Vintage-looking digital cameras are all the rage right now. They combine the cool retro style of film cameras with the features and convenience of modern digital cameras. They give you the best of both worlds. You get the look and the performance.
Fujifilm X-T30 II
We’ve compiled a list of the best retro-style cameras so you can have the vintage look and take fantastic digital photos.
Every item on the list is a top-quality digital camera. But they all have the style and look of a classic film camera. Whether you’re a beginner or want something more advanced, our retro-style digital cameras will meet all your needs.
What is the Best Vintage-Looking Camera?
Film photography is back in fashion. Young photographers today love using retro cameras and shooting 35mm film. But while film cameras are at the height of cool, they don’t have the conveniences of modern digital camera types. Film is expensive and difficult to buy. And you have to get the rolls developed. It all takes time and the costs add up.
A vintage digital camera gives you the best of both worlds. You have the ease and convenience of digital cameras that look like film. But you’re not limited to 36 images and you have all the modern features. And you can share the photos online within minutes. But your street cred remains undamaged.
And it’s not just the camera bodies that give you the vintage feel. Many retro-looking cameras on this list have built-in features and filters that give your photos a film photography look. And you can also use programs like Luminar Neo to add retro film camera filters to your digital images.
- Powerful APS-C sensor with 26 MP
- Fast burst rate
- Stylish retro camera body
- Built-in film simulation modes
- Compact, lightweight, and vintage body
- 5-axis image stabilization
- Fantastic autofocus system for tracking subjects
- Built-in image stabilization system
- Brilliant video mode
- Solid low-light performance with wide ISO range
- Powerful APS-C sensor with 26 MP resolution
- Excellent built-in image stabilization system
- 15 fps burst speed
- 12 film simulation modes
- Excellent image quality
- Retro rangefinder body design
- Wide ISO range for low light
- 50 MP High-Res Shot mode
- 30 fps burst speed
- Built-in image stabilization
- Weather sealed for outdoor shooting
- Sleek and Stylish body design
- Excellent AF with face and eye detection
- Fantastic video features
- Accurate phase detection AF system
- Retro rangefinder body design
- Outstanding image quality
- Built-in film simulation modes
- Dual system for image stabilization
- Lumix 4K Photo mode for 30 fps burst speed
- Includes film simulation modes
- Classic rangefinder design
- Excellent 4K video mode
- Outstanding image quality from the APS-C sensor
- Outstanding AF system
- Wide ISO range and excellent low-light performance
- Built-in image stabilization
11 Best Vintage-Looking Cameras in Detail
Let’s find you a modern camera with the vintage look you want. Our list contains retro-style cameras with the best digital camera features under the hood. We have cameras of different types, including mirrorless and compact cameras. And there are digital cameras that look like film for all skill levels and budgets.
1. Fujifilm X-T30 II
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
30 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
- Affordable
- High-quality images
- Fast 30 fps with 1.25x crop
- Small and light
- Stylish retro, black-and-silver look
- No in-body stabilization
- Poor ergonomics with longer lenses
- Q button awkwardly positioned
- Rear screen is not fully articulated
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a fantastic camera for anyone who appreciates classic cameras. It’s a modern mirrorless camera with top features and excellent digital technology. But it has the body of a classic film camera. It’s the perfect crossover between analog and digital photography.
Beauty isn’t only skin deep with the Fujifilm X-T30 II. It is a fine vintage-looking digital camera, but it also gives you the performance of an enthusiast-grade digital camera. It has an APS-C sensor with a resolution of 26.1 MP. That’s powerful for a sensor of this size. And the image quality is exceptional.
The X-T30 II also gives your photos a retro look. The camera has film photography filters and effects that many photographers love. You can add sepia or astia film effects. And you can add a film grain texture to images for a vintage feel. You have 18 film simulation settings to choose from. And you can add them in-camera, meaning you don’t need to export them to a program like Adobe Photoshop.
Unlike film cameras, the Fujifilm X-T30 II gives you video shooting. And it’s 4K video, so you can expect superb quality. And you have two burst mode options. There’s the mechanical shutter that gives you 8 fps. But this can be increased to 20 fps if you switch to the electronic shutter.
The camera has a tilting LCD screen for viewing your images. That’s something you can’t do with a 35 mm camera. And you have advanced shooting modes and a class-leading autofocus system. Combining traditional good looks with modern camera features, the Fujifilm X-T30 is one of the best retro-style cameras right now.
