Fun is an important criteria

For a little while I’ve been thinking about what criteria are really important for a good street photography camera. I’ve written something about what camera should you start shooting street photography  for my beginner’s guide. However that was from the perspective of getting started and not a final word on what makes a great street photography camera.
I’ve thought a bit about it and have some conflicting thoughts (Full Frame would be nice, but so would Micro four thirds!) This makes it difficult to come to any clear conclusion. However, there is one thought that I am certain of. Fun is a vital criteria in choosing a street camera.

Valerie Jardín puts it this way

A new camera is only good if it gets you out shooting more.

While that may be a little over the top, It is still the best criteria to look for in a camera. I was recently missing my Olympus E-P5 as it was an even smaller camera than my Fuji and had amazing lens stabilization for long shutter speeds with no lens blur. You could get one person stood still, the rest of the world moving fast and do this handholding, something my fuji requires a tripod for. However, I know that I shoot a lot more with my Fuji x100t and that’s because it is “more fun”.
I can’t explain exactly what I mean by that but the viewfinder, inbuilt flash, and especially controls all count. It may even be the film simulations built-in too and the way it can connect directly with my Instax camera. Whatever it is, this camera just makes me want to take more pictures.

Fun can be the most important criteria

Ultimately that’s the most important criteria. I don’t think this is only true for cameras either. With something like a computer, smart phone or app, fun is important too. I use Unread for my RSS because it’s fun to use even though there are some more powerful free apps. I like to use my iPad more than my Mac because it’s more fun to use.

Sure, there are sometimes cost benefits to consider and it’s near impossible to know if something will be more “fun” until you try it (I played with a Fuji x100t in a shop and that’s what got me hooked. If you are thinking of getting a new camera, you really should try it out first.) But fun is an important criteria.