The best retro cameras provide a shooting experience like no other. Inspired by the classically cool look and feel of the best film cameras or the best rangefinders from years gone by, these cameras are instead packed full of cutting-edge tech and many of the conveniences modern photographers have come to expect from some of the best mirrorless cameras on the market.
And this isn't just the hobby horse of a few niche enthusiasts, like me. It's big business – retro cameras are really popular. Fujifilm basically turned its fortunes around by introducing the retro-style X-series of compacts and mirrorless cameras, and other companies like Olympus, Panasonic, and now even Nikon have since hopped on the bandwagon.
Before we start, I should quickly note that I'm dealing exclusively in retro digital cameras here. If you want to go all the way with an analog film camera for that vintage touch, our guide to the best film cameras is a good place to start, or if your retro leanings are towards classic prints then check out the best instant cameras.
Gareth Bevan
Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World – and a big fan of retro cameras. Not only has he tested the cameras on this list, but has also ended up buying quite a few afterward. With several years of experience as a photographer and writer, he has learned a thing or two about cameras and the industry, which helps when choosing the best ones to recommend.
Recent updates
26/04/2024: Added the Fujifilm X-T30 II, removed the Leica M11, added a comparison table for camera specs, and added DCW lab data.
The Fujifilm X-T5 ticks all the boxes for both a retro camera, with its beautiful old-school looks and manual dials, but also the latest cutting-edge tech inside with a huge 40MP sensor.
The Nikon Zf is the best full-frame vintage-looking camera you can get right now, with the smarts of Nikon's flagship cameras in the body that harks back to the analog Nikon FM2.
A two-in-one pick as the best retro compact camera and the best retro rangefinder. With Fujifilm's film simulations, you can easily and instantly give your photos a retro feel as well.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV offers the superb quality of the OM-D series into a beginner-friendly – and, crucially, affordable – camera body with a retro look.
Nikon's first mirrorless take on a retro camera has proved very popular among those photographers who want the benefits of digital but the aesthetics of analog.
The Olympus Pen series of fashionable, retro-styled mirrorless cameras had lost its way somewhat in previous years but came back with a bang with the Olympus Pen E-P7.
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✅ You want a pro camera with retro style: the Fujifilm X-T5 isn't just a retro toy, it offers a wealth of photography tech making it a great choice for pros too.
✅ You want a great selection of lenses: Fujifilm's lens lineup has tons of great options, and crucially most lenses are very appropriately sized for its smaller cameras.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You shoot a lot of pro video: the X-T5 is a photography-first camera, and while it does have impressive sounding video specs on paper, there are much more capable video cameras. ❌ You want a bigger sensor: at 40MP, the X-T5 sensor has plenty of resolution, but if you prefer the light gathering and depth of field of a larger full-frame then the Nikon Zf is currently the best option.
Now, I freely admit I have a bit of a vintage film camera obsession. So, it's no surprise that Fujifilm's X-T series caught my eye right away – that classic camera look, straight out of the good ol' film days. The X-T5 keeps that vibe alive with physical dials on top for shutter speed and ISO that you can adjust with the flick of a finger. But don't be fooled by the retro charm, this little camera packs a modern tech punch.
After putting the X-T5 through its paces, I was so impressed by the image quality, video capabilities, design, and build – all packed into such a compact and lightweight body – that I ended up buying one myself!
Just like its flagship X-H2 sibling, the X-T5 features an APS-C sensor with a whopping 40.2MP resolution. For anyone who thinks APS-C sensors are somehow inferior to full-frame, well, the X-T5 is here to prove them wrong, as the photos are stunning.
It can also shoot stunning 10-bit 4:2:2 video at 6.2K/30P (although slightly disappointingly at a crop), has built-in image stabilization for shake-free shots, and a tilting touchscreen for composing from low angles. This is a camera that both serious photographers and keen enthusiasts can appreciate.
Now, if the classic look with dials has you smitten but the price tag gives you pause, then the Fujifilm X-T30 II (you'll find it featured further down) might be a good option. It keeps the retro aesthetic with dials but with a lower resolution sensor and less processing power compared to the X-T5.
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Features
High-resoltion, IBIS, 6K video, Fujifilm packed a lot into this retro body
★★★★★
Design
Beautiful styling, although some might take issue that the screen does not rotate
★★★★☆
Performance
Fantastic image quality and exceptional subject detect autofocus
★★★★★
Value
Excellent value for its comprehensive spec sheet, undercuts a lot of similar rivals
Articulating screen and hinge are not flush with the body
Buy it if:
✅ You want a big sensor retro camera: the APS-C vs full frame debate rages on, but currently, the Nikon Zf is the best retro camera if a full-frame sensor is important to you.
