Retro-looking cameras may seem like a thing of the past, but the story is far from over. With many young photographers continuing the trend of buying devices that not only shoot good images but also look a certain way, there are some who are turning to older models that won’t cost a lot. Here is a look at three such cameras that offer a chic design but also an incredible performance even by today’s standards.
Fujifilm X Pro 2
Successor to the iconic X Pro 1, the X Pro 2 only further builds on the previous camera. It features a 24MP sensor and a minimalist build. It also carries an OVF, which also offers an EVF option, a boon for those who have vision challenges. The camera offers old-school dials, a 3-inch LCD, and a nice grip on the front. Its weather sealing is quite effective, and it is great for those shooting outdoors. What we were blown away by was the autofocus. “In very low lighting of a pretty dark bar in Williamsburg, the camera never missed a shot of its own accord,’ we explained in our review. The JEPGs are great even at ISO 12,800, and you also get the best results thanks to the film simulations. The RAW files also let you pull details with ease. Overall, you get a device that is trustworthy.
Olympus Pen F
The Olympus Pen F has a cult following and all for the right reasons. It also has a 20MP Live MOS sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, and can shoot 80MP high-res shots in RAW. The top of the camera has all the details, and the body feels like a grown-up Pen camera. “Everything is designed to look very analog, and Olympus did a fantastic job of embracing the aesthetics,” as we said. However, there is no weather sealing. The autofocus is great in bright light, but it struggles in low light. The JPEG quality is good, and the black and white output is exceptional, with the images looking like Ilford Delta 400. In fact, as we added, “At ISO 6400, the above image is what the photo looked like right out of the camera.” Similarly, the RAW files allow for the recovery of details with ease, more in shadows than highlights. Due to these features, the camera continues to dominate the market.
Fujifilm X70
The Fujifilm X70 is a compact camera with a 16MP APS-C sensor and a 28mm f2.8 lens. The design is simple, with the dials at the top and the LCD at the back. The build quality is nice, and it feels really good in your hands, and its fingers can wrap around nicely. Overall, it feels like a nice fixed lens camera. The focusing system is speedy, especially during the day. However, in low light, the images have a bit of camera shake. Where the camera shines the most is that it offers “really, really incredible image quality.” Up close, the bokeh is visible, and the lens renders nice sharpness. With the film simulation, you also get beautiful, punchy colors. High ISO results are overall decent, too, for social media use. This device tells you how to have fun while making photos.