Vintage cameras—whether compact cameras, APS-C models, or DSLRs—have had an excellent year so far. Many young photographers are thinking of purchasing one, and every other week, new names pop up on Google Trends. This shows that the interest in retro image quality has not faded away. If you have been thinking of buying a retro digital camera, then these five devices could help. Have a look at what Gen Z is hunting for this week.
Nikon Coolpix L20
A retro digital camera launched in 2009, the Nikon Coolpix L20 is a basic point-and-shoot device. It has a 1/2.33-inch 10MP CCD sensor, ISO up to 6400, and a built-in 38–136mm lens. The lens has a macro capability of 5cm, while the camera comes with a 230,000-dot LCD. It lacks aperture priority and shutter priority modes, but adds video recording capabilities of 640 x 480 pixels. It is small and weighs 135g. It is surprising to see a device like this being searched for, but perhaps the appeal lies in the design more than what it can do. We have not tested this camera, so we cannot urge you to buy it.
Canon EOS M200
Introduced in 2019, the Canon M200 is a mirrorless camera designed for smartphone users. It houses a 24MP APS-C sensor, has a Digic 8 processor, and offers dual-pixel autofocus. The device has face and eye autofocus, can record 4K video at 60fps, and is compatible with EF and EF-S lenses. There is also a pop-up flash, a flip-up screen, like the one on Sony’s A6400, and a burst rate of 6fps. The device is certainly for hybrid shooters, and it seems many are keen to invest in it instead of just going for a photography-centric device.
Fujifilm XQ1
Launched in 2013, this retro digital camera features a 12 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II, and 4x digital zoom. The XQ1 also features a 3-inch LCD, can record clips at full HD, has an in-camera raw converter, and multiple film simulation modes. You also get artistic features such as soft focus, toy camera, and partial color selection, to name a few additional features. The camera is small and portable, and it is a fun camera to use. It is designed for casual shooters who do not want to use their phones.
Sony Alpha A77
The Sony a77 is a retro digital DSLR camera, introduced in 2012. It features a 24MP APS-C sensor, works with Sony and Minolta lens mounts, and has 19 AF points. The camera also features a 921600-dot LCD, ISO up to 12,800, and a burst rate of 12 fps. The device has a great EVF, quite quick to use, and auto exposure and white balance are spot on. As we said in our review, “Dynamic range is fantastic, and detail can be pulled out of shadows or blown highlights with ease. Colors from the RAW images are also significantly richer and more true-to-life than those from the JPEGs.” It also shoots great images at high ISO, making it ideal for various conditions.
Fujifilm XS20
The Fujifilm XS20 is a retro digital camera that is popular for its design. The device features a 26MP X Trans APS-C 4th generation sensor, 7 stops of IBIS, and 2.36 million dot EVF with a 100 fps refresh rate. The device lacks weather sealing, AI scene detection, and insect and drone detection modes. The camera feels right in your hands, has good vlog mode, is affordable, and can shoot great images. But the lack of weather sealing, a slow autofocus, and a lack of a fully functional touchscreen are holding it back.