✅ You want a real-deal retro camera: where retro looks inspire other cameras on this list, the Zf is actually modeled from the design of the classic Nikon FM2.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want matching lenses: the biggest flaw with the Nikon Zf is Nikon has only a couple of retro-inspired lenses to match the camera. ❌ You use big lenses: the Nikon Zf is not very comfortable to hold for long periods without an additional grip adapter, especially when paired with big lenses.
If you are a fan of film cameras, then you can't really get any more retro than the Nikon Zf as the design is a reincarnation of the Nikon FM2 from 1982, and is sure to immediately win over any vintage camera enthusiasts.
Nikon has also nailed the feel of a vintage camera as well in its choice of materials, and while the Nikon Z fc was a nice taster, the Zf body takes everything up a notch, with a better build quality with more substantial and robust brass dials, and a weighty feel reminiscent of the iconic Nikon FM2 that served as its inspiration. From the moment I laid my hands on this camera, I was a bit smitten.
However, the design does have downsides, I found that the Zf’s minimal grip is uncomfortable to hold for long periods. Also, there is a lack of Nikon vintage-style lenses natively for the Z mount, which limits you to modern-looking Nikon lenses, or old Nikon lenses via a mount adapter, which spoils the aesthetic somewhat.
But the Nikon Zf is a great camera when it comes to actually taking photos and videos! Internally, this is the closest to a new Z6 III right now, with its 24MP full-frame sensor and Nikon's cutting-edge Expeed 7 processor, the Zf offers much better autofocus and subject tracking, as well as solid 4K video performance.
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Features
A retro body hides a large full-frame sensor offering 24MP photos and 4K video
★★★★★
Design
Stunning camera, but there are some issues with the shallow grip and lack of retro lenses
★★★★☆
Performance
Reliable Nikon image and video quality, with cutting edge autofocus and tracking
★★★★★
Value
That full sensor costs as this is one of the more expensive options in retro cameras
✅ You want a compact camera: if you want a camera that can just slip effortlessly into a large pocket or bag then the X100VI is perfect.
✅ You love a rangefinder design: the X100 series is one of the few modern rangefinder cameras, which means you still get a (hybrid) optical viewfinder.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to shoot at different focal lengths: the fixed-lens nature of this camera means you are stuck with a 23mm focal length. There are adapters available to alter the perceived focal length but they are expensive with varying results. ❌ You shoot a lot of video: the X100VI is capable of good 6K video, but the fixed lens, slow readout, and two-way tilting screen limit vlogging and recording from awkward angles.
Fujifilm's X100 series is what started the Fujifilm X retro revolution, and these prime-lens compacts have been enduringly popular for more than a decade, and never more so than right now. The Fujifilm X100VI is the latest evolution of the winning combination of stunning retro rangefinder design with dial-led controls, a big (for a compact camera) APS-C sensor, and a sharp 35mm equivalent prime lens, all of which have been the foundation of the series since its beginnings.
The X100VI takes things one step further. I really appreciated the bigger sensor paired with in-body image stabilization and more comprehensive autofocus that makes images from the X100VI even better than the very high bar already set by its predecessor. The X100VI produces superb images straight out of the camera, and extra features like optional converters for altering the lens’s field of view, expand the possibilities of the X100VI beyond humble compact camera.
But its party piece, like many FujiFilm cameras, is the ability to use retro-inspired film simulations, or 'recipes' as the expansive Fujifilm enthusiast community calls them, to mimic analog film. However the downside to this premium camera is it comes at a luxury price, but try one out and you’ll see why so many photographers (including myself) have fallen for an X100 series’s charms.
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Features
40MP sensor backed up by Fuji's film simulations, 6.2k video, and IBIS all improve on the previous model
★★★★★
Design
Beautiful and well built body with the star being the excellent hybrid viewfinder
★★★★★
Performance
Fantastic photo quality from the 40MP sensor and new IBIS system
★★★★★
Value
Build quality is top notch, but that means it costs a premium price
✅ You want a retro look for less: if you want a camera that fulfills the retro style but doesn't break the bank then the E-M10 offers a lot of value.
✅ You own MFT lenses: the open nature of the MTF mount means that if you own lenses from Panasonic or any number of MTF manufacturers, they will work on the E-M10.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want retro materials: the camera is a little plastic-y rather than the solid metal construction of vintage cameras, and there are better-made options on this list. ❌ You love to crop: the 20MP sensor on the E-M10 is fine for full-sized photos for social media, although limits your ability to crop images without losing detail.
This might not be the newest camera on this list, but that doesn't matter, I am still a big fan of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.
It brings the superb quality from the OM-D series into a beginner-friendly – and, crucially, much more affordable – camera body, and does it all with retro style. The top plate, adorned with classic dials, offers that wonderful tactile experience of manual shooting, a feature that almost landed it a spot in our "real-deal retro" category.
