The 10 Must-Have Cameras & Accessories for Street Photographers

My name’s Gajan and I’m an award-winning photographer based out of Toronto and my mission in life is to simply travel the world and make dope shit. While I’ve been able to make a living shooting portrait and fashion, street photography is, and will always be, my true love. Whether it’s at-home or abroad, street photography is becoming even more popular and getting started has never been easier. I often get asked about the key tools that I use to capture my work, so I’ve put together a curated guide with some of my favorites. Enjoy!

At A Glance...

• Moment Fanny Sling
• Fujifilm X100V
• Fujifilm AR-X100 & Moment 49mm CineBoom 10%
• WCL X100 II & TCL X100 II
• Sekonic L-308X U
• FujiFilm X-S10
• FujiFilm XF 23mm F2.0 WR
• ONA Sevilla Strap OR Peak Design x FujiFilm Cuff Wrist Strap
• Rode Wireless GO II
• FujiFilm Instax Wide Printer
• Long Weekend Camera Pouch

Moment Fanny Sling

The first thing on my list is something that still turns photographer heads when I carry it and it’s the Moment Fanny. Not something I thought I would get but once I pulled the trigger, I can’t see myself going back. There’s plenty of room for a small camera, sanitizer, cleaning cloth, film rolls, business cards, playing card, blank cards, and even your Pokemon cards. They’re built to last and will keep you low-key prepared when your in the streets.

Fujifilm X100V

I have to talk about my perfect camera early, the Fujifilm X100V. I love this camera more than any other camera I’ve owned and it’s an absolute pleasure to use. You can hear me go on and on about this thing in several videos on my YouTube channel so what I’ll simply say is that this camera is quite possibly the perfect companion camera. The one that you take with you everywhere. I’ve created some of my most favourite images on this thing and the premium build quality means that it’ll survive in even the most demanding situations. The Fujifilm X100V, a camera that even the most loyal fullframe fanboys are tempted by.

Fujifilm AR-X100 & Moment 49mm CineBoom 10%

The next items are a duo and that is the Filter Adapter for the X100V and the 49mm Cinebloom 10% filter. This small addition to the X100V gives it complete weather sealing and more creatively, some pleasing diffusion to your images. Digital cameras have a way of capturing over-realistic sharpness at times and this CineBloom by Moment does a great job of removing the bite that some images may have. What’s also great is that light sources will have a nice bloom to them and feel more ethereal in select environments. These two pieces make for a killer combo and noticeably level up an already amazing camera.

WCL X100 II & TCL X100 II

On the topic of adapters, the WCL X100 II & TCL X100 II are two pieces of glass that can supercharge your X100V kit by allowing you to shoot wider and tighter. The camera has an equivalent focal length of 35mm, the WCL will stretch that to a 28mm equivalent while the TCL will narrow it to a 50mm equivalent. What this means is that you can have the 3 most popular focal lengths in street photography in a package that’s small enough to fir in your fanny back. You see how this all comes together? And if you’re wondering which one would you get if you can only get ONE? My recommendation would be the WCL because its often harder to get wider in the field than it is tighter.

Sekonic L-308X U

If you’re a photographer, buy a !@#$-ing light meter. Enough of this BS that you let your camera meter the light or you can gauge it with your eye. None of that is as good as a dedicated light meter and the Sekonic L-478D is the one I use and recommend but the L-308X-U is plenty enough for most people. Now you’re wondering, when would I use this in the streets? Lock settings at the hour before you put in work. Or when you have time for a portrait and want to get the perfect light ratio. OR when you look to capture something on film and can’t afford to screw up. A light meter allows you to accurately measure light and work faster. I go on at length about how to use a light meter in my studio photography course so I’ll leave it at this, a light meter is something you buy once and use for a lifetime. It’s something that will make you a better photographer so long as you are willing to take the leap and start using it.

FujiFilm X-S10

Okay, that last pick may have been a little assertive so here’s something a little more fun, the Fujifilm X-S10. For those that want more flexibility from their camera and need something that can perform great video work, the X-S10 has to be on your shortlist. Packing the latest Fujifilm sensor, image stabilization, and great video features, this camera delivers a ton of value that can cover many items for a budding creator. If you want to learn more about this camera, check out the honest review on my YouTube channel.

FujiFilm XF 23mm F2.0 WR

The first lens I got when I switch over to FujiFilm is the XF 23mm F2.0 WR. This is also the lens I recommend most to new shooters. While zooms make the onboarding experience easy, a prime will train you to be a better photographer and this 35mm equivalent focal length is very welcoming to new shooters. This lens packs plenty of value, great autofocus and weather sealing to keep you shooting in any situation. It’s the first lens I ever got for Fujifilm and one I may never get rid of.

ONA Sevilla Strap OR Peak Design x FujiFilm Cuff Wrist Strap

This item may cause a divide so I will include both. Whether it’s the ONA Sevilla Strap OR Peak Design x Fujifilm Cuff Wrist Strap, a good strap (how many times can I stay strap in a sentence?) makes all the difference in the field. I love the Sevilla because it’s thin, durable, and easy to manipulate. The Cuff is also fantastic if you want something even more discreet and even has some custom https://moment.8ocm68.net/GB-P... branding to complete the look. I can’t tell you which one is right for you but I will say that both of these are awesome products.

Rode Wireless GO II

More and more photographers are creating content beyond images. Maybe its for a quick video on social or a full on YouTube video and regardless of where you might be on that spectrum, good audio makes all the !@#$-ing difference. The Rode Wireless GO II is a kit that I didn’t open for a few months but when I started using it, well… there was no going back. They’re easy to setup, provide good audio, and even have integrated recording in case your camera screws up. It’s the Rode Wireless GO II and well, it’s my default audio solution for a lot of the content I produce.

FujiFilm Instax Wide Printer

Last on my list is the new Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Smartphone Printer. This might seem like a gimmick for some creators but I’ve gotten so much value out of Instax—and even some clients—over the years, that I have to include this on any list. Look, there’s no sugar-coating it… print your !@#$-ing photos people. Don’t let them die on a hard drive. This new Instax provides an easy way to share your work, leave as a souvenir, or even flex as a business card. I love my Instax solutions and I think the creative in you will too.

Long Weekend Camera Pouch

Small cameras need love too. Designed to add the perfect amount of protection to your point and shoot camera without adding bulk. The minimalist and collapsible design forms to the shape of your camera so it still fits in whatever pocket you want to throw it in. Webbing loops on each side of the pouch allow you to connect your favorite neck strap. Attachment points on the back let you clip it to any bag or backpack strap. Show your camera some love and have yourself a looong weekend.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter or Instagram (@GajanBalan) and we’ll continue the conversation there. Take care.