Urban Exploration is a form of photography that entails investigating abandoned buildings and other man-made structures. It can be a dangerous hobby because these places are frequently in ruin and may be perilous to explore. Urban, on the other hand, gives a thrilling opportunity to capture unique and sometimes disturbing photographs for people who enjoy the thrill of the unknown.
This guide will teach you the fundamentals of Urban photography, from selecting fascinating locations to creating great images in challenging settings. We’ll also show you how to use post-processing to bring out the most in your images. Thus, whether you’re a first-time Urban photographer or a seasoned pro, this guide offers something for you!
- Why DSLR’s Are Great For Urban Exploration Photography
- Exploring Urbex Photography: What is Urban Exploration Photography?
- What Is Urban Exploration?
- Our Top Choices for The Best DSLR for Urban Exploration Photography
- Canon EOS 90D – BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR URBAN EXPLORATION
- Nikon D7500 – urban photography
- Nikon D780
- A Beginner’s Guide
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Features of the Best DSLRs for Urban Exploration
- Required Adjustable Settings for Urban Exploration Photography
- Urban Compact Cameras
Urban Exploration, also known as Urbex, is a fascinating activity that involves exploring and documenting abandoned places such as factories and prisons. It’s not uncommon for these places that make you wonder if you’ve been transported into a horror film to have a fascinating backstory. Urbex photography is a prestigious branch of photography that is rapidly gaining in popularity.
It is rare that an experience can provide this level of excitement – heart-racing moments that alternate between fear and excitement! It is likely that careful planning was required in order to gain access to such a unique property. This eagerly anticipated moment must be captured with the accuracy and integrity it deserves! This is where the genre of urban exploration photography comes into play.
Consider how important your camera is to your experience and how many shots it allows you to take before making a decision on whether or not to invest in one. The advantages of DSLRs for urban exploration photography are discussed here, as well as our top five picks and which features are most important to look for when selecting an urbex camera.
There’s beauty in the mundane and in the ordinary. Urban photography offers the opportunity to capture candid moments in the mundane and ordinary course of city life, whether on daring expeditions or on your daily commuting route.
When the right camera, lens, and timing are used, the sound and smell of a market stall or the mist from a fountain can be frozen in time forever.
Pack your belongings and set out to explore an urban environment; you never know what you might come across.
BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR URBAN EXPLORATION
Why DSLR’s Are Great For Urban Exploration Photography
Even though they have been around for a long time, digital SLR cameras are far from being considered obsolete in the photography industry. Certainly, your smart phone can capture high-quality images, and there are some acceptable mirrorless camera options available, but when it comes to focusing in on the specific factors required for proper urbexing, nothing compares to the capabilities of a DSLR camera.
DSLR cameras have the versatility to withstand the wide range of conditions and situations that you will encounter while urbexing, making them an excellent choice. You will frequently be shooting in low light conditions or in dusty, dirty, or wet environments. The camera may be subjected to some light abuse, and you will need to remain agile in order to gain access to unique angles or to flee from a potential fun-ruiner if necessary. Perhaps you’d like to photograph a close-up of some intriguing decay, or perhaps you’d like to photograph the entire cavern or building.
In terms of manipulating manual settings, the DSLR is very user-friendly. You’ll appreciate being able to quickly adjust settings such as exposure and depth of field when taking photographs.
DSLRs also offer a plethora of options for incorporating gear and accessories, all of which are simple and convenient. It will be beneficial to have items such as lenses and filters, tripods, lights, extra batteries, and remotes on hand for your urbex missions.
However, the excitement does not stop when you return home. When used in conjunction with a DSLR, the ability to capture high-quality raw images allows for incredible post-processing. Several programmes, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and PhotoMatrix, are available to help you improve your photographs and advance your career as a professional photographer.
Exploring Urbex Photography: What is Urban Exploration Photography?
Following the main streets allows you to explore a city. The prominent landmarks are seen. You can visit the most popular sights. It, however, is hardly urban exploration.
What exactly is urbex?
True urban exploration, often known as ‘urbex,’ is about venturing off the beaten route. It’s all about discovering those hidden areas in the urban jungle.
Urbex photography is sometimes known as “UE photography.” ‘UE’ is an abbreviation for urban exploration.
Urbex photography is about seeking out the abandoned and deserted. The urbex photographer is looking for urban relics from a bygone era. They wish to photograph the long-abandoned deteriorating structures in their entirety!
Cities are littered with derelict structures. Cities all across the world have been wounded by history’s boom and bust cycles. Thousands of abandoned hospitals, industries, housing complexes, and amusement parks dot the landscape.
Finding these abandoned sites is the goal of urban exploration photography. And, of course, shooting stunning photographs of them.
Urbex Photography is not an easy endeavor. There are numerous risks involved, and you could get into trouble. But for many photographers, this is all part of the fun.
We can’t advise you what to do, but we encourage that you keep within the law. Get permission to explore if you can, and always be cautious. Don’t go in if it appears to be too dangerous.
‘Take nothing but images and leave nothing but footsteps,’ says the urbex ethic. It’s a wise maxim to live by. You came to investigate, not to modify the decor.