This is the fourth iteration in the E-M10 lineup, and it really doesn't claim to be a revolutionary game-changer, but what it lacks in groundbreaking features, it more than makes up for in thoughtful refinements.
Our reviewer was thoroughly impressed by the camera's capabilities with a superb 20MP sensor that delivers crisp, detailed, and vibrant images and holds its own with impressive, if not class-leading 4K video. For those always on the go, the E-M10 IV shines with its highly responsive continuous autofocus – perfect for capturing fleeting moments during your travels.
But fear not, unlike some of its vintage counterparts, the E-M10 IV is priced to please, making it the most accessible option on this list for any retro photography enthusiasts without deep pockets.
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Features
Compact body, 5-axis image stabilization and 4K video capability makes this a great all-round camera
★★★★★
Design
Designed in the classic retro style, but its low cost is shown in the cheaper feeling contruction
★★★★☆
Performance
Image and video quality are great, and OMs IBIS shines, although 20MP is low by comparison
★★★★☆
Value
There is so much included in this camera for an incredibly low price, the best value camera on this list
✅ You want an easy-to-use camera: if you are looking for a camera that is simple to use, then the Z fc is an excellent automatic camera, and you can start using the dials when you're ready.
✅ You already own Nikon lenses: if you own another Nikon Z camera already, then you already have a head start on kitting out the Z fc saving some cash down the line.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want the full retro look: the Nikon Z fc is held back by a lack of retro-inspired lenses from Nikon. Although there are good third-party options if you want the full look. ❌ You want the best value: the Nikon Z50 is essentially the same camera, although without the retro look, but the Z fc will cost you more.
In 2013, Nikon took a stab at a digital camera with a vintage twist with the Nikon Df – a full-frame DSLR that's no longer available. It won over some hearts, but the whole retro concept felt a bit strained by the fact that most of its lenses lacked aperture rings, and the price tag was hefty.
Fast forward a decade, and Nikon is giving it another shot with the Nikon Z fc. It's the second APS-C sensor camera for the Z mount system, and it boasts charming dial-based controls that harken back to the good old days of film photography. This time, they're smartly aiming for the entry-to-mid-level market, although they haven't yet solved the issue with a lack of retro-inspired lenses with aperture rings. Although a lot of people won't care when Nikon's Z lenses are so good, and there are third-party lenses that have vintage style if you really want to complete the aesthetic.
Sure, you can still embrace the digital world and tap the touchscreen for focus and shooting. But honestly, after using the Z fc in our review, we doubt you'll want to. The clicky dials are a pleasure to operate, making the whole photography experience more engaging and tactile, with surprisingly few drawbacks for its generous helping of retro flair. Image quality is excellent, and the 4K UHD video capabilities are nothing to scoff at either.
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Features
The APS-C sensor is 20.9MP, which is a little on the low side, but the Zfc has quick autofocus and great video specs
★★★★★
Design
Styled like Nikon cameras of yesteryear, but unfortunately not quite with the same build quality
★★★★☆
Performance
Nothing retro about Nikon's excellent autofocus in stills and video
★★★★☆
Value
The Z fc camera offers excellent value, although you can feel a few of the cost saving measure in the build
✅ You want Fuji's X-T5 for less: if you love the style of the X-T5 but not the price tag, then for some sacrifices in specs you can get this cheaper reproduction.
✅ You want access to film simulations: Fuji's film simulations have inspired a legion of fans, and this is the cheapest way to join in the fun.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want the very latest tech: the X-T30II is probably due for an upgrade soon as it is the only X-series line still on sale to use the X-Processor4 and not have IBIS. ❌ You shoot lots of video: while there is 4K video, the tilting screen, and no IBIS mean this isn't the top retro camera for videographers.
Fujifilm's been churning out mini-me versions of their flagship X-T for a while now. The latest, the Fujifilm X-T30 II, might just be their best effort yet, and I'm not the only one who thinks so – that's probably why it's still hanging around long after other lines have been replaced.
Confusingly, it doesn't wear the X-T40 badge, even though it's the stripped-down X-T4. Maybe it's because the X-T30 II isn't a massive leap from the original X-T30. It's more like a refresh, with a bigger screen and autofocus tech borrowed from its big brother. It's clearly aimed at folks who've been itching for an X-T40, and it should do the trick in a pinch, although some might want to hold off and hold out some hope for an update.
The sensor and processor aren't that new, but the X-T30 II can still pump out stunning photos, especially with film simulation modes or custom film recipes you can find online, although autofocus and video are stronger in newer Fujifilm cameras.
However I find using it is a joy, with those clicky dials adding a classic feel, and it is a fantastic camera to learn manual photography with. Just be warned, it might feel a bit cramped in bigger hands. Fuji's definitely cut some corners on build quality to keep the price down – it doesn't feel quite as sturdy as the main X-T line, or the retro-cool X100V or X-Pro cameras, but if you're hunting for a vintage-styled bargain, this is the most affordable Fujifilm you can get.