2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
13 x 17.4 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
15 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121 |
- Affordable
- Very beginner-friendly
- Excellent image quality
- Built-in image stabilization for video and low light
- Endless list of compatible lenses
- Excellent 4K video features
- Small sensor
- AF has slow continuous shooting
- Contrast-detection AF system is slower than phase-detection systems
- No microphone and headphone jacks
- Plastic body and isn't weather sealed
A micro four thirds (MFT) camera from Olympus is ideal for photographers who want that vintage look. And the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the pick of the bunch. The Olympus OM-D series started as 35mm SLR cameras. Now they’re high-performance MFT digital cameras. But they’ve lost none of their retro charm.
The micro four thirds sensor is the smallest found in interchangeable lens cameras. But they still perform well against the competition, so you can expect fantastic image quality. The image resolution is 20 MP, which is a marked improvement from smartphone cameras. And the 5-axis in-body image stabilization keeps your shots sharp in low light. It reduces camera shake and motion blur to create crisp images.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has excellent shooting modes, including portrait and macro tools. And the LCD screen tilts and rotates so you can capture the perfect selfie. You also have 16 art filters, including film simulators for retro shooters.
The autofocus is excellent. And you have an electronic shutter speed of 15 fps when using burst mode. The video quality is just as good as the photography. And the image stabilization allows you to shoot video by hand.
It has all the best features of modern cameras. These include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. And there’s USB charging for powering up on the go. But the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV still has the vintage camera look people love. You won’t find many better retro cameras with this kind of feature list.
3. Olympus PEN E-PL10
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
16 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
17.3 x 13 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
14 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121 |
- Decent 4K video
- Great in-body image stabilization
- Good low-light picture quality
- Stylish and compact body
- Silent shutter mode
- Dated 16 MP sensor
- AF unreliable in low light
- Menu system Is difficult to navigate
- No audio jack for external mics
The Olympus Pen E-PL10 comes from a long line of classic cameras. The Olympus Pen series has been going since the ’60s, offering photographers a great compact camera choice. The Olympus Pen E-PL10 is a digital camera with quality features. But it has the aesthetic we love in retro cameras.
The Olympus Pen E-PL10 has a compact camera body. And it continues the tradition of Olympus Pen cameras as excellent travel options. It’s not a point-and-shoot camera, but it holds like a compact camera. You won’t tire with it around your neck. And it’s a perfect fit for a backpack pocket.
The image quality is excellent. 16 MP doesn’t sound record-breaking. But the MFT sensor gives you fantastic photos with a strong dynamic range. And the ISO range goes from 100 to 25,600, so it performs well in low-light situations. The sensor-shift image stabilization also helps maintain image quality in tough conditions.
The autofocus system uses 121 focus points for locking and tracking subjects. You have 4K video filmed at 30 fps. And there’s an 8 fps burst mode. And you have fantastic art filters to give your photos a vintage look. The Olympus Pen E-PL10 gives you retro style and modern performance. It’s one of the best cameras for travel and street shooting.
4. Fujifilm X-T4
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
20 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
- Decent APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
- A great frame rate of 15 fps
- 6.5 stops of image stabilization
- 4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
- A fully articulating rear touchscreen
- 12 Film Simulation modes
- Expensive for an APS-C camera
- Autofocus speed and accuracy depends on the lens and the subject
- Unreliable face and eye detection
- No external battery charger provided
- Limited video recording time
- No subject tracking in video mode
You’d be forgiven if you mistook the Fujifilm X-T4 for a film camera. At first glance, it looks like a classic Fuji SLR camera. But it’s actually one of the finest digital cameras in their mirrorless series. It isn’t cheap. But the Fujifilm X-T4 is one of the best retro cameras for many photographers.
The outer body is metallic and angular, giving it the look of a vintage digital camera. But within lies a powerful APS-C sensor with a resolution of 26.1 MP. The image quality is superb. It’s ideal for capturing images in all situations. The ISO tops out at 51,200. And the 5-axis in-body stabilization keeps your photos sharp without a tripod.
The X-T4 also gives you 4K video recording. You won’t find that on any analog camera. And you can also shoot slow-motion videos at 120 fps in Full HD quality. That makes it a full hybrid camera for capturing images and videos. You also have 15 fps of continuous shooting, making it one of the best retro action cameras.
The battery life is excellent, with a 600-shot lifespan when fully charged. You also get the fantastic Fujifilm film effects and shooting modes. And the X-T4 has weather sealing for outdoor shooting. The tilting LCD screen is another positive. The Fujifilm X-T4 is a powerful mirrorless camera with a fantastic retro aesthetic.
5. Leica M10
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
24 x 36 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
5 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
0 |
- Classic rangefinder body is compact, lightweight, and looks fantastic
- Stellar selection of compatible lenses
- Incredible image quality
- A wide ISO range for this camera type
- Weather sealed for outdoor use
- A very expensive price tag
- The rangefinder focusing can be tricky to get used to
- Slow max burst rate of 5 fps
- No image stabilization built in
- No video recording capabilities
Leica has been making luxury cameras for decades. Their name denotes high quality. And the quality has continued from their film cameras to their digital cameras. The camera designs have remained much the same. The Leica M10 has their classic rangefinder body. But you’ll find premium digital technology within.