What Is Urban Exploration?
When you enter a building with the intention of exploring and photographing it, you are engaging in urban exploration.
Although technically it is trespassing, the community makes an effort to keep their footprints to a minimum.
It has been decades since some of these abandoned buildings or structures have been vacant.
Since the discovery of the first known urban explorers in the late 1970s, our curiosity for these hidden places has only grown.
Infiltrating forgotten places like these has a certain amount of value. We have already seen the entirety of the world on a global scale.
Now it’s time to look closer to home and see what’s going on in our own backyard.
Our Top Choices for The Best DSLR for Urban Exploration Photography
With the seemingly endless number of DSLR options available today, it can be difficult to narrow down which is streamlined and lightweight, durable yet easy to transport, and has the versatility to be customised for each type of urbex adventure in which you participate. The following are our top five picks for urbex cameras that capture the most important characteristics for creating visually stunning images.
Canon EOS 90D – BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR URBAN EXPLORATION
Featured Specs
- 33MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 25600
- Canon EF/EF-S Mount
- 3” Fully Articulated Screen
- Optical viewfinder
- 11.0 fps continuous shooting
- 701g. 141 x 105 x 77 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
The EOS 90D is a camera designed for enthusiasts. It has the highest sensor resolution of any APS-C camera, with 32.5 megapixels, which has a negligible impact on its impressive low-light performance. Even when the subject is far away or off centre, the camera’s large focus area ensures a clear shot because of this.
Comfort and usability were also considered during the design process, with a delicate balance struck between the body and lens weights, as well as the inclusion of a convenient battery charging function. It is weatherproof, and the camera’s easy-to-locate and customizable features make it an excellent choice for any urbex enthusiast.
Nikon D7500 – urban photography
Featured Specs
- 21MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 51200 ( expands to 50-1640000)
- 3.2” Tilting Display Screen
- Optical viewfinder
- 8.0 fps continuous shooting
- 720g. 136 x 104 x 73 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
The D7500 is distinguished by its streamlined, lightweight design, which allows it to deliver high-quality, yet comfortable, performance. The EOS 90D has a slightly lower pixel count than its Canon counterpart, the EOS 90D, but it has a faster continuous shooting speed and high-performance sensors to compensate.
Urbexers are drawn to features that make their lives easier, such as a tilting LCD screen and a high-capacity battery. Because of the high ISO range and the 20.9 megapixel format, you can capture images that are rich in detail even in low light.
Nikon D780
Featured Specs
- 25MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 51200
- 3.2″ Tilting Display Screen
- Optical viewfinder
- 12.0 fps continuous shooting
- 840g. 144 x 116 x 76 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
Loaded with a 25-megapixel full-frame sensor and an impressive maximum ISO, this new member of the Nikon family excels at producing high-quality images in a variety of lighting conditions, including low-light and extremely bright conditions. It has focus bracketing, which is a fun feature that allows you to take multiple photos of a moving focus point at the same time. It’s a fantastic addition and suggestion for those who want to take outstanding urban exploration photographs.
When compared to its competitors, it has an average of a significantly higher number of frames that can be captured on a single battery recharge. With cutting-edge technology features such as the ability to use your smartphone as a remote control, the Nikon D780 will not let you down on your next urbex expedition.
A Beginner’s Guide
Exploring and photographing these abandoned locations is exhilarating, potentially dangerous, legally ambiguous, and a great deal of fun. This is a trend that has only accelerated in the last few decades.
As I previously stated, much of it is considered trespassing because these structures or buildings are privately owned. Some areas will be guarded, and you will need permission to enter them.
Police and security guards are well aware of the practise of urban exploration photography, and most will ask you to leave without prosecuting you.
This is only true if you do not steal or cause damage to any of the property’s belongings. Here’s where you can find our complete beginners’ guide.
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Featured Specs
- 26MP – Full frame CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 40000 ( expands to 50-102400)
- Canon EF Mount
- 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
- Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
- 6.5 fps continuous shooting
- Built-in GPS
- 765g. 144 x 111 x 75 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR URBAN EXPLORATION
In spite of the fact that it has been updated from the EOS 600D, the Canon EOS 6D MII remains one of the lightest full-frame DSLRs available on the market today. It even has WiFi and GPS built in, as well as smartphone compatibility with the device.
Due to the advanced sensor technology, it performs well in low-light situations as well as in bright sunlight, and it produces images with a high resolution of 26 megapixels. Environmental sealing makes it resistant to dust and water, which is ideal for situations where there is a possibility of substandard conditions.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Featured Specs
- 30MP – Full frame CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 25600 ( expands to 50-102400)
- 3.2” Fixed View Display Screen
- Optical viewfinder
- 7.0 fps continuous shooting
- Built-in GPS
- 890g. 151 x 116 x 76 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
Full frame sensor with an impressive 30.0MP resolution contributes to the high-quality images that you will get from this camera. Improved dynamic range capabilities, as well as a high ISO of up to 102400, allow for clear representation in any environment.
When you combine that with its high ratings for ergonomics and handling, you’ll be well on your way to conveniently capturing some breathtaking scenery with your camera.