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Features
A mini-me version of the flagship X-T4 with 26.1MP stills and 4K30P video still holds up today
★★★★★
Design
In the same wonderful retro style as the X-T4, but you can feel where corners have been cut in materials
★★★★☆
Performance
Excellent stills and video, although could really use the addition of IBIS to keep up with the times
★★★★☆
Value
The cheapest camera in Fuji's range is a great price, but there are others on this list that pip it for value
✅ You want an absolutely tiny camera: if you want one of the smallest (non-compact) cameras to easily slip into a bag or pocket, then the E-P7 is adorably miniature.
✅ You want to share photos quickly: with lots of filters and auto modes, it is easy to share ready-for-social images with minimal to no editing required.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You live in the US: for some inexplicable reason this camera was never released in the US, although you might be able to import one. ❌ You want a viewfinder: the E-P7 sacrifices a viewfinder to fit into its tiny form factor, which is likely to upset some photographers (like me).
The Olympus Pen series of fashionable, retro-styled mirrorless cameras had lost its way somewhat in previous years but came back with a bang with the Olympus Pen E-P7. Using the same Micro Four Thirds sensor as the E-M10 Mark IV, replacing the aging 16MP model on previous Pen cameras with a brand new 20MP to play with.
It’s not just Fujifilm that can do film simulations, the E-P7 is packed with filters and auto-powered Picture Modes that make it easier for new users to create images with stylish looks and effects. Classic modes like Mono 2 basically simulate the distinctive looks of popular film stocks like Kodak Tri-X, allowing you to give your images a true retro feel.
In our Olympus PEN E-P7 review, we were particularly impressed by the IBIS (in-body image stabilization), which is something of an Olympus specialty and makes the camera especially good for video. Indeed, with 4K 30p video, this one is definitely pitched towards vloggers – as I am sure pure stills shooters will bemoan the lack of a viewfinder.
Curiously, the camera has been released in Asia and Europe only, maybe as those are its most popular markets, but if you live stateside and you want a tiny pocket-sized travel camera, then you might be able to find an import.
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Features
A lot squeezed into a tiny body, 20MP is a little low, but it is capable of 4K30P video
★★★★☆
Design
Continuing the spirit of the Pen range, the tiny size is just superb for traveling
★★★★★
Performance
The quality of photos and video are plenty for socials, and the filters give you ready-to-share shots
★★★★☆
Value
Even though it is a dinky little camera, it is not the best value, and is also not available in the US
Retro cameras can be defined in a number of ways. To decide on which is right for you will depend on if you want full manual control over your images, or if you just want a camera that looks the part. Our own Rod Lawton came up with a neat categorization system for retro cameras, which I'll borrow and tweak slightly for this guide.
Retro cameras that are simple to use – these are cameras that look retro, but handle more like modern digital mirrorless cameras in terms of their controls. This is the most affordable way you can get the retro look, though you don't quite get that retro feel.
Real-deal retro – these cameras use physical dial-based controls that feel much more like a classic film camera. They’re often built to discourage excessive use of the rear screen (“chimping”), some making the screen harder to access mid-shoot and others doing away with it entirely! These cameras tend to be more expensive, as some are designed for professional photographers, but you also get a larger sensor and generally better features.
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
What's the best budget retro camera?
The best budget retro-style camera that gives the feel of nostalgia, but has the tech of a modern-day camera has to be the Nikon Z fc, this retro camera sensibly targets a more entry-to-mid-level market and provides that retro feel with dial-based retro controls in cool 80s styling.
Is the Fujifilm X100VI worth the hype?
I really enjoyed shooting with the X100VI, so much so that I bought one. With dial-led controls, superb images straight out of the camera, IBIS, and improved autofocus the Fujifilm X100VI is the best version of this camera yet. Although, the camera might not be for everyone as the fixed lens and rangefinder design won't be to all tastes.
Just because a camera looks retro, doesn't mean we test it any differently from how we test the best mirrorless cameras. When we test retro cameras using both real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions.
We use our lab tests to measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio, providing a peerlessly accurate representation of what the sensor can do. We measure resolution using ISO resolution charts and track dynamic range using DxO Analyzer test equipment, which we also use for noise analysis throughout the camera's ISO range.
We test in the real world to get a sense of how a camera feels to use, how it handles, and how enjoyable it is to shoot with. This is extra important with retro cameras, where that old-school feel is just as important as the old-school looks!
We will always try and test cameras in different environments and on different subjects including low light and bright sunshine or landscapes and people. We pay attention to how responsive the autofocus and tracking are, whether the buffer ever gets full when shooting in burst mode, how easy the camera is to operate, and whether it comes with handy custom buttons that make your shooting process centered around you.
Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.