The Leica M10 has a compact body. But it’s equipped with a full frame CMOS sensor. It has a resolution of 24 MP for stunning image quality. And the larger sensor size gives you a powerful dynamic range. The ISO also gives you a top value of 50,000, so low-light photography isn’t a problem.
It has weather sealing for outdoor photographers. And there’s Wi-Fi connectivity for sharing with mobile devices. There’s a rotating LCD screen and 5 fps burst mode. Leica has given us an impressive blend of modern and classic. And they have a lovely range of retro-style cameras.
6. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
17.4 x 13 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
30 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121 |
- 50 MP High Res Shot mode
- 30 fps continuous shooting speed
- Up to 6.5 stops of in-body stabilization with certain lenses
- Excellent weather sealing
- Articulating screen for angled shots
- Excellent 4K Ultra HD and DCI video
- Only 10 fps with AF tracking
- Complicated Olympus menus
- No headphone out
- No video log profile for dynamic range or colors
- An average battery life
We’re taking another retro digital camera from the Olympus OM-D line. This time it’s the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. It’s a magic little camera with all you need for travel and street photography. And it’s one of the coolest retro-style cameras on the market today.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is another micro four thirds camera. The small sensor allows for a compact and lightweight body. But you still get incredible digital photos with a resolution of 20 MP. Image quality is maintained in tough conditions with the 5-axis image stabilization. And the ISO range gives you room to experiment in low light.
If 20 MP isn’t enough, this digital camera has a High-Res Shot mode. You need a tripod, but it gives you images with 50 MP resolution. That’s stunning image quality. The autofocus is also brilliant thanks to its 121 phase detection points. It’s reactive and tracks moving subjects.
The digital OM-D series has a wide selection of Olympus lenses to choose from. They have lenses for all types of photography, so you’re never stuck shooting one style. You have Wi-Fi connectivity and other digital features. The price is higher than the E-M10 Mark IV. But it’s one of the best retro cameras for that vintage film look.
7. Nikon Z FC
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
21 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.7 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
209 |
- Face- and eye-detect AF for humans and animals
- Lots of easy-access control dials
- Attractive and stylish design
- 4K video capabilities
- Slow performing kit lens
- No optical image stabilization
- It lacks a built-in flash
- No joystick
- Battery life isn't great
Nikon was one of the biggest camera brands during the analog era. But their digital cameras developed a look and shape of their own. And they’ve added to the catalog of retro-style digital cameras with the Nikon Z FC. It looks terrific with the angular style of the old SLR models. It’s reminiscent of their classic FM2.
The Nikon Z FC is from Nikon’s mirrorless range of cameras. It has a DX CMOS crop-size sensor, giving you a resolution of 20.9 MP. It’s not groundbreaking, but you won’t be disappointed with the quality of the images. And there’s a wide ISO range for nighttime and low-light photography.
The Nikon Z FC combines the old and the new. You have advanced shooting modes and a vari-angle LCD screen. But you also have old-school control for shutter speed and ISO. They’re ideal for photographers that love the tactile controls of analog cameras.
Nikon’s Z-mount lenses aren’t as numerous as the F-mount collection. But you have plenty of quality glass to choose from. The autofocus has face and eye detection, which is ideal for portraits and street photography. And you have Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing. It’s a retro digital camera many photographers will love.
8. Fujifilm X100F
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
23.6 x 15.6 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
8 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
325 |
- Stylish, retro rangefinder body design
- Great image resolution from powerful APS-C sensor
- Fast and accurate phase detection AF
- Nice tactile controls on top
- Excellent hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder
- No image stabilization built in
- No touchscreen
- No weather sealing, so take care outdoors
- Disappointing battery life
- No 4K video, only Full HD
The Fujifilm X100 series has some fantastic retro-style digital cameras. And the Fujifilm X100F is the standout model. It has a vintage rangefinder body with black or silver metal details. And it also delivers against other modern digital cameras. It isn’t the most budget-friendly camera. But it’s one of the sharpest retro cameras money can buy.
The rangefinder body is compact and lightweight, making it a fantastic travel camera. But it packs a 24.3 MP APS-C sensor that takes sensational images. The autofocus is another highlight of this retro camera. It uses 91 focus points that lock and track your subject. And they’re phase detection points, so you won’t lose focus when your subject moves. That’s one of the best in the Fujifilm X100 series.
