Modern cameras are fantastic in just about every way; however, it’s vintage-style cameras that make photographers weak at the knees and inspire them to shoot every day.
Mirrorless cameras are packed full of tech that makes our lives as creators easy. However, most modern cameras lack style and class when it comes to their design. Most cameras these days are boring black boxes that don’t scream ‘pick me up and use me.’ However, there are some modern mirrorless cameras that not only look great but also perform wonders too.
Vintage-style cameras excite us. They remind us of simpler times, and their controls offer a level of immersion that makes us feel more connected to the camera. In this roundup, we’re going to look at vintage-style cameras that are packed with modern tech but have all the charm of cameras from back in the days of film. So if you want to be inspired to shoot every day, these vintage-style cameras are for you.
Fujifilm X Pro 3 — A vintage-style modern classic
The Fujifilm X Pro 3 is a vintage-style camera that has garnered a cult following thanks to its iconic Rangefinder-style design and the impressive tech that has been packed inside. The X Pro 3 has the same fantastic 26.1-megapixel sensor as the X-T4. It also has a unique fold-up screen that can display which film sim you’re currently using. So if you’re looking for immersion, the X Pro 3 is the camera for you.
The hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder is a pure joy to use. The retro controls on the top panel add to the charm. The X Pro 3 features IBIS, which makes hand-holding this camera with any lens easy. The autofocus system is fast and responsive. The camera also has dual card slots, weather sealing, and the Fujifilm film sims we have all come to love. The Fujifilm X Pro 3 is easily one of the best vintage-style cameras. Find out more in our full review.
Nikon Z fc — An affordable vintage-style camera
The Nikon Z fc (read our review) is one of the most stylish APS-C cameras to date. Packed inside this vintage-style camera is a 20.9-megapixel sensor capable of producing incredibly gorgeous images. The Z fc’s party trick is that it can capture incredibly clean images at high ISOs. For example, I have captured images at ISO 12,800 that are superb. You can even push this marvelous sensor harder and still get great results.
Nikon Z fc has a fantastic fully-articulating touchscreen LCD and a responsive electronic viewfinder. The autofocus system is excellent for everything from street photography to portraits, and the camera can charge via USB-C. When it comes to vintage-style cameras, not many come close to the charm of the Nikon Z fc.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV — Vintage charm, modern performance
This beauty of a camera from Olympus (now OM Digital Solutions) packs a lot of tech into a small vintage-style camera body. The 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor can deliver beautiful images, and the design and control layout will make you enjoy using it. The camera features IBIS, and the 2.36-million dot EVF is clear and easy to use. Selfie lovers and bloggers will love the flip-down screen too.
The contrast-based autofocus system is one of the best contrast-detect systems I’ve used, and the camera can fire off up to 15fps. This affordable camera (it’s under $700) delivers a great nod and wink to this company’s storied past. If you want a small vintage-style camera that will turn heads and leave you with a smile on your face, the Olympus E-M10 IV could be the camera for you. Check out our full review here.
Fujifilm X-T4 — Vintage-style cameras don’t get much better than this
Fujifilm has developed a cult following in the photography world, not just because their cameras are incredibly powerful, but because they look great and are easy to use. The X-T4 is just one of many vintage-style cameras from Fujifilm with stunning looks and modern tech. So, if this camera doesn’t make you want to shoot, you might want to check if you still have a pulse.
The Fujifilm X-T4 sports a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans Sensor that renders gorgeous images. Inside the retro body, you’ll also find IBIS and an image processor that supports a plethora of vintage film sims. There’s also a fully articulating screen, dual card slots, an excellent EVF and fast burst modes (15fps with the mechanical shutter). All of this tech is wrapped in a body that oozes style. It’s one of the best vintage-style cameras around. Check out what we said about the Fujifilm X-T4 in our review.
Olympus Pen-F — A vintage-style legend
The Olympus Pen-F. Just look at this beauty! Perhaps the single most gorgeous mirrorless camera created to date. The Pen-F is a huge head-turner. The ergonomics of this camera make it melt into your hand, and the retro controls made it fun to use. Inside the sexy body, there’s a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor mated to Olympus’ legendary IBIS system.
The 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder is bright and easy to use, and the vari-angle LCD makes getting shots easy. The dial on the front of the camera lets you choose between four of the 11 included filters, including one of the best black and white profiles around. This tiny vintage-style camera became a hit with street photographers for good reasons. If you can find one, grab it with both hands and don’t let it go.
X100v
I wish the xpro3 had ibis. That would have been great!