Though many modern digital cameras have sleek, ‘futuristic’ designs, it’s the vintage looking digital camera models that continue to capture the imaginations of so many photographers.
Photography is an activity that has always brought together art and science, beauty and brains, form and function. So, it should come as no surprise that many photographers today are drawn to digital cameras that combine the best of modern technology on the inside with the timeless style of classic, vintage, and retro cameras on the outside.
But it isn’t just the way these cameras look that has so many photographers hooked. The more traditional materials, layout, and physical controls found on many vintage-style digital cameras make it feel like you’re shooting on an old-school film camera. The feel of the cool metal in your hand. The sound of the click as you turn the shutter speed dial. There’s just something magical about a traditional-style digital camera.
Vintage Looking Digital Camera Models
Luckily for fans of the more classical style, there are vintage-looking digital cameras for almost every type of photography and budget. So, whether you are looking for a classic-looking camera for snapping photos of your vacation, capturing the energy on the streets of your city, or for professional photography projects, you never have to trade performance for style.
Are you interested in something that’s as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside? In that case, you’ll definitely want to check out these popular models of retro-looking digital cameras:
Fujifilm X100 Series
It’s hard not to fall in love with the X100 series digital camera from Fujifilm. It may be the perfect balance between size, power, and style.
The small form factor and sleek, unimposing design makes this a fantastic camera for street photographers and travelers alike.
Many people thought it was risky to choose the X100, a premium ‘point and shoot’ camera, as the first offering in its now-famous X series. But Fujifilm is fond of charting its own path, and the X100 series has been a fan favorite since the first camera in the series launched all the way back in 2011.
While newer models in the series have introduced improvements to internal hardware, increased performance, and added new features such as 4k video and additional film simulations, they have kept the same classic design that has won this camera so many fans.
As fixed-lens, rangefinder cameras, cameras in the X100 series remove much of the complexity of many modern DSLRs and interchangeable-lens Mirrorless cameras and instead focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well.
Price Check, Specifications & Buyer Reviews for Fujifilm X100 Series V
At: Amazon | B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T4
If you are looking for a top-tier digital camera with fantastic performance when capturing both still photography and video, few cameras are better than the X-T4. Full stop.
The X-T4 is a masterpiece of camera design inside and out. The gorgeous vintage-style exterior houses one of the most powerful image capturing systems available on the market today. While the X-T4 uses the smaller APS-C sensor, it can outperform many full-frame digital cameras in all but the most challenging situations.
See also: Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
The inclusion of features such as In-Body Image Stabilization, dual SD cards, weather sealing and excellent low light performance means the X-T4 is a true professional-level camera.
Design choices such as the physical dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO make this a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a more enjoyable manual experience. The rotating rear LCD screen, a new addition to the X-T4, makes it easier than ever to break the habit of pixel-peeking after every single shot and just enjoy the experience of shooting beautiful images.
Price Check, Specifications & Buyer Reviews for Fujifilm X-T4
At: Amazon | B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T30
The ‘little brother’ of the X-T4, Fujifilm’s X-T30 offers the same outstanding performance that fans have come to expect from the brand, in a smaller and lighter body.
Perfect for photographers on the go or on a budget, the X-T30 is a mid-tier vintage-looking digital camera that has been streamlined to include everything a photographer needs to take fantastic photos without being overwhelming for beginners.
By removing unnecessary features and using the same premium sensor and processor as the X-T3 camera, this little retro-inspired digital camera can produce the same high-quality images at a fraction of the price—making it the perfect travel companion for eager photographers.
Price Check, Specifications & Buyer Reviews for Fujifilm X-T30
At: Amazon | B&H Photo
Fujifilm E-X4
If the X-T30 is the younger sibling of the X-T4, Fujifilm’s tiny X-E4 rangefinder would be the stylish younger brother of the X100 series of cameras—with the unique advantage of having interchangeable Fuji lenses.
Bursting as the seams with top-tier components such as the same powerful sensor and processor found in the X-T4, this little camera can snap amazing images that would seem like they came from a camera that cost double or even triple as much.
Fujifilm packed all of this into a minimalistic vintage-looking digital camera body that seems to pay homage to the elegant designs of Leica cameras.
Price Check, Specifications & Buyer Reviews for Fujifilm E-X4
At: Amazon | B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-Pro 3
Another unique camera from Fujifilm, the X-Pro3 is a street photographer’s dream come true. A simple yet elegant retro design and smaller form factor mean subjects won’t shy away from you like they might with a larger modern-looking DSLR.
This innovative APS-C camera has somehow managed to find the perfect balance between the creative feel of traditional shooting styles and the convenience and power of modern digital cameras.
The dual digital/optical viewfinder is just one example. Fuji has found a way of letting the photographer choose how they want to see the world. Do they want to use the traditional optical viewfinder that is so popular among fans of rangefinder cameras? Or do they prefer the modern electronic viewfinder that allows mirrorless photographers to see how their image is being captured in camera?
Fujifilm’s X-Pro3 has another unique characteristic that photographers looking for a more traditional style of shooting will love: the rear LCD screen. While many camera makers are building bigger and brighter LCD screens covering almost the entire rear of their digital cameras, Fujifilm has chosen to go a different route, hiding the full-sized LCD touchscreen behind a folding panel. Going instead for a much smaller digital screen showing only the most essential information.
Price Check, Specifications & Buyer Reviews for Fujifilm X-Pro 3
At: Amazon | B&H Photo
Olympus E-M10 IV
Of course, Fujifilm isn’t the only player when it comes to creating high-quality digital cameras with a sleek vintage look. Olympus has some fantastic entry-level Micro Four Thirds cameras, such as the E-M10 IV.
This 20MP camera comes equipped with In-Body Image Stabilization, 15 frames-per-second burst mode, and an adjustable rear LCD screen that flips down to make it easy to record vlogs and take selfies.
This stylish camera is a fantastic choice for amateur photographers looking for a more classic style with physical dials and premium materials.
Price Check, Specifications & Buyer Reviews for Olympus E-M10 IV
At: Amazon | B&H Photo
Leica M10
If you’ve got bottomless pockets and are looking for an iconic camera with one of the most gorgeous designs available, the Leica M10 definitely deserves a spot near the top of the list.
When you buy the M10, the newest installment in one of the most famous and envy-inducing camera lines of all time, you get all of the features that a modern digital camera should have. Features like lightning-fast autofocus, top-tier image processing, exceptional low-light capabilities, and more. And because it’s a Leica, you also get one of the most beautiful pieces of modern technology, based on a timeless design that has roots going back all the way to the 1950s.
So, while it does cost upwards of $8,000, if you have the money to spend, it’s hard to beat the Leica M10.
Price Check, Specifications & Buyer Reviews for Leica M10
At: B&H Photo
Vintage Looking Digital Camera: Conclusion
As we can see, there are plenty of fantastic retro-looking digital cameras to choose from—and based on the popularity of many of these models, this is a trend that is likely to continue.
Related: PONF Camera Project
Do you have a favorite ‘old-school cool’ digital camera? Let us know in the comments below!