Features of the Best DSLRs for Urban Exploration
Sorting through the extensive list of features available in today’s digital SLR cameras can be a time-consuming endeavour. When selecting an urbex-worthy camera, it is critical to ensure that you are prepared for the less-than-ideal environments that will be documented, as well as that you are conscious of your intentions. In this section, we’ll go over the primary physical characteristics and internal settings that a DSLR camera should have in order to be suitable for urban exploration.
Physical Characteristics Required for Urban Exploration Photographic Work
CAMERA BODY SIZE AND WEIGHT
Consider all of the unusual and exciting places you will be able to photograph with your camera. The camera should not be a burden to carry around, so it should be lightweight. However, the dimensions of the camera are important when it comes to packing and unpacking the camera. You should think about how you will transport it and whether you will be bringing any additional items along with you.
, the weight of the lens is not typically taken into consideration. Make sure to research any lenses you may be interested in purchasing, as well as their weight, before making a purchase.
Weather resistance
Some cameras are completely waterproof, but the majority of them are designed to be weather resistant. Weather sealing will protect the delicate internal components of your camera from damage caused by dust, debris, and humidity. Some cameras are made of plastic, while others are made of aluminium or other metal, and the material used to construct them can have an impact on the conditions they can withstand.
You will almost certainly find yourself in filthy situations, but it is unlikely that your camera will be submerged in water for an extended period of time. When it comes to the typical urbex experience, a weather-sealed camera is perfectly acceptable.
Ease of use and availability of equipment
When it comes to things like changing lenses if necessary or setting up a tripod, you will appreciate how quickly it can be done. As your urbex enthusiasm grows, so will your collection of urbex-related equipment. When it comes to the availability of these equipments and the ease with which they can be transferred onto and off of your camera, some brands make it easier than others.
As a result, not every piece of equipment is available from all of the top manufacturers, so keeping in mind any additional equipment you might want is important when choosing your camera.
Battery longevity and ease of charging
All cameras are designed to run multiple features at the same time for extended periods of time; however, not all cameras perform as well as others in this regard. Check the battery ratings and how easy it will be to recharge/replace the batteries before making your purchase. Don’t let the fear of running out of battery life get in the way of your exciting experience.
Battery longevity and ease of charging
BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR URBAN EXPLORATION
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A wide angle lens will be your best option, especially if you are just getting started with photography and learning how to use your camera. It is the most adaptable and captures those enticing urban scenes to a high degree of accuracy and precision. If you are shooting in a confined or narrow space, a wide angle lens will allow you to capture more scenery while also giving your subject a more demanding presence.
Required Adjustable Settings for Urban Exploration Photography
Good dynamic range
Because you will not want to have to change lenses as frequently as you would for pesky dust and contaminants, having adequate dynamic range capabilities will make your experience more convenient. Having a camera with good HDR capability will allow you to shoot in a variety of environments and lighting conditions while simultaneously capturing multiple exposures.
When it comes to post-processing, this is a great way to achieve the dramatic effect that is so popular. It is beneficial for any subject matter, but it is especially appropriate for all of the urban beauty you will be chasing down during your urban exploration photography adventures.
Manual modes
If you do not rely on the automatic features of your camera, you will get much more out of your images. In order to achieve specific desired results, you will want to take control of the situation by manually adjusting these. You will most likely be experimenting with your aperture, ISO, and shutter speed when doing urbex photography. As you explore the ins and outs of your decaying surroundings, setting the proper aperture, or depth of field, will become second nature to you. Setting up long exposures allows you to capture the most amount of detail possible, which is especially useful in low-light situations, which you will find yourself in on a regular basis.
CONCLUSION
When taking part in an activity as unique as urban exploration photography, having the right camera is absolutely essential. Investigating abandoned sites develops into a rewarding art form that is exciting, dangerous, and entertaining – so be sure to treat it with the respect and care that it deserves.
There are numerous options available, and it can be difficult to know where to begin when making a camera purchase. Knowing which characteristics are most important for the type of photography in which you are interested makes the task seem much less daunting.
Whatever your level of experience with urban exploration photography is, whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned professional, you’ll appreciate the versatility, durability, and ease of use a DSLR camera provides for urbex photographers. We hope this article has assisted you in narrowing down your next camera purchase. Choosing your camera is an exciting first step in the urbexing process, so make sure to take pleasure in this part of the process as well!
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Urban Compact Cameras
COMPACT\sCAMERAS
A city’s voice is expressed through graffiti and urban art; bursting with colour and personality, it tells a storey all its own, and is a source of inspiration for many. Stay off the beaten path with the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II, which has a quick start-up and responsiveness that allows you to capture authentic stills with spontaneity. With its 31-point Auto Focus and 20.1 MP sensor, this high-performance camera can capture this alternative artwork in any light, right out of your pocket.
With the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III, you can travel from city to city and capture every moment along the way. Compact camera that provides an all-in-one solution. It is designed for easy handling while maintaining image quality and speed comparable to that of a DSLR. The large electronic viewfinder and Touch and Drag Auto Focus, which are designed for portability and outstanding results, provide a completely intuitive and connected experience – allowing you to shoot quickly and confidently.