The retro style isn’t purely aesthetic. The tactile settings controls on the top of the camera are a practical throwback. And they are cleverly paired with modern camera features. The tilting LCD screen is a nice addition. And modern photographers can’t survive without Wi-Fi connectivity. The film simulation modes are another bonus for vintage camera lovers.
9. Panasonic Lumix GX9
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
17.3 x 13 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
9 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
49 |
- Great value for price point
- Two convenient control dials
- Best-in-class Dual Pixel autofocus
- Unique Film Simulation mode
- Beautiful natural-looking image colors
- Lightweight, compact body with stylish retro design
- Awkward placement of quick-menu (Q) button
- Not weather sealed
- Limited 260-shot battery life
- 4K video is cropped and rolling shutter is noticeable
Panasonic isn’t known for its retro cameras. They are very much a company of the digital age. But the Panasonic Lumix GX9 is a fantastic compact camera with a vintage look. Its sleek design is reminiscent of 35 mm compacts and rangefinders.
You won’t be disappointed with the photograph quality. It’s a small camera, but you get a 20.3 MP resolution from the image sensor. And the GX9 has dual-image stabilization, combing optical and sensor-shift system. You can use slower shutter speeds with a reduced risk of camera shake.
The video quality is outstanding, with 4K video shot at 30 fps for super-smooth footage. And you get the Lumix 4K Photo mode. This allows you to take single frames from 4K footage and use them as individual images. That gives you a burst mode of 30 fps. That would blow an entire roll of film with an analog camera.
The body and features make it the perfect street photography camera. And the vintage-looking camera style makes sure your street cred remains intact. It’s a sleek, retro digital camera that won’t break the bank.
10. Fujifilm X-Pro 3
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
117 |
- Good image quality
- 30 fps (with a 1.25x crop)
- Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder
- Tilting flip-out screen works well for waist-level shooting
- 4K / 30p Ultra HD video
- 11 film simulations
- Optical viewfinder doesn't work properly with wide or long lenses
- Face and eye detection are unreliable
- Hard to switch focus from near to far
- Limited LCD angles prevents use above eye level
- Slow-to-focus f/1.4 lenses
- Low-resolution LCD
The Fujifilm X-Pro 3 has all the style of the classic 35 mm rangefinders. It could fool even experienced film photographers. But it’s another jewel in the crown of the Fujifilm X series. It’s a professional-standard retro-style digital camera.
The camera fits in your hand nicely, and the body is lightweight. But it has a powerful APS-C sensor with a 26.1 MP resolution. That’ll give you impressive images. The autofocus is fast and accurate. And you have image stabilization to keep your photos sharp.
There’s an 11 fps burst mode for action shots. And you can shoot fabulous 4K video by hand. The electronic viewfinder is bright and vibrant. And the tilting screen is something we all appreciate in a good camera. If the retro body isn’t enough, you can use the 16 film simulation modes for vintage-style photos.
11. Sony a7C
Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.2 MP |
Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
|
Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
693 |
- Tiny, portable full frame body
- Excellent autofocus system
- Good battery life
- Weatherproof magnesium alloy body
- Option of bundling a lightweight 28-60 mm zoom lens kit
- Only two customizable buttons
- Small electronic viewfinder
- No touchscreen menus
- Only has one memory card slot
Sony only entered the camera world during the digital age. They are masters of full frame mirrorless cameras. And they’re not often associated with retro-style cameras and vintage photography. The Sony a7C is the most retro-style camera in their Alpha series. They haven’t quite nailed the old-school aesthetic. But it has a cool rangefinder body.
It’s a powerful camera too. The full frame sensor gives you a resolution of 24.2 MP. And the larger sensor size increases dynamic range and detail rendition in your images. The ISO range is also fantastic. You have a bottom setting of ISO 50 for incredible detail and color. Or you can take it up to 204,800 in dark situations.
The 4K video quality is excellent. But the autofocus system is outstanding, using 693 phase detection points to track your subjects. The eye detection works with humans and animals. And the image stabilizer keeps your photos sharp. It’s one of the most compact full frame cameras you can find. But this retro digital camera doesn’t come cheap.
Our Verdict
The Fujifilm X-T30 II tops our list of the best vintage-looking digital cameras. It’s a brilliant mirrorless digital camera. It has a powerful sensor and exciting features for photos and videos. And it has a retro aesthetic that appeals to classic camera lovers.
Fujifilm X-T30 II
There are some trendy vintage-looking cameras on the market. They are all digital cameras with fantastic digital features. But these retro-style cameras have the vintage appeal of classic film cameras. With their incredible performance and their old-fashioned good looks, they give you the best of both worlds.
Still not sure which camera to go for? Try our articles on the best camera for family photography or artist cameras next! Or, compare any two cameras in our database to see how their specs and scores match up. You can start by seeing how some of our top vintage-looking digital competitors compare to other top models: