact build: Perfect for stealthy street photography without attracting too much attention.
Built-in lens: The 23mm lens is great for street shots, offering a classic 35mm field of view.

Disadvantages:

Price: Though on the higher side for a budget camera, its value in image quality makes it worth considering.
No zoom: The fixed lens can be limiting if you prefer more versatility.

If you’re serious about street photography and want an all-in-one package, the Fujifilm X100V is a fantastic option even on a tight budget.

2. Ricoh GR III – The Street Photographer’s Dream

Often hailed as a street photographer’s dream, the Ricoh GR III is a tiny powerhouse packed with features that punch above its weight. Its pocket-sized build, excellent image quality, and customizable controls make it one of the best cheap compact cameras for street photography in 2024.

Key Features:

24.2 MP APS-C sensor
28mm f/2.8 fixed lens
Fast hybrid autofocus
Image stabilization
Ultra-compact and lightweight (only 257g)

Advantages:

Portability: Small enough to fit in your pocket, the GR III is perfect for on-the-go street photography.
Sharp images: Its APS-C sensor delivers fantastic detail and clarity, even in low-light situations.
Quick startup: Fast boot time ensures you don’t miss any candid moments.

Disadvantages:

Fixed lens: Some photographers may find the fixed 28mm lens restrictive.
No built-in viewfinder: You’ll have to rely on the LCD screen, which may not be ideal for bright outdoor conditions.

For those who want a truly compact and unobtrusive camera, the Ricoh GR III is an excellent budget option that’s favored by many street photographers for its stealthy approach.

3. Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II – Versatile and Affordable

If you’re looking for a camera that offers a bit more versatility in terms of zoom while still staying compact, the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II is a great option. It balances affordability with powerful features, making it a solid choice for street photography enthusiasts.

Key Features:

20.1 MP 1-inch sensor
24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens
4K video recording
Built-in pop-up electronic viewfinder
Tilting touchscreen

Advantages:

Zoom flexibility: The 24-120mm lens gives you flexibility in composition, whether you’re shooting wide scenes or focusing on distant subjects.
Image quality: The 1-inch sensor delivers excellent detail and low noise, especially in well-lit conditions.
EVF: The built-in electronic viewfinder is a great addition for framing shots in bright light.

Disadvantages:

Smaller sensor than competitors: While the image quality is still good, it doesn’t match the clarity of APS-C sensors.
Battery life: Limited battery life means you’ll need to carry spares for longer shoots.

If you want a budget compact camera with zoom capability, the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II offers a good balance between price and performance, making it one of the best budget compact cameras for street photography in 2024.

4. Sony RX100 VII – Speed and Precision in a Compact Package

The Sony RX100 VII is well-known for its fast autofocus, high burst shooting, and pocket-sized build. While it’s another higher-end option in the budget category, it’s still a fantastic choice for anyone serious about street photography.

Key Features:

20.1 MP 1-inch sensor
24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens
Real-time autofocus tracking
20fps burst shooting
Flip-up touchscreen

Advantages:

Incredible autofocus: With real-time tracking, the RX100 VII ensures you never miss a shot, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects.
Zoom range: The 24-200mm lens covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide street scenes to telephoto shots.
Compact size: It’s small enough to carry in your pocket, making it perfect for street photography.

Disadvantages:

Price: It’s on the more expensive side for a budget compact camera.
Low-light performance: The smaller sensor struggles a bit in low-light conditions compared to APS-C models.

The Sony RX100 VII is a top pick if you’re looking for speed, versatility, and compactness, especially for street photography in fast-paced urban environments.

5. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II – Affordable, Compact, and Versatile

Finally, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II offers a great combination of image quality, compactness, and affordability. With a large Micro Four Thirds sensor packed into a small body, this camera delivers excellent performance for street photography at a lower price point.

Key Features:

17 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens
4K video recording
Built-in electronic viewfinder
Compact and lightweight

Advantages:

Large sensor: The Micro Four Thirds sensor delivers better image quality than most compact cameras in this price range.
Wide aperture: The fast lens makes it easier to shoot in low-light situations and achieve beautiful background blur.
Good value: It offers a lot of features for its price, making it one of the best budget compact cameras available.

Disadvantages:

Limited zoom range: While the lens is sharp, the 24-75mm zoom range might be restrictive for some photographers.
Lower resolution: The 17 MP sensor delivers good detail, but other cameras offer higher resolution.

For photographers looking for an affordable yet high-quality option, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is a fantastic choice that strikes a great balance between price and performance.

Conclusion

When it comes to cheap compact cameras for street photography, 2024 has brought us some excellent options. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned street photographer, these five budget-friendly cameras offer a wide range of features, from portability and image quality to zoom versatility and fast autofocus.

If you prefer a classic street photography setup with stunning image quality, the Fujifilm X100V is a top pick.
For those who want something incredibly compact, the Ricoh GR III is a perfect fit.
The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II offers flexibility with its zoom range, making it ideal for photographers looking for versatility.
If speed and precision are your priorities, the Sony RX100 VII will not disappoint.
Lastly, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II provides a great balance of features at an affordable price.

With these cameras, you can capture professional-looking shots while staying within a budget. Each camera on this list has its own strengths, so choose the one that best suits your street photography style!